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Ravenna: UNESCO Mosaics Guided Walk with Monument Entry

Florence, Italy2 hoursGuided in English

See the shimmering Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna with a local guide, monument entry included. A rewarding day out from Florence or Bologna by train.

2 hoursExplore at your own pace
Small groupKeeps the experience personal
EnglishLive guide or host
CancellationNon-refundable: tickets are issued for your chosen date and time

Highlights

  • Basilica of San Vitale and its imperial mosaics
  • The starry vault of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
  • A guide who reads the symbols with you
  • Entry to the monuments included
  • Ravenna's calm, walkable centre

Full description

For a short time Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later the seat of Byzantine rule in Italy. That history left the city with some of the most beautiful early Christian mosaics in the world, with gold, deep blues and greens still bright after fifteen centuries.

On this two-hour walk your guide takes you into a selection of the UNESCO-listed monuments, such as the Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, explaining the emperors, saints and symbols in the images. The exact monuments depend on opening times on your date.

Itinerary

  1. Meet in the centre

    Brief history of Ravenna as an imperial capital.

  2. San Vitale and Galla Placidia

    Mosaics of Justinian and Theodora and the blue starry vault.

  3. More monuments

    Further UNESCO sites as opening times allow, ending in the centre.

Included

  • Licensed local guide
  • Entry to the monuments on the route
  • Booking fees

Not included

  • Transport to Ravenna
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities

Meeting point

Confirmed in your booking documents; in Ravenna's historic centre, a short walk from the station.The exact spot and your host's details arrive with your confirmation.

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Know before you go

  • The train from Florence takes around 2–2.5 hours with a change in Bologna or Faenza.
  • Shoulders and knees should be covered in churches.
  • Monument opening times can change for services and events.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ravenna a realistic day trip from Florence?

Yes, with an early train; allow a full day.

Can I take photos?

Photos without flash are usually allowed; the guide will tell you if a site differs.

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