RAVENNA

Stunning UNESCO protected mosaics everywhere had me captivated the entire day!
The mesmerizing UNESCO-protected mosaics of RAVENNA are worth waking up for the direct 7:31 train-— a spectacular ride through misty gorges, vineyards, and yellow fields. Buy an ATM bus ticket and take #4 or #44 to Basilica di S. Apollinare in Classe, only about ten minutes away. When you get back, walk up to Piazza del Popolo and enjoy the lunchtime passeggiata of all ages. Grab a bite to eat in Mercato Coperto before heading up to Basilica di S. Vitale to purchase a combo-ticket for the most popular mosaics, including Mausoleo di Galla Placida, Battistero degli Ortodossi, and Basilica di S. Apollinare Nuovo (Cappella di S. Andrea is currently closed for reconstruction). Spend the afternoon admiring these dazzling monuments as well as Battistero degli Ariani. If you find yourself with free time, there’s a park and marble mausoleum for Theodoric the Great about a ten minute walk away, or shopping at ZARA, Benetton, MaxMara, and more before the direct 5:45 train departs for Firenze— another beautiful ride through the sunset.