Guided Tours

Ravenna UNESCO Monuments Guided Tour

Discover the magic of Ravenna’s colorful mosaics in 5 UNESCO sites. Walk beside an art expert, and become a mosaic guru in 3 hours!

Uncover Ravenna's rich cultural tapestry and marvel at its awe-inspiring Byzantine mosaics on this 3-hour guided walking tour.

With an English or Italian-speaking expert, dissect how mosaic art evolved over 200 years as you savor the vibrant hues of Neonian Baptistery.

A feast for your eyes! Gawk at the world’s largest New Testament cycle and the colorful union procession of an imperial couple, all in mosaic.

Explore the Archbishop’s Museum and a private chapel at your own pace. Learn of prayer and rituals performed by archbishops 1500 years ago.

Did you know? The starry mosaic ceiling of Galla Placidia's Mausoleum inspired Dante to write the Divine Comedy.

3-hour guided tour of Ravenna

Expert local English/Italian-speaking guide

Radio guides for groups of more than 10

Entry to:

Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Basilica of San Vitale

Neonian Baptistery

Archbishop’s Museum

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

34 reviews
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These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
Emanuela M
Group
Verified booking
Jan 2026
The skill of the guide Serena as well as Ravenna
Zagolin E
Family
Verified booking
Dec 2025
The guided tour to the UNESCO monuments of Ravenna was a simply unforgettable experience! From the very first moment you can feel the uniqueness of this city, but it is thanks to the guide - knowledgeable, passionate and able to convey their enthusiasm - that every detail comes to life. The glittering mosaics of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia seem to tell centuries of history on their own, but listening to the explanations, full of anecdotes and curiosities, makes the immersion even more engaging. The golden hues, the play of light and the extraordinarily vivid colors truly leave you breathless. The itinerary is impeccably organized: you walk leisurely, you have time to observe and photograph, and each stop adds a piece to the marvelous mosaic (it really has to be said!) that is the history of Ravenna. One senses a perfect balance between cultural insight and pleasant atmosphere, so much so that the hours flow by in an instant. I absolutely recommend this tour to anyone who wants to discover the authentic heart of Ravenna. It is not just a visit: it is a journey through time, an exciting experience that really sticks in the memory!
Stefano V
Group
Verified booking
Dec 2025
Group of 30 people. Very knowledgeable guide and good at managing time. In the tour we visit almost all the most important sites. Highly recommend.
Catherine C
Group
Verified booking
Oct 2025
enjoyed very much. Guide was great. Did not like to be forced to download the head out app. Difficult to delete after and now get emails which I do not want. It would be good to allow Simone to get their tickets without being forced to get an app that is unnecessary in my view.
Johannes J
Couple
Verified booking
Sep 2025
Very good guide, good English, responds well to questions, highly recommended! Without a guide you walk almost blindly through the mosaics

Starting in the vibrant heart of the city, Piazza San Francesco, the tour will take you through some of the city's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Following an expert guide fluent in English or Italian you can hear whispers of tales from a bygone era.

Spells of Byzantine magic

At the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, witness the largest New Testament cycle. 26 majestic biblical scenes introduce you to the world of mosaic art and make its evolution vividly apparent to you. The interiors of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia with its star-studded mosaics played muse to Dante Alighieri. As you enter the Basilica of San Vitale, a 6th-century monument, a frescoed dome with the mosaic painting of an imperial couple, Justinian and Theodora, will greet you. Standing under the celestial baptism of Christ, you’ll almost hear echoes of countless baptisms held in the sacred wall of Neonian Baptistery.

The archbishop's chapel

After a deep dive into the mosaic history, your guide will leave you at the Archbishop’s Museum, where you can stroll at your own pace and tune into an informative commentary. The unique blend of Roman and Byzantine styles will echo the private prayers whispered within these walls for over 1500 years.

Itinerary

Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Basilica of San Vitale

Neonian Baptistery

Archbishop’s Museum

What to bring

Get your trusted earphones, one with a jack, if you are choosy about it.

Shutterbugs get your camera to document the beauty of mosaics but note that flash photography is strictly prohibited.

Carry a pair of binoculars to get a closer look at the intricate mosaics of high ceilings.

Dress comfortably! Although the tour is only 3 hours, you'll be doing a lot of walking and standing. Comfortable shoes are a must.

What's not allowed

Strict dress code: As you're visiting religious sites, cover your shoulders and knees.

Accessibility

The experience is suitable for prams/strollers and wheelchair users.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your guide at Visit Ravenna - Tourist Information Office.

Address: Piazza S. Francesco, 7, 48121 Ravenna RA, Italy.

Get directions to the meeting point