Ravenna tours

Things to do in Ravenna

Welcome to Ravenna. Picture yourself stepping back in time, surrounded by echoes of empires past. This city doesn't just show off its history with grand gestures; it reveals itself slowly, like a well-aged wine. As you navigate the charming streets, the mosaics will catch your eye, not unlike a starry night frozen in stone. A local guide will take you beyond the guidebooks, into the heart of a city that’s both an archaeological treasure and a living canvas. Here, history isn't just remembered—it's alive, almost palpable. Stroll through streets that have seen centuries pass by, where the scent of freshly baked piadina invites you to pause. The Basilica di San Vitale awaits your admiration, no need to queue with the masses. Instead, you'll feel like a guest, welcomed into the past's embrace. And if you're one for culinary journeys, let the local flavours of Ravenna surprise you with their simplicity and depth, each bite a narrative of the land. Private tours here are not just about seeing; they're about feeling the pulse of a city that has mastered the art of timelessness. Whether you're tracing the lines of its history or indulging in its gastronomic offerings, Ravenna offers a canvas rich with the hues of an ancient yet vibrant life. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Ravenna. Explore Ravenna your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Ravenna tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Ravenna for every interest, including: Art and Culture tours: Stand inches from the gold-and-azure mosaics at Basilica di San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, then try a hands‑on mosaic workshop with a local artisan. You can also visit the MAR city art museum or Dante’s Tomb to connect literature and visual art in one circuit. History tours: Follow stories of emperors and Ostrogothic kings at Theodoric’s Mausoleum and the Arian Baptistery, then continue to the Classis Ravenna museum to trace the rise of the port of Classe. Your guide can weave in daily life under Byzantine rule while you view original inscriptions and ships’ timbers. Architecture tours: Compare the octagonal plan of San Vitale with the basilica layout of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, and see how brickwork and capitals shift from Roman to Byzantine styles. Finish at Sant’Apollinare in Classe to read the facade and apse like architects do, detail by detail. Ravenna’s centre is flat and easy to cover on foot, with buses reaching Classe and other sites; cycling is common too. If you prefer less walking, you can book a chauffeured tour or ask your local guide to include private transportation between venues. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Ravenna inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Experience the wonders of Ravenna with a local guide, who will show you the city’s diverse neighborhoods. Consider these areas for your private tour to capture the essence of Ravenna. - Centro Storico: Perfect for cultural tourists, this area boasts incredible mosaics and a wealth of history. You’ll find stunning basilicas and museums that highlight Ravenna’s artistic legacy. - Darsena: A revitalized port area that's great for families and those interested in modern urban spaces. Enjoy the waterfront, with plenty of restaurants and activities for everyone. - San Vitale Area: Known for its famous basilica, it’s a must-see for history lovers. The intricate mosaics and serene gardens make it a memorable stop on your tour. Day trip ideas from Ravenna Base yourself in Ravenna, then use short day trips to mix food, beaches, hilltop views, and Renaissance streets, shaping your tour around what you like most. Bologna: Stroll endless porticoes, browse the Quadrilatero markets, and taste fresh pasta and cured meats, with time to climb a tower if you want a city view; perfect if food and lively streets sit high on your list, and your tour can focus on neighbourhoods you’re most curious about. Ferrara: Cycle along the city walls and through quiet lanes, see the moated Castello Estense, and get a feel for a planned Renaissance city; a good choice if you like flat, easy biking and history you can see in the street grid. San Marino: Ride up to Mount Titano for cliffside towers, flag-lined lanes, and long views across the plain; ideal if medieval fortresses and dramatic scenery appeal to you, with time for a simple lunch before heading back. Rimini: Split your day between Roman sites like the Arch of Augustus and Tiberius Bridge and a walk on the wide beach; it works well if you want history in the morning and sea air in the afternoon, and your tour can time it to avoid busy hours. Comacchio and the Po Delta: Wander canals and low bridges in a small lagoon town, then look for herons and flamingos in nearby wetlands; a fit for photographers and nature fans who like slower stops and soft light near sunset. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Ravenna most travellers miss.