MileHacker Logo
Ravenna Travel Resources

Ravenna Travel Resources

Ravenna Emilia Romagna And San Marino, Italy Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for Travel

  • Google Maps / Apple Maps:

    For navigation and finding points of interest. Download offline maps.

  • Google Translate / DeepL:

    For language barriers. Download offline Italian pack; camera translation is helpful.

  • Trenitalia:

    Official app for Italy's national train operator. Check schedules and purchase tickets.

  • WhatsApp:

    Widely used in Italy for communication; contact hotels or guides.

  • Rain Alarm (or similar):

    Real-time weather updates assist daily activity planning.

Online Planning & Social Engagement

  • Ravenna Turismo:

    Official tourism website for updated information on attractions and events.

  • Start Romagna:

    For local bus information and schedules in Ravenna and the Romagna region.

  • Opera di Religione della Diocesi di Ravenna:

    Detailed information on UNESCO mosaic sites, opening hours, tickets.

  • Social Media Accounts:

    Follow official tourism accounts on Instagram/Facebook for updates.

  • Podcasts & Digital Content:

    Seek content on Italian history or art mentioning Ravenna for context.

Print Resources

Guidebooks

Consider comprehensive guidebooks for Italy (e.g., Rick Steves' Italy, DK Eyewitness Italy), or regional guides focused on Emilia-Romagna.

City Maps

Pick up detailed city maps of Ravenna at tourist offices, hotels, or local newsstands for navigation.

Local Literature

"Ravenna: Capital of Empire, Crucible of Europe" by Judith Herrin. "The Divine Comedy" by Dante Alighieri, who is buried in Ravenna. Local newspapers for events.

Emergency & Medical Information

Contacts

  • European Emergency Number: 112 (connects to police, ambulance, fire).
  • Ambulance (Medical Emergency): 118 (also via 112).
  • Police (Carabinieri - National Police): 112.
  • Fire Department (Vigili del Fuoco): 115 (also via 112).

Healthcare & Documents

  • Hospital: Ospedale Santa Maria delle Croci, Viale V. Randi, 5, 48121 Ravenna RA.
  • Lost Documents: Report lost/stolen passports to local police immediately; obtain a police report.
  • Embassy/Consulate: Locate your country's embassy in Rome or consulates in major cities.
  • Natural Disasters: Follow local authorities and accommodation staff instructions.

Further Reading & Exploration

Visual Content

  • Search for documentaries on Byzantine art, mosaics, or Ravenna's history.
  • These visual resources offer a strong grasp of the art and history you will see.
  • Travel vloggers and content creators often feature Ravenna.
  • Their videos offer visual inspiration and practical tips.

Audio & Art

  • Listen to classical music from the Byzantine era or Italian opera.
  • Immerse yourself in cultural sounds.
  • Explore high-resolution images of Ravenna's mosaics online.
  • Identify patterns or figures you want to find in person.

Online Communities & Language

  • Participate in online travel communities and forums (e.g., TripAdvisor, r/ItalyTravel).
  • Ask questions, read personal experiences, and gather tips.
  • Utilize language learning apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Pimsleur.
  • Even a few words make a difference.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Organize your planning chronologically to manage tasks effectively.

Planning Timeline

Months Before

  • Passport Validity: Check expiration date for six months beyond return.
  • Visa Requirements: Research and begin application if applicable.
  • International Flights: Book flights for better prices.
  • Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive coverage.

Month Before

  • Accommodation: Book your stays in Ravenna and other cities.
  • Internal Transport: Book internal flights or specific train routes.
  • Detailed Itinerary: Plan attractions, activities, and day trips.
  • Tours/Classes: Research and pre-book specific experiences.

Week Before

  • Confirm Reservations: Double-check all bookings.
  • Pack Luggage: Start packing, considering Ravenna's weather.
  • Organize Documents: Gather passport, visa, insurance, driving permit; backup digitally.
  • Bank Notification: Notify bank of travel dates to prevent card freezing.

Pre-Booking & Research

Bookings

  • Flights: International and any domestic flights.
  • Accommodation: Hotel, B&B, or apartment in Ravenna.
  • Popular Train Routes: Especially high-speed connections.

Pre-Trip Knowledge

  • Byzantine History: Read about Ravenna's Byzantine past and mosaic significance.
  • Basic Italian: Familiarize yourself with phrases and pronunciation.
  • Dining Customs: Understand Italian dining etiquette for comfort in restaurants.

Arrival Checklist

First Steps & Orientation

  • Clear immigration and retrieve luggage.
  • Withdraw initial Euros from an ATM; activate your SIM card.
  • Head directly to accommodation; obtain a city map.

Local Transport & Purchases

  • Use ATMs for best currency exchange rates; notify your bank.
  • Purchase a local SIM card from a mobile provider store.
  • Buy a single bus ticket from a tabaccheria if using immediately.

Departure Preparation

Souvenirs & Refunds

  1. Buy souvenirs well in advance to avoid a last-minute rush.
  2. Arrange shipping for large items with the seller or a specialized company.
  3. Non-EU residents may qualify for VAT refunds on purchases.
  4. Look for "Tax Free" signs in shops and complete forms at purchase.
  5. At the airport, present goods, forms, and passport to customs before checking luggage.

Timing & Final Checks

  1. Arrive at Bologna/Rimini airport 2-3 hours before international flights, 1.5-2 hours for domestic/Schengen.
  2. Arrive at Ravenna train station 15-20 minutes before departure.
  3. Double-check return flight details and any onward connections.
  4. Arrange airport transfer well in advance.
  5. Do a final check of your hotel room for forgotten items.

Home & Travel Documents

Home Security

Lock doors/windows, set alarms, consider lights on timers. Leave itinerary with trusted contact.

Mail & Pets

Arrange mail hold/collection, plant watering, and reliable pet care.

Document Access

Ensure all travel documents (passport, boarding pass) are readily accessible.

Important Reminders

Proper preparation prevents last-minute issues. A smooth trip starts before you leave home.

← Previous
Ravenna Travel Hacks
← Back to Ravenna
Next →
Ravenna Travel Checklist

Next Up: Ravenna Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation

Continue to Ravenna Travel Checklist