Ravenna Itineraries. 3 Days, 1 Week, Budget Travel

-Hour Layover

Focus on Ravenna’s absolute must-sees. Morning for Basilica di San Vitale and Mausoleo di Galla Placidia. Quick local lunch.

Afternoon for Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and Battistero Neoniano. Visit Dante's Tomb. Evening stroll through Piazza del Popolo, aperitivo, and traditional dinner.

Activities

Prioritize UNESCO mosaic sites.
Savor a piadina or pizza al taglio for lunch.
Enjoy an aperitivo in Piazza del Popolo.

Time-Based Itineraries

Detailed plans based on duration.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

A weekend offers a relaxed pace to explore Ravenna's core attractions. Purchase a combined ticket for UNESCO sites.

Day-by-Day Focus

Day 1: San Vitale, Galla Placidia, Museo Nazionale.
Day 2: Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Battistero Neoniano, Archiepiscopal Chapel, Dante's Tomb, Domus.
Day 3: Excursion to Sant'Apollinare in Classe or Lido di Ravenna (seasonal).
Consider a mosaic workshop or cooking class.

For bookable experiences like mosaic workshops or guided tours, visit GetYourGuide.

One-Week Comprehensive

A week fully explores Ravenna, includes day trips, and culinary experiences.

Expanded Plan

Days 1-3: In-depth Ravenna exploration (as above).
Day 4: Train trip to Bologna for culinary delights.
Day 5: Ferrara (cycle walls) or Comacchio (canals).
Day 6: San Marino (fortresses) or Rimini (Roman ruins/beach).

Two-Week In-Depth

Combine the comprehensive Ravenna itinerary with extended stays in other regions.

Regional Immersion

Days 1-4: Ravenna and immediate surroundings.
Days 5-8: Bologna with day trips to Modena and Parma.
Days 9-11: High-speed train to Florence for Renaissance art.
Days 12-14: High-speed train to Venice for its unique atmosphere.

Long-Term Stay

For a month or longer, Ravenna offers a charming base for immersive living.

Experience

Rent an apartment for local life.
Enroll in an Italian language course.
Extensively explore Emilia-Romagna by car or regional trains.
Frequent local markets and participate in community events.

Logical Next Destinations

These locations are logical choices for continuing your Italian journey, offering diverse experiences.

Bologna

A major high-speed rail hub for country-wide connections.

Florence

The gateway to Tuscany, art, and picturesque landscapes.

Venice

A distinct Italian experience with its unique lagoon cityscape.

Itinerary Design

These routes are structured to offer a logical flow and maximize exploration time for various trip lengths.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your Ravenna itinerary to specific passions.

Historical & Heritage

Dedicate ample time to all eight UNESCO sites in Ravenna and Classe. Immerse yourself in mosaics and ancient history.

Focus Areas

San Vitale, Galla Placidia, Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Battistero Neoniano.
Archiepiscopal Chapel, Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra, Sant'Apollinare in Classe.
Explore Dante's Tomb, Casa Dante, and Basilica di San Francesco.
Visit Antico Porto di Classe and consider a day trip to Ferrara.

Book specific site tours via GetYourGuide for detailed insights.

Food & Culinary

Savor Ravenna's delights and explore the broader regional gastronomy.

Gastronomic Journey

Take a cooking class focusing on handmade pasta.
Dine at local trattorias for traditional dishes like cappelletti al ragù.
Visit Mercato Coperto for local produce.
Plan day trips to Bologna, Modena, and Parma for regional specialties.

Adventure & Outdoors

Ravenna and its surrounds offer opportunities for active exploration and nature immersion.

Cycling & Wildlife

Rent bicycles to explore city paths and the Po Delta Park.
Engage in guided birdwatching excursions to spot flamingos.
Consider kayaking or paddleboarding in coastal areas.

Coastal & Family Fun

Head to Marina di Ravenna or Lido di Ravenna for seasonal beach activities.
Plan a day trip to Mirabilandia, a theme park near Ravenna.
Frequent gelato shops for family treats.

Art & Architecture

Deep dive into Ravenna's mosaics and expand your artistic horizon with regional architectural gems.

Artistic Exploration

Dedicate time to studying the details of all mosaic sites.
Visit Museo Tamo Mosaico for comprehensive mosaic art understanding.
Explore collections and exhibitions at MAR (Art Museum of Ravenna).
Day trip to Bologna for its porticoes or Ferrara for Renaissance palaces.

Spiritual & Wellness

Ravenna offers spaces for contemplation and opportunities for relaxation and nature retreats.

Mind & Body

Spend quiet moments in basilicas, absorbing spiritual beauty.
Visit Punta Marina Terme for thermal baths and wellness treatments.
Explore peaceful parts of the Po Delta for nature walks and tranquility.
Find solace in the historical reverence of ancient sites.

Budget-Based Plans

Backpacker's Guide

Stay in hostels/budget B&Bs. Self-cater, use piadina/pizza al taglio. Walk everywhere. Use regional trains. Focus on free attractions and combined tickets.

Mid-Range Traveler

Comfortable B&Bs/3-star hotels. Mix casual and mid-range restaurants. Experience an aperitivo. Walk, use public transport/occasional taxis. Visit major sites and a guided tour.

Budgeting Freedom

Ravenna caters to various budgets. Adjust your choices in accommodation, food, and transport to fit your financial approach.

Ravenna Itineraries