May 9 - November 1, 2026
Mosaic Tiles - Guided Tour of UNESCO Monuments in Ravenna
Ravenna is home to one of the world’s most extraordinary collections of ancient mosaics, recognised by UNESCO as a unique testimony to the cultural and spiritual exchanges that shaped early European history.
With Tessere di Mosaico (Mosaic Tiles), an expert local guide will lead you beyond the simple act of looking: you will learn how to read these mosaics, understand what you are seeing and grasp their historical, symbolic and cultural significance. This deeper perspective allows you to appreciate each masterpiece not only for its beauty, but for the meaning it has carried through the centuries.
A perfect tour for solo travellers, couples, families and small groups of friends who wish to enjoy an engaging experience and discover why Ravenna is known as the capital of mosaic art.
Itinerary detail
WHEN:
every day
check availability and times at the time of booking directly on the calendar
MEETING POINT:
Tourist Info Point
Piazza San Francesco 7, Ravenna
(please arrive 10 minutes before the departure time)
Directions: the office, located in the heart of the historic center, is near Dante's Tomb and about a 10-minute walk from the train statio
DURATION:
- 2h: Essential Experience
- 3h: Complete Experience
ITINERARY:
- Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
- Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
- Basilica of San Vitale
- Neonian Baptistery
independent entry and visit:
- Chapel of Sant'Andrea (Archbishop's Museum)
LANGUAGES:
Italian – daily
English – daily
German – Wednesday
French – Thursday
Spanish – Friday
Language availability may vary: please check the calendar when booking.
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
- expert, licensed local guide
- combined entrance ticket to the monuments included in the tour
- radio receivers (please bring your own earphones with jack plug, if possible)
Useful info for Tickets and access – Essential Experience (2h)
For participants of the Essential Experience (2h), entrance tickets to the monuments will be provided at check-in at the Tourist Information Office.
- each participant will receive their own ticket, which must be kept carefully and shown at the entrance of each monument
- the ticket is also valid for independent access to the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
- the same ticket must be used to request the additional visit to the Archiepiscopal Museum and St Andrew’s Chapel (not included in the tour)
Please note that access to the Archiepiscopal Museum and St Andrew’s Chapel is limited: even with the €2 supplement, same-day availability cannot be guaranteed, especially during peak periods.
Important: in case of loss, access to the monuments and continuation of the tour cannot be guaranteed. A new ticket must be purchased at your own expense.
We recommend taking a photo of your ticket immediately after collection: a digital copy may be accepted for entry, provided the QR code is clearly visible and readable.
General information
- Punctuality: please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the tour. Monument access is strictly timed and late arrivals cannot be accommodated.
- Booking required: online or at our offices, at least 12 hours in advance.
- Audio equipment: please bring your own earphones with a jack connection for the radio guides.
- Dress code: comfortable shoes are recommended, along with appropriate clothing for visiting places of worship.
- Pets: animals are not allowed inside the monuments.
- High season: advance booking is recommended.
- Voucher: can be shown on your smartphone.
- Invoice: must be requested before payment by contacting info@visitravenna.it
- Cancellation policy: full refund for cancellations up to 72 hours before the scheduled start time.
Special offer:
Get an immediate 20% discount when purchasing two tours at the same time among those marked with the heart symbol in the cover image and this same note in the practical information section.
Highlights
The tour is available in two versions, designed to suit different needs and paces.
TESSERE DI MOSAICO – ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE (2h)
A shorter but carefully designed itinerary, ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed pace without compromising on the quality of the experience.
You will visit with your guide:
- Basilica of San Vitale
- Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
At the end of the tour, you may visit independently:
The Archiepiscopal Museum and St Andrew’s Chapel are not included.
It is possible to add the visit with a supplement, subject to availability.
For this option, ticket use and monument access follow a specific procedure: please read the practical information carefully.
TESSERE DI MOSAICO – COMPLETE EXPERIENCE (3h)
The most comprehensive version of the tour, allowing you to explore all five UNESCO monuments included in the combined ticket, always accompanied by the guide.
Guided visits to:
- Chapel of St Andrew (Archiepiscopal Museum)
- Neonian Baptistery
- Basilica of San Vitale
- Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
- Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
A rich and in-depth experience, ideal for those who want to fully immerse themselves in Ravenna’s history and artistry.
Important booking note
Tour schedules, available languages and time slots may vary depending on the season and day of the week.
When booking, please carefully check and select your preferred tour version (2h Essential Experience or 3h Complete Experience), language and departure time.