Ravenna Mosaics – Private Day Trip from Venice

Venice , Italy

Ravenna Mosaics – Private Day Trip from Venice

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Your day begins with a comfortable pickup in Venice by my personal driver, who will bring you to the historic city of Ravenna. Upon arrival, I’ll be waiting to guide you on an enlightening walking tour of Ravenna’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Once a vibrant capital of Late Antique Europe, Ravenna boasts spectacular art and architecture. As we stroll through the city center, we’ll visit its most iconic landmarks, shimmering with golden early Christian mosaics. You’ll then have time for a relaxing lunch before returning to Venice with my driver.

Please note that pick-up and drop-off are usually arranged at Piazzale Roma, in front of Bar Due Ruote—the only area in Venice accessible to cars. However, if your accommodation is in the surrounding area, such as in Mestre, please let me know once you’ve booked so we can arrange pick-up and drop-off directly there, if accessible by car.

Available options

Ravenna Mosaics – Private Day Trip from Venice

What's included

Private transportation

Monuments entry fees

Guided tour of some of the most evocative places in the city of Ravenna

Detailed itinerary

Pick-up Point: For easy recognition, my driver will be waiting here with a sign displaying your name. The journey to Ravenna takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

The Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo is a 6th-century church renowned for its exceptional early Christian mosaics. Built by Theodoric the Great, it features stunning depictions of biblical scenes and saints, blending Roman and Byzantine art styles. The basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Tomb of Dante is the final resting place of the illustrious poet Dante Alighieri, author of The Divine Comedy. Exiled from his native Florence, Dante died in Ravenna in 1321. The tomb is a small neoclassical structure designed by architect Camillo Morigia in 1780.

The Neonian Baptistery is an early 5th-century octagonal building renowned for its exquisite early Christian mosaics, particularly the dome depicting the baptism of Jesus. As one of the oldest monuments in the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it exemplifies the blend of classical Roman architecture with emerging Christian art.

Stop 5

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is a 5th-century building famous for its stunning early Christian mosaics. Despite its name, it likely served as a chapel rather than a tomb for Empress Galla Placidia. The small, cross-shaped structure features richly decorated interiors with mosaics of starry skies and Christian symbols, blending Roman and Byzantine artistic styles. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of early Christian art.

Stop 6

The Basilica of San Vitale is a 6th-century church famed for its exceptional Byzantine mosaics. Its unique octagonal design and richly decorated interior, featuring mosaics of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora, make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of early Christian art and architecture.

After the tour of Ravenna, the driver will bring you back to Venice, dropping you off at the same point where you were picked up. The journey from Ravenna takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

In Venice, cars are not permitted, and Piazzale Roma is the only pick-up point. However, if your hotel is located outiside the city of Venice, please inform me after booking so I can notify the driver and arrange a direct pick-up and drop-off.

About Venice

Venice is a unique and enchanting city built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Known for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture, Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for its rich history, art, and culture. The city offers a romantic and timeless atmosphere that captivates visitors from around the world.

Top Attractions

St. Mark's Basilica

A stunning Byzantine cathedral known for its opulent design, golden mosaics, and historical significance. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free entry, €3 for museum and treasury

Doge's Palace

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of Venetian government. It offers a glimpse into the city's political and cultural history.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €25 for standard ticket, €30 for Secret Itineraries Tour

Rialto Bridge

The oldest and most famous of Venice's four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is an iconic symbol of the city.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Grand Canal

The main waterway of Venice, the Grand Canal is lined with beautiful palaces, churches, and historic buildings. A vaporetto ride along the canal offers stunning views.

Nature/Scenic 30-60 minutes €7.50 for a vaporetto ticket

Murano

An island famous for its glass-making tradition. Visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase unique glass souvenirs.

Cultural/Historical Half-day Free to explore, €10 for museum

Burano

A colorful island known for its lace-making tradition and picturesque houses. Burano is a charming and photogenic destination.

Cultural/Scenic Half-day Free to explore, €5 for lace museum

Must-Try Local Dishes

Risotto al Nero di Seppia

A risotto made with cuttlefish ink, giving it a distinctive black color and rich, briny flavor.

Main Course Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies.

Sarde in Saor

Sweet and sour sardines marinated with onions, raisins, pine nuts, and vinegar.

Appetizer Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Bigoli in Salsa

Pasta with a sauce made from anchovies, onions, and breadcrumbs.

Main Course Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Frito Misto

A mix of fried seafood and vegetables, including shrimp, squid, and zucchini.

Appetizer Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians.

Popular Activities

Kayaking in the canals Cycling on Lido di Venezia Hiking in the Venetian Lagoon Sunbathing on Lido di Venezia Enjoying a gondola ride Visiting a spa or wellness center Attending a concert or opera Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. The city is vibrant with events and festivals, and the temperatures are comfortable for exploring.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken in local areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Venice is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas, and acqua alta (high water) events can disrupt travel plans.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Use official taxis and ticket vendors
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Venice Marco Polo Airport • 12 km from city center

By train

Santa Lucia Railway Station

By bus

Piazzale Roma

Getting around

Public transport

The vaporetto is the main public transport system in Venice. It operates on fixed routes and is the most convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber (limited availability), Local taxi apps

Rentals

Neighborhoods

San Marco Dorsoduro Cannaregio Castello

Day trips

Burano and Murano

10-45 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

Visit the colorful island of Burano and the glass-making island of Murano for a unique and picturesque day trip.

Lido di Venezia

20 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

A long, narrow island between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, known for its beaches, the Venice Film Festival, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Padua (Padova)

40 km (25 miles) • Half-day to full day

A charming city known for its beautiful architecture, historic sites, and the famous Scrovegni Chapel with its stunning frescoes by Giotto.

Festivals

Venice Carnival • February or March (dates vary) Venice Film Festival • Late August to early September Festa del Redentore • Third weekend of July

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and hidden gems for a more authentic experience
Try local specialties and dishes, and ask locals for recommendations
Use a map or GPS to navigate the intricate streets and canals, as Venice can be easy to get lost in
Be prepared for acqua alta (high water) events, especially from October to January, and check forecasts and plan accordingly