5-Day Ravenna Escape: Art, Beaches, and History

Discover the beauty, history, and magic of Ravenna, Italy.

22 April 2023

A trip to Ravenna, Italy, as a tourist promises a remarkable experience with its incredible mosaic art, captivating historic architecture, and scenic beauty. Visitors can explore the historic landmarks like the UNESCO-listed Basilica di San Vitale and magnificent Mausoleo di Galla Placidia. Moreover, indulging in regional delicacies and strolling through the charming streets of the city is an added delight for tourists.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and First Impressions

  • Check into Hotel NH Ravenna, which boasts a central location and modern amenities
  • Head to Piazza del Popolo for a first glimpse of Ravenna's stunning architecture
  • Marvel at the Basilica of San Vitale and its intricate mosaics
  • Enjoy an aperitivo at Caffè Letterario, a cultural hub for locals and visitors alike
  • Satisfy your hunger with a traditional dinner at Trattoria al Cerchio, known for its fresh seafood
Day 2

Art and History

  • Visit the Dante Alighieri Museum, dedicated to the famous poet who spent time in Ravenna
  • Learn about the city's history at the National Museum of Ravenna
  • Walk through the charming Piazza San Francesco and admire its beautiful church
  • Stop by the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • End the day with an indulgent gelato at Sorbetteria degli Esarchi
Day 3

Beach Day

  • Take a short train ride to Marina di Ravenna, a sandy beach with crystal clear waters
  • Rent a sun umbrella and beach chair to soak up the sun
  • Go for a swim or rent a paddleboat for a fun activity
  • Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the beachside restaurants
  • Watch the sunset over the Adriatic Sea
Day 4

Exploring the Countryside

  • Rent a bike and head to the charming town of Sant'Alberto
  • Take a guided tour of the Po Delta, a beautiful natural area with unique flora and fauna
  • Stop for a wine tasting at a local vineyard
  • Have lunch at Corte San Biagio, a rustic farmhouse restaurant serving traditional cuisine
  • Return to Ravenna for an evening stroll through the local markets and shops
Day 5

Final Day in Ravenna

  • Visit the Tomb of Dante, the final resting place of the famous poet
  • Take a tour of the Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe, another UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Have lunch at La Gardela, a quaint restaurant specializing in homemade pasta dishes
  • Explore the picturesque streets of Borgo San Rocco
  • End your trip with a farewell dinner at Osteria del Tempo Perso, known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious food

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Ravenna, Italy by plane is to fly into Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport and then take the Aerobus shuttle to Bologna Centrale train station. From there, take a train to Ravenna. The whole journey takes around 2 hours.

Car

If you are driving, the best way to get to Ravenna is to take the A14 motorway and then exit at Ravenna.

Train

You can take a train from major cities in Italy such as Milan, Florence, or Rome to Ravenna. The central train station in Ravenna is called Ravenna train station.

Boat

Unfortunately, there are no boats that go directly to Ravenna as it is an inland city. However, you can take a boat ride along the nearby Adriatic coast from nearby locations such as Rimini or Cesenatico.

Bus

There are buses that connect Ravenna to other cities in Italy such as Bologna and Rimini. The main bus station in Ravenna is called Piazzale Aldo Moro.

Destination

Ravenna

Welcome to a city that's not just famous for its mosaics, but also for having seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites - just in case one wasn't enough. Oh, and did we mention it's also the birthplace of a world-renowned mathematician? (But don't worry, you don't need to be a genius to enjoy this place.)

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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