Ravenna for the History Buff

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Hassle-free

Cancellation

6 hours (approx.)

Private Tour

Light

Sightseeing/City Tour Archaeological/Cultural

Overview

Sitting on the coastline with Venice to its north and Florence underneath, Ravenna has always been a highlight because of its Byzantine history and lovely old town.
This tour was designed to be a complete visit that will not only show you the marvelous mosaics but give you an opportunity to learn about the art of mosaics and its origins.

Your visit will begin on the lighter side, with the introduction to the city its Christian churches, and mosaics, which have been collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its 1,500-year-old churches, which have been blessed with the best examples of Byzantine mosaics outside of Istanbul, are stunning.
One particular highlight is the Piazza Del Popolo and it is the perfect starting point.
The square was built around 1500 while the city was ruled by Venice, and under their influence, the people would gather here and still do so.

Of major interest is the Basilica de San Vitale, which is 1400 years old, with its impressive mosaics.
Your guide will explain the scenes of the apostles and the message of peace and stability and how it applies to this period.

Also on your itinerary is a visit to the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia just across the courtyard.
Here you will see the oldest and by many, the best examples in Ravenna.
So sheer that light filters through the designs, you will enjoy the glow focused on the Christian symbolism of the design.

A short 4 km. ride away to the town of Classe, you will visit 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).
It was also cited as "an outstanding example of the early Christian basilica in its purity and simplicity of its design and use of space and in the sumptuous nature of its decoration" by the UNESCO designation.

During your walk in the pedestrian area, you will have a chance to pause for coffee in the main square and visit the Tomb of Dante Alighieri, Italys most distinguished poet, who died here in 1321.
There's also 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.

Besides the full days visit, you can attend a lesson of 1.5 hours which includes about 100 slides for a deeper understanding of mosaic art and technique from its origins in the 5th century BC to modern times.

An incredible immersive tour, that works well for both cruise and hotel guests.

What's Included

Air Conditioned Vehicle
Licensed English speaking Driver/Guide
Or large group - separate Driver and Guide
Visit the Tomb of Dante Alighieri
Visit the studio of a well-known Mosaic Artist
Historical presentation (Mosaic/Art Technique)
Admissions
Mosaic Demonstration
Historical Presentations

Considerations

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

Special Instructions

All admissions, mosaic demonstration, and historical presentations are included.
This tour requires you to be able to walk uneven street surface
Wear cool and comfortable clothes and suitable footwear
Bring your sunglasses, sunscreen, sunhat and water bottle
It is recommended to drink plenty of water - it can get unseasonably hot
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

6 hours (approx.)

Private Tour

Light

Ravenna for the History Buff

Overview

What's Included

Considerations

Special Instructions

Meeting and Pickup

Book Now

Price Info

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