Ravenna: Private City Top Sights and Monuments Walking Tour

Ravenna’s rich history unfolds on this private walking tour, where an expert guide leads visitors through the city’s top sights and monuments. From the striking Basilica of San Vitale to the captivating Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the tour showcases breathtaking early Christian and Byzantine mosaics, shedding light on Ravenna’s significance as the former capital of the Western Roman Empire and the Byzantine Exarchate. With personalized attention and included entrance tickets, this immersive experience offers a deeper understanding of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage status.

Key Points

• This 3-hour private guided tour showcases the late Roman and Byzantine architecture of Ravenna, including the Basilica of San Vitale and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.
• The tour features remarkable early Christian and Byzantine mosaics at sites like the Baptistery of Neon and Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo.
• Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire and Byzantine Exarchate, making it a historically significant city with 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• The dedicated expert guide provides in-depth knowledge of Ravenna’s history and architecture, ensuring a worthwhile and personalized experience.
• With an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, the tour is highly recommended by previous travelers despite being considered relatively expensive.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

The Ravenna Walking Tour is a comprehensive 3-hour private guided experience that showcases the city’s well-preserved late Roman and Byzantine architecture.

Led by expert guides, the tour explores key historical sites, including the Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Baptistery of Neon, and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo.

Visitors will marvel at the stunning early Christian and Byzantine mosaics that adorn these monuments.

Visitors will be captivated by the breathtaking early Christian and Byzantine mosaics that decorate these historic monuments.

The tour starts and ends at Fontanella Piazza del Popolo, allowing participants to stroll through the charming old town streets and Piazza del Popolo.

Highlights of the Itinerary

Visitors on the Ravenna Walking Tour begin at the picturesque Fontanella Piazza del Popolo, where they’ll be introduced to their expert guide.

The tour takes them to the Basilica of San Vitale, known for its stunning Byzantine mosaics. Next, they’ll explore the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, a well-preserved example of early Christian architecture.

The Baptistery of Neon and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, both showcasing remarkable mosaic work, are also highlights.

The tour concludes back at Fontanella Piazza del Popolo, allowing guests to further discover the charming old town and Piazza del Popolo.

Historical Context of Ravenna

Ravenna was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD, a significant historical fact that has shaped the city’s architectural and cultural legacy.

After the fall of Rome, Ravenna served as the capital for the Kingdom of the Ostrogoths until 540 AD, then the Byzantine Empire. It became the center of the Byzantine Exarchate until the Lombard invasion in 751 AD.

Known for its well-preserved late Roman and Byzantine architecture, Ravenna features 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that showcase the city’s importance during these historic periods.

Key Monuments and Sites Visited

This private walking tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through Ravenna’s most iconic landmarks.

The tour begins at Fontanella Piazza del Popolo, then explores the remarkable Basilica of San Vitale, renowned for its stunning Byzantine mosaics.

Next, guests marvel at the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, an early Christian monument with exquisite gold-ground mosaics.

The tour continues to the Baptistery of Neon, showcasing its meticulously preserved mosaic-covered dome.

Finally, the group visits the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, admiring its impressive mosaic-adorned walls.

Throughout the tour, the expert guide provides insightful commentary on Ravenna’s rich history and architectural heritage.

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Expert Guide and Tour Features

Although the tour may be priced higher than some, the dedicated expert guide ensures a worthwhile experience.

Tour-goers rave about the guide’s extensive knowledge of Ravenna’s rich history and Byzantine architecture. The guide leads a private group, providing a personalized exploration of the city’s top sites.

Ravenna’s expert guide leads a private group on a personalized exploration of the city’s rich history and Byzantine architecture.

Entrance tickets to key monuments like the Basilica of San Vitale and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia are included, enabling seamless access.

With transportation to the meeting point also provided, the tour streamlines logistics, allowing visitors to fully enjoy Ravenna’s remarkable heritage.

UNESCO World Heritage Significance

Ravenna’s well-preserved late Roman and Byzantine architecture has earned the city a designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This prestigious recognition reflects the city’s cultural significance and historical importance.

Some of the key UNESCO-listed attractions visitors can expect to see on the tour include:

• The stunning Byzantine mosaics adorning the walls and ceilings of the Basilica of San Vitale

• The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, a 5th-century monument with its breathtaking mosaic-covered interior

• The Baptistery of Neon, featuring an impressive 5th-century baptistery dome covered in intricate mosaics

• The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, showcasing well-preserved 6th-century Byzantine mosaics.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Ravenna Walking Tour, with an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 8 reviews. Guests repeatedly highlighted the guide’s exceptional knowledge and friendliness, remarking that the tour was well worth the price despite being deemed expensive.

| Reviewer | Rating | Thoughts |

| — | — | — |

| Sarah | 5/5 | "Our guide brought the history to life!" |

| Michael | 4/5 | "A bit pricey, but an unforgettable experience." |

| Lina | 5/5 | "Highly recommend for anyone visiting Ravenna." |

| Carlos | 4/5 | "Wished we had more time at each site." |

| Sophia | 5/5 | "Couldn’t have asked for a better tour!" |

Practical Information and Logistics

The Ravenna Walking Tour offers convenient logistics for visitors. The tour departs from the centrally located Fontanella Piazza del Popolo, making it easy to access.

Included in the price are:

• Entrance tickets to the key sites, including the Basilica of San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Baptistery of Neon, and Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo.

• Transportation to the meeting point.

• A private expert guide, available in multiple languages.

• Flexible booking options, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now, pay later" option.

The Sum Up

Ravenna’s private walking tour is an immersive way to uncover the city’s rich history. With an expert guide, visitors will explore iconic landmarks like the Basilica of San Vitale and marvel at the breathtaking Byzantine mosaics. This personalized experience provides a deeper understanding of Ravenna’s significance as the former capital of the Western Roman Empire and the Byzantine Exarchate, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You can check availability for your dates here: