Day Trips from Ravenna. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Nearby Destinations

San Marino, an independent microstate and UNESCO site, atop Mount Titano with panoramic views. Bologna, a food hub and ancient university city. Ferrara, an UNESCO city with Renaissance architecture. Comacchio, a charming "little Venice" in the Po Delta. Rimini, an Adriatic beach resort with Roman archaeological sites.

For a wide array of experiences you can book and guided tours, check GetYourGuide's day trip section.

Transportation & Itinerary

San Marino: Train to Rimini, then local bus or organized tour.
Bologna & Ferrara: Direct countryside trains from Ravenna.
Comacchio: Local bus or car. Rimini: Direct inter-town trains.
Allow a full day for The Most serene republic of san marino and Bologna; half to full day for everyone else.

Natural Escapes

Ravenna’s natural surroundings present peaceful getaways, especially in the vast Po Delta.

Parks & Reserves

The Po Delta Regional Park is an expansive protected area. It offers chances for nature walks, birdwatching, and cycling.

Activities

Birdwatching, especially during spring and autumn migration.
Cycling paths through unique ecosystems.
Boat trips through lagoons.

Beaches & Rural Areas

For relaxation, coastal lidos provide sandy shores. West of Ravenna, the Romagna Apennine foothills present rolling landscapes.

Locations

Lido di Ravenna, Marina di Ravenna for beaches.
Apennine Foothills feature vineyards and villages.
Brisighella as an example of a picturesque village.

Seasonal Phenomena

Birdwatching

Spring and autumn offer excellent bird migration viewing.
Many migratory bird species traverse the wetlands.
Always observe from a distance, avoid disturbing wildlife.
Stay on marked paths in areas that are protected.

Flamingos

Large flamingo colonies appear year-round in certain Po Delta areas.
Find them in lagoons like Pialassa della Baiona, near Marina di Ravenna.
Do not feed or approach wildlife.
Respect all rules of the park.

Scenic Views

Lagoon landscapesUnique to Po Delta
Wetland sceneryAround Comacchio
Mesola areaAnother scenic spot
Coastal areasAdriatic shoreline

Rural RomagnaGentle hills, vineyards
Brisighella regionPicturesque villages
Po Delta Public gardenDiverse ecosystems
Sunrise/sunsetStunning over wetlands

Nature Preservation

When exploring natural areas, remain on marked trails and maintain a respectful distance from wildlife.

Cultural Excursions

Beyond Ravenna’s city limits, adjacent sites present cultural insights.

Historical Sites

Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe, an essential visit for Byzantine heritage. Ruscelli di Villa Romana features impressive mosaic floors.

Rural & Agricultural

Explore little towns like Brisighella for rural Romagna, local food, and a slower pace. Go to a local farm or vineyard.

Pilgrimage Sites

Ravenna’s many historic churches and basilicas possess deep spiritual value as early Christian and Byzantine sites.

Day Trip Focus: History

A trip to Sant'Apollinare in Classe is useful for mosaic aficionados. The site is easily reachable by local bus from Ravenna.

Details

Located approximately 8 km south of Ravenna.
Marvel in its prime well-preserved mosaics.
Local bus connections from Ravenna are frequent.

Rural Charm: Brisighella

Brisighella offers a genuine taste of country Romagna life, traditional food, and local viticulture.

Experiences

Wine tasting at nearby wineries.
Savoring traditional Romagnol cuisine.
Enjoying the slower pace of life.

Longer Stay Ideas

ModenaBalsamic Vinegar, Ferrari

Florence & TuscanyRenaissance art, landscapes

VeniceCanals, unique atmosphere

MilanFashion, northern connections

Emilia-Romagna Gastronomic TourBologna, Parma, Ferrara

Adriatic Coast TourRimini, Riccione, Cesenatico

Planning Tip

All major city extensions are readily accessible using Italy's train network.
High-speed trains from Bologna Centrale connect to most destinations.
Local trains serve local towns and coastal areas.
A rental car works well for exploring rural areas at your own pace.
Combine train travel with a car rental for maximum flexibility.

Multi-Day Extensions

Ravenna’s location positions it well as a starting point or stop on a longer Italian itinerary.

Add 1-3 Days

1

Modena

Experience Balsamic Vinegar traditions, Parmigiano Reggiano, and car museums.

2-3

Florence & Tuscany

Explore Art from the renaissance and architecture in Florence, with countryside excursions.

1-2

Venice

Discover its unique canals, iconic sights, and charming alleys.

Next Destinations

Bologna: Major high-speed rail hub, cultural and exploring the cuisine.
Florence: Gateway to Tuscany, Renaissance art.
Venice: A distinct Italian experience with its lagoon city.
Milan: For fashion, business, and connections to Northern Europe.
All destinations are readily accessible via Italy's rail system.
High-speed trains from Bologna Centrale link major cities quickly.

Longer Regional Travel

Emilia-Romagna Food & Culture Tour: Bologna, Modena, Parma, Ferrara, Ravenna.
Effective by train or with a rental car for rural areas.
Adriatic Coast Tour: Ravenna with Rimini, Riccione, Cesenatico.
Convenient by regional train or car along the coast.
Explore a mix of beaches, Roman history, and seaside relaxation.
This itinerary showcases the diverse offerings of the region.

Travel Tips for Extensions

Train Efficiency

Italy's rail system makes intercity travel comfortable and rapid.

Bologna Hub

Bologna Centrale is a hub for high-speed connections across Italy.

Rental Car

A rental car provides autonomy for exploring countryside and less large towns.

Itinerary Freedom

Combine these destinations to craft a multi-region Italian journey tailored to your interests.

Day Trips from Ravenna