Private: Mosaics of Ravenna, a Unesco World Heritage Site

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Hassle-free

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4 hours (approx.)

Private Tour

Light

Sightseeing/City Tour Archaeological/Cultural Walking Tour

Overview

Ravenna, the city associated with Porto Corsini, is the capital city of the Province of Ravenna in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and just a 30-minute ride from the port of Porto Corsini.

Our familiarity with the Emilia-Romagna region comes from our fascination with robust, distinctive and delicious cuisine but it was the capital city of the Western Roman Empire from 402 until that empire collapsed in 476 and is famous for much more than its food.

Those in the know are also familiar with its 1,500-year-old churches, decorated with best-in-the-West Byzantine mosaics outside of Istanbul.
Piazza del Popolo is usually the focus from which the highlights stem.
This square was built in about 1500, during a 60-year period when the city was ruled by Venice.
Under the Venetian architecture, the people of Ravenna gather here as they have for centuries.

Most sights are within a few minutes walk of Piazza del Popolo.

One major stop is the Basilica de San Vitale, which at 1400 years old, is impressive enough to stand alone.
Its incredible mosaics still send the message of the peace and stability which the emperor was trying to send to his citizens.
Your guide will talk about the scenes of the apostles that line the church walls and ceilings, including the story about Emperor Justinians wife Theodora, who learned to use her charms to gain power with and over her husband.
This church became the prototype for Constantinoples Hagia Sophia in Istanbul which was built 10 years later.

Also on your itinerary is a visit to the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia which is just across the courtyard from the Basilica. Humble in its appearance, it holds the oldest, and many think, the best mosaics in Ravenna.
Very little natural light comes into this tribute to those who have passed but that light brings a special glow to the very early Christian symbolism as the light filters through the alabaster panels highlighting the figurative designs.

A third highlight of the tour is the Basilica of SantApollinare Nuovo, a 6th-century church in eastern Ravenna.
Named for Ravennas first bishop, it is famed for its two side walls full of figurative mosaics dating from c.500 (under the Arian king Theodoric) and c.560 (under Catholic administration).
Again a breathtaking experience to see the way these mosaics were designed - and so long ago.

Along with these stops you will have time to visit a mosaic master at work in a studio.
This visit will help to demonstrate the difficulty of the work you viewed earlier, giving you an appreciation for the art.

Some free time will round out the tour time until you return to your starting point.

What's Included

Air Conditioned Vehicle
Licensed English Speaking Driver/Guide or Separate Driver and English-Speaking Guide for Larger Groups
Interior visits to the Basilica of S. Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and the Basilica of SantApollinare Nuovo
Visit to the studio of a well-known Mosaic Artist
Enjoy some Free Time
Entrance Fees and Mosaic Demonstrations

Considerations

Food and drinks are not included
Gratuities/Tips are not included in your tour, if you would like to leave a tip, please bring cash

Special Instructions

This tour requires you to be able to walk uneven street surfaces
On the first Sunday of each month many tourist sites in Italy have free admission. This can often result in long lines
If you are staying at a hotel, it may be beneficial to avoid booking a tour involving inside visits to major attractions on these days. If you have questions, contact us
Modest dress is required in all Italian churches. If you expect to enter a church during your tour, please do not wear shorts, sleeveless tops, skirts above the knee, or revealing clothing. If preferred, you may wear a shawl to cover your shoulders. This applies to children as well
Bring cash and/or credit card for any additional purchases on the day
Bring your camera to capture wonderful memories of your time ashore!

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup and Dropoff at the Cruise Port Included.

Hassle-free

Cancellation

4 hours (approx.)

Private Tour

Light

Private: Mosaics of Ravenna, a Unesco World Heritage Site

Overview

What's Included

Considerations

Special Instructions

Meeting and Pickup

Book Now

Price Info

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