Private Sights And Monuments Walk

Private Sights and Monuments Walk, rated 4.5 across 12 traveller reviews.

Overview

This private walk spends three hours on Ravenna's Byzantine monuments with a dedicated guide and entrance tickets already handled. The route takes in four of the city's famous mosaic sites: the Battistero Neoniano, the Basilica di San Vitale, the Mausoleo di Galla Placidia and the Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo. Roughly half an hour goes to each, with timed entry so groups avoid waiting in line.

Because only your party takes part, the guide can adjust the pace and answer questions as they come up. Reviewers repeatedly praise the guides' depth of knowledge, especially on the mosaics and Ravenna's history. Several mention extras beyond the scheduled stops, such as a visit to a workshop to see mosaics being made.

The tour suits first-time visitors who want the mosaics explained rather than just seen. It runs in rain and is wheelchair and pushchair accessible. Food, drinks and transport to the meeting point are not included.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Piazza del PopoloMeet the guide under the clock tower in Piazza del Popolo, Ravenna. The tour ends back at this same point.
2. Battistero NeonianoSpend 30 minutes at the Orthodox Baptistery with admission included.
3. Basilica di San VitaleA 30-minute stop at San Vitale, with the entrance ticket included.
4. Mausoleo di Galla PlacidiaAnother 30-minute visit, admission ticket included.
5. Basilica di Sant'Apollinare NuovoThe final 30-minute stop, entrance ticket included. The walk then returns to Piazza del Popolo.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before booking this walk.

• Meeting point. There is no hotel pickup. The group assembles under the clock tower in Piazza del Popolo, which the listing notes is near public transportation. Allow time to find the exact spot.
• Pace and fitness. The walk covers the scheduled sites across three hours at a measured pace. One reviewer noted a very slow walking speed with a particular guide, so experiences can vary. The listing states most travellers can participate.
• Questions welcome. Reviewers highlight that the guides welcome questions and answer them in detail. Come with questions prepared, since the private format allows the tour to bend toward your interests.
• Weather. The tour runs in rain. Only exceptionally heavy rain may cause cancellation, in which case the listing states a full refund is given.
• Photos and souvenirs. Travellers mention stopping at a small shop to watch mosaics being made and buying souvenirs, including mini mosaics from a local artist. These stops are not part of the listed itinerary, so treat them as a possible bonus rather than a guarantee.
• Food and drink. No food or drinks are included. One reviewer said their guide booked a lunch reservation and walked them there, but that was a courtesy on the day, not an inclusion.

Common issues. Entry is limited to the named monuments, so any other museum or venue in Ravenna costs extra and is not covered. Food, drinks and getting to Piazza del Popolo are also excluded. One reviewer reported slow coordination on tour start time after a late cruise ship arrival, though the guide accommodated the delay; another found their guide moving by bicycle, which made conversation harder. Reviews otherwise describe the tour and guiding positively. Cancelling less than 24 hours before the start time forfeits the amount paid.

Common Questions