Exclusive Private Discovery Walk

Exclusive Private Discovery Walk, 24 hours, rated 5 across 6 traveller reviews.

Overview

This private walking tour of Ravenna is led by a certified local guide with a master's degree in Sacred Art and accreditation from the Archdiocese for its Art and Faith itineraries. The walk concentrates on four UNESCO monuments from the 5th and 6th centuries AD, when Ravenna ranked among the most important cities of Late Antique Europe. Because the tour is private, the guide can shape the commentary around the group's interests.

The route runs on foot from a meeting point at the Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, a church originally built as a palatine church for the king of the Goths. From there the group visits Dante's Tomb, the Neonian Baptistery with its 5th century mosaics, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and finally the Basilica of San Vitale, one of the most impressive surviving early Christian Byzantine monuments. Entry tickets for the monuments are not included and are paid separately.

It suits visitors who want depth rather than a quick look. Reviews describe the guide as engaging, humorous and flexible, happy to follow specific interests as they come up. Travellers who like asking questions and going off on tangents will get the most from the format. Those wanting a fast overview with tickets bundled in should look elsewhere.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Sant'Apollinare NuovoThe walk starts at the Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo on Via di Roma. There is no pickup; travellers make their own way to the meeting point.
2. Dante's TombA guided visit of 15 minutes at the tomb of the poet.
3. Baptistery of NeonA guided tour of 20 minutes inside one of the best preserved 5th century baptisteries, decorated with mosaics.
4. Mausoleum of Galla PlacidiaA guided tour of 20 minutes covering the mosaics and design of this early Christian monument.
5. Basilica of San VitaleThe final stop, a guided tour of 30 minutes. The walk ends here.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help the day run smoothly, from dress code to how the private format actually works.

• Dress code. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not allowed. A scarf or layer to cover the shoulders works well in warm weather.
• Buying tickets. Monument entry tickets are not included in the tour price. Budget for them before setting out.
• Flexible pace. Because this is a private tour, the format allows for questions and conversation rather than a fixed script. One reviewer described a detour to a mosaic workshop where the group spoke with the artist. The private setup makes that kind of flexibility possible, though it is not a listed feature.
• Depth of content. One review praised the historic framing of everything the group saw, with the guide ready to shift toward whatever topic interested them. Come with questions about the mosaics or Late Antique Ravenna. The guide's training in Sacred Art and cultural heritage shows in the commentary.
• Getting there. Pickup is not included. The meeting point is the Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo on Via di Roma, and the walk finishes at the Basilica of San Vitale. Plan the return journey from the endpoint, not the start.
• Language. The tour runs in English or Italian. Travellers needing another language should check with the operator before booking.

Common issues. The main practical limits come straight from the listing. Monument entry tickets cost extra, so the price paid at booking does not cover church admission. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are barred, which catches out visitors in summer. There is no pickup or transport; the whole experience is a walking tour between sites, and the meeting point and finish point differ. Cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but later than that there is no refund stated.

Common Questions