Ravenna Exclusive Private Walking Tour with a Local Expert

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Our first stop is Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, a basilica that leaves visitors in awe with its vibrant mosaics and striking architecture. Originally built as a Palatine Chapel, it later became a place of worship. The mosaic panels lining the nave depict biblical scenes, showcasing stories from both the Old and New Testaments. Marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship and vivid colors that bring these narratives to life. One of the most iconic mosaics here is the Procession of the Magi, a stunning portrayal of the three wise men on their journey to meet the baby Jesus.

   1 h

2. Next, we make our way to the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, a small yet breathtaking monument that showcases the beauty of Ravenna's early Christian art. Step inside this UNESCO World Heritage Site and be mesmerized by the shimmering mosaics that adorn the walls and ceiling. The deep blue hues and intricate designs create an ethereal atmosphere, transporting you back to the 5th century. As you explore the mausoleum, don't miss the remarkable mosaic depicting the Good Shepherd—a powerful symbol of the Christian faith.

   30 min

3. Our final destination is the Basilica of San Vitale, considered a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. As you step inside, you'll be captivated by the intricate mosaic designs covering the walls and vaulted ceilings. The apse mosaic, featuring Emperor Justinian and his court, is a sight to behold. It is matched in grandeur by the mosaic depicting Empress Theodora, which is equally breathtaking. The basilica's design, with its octagonal shape and towering dome, showcases the architectural prowess of the time.

   1 h

4. The Battistero Neoniano is renowned for its beautiful mosaics, especially the ceiling depiction of the Baptism of Christ. Its vibrant colors and ancient baptismal font make it a key early Christian monument in Ravenna.

   30 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 10 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Ravenna

• Its from-price is 38% above the median of the 158 experiences we list in Ravenna.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 25 of 158.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Ravenna

Ravenna is a small Italian city near the Adriatic coast whose early Christian churches are covered in glittering Byzantine mosaics.

Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire from AD 402, then of the Ostrogothic kingdom and later of Byzantine Italy, and eight of its early Christian buildings are on UNESCO's World Heritage list. The Basilica of San Vitale glows with gold mosaics, the tiny Mausoleum of Galla Placidia has a starry blue vault, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo shows long processions of saints. Two baptisteries and the stone tomb of the Gothic king Theodoric are close by.

Top-ranked sights in Ravenna: Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (Mausoleo di Galla Placidia), Basilica of San Vitale (Basilica di San Vitale).

See all 158 experiences in Ravenna