Ravenna: Mosaic Walking Tour with Basilica & Mausoleum Entry

Summary

Wander Ravenna’s ancient streets and marvel at mosaic masterpieces

You’ll follow a local guide through Ravenna’s winding streets, step quietly into UNESCO-listed churches, and watch sunlight flicker across ancient mosaics in places like San Vitale and Galla Placidia. Expect moments of awe (and maybe a sore neck), plus entry tickets and radio guides included—leaving you free to get lost in all that color.

What’s the experience like?

“Look up — you’ll see why Dante wrote about this place,” our guide Marco said as we shuffled into the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. I’d barely caught my breath after weaving through Ravenna’s old streets, past sleepy cafés and the faint smell of espresso drifting from doorways. The mausoleum looked plain outside, almost like it was hiding something. But inside? Stars everywhere, tiny blue tiles sparkling even in the quiet morning light. I tried to count them but lost track — Marco joked that nobody ever gets past fifty before getting distracted by the gold.

We started in Piazza San Francesco, where pigeons seemed to know everyone. Our little group huddled close as Marco explained how these mosaics weren’t just art—they were stories layered over centuries. In the Basilica di San Vitale, the air felt cool and slightly damp (maybe it was just me sweating from excitement). The walls glowed with scenes of emperors and saints, and honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so small standing under that dome. There’s this hush when you walk in, like even your footsteps don’t want to interrupt.

I kept running my fingers along the rough brick outside each building — such a weird contrast to all that glassy color inside. At one point an older lady waved at us from her window above a bakery; she must see groups like ours every day but still smiled anyway. The radio guide made it easy to hear Marco’s stories even when we spread out (which happened a lot because everyone wanted their own photo angle). By the end, my neck hurt from looking up so much, but I still think about those shimmering blues and golds whenever I close my eyes. If you’re curious about mosaic tours in Ravenna or just want to feel what it’s like to step into a piece of history, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Ravenna's famous mosaic monuments

• Start at Piazza San Francesco
• Explore Palatine Church mosaics
• Visit Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
• Tour Basilica of San Vitale
• See Baptistery mosaics and font

Top questions

How long does the mosaic walking tour in Ravenna last?

The duration isn’t specified exactly but covers multiple sites within central Ravenna at a relaxed walking pace.

Are entrance tickets for San Vitale & Galla Placidia included?

Yes, your single ticket covers entry to all listed monuments on the tour.

Is this Ravenna mosaic tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible throughout the tour.

Do I need to bring headphones for the radio guide?

No need—radio guides are provided if your group is large enough to require them.

Where does the tour start in Ravenna?

The tour begins at Piazza San Francesco in central Ravenna.

Is public transportation nearby for this walking tour?

Yes, there are public transportation options available near the starting point.

Can infants join the mosaic walking tour?

Infants can join; they may sit on an adult’s lap or ride in a pram or stroller.

What’s included

Your day includes entry tickets for all monuments visited—like Basilica di San Vitale and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia—a certified expert guide leading every step from Piazza San Francesco, plus use of a radio guide system if needed for larger groups. All sites are fully wheelchair accessible so everyone can enjoy these world-famous mosaics together.