Ravenna Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Discount cards and passes

Maximizing your budget means knowing where to find deals.

Savings

Ravenna UNESCO Site Combined Ticket: Access five main mosaic attractions for one price, less than individual tickets.
Youth/Senior IDs: Present international student (ISIC) or senior IDs for potential reduced entry fees.
EU Citizen Discounts: Note that discounts often apply more readily to EU citizens.
Always inquire about available discounts.

Free Activities

Dante's Tomb: Visit the exterior without charge.
Piazza del Popolo: Enjoy Ravenna's main square, people-watching.
Historic Center: Walk the charming pedestrianized streets.
Rocca Brancaleone: A public park with views of old city walls.

Dining Strategies

Aperitivo: Embrace the Italian tradition for complimentary snacks with a drink (6-8 PM).
"Menu Fisso" or "Menu del Giorno": Look for fixed-price lunch menus for good value.
Substantial Snacks: Aperitivo snacks can sometimes serve as a light dinner.
Meals Often Include: Fixed menus typically include a first and second course, sometimes with water and coffee.

Transportation & Accommodation

Walk Whenever Possible: Ravenna's historic core is compact and easily walkable.
Regional Trains: Affordable and efficient for day trips (Bologna, Ferrara).
Advance Bus Tickets: Buy from a tabaccheria for lower prices than on board.
Accommodation Alternatives: B&Bs outside the center or apartment rentals for longer stays can save money.

Time-Saving Tips

Maximize your time in Ravenna by planning wisely and knowing when to visit popular spots.

Streamlined Access

Combined UNESCO Ticket: Purchase this at your first site to minimize transaction time at subsequent sites.
Optimal Timing: Visit popular sites right at opening (9:00 AM) or late afternoon (after 4:00 PM).
Avoid Peak Hours: This strategy helps avoid the busiest times when tour groups gather.
High Season Considerations: Mid-day (11:00 AM - 3:00 PM) is typically most crowded, especially June-August and weekends.

Efficient Movement

Marconi Express: From Bologna Airport (BLQ), this monorail rapidly transports you to Bologna Centrale (7 minutes).
Logical Grouping: Plan your mosaic site visits by proximity to lessen walking distance.
Clustered Sites: San Vitale and Galla Placidia are next to each other. Battistero Neoniano and Archiepiscopal Chapel are close to Piazza del Popolo.
Smooth Flow: Create a route that moves easily between these clustered attractions.

Advance Bookings

Accommodation: Reserve your lodging well ahead, especially during busy seasons or for specific places.
Train Tickets: For longer intercity journeys, booking ahead sometimes secures better rates.
Restaurant Reservations: For popular or high-end dining, reserve tables, especially on weekends.
Tours/Classes: If planning popular cooking classes, mosaic workshops, or guided tours, book in advance as spots fill rapidly.

Digital Security

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Local Insights

Knowing a few local customs and avoiding common tourist pitfalls yields a more authentic trip.

Common Mistakes to Sidestep

Not buying the combined mosaic ticket: Missed savings and straightforward access.
Driving into ZTL: City center restricted traffic zones bring hefty fines. Park outside and walk.
Cappuccino after lunch: Italians typically view cappuccino as a breakfast drink. Espresso is the norm after meals.
Assuming English: Many tourist-facing roles speak English, but it is not universal. Basic Italian phrases heighten the trip.

Local Customs

"Ciao" is informal: Use Buongiorno or Buonasera with shopkeepers and strangers.
Hand Gestures: Italians use expressive hand gestures. Observing them proves insightful.
Riposo/Pausa Pranzo: Smaller shops close in the afternoon for a long lunch break. Plan shopping accordingly.
Aperitivo Culture: Participate in the evening aperitivo; it is a relaxed, social ritual before dinner.

Unofficial Rules & Phrases

Queuing: Less formal than in some countries. Be ready to assert your place politely.
Service Pace: Meals are for slow enjoyment; do not expect rapid service.
Greetings: Polite to acknowledge staff upon entering and leaving shops.
Impressive Phrases: "Grazie mille!", "Bello!", "Delizioso!", "Posso avere...?", "Prego".

Travel Organization

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Packing organizers simplify travel.
Efficient packing often saves space and luggage fees.
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Solo, Family & Group Advice

Tailor your approach based on your travel companions.

Solo Journey Considerations

Safety: Ravenna offers safety for solo travelers; the historic area remains well-lit and active at night.
Social Opportunities: B&Bs foster a more personal atmosphere for interaction with hosts.
Shared Interests: Participate in cooking classes or food tours to meet fellow travelers.
Central Accommodation: Stay in central areas for ease and security.

Family & Group Dynamics

Kid-Specific Tips: Turn mosaic viewing into a scavenger hunt for animals.
Breaks & Parks: Plan regular breaks and visit public parks (Rocca Brancaleone) for children's play.
Gelato: Enjoy frequent gelato breaks – an universal hit.
Accommodation: Apartment rentals offer more space and kitchen facilities for families.

Group Logistics

Advance Bookings: Reserve accommodation and popular restaurants well in advance for groups.
Private Guides: Consider hiring a private guide for mosaic sites to manage group flow and personalize insights.
Train Tickets: Pre-book train tickets for larger groups, especially for high-speed connections, to sit together.
Communication: Use a group messaging app (like WhatsApp) for coordination and information sharing.

Accessibility & Language

Accessibility Research: Research specific needs in advance; contact hotels and attractions directly.
Cobblestones: Be aware that charming cobblestone streets pose a challenge for wheelchair users or those with mobility concerns.
Public Transport: Newer public buses are generally accessible.
Babbel: Start learning a new language for your travel.

