Ravenna: Mosaics & Marble

Superior Group Tour in brief

Day 1: Fly to Bologna • Ravenna

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Bologna with British Airways. Transfer to Ravenna and stay at the historic Palazzo Bezzi Hotel (or similar) for 3 nights. Afternoon visit to Sant’Apollinare in Classe, which demonstrates the form and function of early Christian basilical churches. (D)

Day 2: 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 centrally planned Byzantine churches to survive. Afternoon visit to the Residenza dei Vescovi to view masterpieces from the Museo Arcivescovile, the archiepiscopal chapel and Ravenna’s 18th-century cathedral. Visit a modern mosaic studio to see mosaics being created (subject to confirmation). (B)

Day 3: Ravenna

Visit Theodoric’s Palace and the octagonal Orthodox baptistery. Continue to the basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, built by Theodoric, king of the Ostrogoths, as a palatine church; the late fifth-century octagonal Arian baptistery, with a mosaic of Christ’s baptism; Dante’s tomb and the basilica of San Francesco. Visit the city art museum to see a display of contemporary mosaics. Continue to Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra. Only discovered in 1993, this Byzantine palace contains marble inlays and mosaics. (B, D)

Day 4: Ravenna • Fly to London

Morning visit to the mausoleum of Theodoric. This unique 10-sided mausoleum was 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 the churches in Ravenna. Lunch at Bagnacavallo, before continuing to Bologna. Fly to London. (B, L)

Meal basis

As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Important information

As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Superior tour

This tour is based in 4-star accommodation.

Arts & Culture tours

A collection of expert accompanied tours focusing on creativity in its many forms. No prior knowledge of the subject matter is required. All tours can be viewed at our Arts & Cultures page.

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 that 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 rearranged, please be assured that we will seek alternatives of equal interest.

Private & tailor-made travel

This itinerary can be taken privately on a date that suits you, for which guideline prices are shown. Alternatively, it can be tailored to your exact requirements. Please call to speak with a Cox & Kings consultant or enquire online.

Expert lecturers

Please note that the exclusive and individual nature of private visits means that 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 rearranged, please be assured that we will seek alternatives of equal interest.

Rowena Loverance

Rowena Loverance is a Byzantine art historian, specialising in sculpture, mosaics and icons. She worked for more than 20 years at the British Museum and is a visiting research fellow at King’s College, London.

Dr Sally Dormer

Dr Sally Dormer is a freelance art historian and lecturer. She read history at the University of Durham, before gaining an MA in medieval art and a PhD at the Courtauld Institute of Art. She is a course tutor and lecturer at the Victoria & Albert Museum and also lectures for the Art Fund and the Arts Society.