Private Tour: Splendour of Ravenna and Underrated Bologna
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Venezia
Escape the crowds and discover the splendor of Ravenna and the underrated city of Bologna. Explore the artistic and political history of Ravenna and immerse yourself in the authentic Italian experience of Bologna.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Bologna - Bologna: a city of art
    Bologna is unusual for the consistency of the urban structure within its medieval walls, which were built in the fourteenth century. This urban structure is still intact and dominates, even visually, the single architectural works of art. In Florence and in Rome, the individual buildings are more important than the layout of the cities, whereas in Bologna the reverse is true. Here, even the most beautiful Renaissance and Baroque palaces are part of the medieval city plan, which extends like the spokes of a wheel from the heart of the city (marked by the two leaning towers, Asinelli and Garisenda).
  • Mausoleo di Galla Placidia - Approaching the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia it is not imagined that the simplicity of the exterior hides in a few square meters such splendid mosaics, the oldest in Ravenna. We do not exaggerate if we say that the atmosphere of the Mausoleum is magical.

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna
The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna
It was Emperor Honorius (who moved the capital of the western empire from Milan to Ravenna in 402) who wanted this mausoleum to dedicate it to his sister Galla Placidia.

The theme of the mosaics, in fact, is the victory of life over death, in accordance with the funeral destination of the building. But it is the starry sky reproduced on the vault that most strikes the visitors’ imagination and remains etched forever in the eyes. It seems that the same thing happened to Cole Porter, who went to Ravenna on his honeymoon in the late 1920s. The story goes that it was the starry sky of the mausoleum that inspired the famous Night and Day.

What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
What's Not Included
  • Museum tickets
Additional Information

In the early V Century AD (402-403 AD), the artistic and political landscape of Ravenna experienced a resurgence of glory. This shift occurred when Honorius, compelled to leave Milan due to the invasion of Visigoths, selected Ravenna as the fresh epicenter of the Western Roman Empire.

Undeniably, Italy recalls images of renowned cities such as Rome, Venice, and Florence. While these host magnificent attractions, they’re also hubs for an overwhelming influx of tourists. If you yearn for a more authentic, uncrowded Italian experience, Bologna is a city worth exploring. Though it may not top the list of tourist hotspots, it provides a truly immersive encounter with Italian culture, something difficult to come across in more frequented destinations.

Location
Piazzale Roma
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
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Peter_z
Aug 14, 2022
Thank you - The unfinished church was a standout however all of the sites were excellent. The guides were very thorough and took their time explaining the sites we visited.
Review provided by Viator
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July 2024
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