Travel Rewards

Unlock more travel with reward points. Check options like Capital One Travel cards.

Resources & References

These online tools and platforms assist in planning and navigating your trip.

Essential Apps

Google Maps, Google Translate, Trenitalia, WhatsApp, TheFork/Tripadvisor, Rain Alarm.

Useful Websites

Ravenna Turismo, Trenitalia, Start Romagna, Opera di Religione, Emilia Romagna Turismo.

Social Media & Podcasts

Follow official tourism accounts; seek podcasts and vlogs on Ravenna or Emilia-Romagna.

Print Resources

Guidebooks & Maps

General Italy Guidebooks: Consider comprehensive guides for Italy.
Regional Guidebooks: Seek guides focused on Emilia-Romagna for in-depth information.
City Maps: Obtain detailed city maps of Ravenna from tourist offices or hotels.

Books & Local Publications

History: "Ravenna: Capital of Empire, Crucible of Europe" by Judith Herrin.
Literature: "The Divine Comedy" by Dante Alighieri, a relevant read.
Local Publications: Free tourist magazines or local newspapers for current events.

Reading for Your Trip

A good guide can enrich your journey, check out DK Eyewitness Italy for detailed insights.

Emergency & Medical Information

Essential Contacts

Emergency Numbers

European Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Ambulance, Fire; operators often speak English).
Ambulance (Medical Emergency): 118 (also via 112).
Police (Carabinieri - National Police): 112.
Police (Polizia di Stato - State Police): 113.

Medical Facilities

Hospital: Ospedale Santa Maria delle Croci.
Address: Viale V. Randi, 5, 48121 Ravenna RA.
Services: Ravenna's main public hospital, for emergency care.
Access: Accessible for urgent medical attention.

Lost Documents & Natural Disasters

Lost Passport: Report to local police (Polizia di Stato or Carabinieri) immediately.
Embassy/Consulate: Contact your country's embassy in Rome for travel documents.
Natural Disasters: Follow instructions from local authorities (police, civil protection) and accommodation staff.
Information: Stay informed via local news or official emergency channels.

Digital Learning

Online Courses

Photography Courses: Enhance your travel photography skills.
Art History: Explore courses related to Byzantine art or Italian history.
Creative Skills: Learn new creative skills inspired by your travels.

Skill Development

Expand your knowledge on various subjects.
Discover new interests and hobbies.
Find courses and tutorials on Skillshare.

Insurance & Preparation

Travel Insurance

Secure comprehensive travel insurance.
Coverage for medical emergencies.
Trip cancellation protection.
Lost luggage protection.
World Nomads: Consider options for your travel insurance needs.

Packing Essentials

Pack efficiently with organization in mind.
Use packing organizers for various items.
Protect your belongings during transit.
Keep essentials easily accessible.
Eagle Creek: Explore products for organized packing.

Language & Connectivity

Basic Italian

Familiarize yourself with basic Italian phrases and pronunciation.

Mobile Connectivity

Check your mobile phone roaming plan or purchase a local SIM card.

Passport Readiness

Check passport validity for six months beyond your return date.

Safety Alert

Always keep emergency numbers handy and know your embassy's location.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Chronological Planning

Months Before

Passport Validity:
Confirm passport is valid for six months past return from Schengen Area.
International Flights:
Book international flights, especially for peak season, for better prices.
Travel Insurance:
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance.

Month Before

Accommodation:
Book accommodation in Ravenna and other cities.
Detailed Itinerary:
Plan your detailed itinerary, outlining attractions and activities.
Mobile Phone:
Check roaming plan or plan local SIM card upon arrival.

Pre-Booking & Research

Required Bookings

Secure international and domestic flights, accommodation, popular train routes, and special tours (e.g., mosaic workshops, cooking classes).

Pre-Trip Research

Read about Ravenna's Byzantine history, basic Italian phrases, and dining customs.

Home Preparation

Arrange mail, plant watering, and pet care. Secure your home (lights, locks). Leave itinerary with a trusted person.

Arrival Checklist

First Steps

Clear Immigration: Passport and visa ready.
Retrieve Luggage: Collect checked baggage.
Initial Cash: Withdraw Euros from an ATM (Bancomat) at the airport/station.
SIM Card Activation: Activate eSIM or physical SIM for mobile connectivity.

Orientation & Transport

Accommodation First: Head straight to drop luggage and settle.
City Map: Obtain a physical city map from the tourist office or hotel.
Neighborhood Walk: Take a relaxed walk to get acquainted.
Transport from Entry Point: Train from Bologna/Rimini airports to Ravenna station.

Departure Preparation

Shopping & Refunds

Early Shopping: Buy souvenirs well in advance to avoid rush.
Shipping Large Items: Arrange shipping for large purchases with seller or company.
VAT Refund: Non-EU residents may get VAT refunds; look for "Tax Free" signs.
Customs Process: Present goods, forms, and passport to customs before checking luggage at airport.

Timing & Return

Airport Arrival: 2-3 hours before international flights, 1.5-2 hours for domestic/Schengen.
Train Station Arrival: 15-20 minutes before train departure.
Airport Transfer: Arrange transfer well in advance, especially for early flights or groups.
Final Check: Do a last check of your hotel room for forgotten items.

Departure Insights

Plan your departure carefully to avoid stress. Ensure all necessary documents are on hand.

Ravenna Travel Hacks