CME Cruises Arriving in Venice (Ravenna), Italy

As your cruise concludes on the Adriatic coast, you may see your port of arrival listed as “Venice (Ravenna).” While Venice is a common point of departure, your journey actually culminates in Ravenna—a city of profound historical significance and quiet beauty that is a destination in its own right. Before you rush to the nearest airport, consider this: after days of intellectual engagement in your onboard conferences, Ravenna offers the perfect epilogue to your Italian adventure. It’s a chance to decompress, explore, and immerse yourself in a world of unparalleled artistry, all within a compact and easily walkable city center. We invite you to extend your stay for a day or three; you’ll find it’s the ideal way to transition from your rewarding professional development back to the world at large. Located on the Adriatic coast in North-East Italy, Ravenna was briefly the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later the Italian capital of the Byzantine Empire. During this time, incredible mosaics were constructed throughout the city. Described as a symphony of color in Dante's Divine Comedy, Ravenna's well-preserved mosaics are some of the finest remaining in the Western world, earning the city eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. Unlike the bustling crowds of larger Italian cities, Ravenna offers a serene and deeply enriching experience, perfect for a discerning traveler. Your Post-Cruise Itinerary in Ravenna Day 1: A Symphony of Mosaics Your first day is dedicated to the city’s crown jewels. A single combination ticket provides access to most of the key UNESCO sites, making for a seamless day of discovery. Begin at the Basilica di San Vitale, an octagonal masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Step inside and prepare to be mesmerized. The walls are not painted but adorned with millions of tiny, shimmering glass and gold tesserae depicting biblical scenes and, most famously, the imperial portraits of Emperor Justinian and his formidable wife, Theodora. The level of detail and vibrant color, preserved for over 1,500 years, is simply breathtaking. Adjacent to the basilica is the unassuming Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Enter this small, cross-shaped structure and find yourself enveloped in a celestial dreamscape. The ceiling is a deep indigo mosaic sky, blanketed with over 800 golden stars, creating an intimate and profoundly moving atmosphere that has captivated visitors for centuries. From there, a short walk takes you to the Neonian Baptistery, one of the oldest monuments in the city, with a stunning ceiling mosaic depicting the baptism of Christ. Later, you can contrast this with the nearby Arian Baptistery to appreciate the subtle theological and artistic differences from this unique period of history. Day 2: Dante, Piadina, and Piazza Life After a day of artistic immersion, explore Ravenna’s other cultural touchstones. Begin your morning with a visit to the tranquil tomb of Dante Alighieri, the father of the Italian language. Exiled from his native Florence, the author of *The Divine Comedy* spent his final years in Ravenna and is buried here in a small, neoclassical mausoleum. It’s a quiet corner of the city perfect for reflection. For lunch, you must experience the culinary soul of the Emilia-Romagna region: the *piadina*. This warm, unleavened flatbread is a local obsession, and you’ll find countless *piadinerie* serving it filled with regional delights like prosciutto, squacquerone cheese, and arugula. It’s a simple, delicious, and authentic meal. In the afternoon, make your way to the Piazza del Popolo, the city’s elegant main square. Flanked by Venetian-style architecture, it’s the perfect place to embrace the Italian ritual of the *aperitivo*. Find a table at an outdoor café, order a spritz or a glass of local wine, and simply watch the world go by. The surrounding pedestrian streets are filled with charming boutiques, artisan shops, and gelaterias waiting to be discovered. Day 3: Deeper Discoveries or Regional Exploration On your final day, you have options. You can delve deeper into Ravenna by visiting the Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo to see its magnificent parallel mosaics depicting processions of martyrs and virgins. Or, explore the Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra (House of the Stone Carpets), an underground archaeological site showcasing stunning Roman and Byzantine floor mosaics. Alternatively, use Ravenna as a base for exploring the region. The train station is conveniently located, offering easy day trips. In just over an hour, you can be in Bologna, Italy’s culinary capital, renowned for its fresh pasta, mortadella, and sprawling medieval porticoes. Or, visit the magnificent Renaissance city of Ferrara, with its imposing Este Castle surrounded by a moat. Practicalities for Departure When your extended stay concludes, traveling onward is straightforward. The cruise terminal at Porto Corsini is connected to Ravenna’s city center by taxi and shuttle services. The most convenient airport is Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), easily reached by a direct train from Ravenna to Bologna, followed by a short monorail ride to the terminal. Other options include Venice (VCE) and Florence (FLR), though they require longer train journeys. By choosing to stay, you transform Ravenna from a simple port of disembarkation into a memorable final chapter of your European journey—one filled with art, history, and the relaxed pace of authentic Italian life.