Mosaics & Majesty: A Day-Trip to Ravenna from Bologna

Discover Ravenna’s UNESCO World Heritage mosaics, early Christian splendor, and relaxed Emilia-Romagna charm

Journey through the heart of Emilia-Romagna to uncover the dazzling city of Ravenna, one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Known for its breathtaking Byzantine mosaics, rich early Christian heritage, and tranquil streets lined with history, Ravenna is a cultural jewel waiting to be discovered. This full-day private tour includes a scenic drive with a private driver and a 3-hour guided tour with a local expert in Ravenna.

Morning: A Journey into the Heart of Byzantine Italy
Your day begins as your private driver greets you at your accommodation in Bologna. As you head east across the Emilia-Romagna plains, relax and enjoy the changing landscapes from Bologna’s arcaded streets to Ravenna’s timeless countryside, once part of the ancient Roman Empire.

Upon arrival in Ravenna, you’ll meet your private local guide, who will take you on a 3-hour in-depth journey through the city's UNESCO-listed wonders. Once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, Ravenna is home to some of the world’s finest early Christian mosaics and architectural masterpieces.

Your 3-hour private walking tour begins with Ravenna’s crown jewels: the Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, where intricate 5th- and 6th-century mosaics shimmer with gold, deep blues, and vivid greens. These masterpieces depict biblical scenes, imperial portraits, and early Christian symbols with a detail and radiance that defy time.

You'll continue to the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, originally built by Theodoric the Great, where rows of saints and martyrs line the nave in mosaic procession. You’ll also visit the Neonian Baptistery, one of the oldest monuments in Ravenna, where the dome's baptismal scene dazzles visitors with its celestial color palette.

Your guide will bring to life the complex history of Ravenna, Roman, Ostrogothic, and Byzantine, sharing the stories of emperors, saints, and artists who shaped its legacy.

Afternoon: Leisure Time & Local Flavors
Following your guided tour, enjoy free time to savor a leisurely lunch at one of Ravenna’s traditional trattorias. Sample local specialties such as cappelletti in brodo, piadina stuffed with squacquerone cheese, or fresh seafood from the Adriatic coast. Based on your dining preferences, you'll be recommended spots beloved by locals for their authenticity and charm.

After lunch, take a moment to stroll Ravenna’s relaxed streets, perhaps visiting Dante Alighieri’s tomb, or browsing local artisan shops offering mosaics, ceramics, and regional delicacies.

As the afternoon draws to a close, your driver will escort you back to Bologna, passing through quiet villages and gentle farmland. You'll return with a deeper appreciation for the hidden beauty of Emilia-Romagna, where art, history, and soul-stirring craftsmanship come together in perfect harmony.