CME Cruises Departing from Venice (Ravenna), Italy

While your itinerary may say “Venice (Ravenna),” your journey begins in a city that is a world-class destination in its own right. Welcome to Ravenna, a serene and captivating city on the Adriatic coast that offers the perfect overture to your maritime adventure. Located in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, Italy’s celebrated “food valley,” Ravenna was briefly the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later the Italian capital of the Byzantine Empire. During this golden age, incredible mosaics were constructed throughout the city, creating an artistic legacy of unparalleled brilliance. Described as a symphony of color in Dante's Divine Comedy, Ravenna's eight UNESCO World Heritage sites contain some of the finest, most well-preserved mosaics in the Western world. For those accustomed to a demanding schedule, arriving a day or two before embarkation is not an indulgence; it is an essential transition. It allows you to shed the stresses of travel, acclimate to the time zone, and immerse yourself in a world of profound beauty and history, ensuring you step aboard your vessel relaxed, enriched, and ready for the experience ahead. It’s the perfect way to begin a well-deserved vacation. **Your Pre-Cruise Stay in Ravenna: A Suggested Itinerary** **Arrival Day: Settling into the Heart of History** Your journey will likely begin by flying into Bologna (BLQ), the region's largest international airport, located about an hour's train ride away. The efficient Italian rail system makes the transfer simple and scenic. Alternatively, smaller airports like Forlì (FRL) or Rimini (RMI) are even closer. Upon arrival in Ravenna, settle into a hotel within the compact, walkable historic center (*centro storico*). This pedestrian-friendly core is where the city’s treasures lie, allowing you to explore with ease. After checking in, take a leisurely stroll to the Piazza del Popolo, the city's elegant main square. Find a seat at an outdoor café, order a glass of local Sangiovese or a refreshing Aperol Spritz, and simply watch the world go by. This is the heart of Ravenna's social life, a perfect spot to decompress and absorb the gentle rhythm of the city. For dinner, forgo an elaborate plan and wander the quiet side streets to find a local trattoria. Here you can savor your first taste of Emilia-Romagna’s culinary genius: perhaps a plate of handmade *cappelletti al ragù* or a simple, perfect *piadina*, the region’s beloved flatbread, filled with prosciutto and squacquerone cheese. **Day Two: A Symphony of Gold and Color** Today is dedicated to Ravenna’s crown jewels: its breathtaking mosaics. Purchase a cumulative ticket (*biglietto unico*), which provides access to the city's most important UNESCO sites. Begin at the **Basilica di San Vitale**, an octagonal masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Step inside and prepare to be mesmerized. The walls and ceilings are not merely decorated but completely enveloped in shimmering glass tiles depicting biblical scenes and the imperial court of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora, whose portraits gaze across the apse with an arresting, lifelike intensity. Adjacent to the basilica is the **Mausoleum of Galla Placidia**. This small, unassuming brick structure hides one of the most magical interiors in all of Italy. As your eyes adjust to the dim light, a deep blue, star-spangled mosaic ceiling reveals itself, creating an intimate and ethereal atmosphere that feels a world away from the sunlit piazza outside. From here, a short walk takes you to the **Neonian Baptistery**, with its stunning mosaic of the Baptism of Christ, and the **Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo**. Originally built for the Arian cult, its long nave is famously lined with two magnificent mosaic processions: a parade of 22 virgin martyrs departing from the port of Classe on one side, and 26 male martyrs leaving Ravenna's palace on the other, all set against a radiant gold background. In the afternoon, pay a visit to the final resting place of a literary giant. **Dante Alighieri**, the author of *The Divine Comedy*, was exiled from his native Florence and spent his final years in Ravenna. His neoclassical tomb is a site of quiet pilgrimage. Nearby, you can explore the charming shops selling high-quality mosaic reproductions, local ceramics, and gourmet food products—perfect for a meaningful souvenir. As evening approaches, indulge in an authentic culinary experience. Visit the city’s *Mercato Coperto* (covered market) to see the vibrant local produce and perhaps sample some regional specialties. For your final pre-cruise dinner, seek out a restaurant specializing in fresh Adriatic seafood, a perfect pairing for the coastal setting and a delightful prelude to your journey at sea. Ravenna is not merely a starting point; it is a destination that sets a tone of cultural depth, relaxed discovery, and exceptional quality for the entire voyage to come.