Group Tour
Ravenna: Mosaics & Marble
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Neil Davis
Platinum Travel Consultant
020 7808 6785
020 7808 6785
Tour Highlights
Ravenna: Mosaics & Marble
Uncover Ravenna's glittering past with experts Rowena Loverance or Dr Sally Dormer. In 402AD, the city became the capital of the western Roman empire and mosaic-decorated churches were built. Ravenna flourished during the early sixth century under the Ostrogoths, who commissioned further splendid monuments. In 540AD it became the main outpost of the Byzantine empire in western Europe, experiencing another lavish period of patronage, and the Lombards assumed control in 751AD. Decline was inevitable, but vital in ensuring the survival of Ravenna’s illustrious past.
Dates and prices
Itinerary
DAY 1: Fly to Bologna - Ravenna
Fly to Bologna - Ravenna
Fly from London (regional connections available) to Bologna with British Airways. Transfer to Ravenna and stay at the historic Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi (or similar) for 3 nights. This afternoon, visit Sant'Apollinare in Classe, which demonstrates the form and function of early Christian basilical churches. (D)
Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
Accommodation:
Hotel Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi
DAY 2: Ravenna
Ravenna
Visit the so-called Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, which contains fine early Christian vault mosaics. Continue to San Vitale, one of the most significant surviving Byzantine churches. Travel to the Residenza dei Vescovi to view masterpieces from the Museo Arcivescovile, the archiepiscopal chapel and Ravenna's 18th century cathedral. Finally, stop by a modern mosaic studio (subject to confirmation). (B)
Accommodation:
Hotel Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi
DAY 3: Ravenna
Ravenna
Visit Theodoric's Palace and the octagonal Orthodox baptistery. Continue to the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, built by Ostrogoth king Theodoric; the fifth-century Arian baptistery, with its mosaic of Christ's baptism; Dante's tomb and the basilica of San Francesco. Visit the city art museum to admire contemporary mosaics. Continue to the palace of Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra to see its marble inlays and mosaics. (B, D)
Accommodation:
Hotel Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi
DAY 4: Ravenna - Fly to London
Ravenna - Fly to London
Visit the unique, 10-sided Mausoleum of Theodoric, built from huge blocks of ashlar masonry on the outskirts of Ravenna. Drive to San Pietro in Silvis, which dates from the seventh century and provides useful comparisons with Ravenna's churches. Transfer to Bologna for your flight home. (B, L)
Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
DAY 1: Fly to Bologna - Ravenna
Fly to Bologna - Ravenna
Fly from London (regional connections available) to Bologna with British Airways. Transfer to Ravenna and stay at the historic Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi (or similar) for 3 nights. This afternoon, visit Sant'Apollinare in Classe, which demonstrates the form and function of early Christian basilical churches. (D)
Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
Accommodation:
Hotel Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi
DAY 2: Ravenna
Ravenna
Visit the so-called Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, which contains fine early Christian vault mosaics. Continue to San Vitale, one of the most significant surviving Byzantine churches. Travel to the Residenza dei Vescovi to view masterpieces from the Museo Arcivescovile, the archiepiscopal chapel and Ravenna's 18thcentury cathedral. Finally, stop by a modern mosaic studio (subject to confirmation). (B)
Accommodation:
Hotel Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi
DAY 3: Ravenna
Ravenna
Visit Theodoric's Palace and the octagonal Orthodox baptistery. Continue to the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, built by Ostrogoth king Theodoric; the fifth-century Arian baptistery, with its mosaic of Christ's baptism; Dante's tomb and the basilica of San Francesco. Visit the city art museum to admire contemporary mosaics. Continue to the palace of Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra to see its marble inlays and mosaics. (B, D)
Accommodation:
Hotel Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi
DAY 4: Ravenna - Fly to London
Ravenna - Fly to London
Visit the unique, 10-sided Mausoleum of Theodoric, built from huge blocks of ashlar masonry on the outskirts of Ravenna. Drive to San Pietro in Silvis, which dates from the seventh century and provides useful comparisons with Ravenna's churches. Transfer to Bologna for your flight home. (B, L) Meal basis: As per itinerary - B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
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The Cox & Kings signature experiences
- Specialist-led group tour, accompanied by an expert in art, history and culture
- Visit the Church of San Pietro in Silvis, the oldest in the Ravenna area
- See the variety of different marble and mosaic decoration at the church of San Vitale
- Explore the unique 10-sided mausoleum of Theodoric the Great, king of the Ostrogoths
- See the work of Ravenna’s modern mosaicists in a city that remains at the centre of mosaic art
Important information
Expert-led tour
This tour is fully escorted throughout by the lecturer, as well as an experienced local guide where necessary.
Accessibility
This tour involves some long walks over uneven ground and therefore requires a good level of fitness.
Private visits
Please note that the exclusive and individual nature of private visits means they are subject to confirmation nearer the time of departure. Also, churches, private houses and other buildings often have fluid opening times. If any visits have to be re-arranged, rest assured that we will seek alternatives of equal interest.
Guaranteed departures
Where a tour date shows ‘Guaranteed departure’, this tour is guaranteed to run.
For all other departure dates, once the minimum number of people booked has been reached, this tour is also guaranteed to run. Our sales consultants will be able to advise how many people are booked for your chosen date at the time of enquiry, giving you the confidence to book safe in the knowledge your tour will go ahead.
Dates and prices
Unless otherwise stated, the tour prices and upgrade supplements are all per person in pound sterling, based on two people sharing a twin/double room. The online price is a guideline price; your final quote may differ due to flight availability, and you may be asked to pay a flight supplement.
What's included
- International flights (and domestic flights if applicable)
- UK departure and overseas airport taxes
- Accommodation, Itinerary & meal basis as described
- Local Transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Fully escorted by an English-speaking guide throughout
- Entrance fees unless otherwise stated
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