Art & History Abroad Tours
Art & Architecture of Ravenna & Bologna Tour
Emilia-Romagna’s Bologna and Ravenna boast wonderful but different artistic and cultural landmarks. Bologna is a medieval tour de force… A jumble of atmospheric streets, lined with red brick and arcades, leading to magnificent Renaissance palazzi and medieval piazzas.
Ravenna, once an important city at the heart of the Roman Empire, has quiet antique lanes lined with an eclectic mix of late Roman and early Byzantine architecture, and a crowning glory in the finest set of Byzantine mosaics in the world.
Join Clare Ford-Wille to discover the art and architecture of these glorious cities.
what’s included
At A Glance
Meet Your Expert Guide
Clare Ford-Wille
Clare has taught art history for more than forty years and continues to lecture at leading institutions including the Wallace Collection, the V&A and The Arts Society. A graduate of Birkbeck, she has covered a remarkable range of European art and architecture throughout her career.
Clare brings vast experience and infectious enthusiasm to every Travel Editions tour. Her deep knowledge, clear explanations and passion for close looking enrich galleries, churches and historic cities alike, creating journeys that are both engaging and illuminating.
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: Bologna Arrival and Sant’Apollinare in Classe
Fly from London to Bologna. On arrival we visit the Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare in Classe with its characteristic cylindrical bell tower and lavish mosaics.
After our visit we will transfer to the Hotel Bisanzio for a three-night stay. Evening lecture at the hotel from Clare Ford-Wille, ‘Medieval to Baroque: the art and architecture of Bologna’, followed by a welcome drink and dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Bologna’s Basilicas, Frescoes and Renaissance Treasures
Today is a full day in Bologna, with visits to the Basilica di San Petronio and the central Piazza Maggiore. Inside the unfinished Gothic-style San Petronio, you’ll find chapels with a wealth of frescoes. We will also visit the 17th-century Anatomical theatre in Bologna’s medical school, and after free time for lunch (not included), we visit Santa Cecilia Oratory to view the beautiful 16th-century frescoes.
Next we visit the Unicredit Bank, housed in the late Renaissance Palazzo Magnani, to examine the frescoed friezes inside, including work by the Carracci brothers. We continue our visits in the afternoon to the Pinacoteca Nazionale to view the likes of Raphael, Guido Reni and the Carracci family. This evening there will be a lecture from Clare Ford-Wille, “The Mosaics of Ravenna”. Evening at leisure.
Day 3: Ravenna’s Byzantine Mosaics and Early Christian Art
Today is a full day in Ravenna, with morning visits to the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and the Basilica of San Vitale, both highly important examples of Early Christian and Byzantine art and architecture, combining Roman and Byzantine elements and wonderful Byzantine mosaics.
We will also visit the Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra, one of the most important Italian archaeological sites discovered in recent decades and consisting of 14 rooms paved with polychrome mosaics and marble. In the afternoon these visits include the Neonian Baptistery, the Arian Baptistery and Sant’ Apollinare Nuovo, all built in the 5th and 6th centuries and replete with spectacular early Christian mosaics. Farewell dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Theodoric’s Mausoleum, Bologna and Return Home
This morning we visit the ancient Mausoleum of Theodoric, built in 520AD as a tomb before being converted into an oratory by the Byzantines.
Our final visits in Bologna include the Palazzo Poggi, home of the university museums; San Giacomo Maggiore, which houses the Bentivoglio Chapel featuring numerous Renaissance artworks; the Basilica di Santo Stefano, the atmospheric religious complex that includes the city’s oldest church and the Basilica of Saint Dominic, home to the exquisite shrine by Nicola Pisano and Arnolfo di Cambio with additions from Michelangelo.
Late afternoon transfer to the airport for the return flight home.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“A highlight of the trip was the combination of a lovely location, superb artwork, very good guides and a pleasant group, all of which made for an enjoyable experience overall.”
Mrs A, April 2026
“A great part of the trip was seeing the stunning mosaics, which were truly remarkable, along with the life-sized terracotta figures dating from the 12th century, which added another fascinating dimension to the visit.”
Mr R, April 2026
“The wonderful mosaics were a real highlight, brought to life by excellent tour staff throughout. The sights were fantastic, making this a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable trip.”
Mrs O, April 2026
Availability
Choose Your Departure
HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Hotel Bisanzio, Ravenna
The modern four-star Hotel Bisanzio is located in the centre of Ravenna, close to the historic quarter and a number of shops, restaurants and trattorie. Communal areas are stylishly decorated to recall the days when Ravenna was an ancient capital and there is a peaceful garden area to enjoy. Rooms are bright, well-furnished and comfortable, with air-conditioning, private bathroom with bath or shower, TV, minibar, safe and hairdryer.
Hotel Bisanzio Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a demanding fitness rating and is designed for travellers who enjoy a more active pace of exploration. While it is not a walking holiday, you should expect busy days with extended periods on your feet and visits where conditions may be more varied. These may include uneven terrain, cobbled streets, archaeological sites, steep paths, steps, stairs, limited handrails or fewer opportunities to sit and rest.
A good level of fitness and mobility will help you enjoy the full experience of the itinerary. Please read the day-by-day itinerary carefully, as we highlight specific practical details wherever possible. This may include notes about ground conditions, stairs, walking distances, coach access or sites where lifts are not available.
If you have any questions about whether this tour is suitable for you, please contact our team before booking. We are always happy to talk through the itinerary and help you make the right choice.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
Fresh Adventures for Inquisitive Travellers
Why Choose Travel Editions?
Travel with purpose, passion, and like-minded companions, here’s what sets Travel Editions apart.
Designed for Travellers,
Not Tourists
Founded in 1994 offering unique cultural tours beyond typical high street itineraries.
Personal Service, Real People
Small, friendly team with no automated phone lines. Enjoy personal attention from our team.
Expert Tour Guides, Unique Insights
Industry-leading guides, some since day one, who speak local languages and have detailed knowledge.
Win a 2027 Holiday for Two!
Sign Up To Our
Newsletter For A
Chance To Win
Our newsletter is where you will hear about new tours first, along with travel insights from our leaders and occasional notes from the destinations we visit. We send it thoughtfully: no noise, just the things we think you will genuinely want to read.
"*" indicates required fields
