Private
Private Tour of Ravenna
Overview
A private transfer is available from Bologna for guests who want to visit Ravenna for a day. If you're staying in the city, your guide will meet you at your hotel reception. The guide will take you through the narrow streets of Ravenna and show you different sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Ravenna is a small town that is easy to explore on foot.
The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is the earliest and best-preserved mosaic site. It dates back to the 5th century and is covered with bright mosaics that depict the triumph of life over death. It was built for Galla Placidia, who was the daughter of one emperor and sister, wife, and mother to three others.
Nearby is the Basilica of San Vitale, which dates to the mid-sixth century and has the best-preserved Byzantine mosaics outside of Constantinople. The mosaics depict both the emperor, Justinian I, and his wife, the Empress Theodora.
The Baptistry of Neon, the oldest architectural structure in Ravenna, is located near the city's cathedral. The central mosaic of the baptismal font shows the baptism of Christ by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. The Archbishop's Chapel, located in the Bishop's Palace, is the only surviving private oratory from the Early Christian period.
The Arian Baptistery, built under Theoderic the Great, is another surviving baptistry. It was constructed for the Arian Christians who lived in the city during Theoderic's reign. The central mosaic depicts the baptism of Christ in the River Jordan with a greater use of gold than in the earlier counterpart.
The Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo was constructed at around the same time but was later reconstructed and rededicated when the Arian faith was suppressed. The wall mosaics include representations of the port at Classe and the palace of Theoderic the Great. The Mausoleum of Theoderic, located outside the town, is recognized for its purely Gothic style of architecture but lacks any decoration.
The tour can be extended to visit the last of the 8 Early Christian sites outside the town at the former port of Classe. Here, the mosaics emphasize the fight against the Arian faith and the belief that Christ was both human and divine.
Please inform us of any mobility issues when booking this tour.
Transportation is not included in the pricing.
Duration
5 hours
Starting From
EUR 300
Per person for two travelers
Tailored to your departure and group.
Explore the stunning 6th-century mosaics of the city with the help of a private guide.
- Tour Style
- Private
- Meeting Point
- Your hotel - Train Station
Gallery
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- English-speaking, licenced guide
- Optional transportation with English-speaking driver
What's Not Included
- Everything not clearly specified under “rates include”.
- Gratuities of any type
Traveler Reviews
Emily and David DavisonMy husband and I just took a two week trip to Italy that was planned for us by Eleanor Kinchin-Smith. It was a fantastic trip and we could not have been more thrilled. We worked together with Ele to let her know about our interests and our style of travel. She planned the perfect trip with excellent private guides at all of our sites, professional drivers and lovely hotels. We arrived in Italy with all of our train and ferry reservations made by Ele, with tickets in hand. She was in touch with us daily throughout our trip to make sure that things were going smoothly. She was able to make a few changes to our itinerary as needed. We look forward to working with Ele again on our next trip and have put her in touch with another family member to help plan their trip as well.
Ron and Deb CrosbyDear Guiseppe and Jesse,
We just returned from our most wonderful vacation to Italy and wanted to first thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip, and second to provide some feedback for the future.
Hotels
1. Hotel Sovestro in San Gimignano was wonderful. The staff were very friendly and helpful and made the first portion of our journey very stress free. They made us feel like we were part of their family. I would recommend it to anyone and would specifically ask for it if we were to make a return visit.
2. Hotel La Baia in Monterosso was nice and it's location was very good especially for us older folks humping luggage from/to the train station.
3. Hotel Lucchesi in Florence- what can I say expect FANTASTIC. The rooftop view at sunset is well worth it. Again very friendly and helpful staff. Would recommend it to everyone.
Wine Tour
Money well spent. We had a great time overall. The driver Mario was OUTSTANDING. He had lots of local knowledge as well as about winemaking. USE HIM AGAIN!!!
The various wineries we visited on tour:
Altesino- fantastic and they were not cheap on their pouring. Great experience.
Azienda Agricola Patrizia Cencion Sloaria- Again a great tour by one of the owner's daughters. We felt like we were the only thing on their mind although there were other customers there. A great way to complete the day.
Again we had a fantastic time and are very appreciative of everything you booked for us. We wish you continued success and if our travels should bring us back to Italy, we know who to call.
Leon and MicheleThe trip was great we appreciate all the hard work you and your team invested to make our experience a once in a lifetime trip. We appreciate all the attention to the details in particular Giuseppe spending the time and the focus with us on the road and as we were exploring your great country.
Bob & SandyJesse & Giuseppe,
Sandy and I have been looking through my slides of our trip to Southern Italy. We had such a good time with you and Giuseppe that we wanted to let you know again. You were the best guides ever.
Location
Italy Ravenna
Ravenna and beyond
5 hours through Italy, with every stop chosen by the people who live here.
Where we meet
Your hotel - Train Station
Nearby Experiences
Private Capri with Lunch and Visits to the San Michele and Augustus Gardens
Full Day Private Tour of Ischia
Wine and Food Tour of the Lazio Region from Rome or Civitavecchia
Private Tour of Lake Como by Boat including the Gardens at Villa Balbianello and stop for Lunch at Isola Comacina
Etruscan Settlements in Umbria & Lazio from Civitavecchia including Villa Lante Gardens
St. Mark's Basilica by night
Mt. Etna and the Etna Wineries with Tastings and Full Lunch at Cantina Patria
Milan - Lake Como & Lugano Switzerland
The Godfather Tour of Sicily with Wine Tastings
Exclusive: Rome - Florence - Tuscany - Milan - Lake District & Venice
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a private tour, or will we join a group?
Private. You travel with your own guide and driver, and the only people on the itinerary are the ones you bring with you. Nothing is shared with strangers, and the pace of each day is yours to set.
Can the itinerary be changed to suit us?
Yes. What you see here is a starting point, not a fixed departure. Tell us how long you have, what you love and what you would rather skip, and we will reshape it around you. A slower morning, an extra night somewhere you fell for, a different region entirely.
How do we start planning?
Send us a note using the form on this page, or call us on 1-866-779-2565. A travel specialist replies within one business day, usually with a few questions of their own. There is no cost and no obligation in asking.
When should we book?
The earlier the better, particularly for travel between May and September, when the guides worth having are taken first. That said, we have put together beautiful trips at short notice, so ask and we will tell you honestly what is still possible for your dates.
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