CME Cruise Conferences roundtrip from Venice (Ravenna), Italy

When your itinerary says “Venice (Ravenna),” it’s essential to understand the geography to plan your time effectively. Your cruise embarks and disembarks not in Venice itself, but from the port of Ravenna, a historically significant city located about 90 miles (145 km) to the south. This journey typically takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours by train or car. Rather than viewing this as a logistical hurdle, consider it an opportunity to explore two distinct and magnificent facets of Italian culture. A pre- or post-cruise stay is not just recommended; it is the key to a relaxed and deeply enriching experience of this celebrated region. ### The Unexpected Jewel: Ravenna Before or after your journey to the Venetian Lagoon, immerse yourself in Ravenna, a city that was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire. Its quiet, walkable streets hold a treasure of global importance: a collection of early Christian and Byzantine mosaics that are simply without parallel. Eight of Ravenna’s monuments are UNESCO World Heritage sites, and their artistic and spiritual power is breathtaking. The shimmering gold and vibrant colors of the mosaics inside the Basilica di San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia are not just decorations; they are intricate narratives of faith and power that have survived for over 1,500 years. Standing beneath the star-dusted, deep blue ceiling of the mausoleum is a moment of profound tranquility and awe. Other essential sites include the Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, with its long, solemn processions of saints and martyrs, and the Arian Baptistery. Beyond the mosaics, Ravenna is a delightful city to explore on foot. The central Piazza del Popolo is a perfect spot for an aperitivo, and the quiet tomb of Dante Alighieri, the father of the Italian language, offers a moment of literary pilgrimage. As the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region—often called Italy’s culinary capital—Ravenna offers a distinct and outstanding gastronomic experience. This is the home of piadina, a warm, simple flatbread filled with local cheeses and cured meats, best enjoyed from a street-side stand. You’ll also find exquisite handmade pastas like cappelletti and tagliatelle served with rich ragù, all paired with regional wines like Sangiovese or Albana. ### Connecting to Venice: A Strategic Approach Given the distance, attempting to visit Venice on the day your cruise begins or ends is highly inadvisable. The journey, combined with luggage and check-in procedures, creates a stressful, rushed experience that does justice to neither city. The most effective way to travel between them is by train. From the cruise terminal at Porto Corsini, a 20-minute taxi ride will take you to Ravenna’s train station. From there, frequent trains connect to Venice’s Santa Lucia station, often with a simple change in Bologna or Ferrara. Arriving in Venice by train is a magical experience in itself, as you step directly from the station onto the banks of the Grand Canal. ### A Recommended Pre-Cruise Itinerary (3 Days) To fully appreciate the region, plan for at least two or three nights before your cruise. This unhurried pace allows you to acclimate and explore with intention.

• Day 1: Arrival in Emilia-Romagna. Fly into Bologna’s Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), the region’s largest international gateway. Take the convenient airport shuttle or a train directly to Ravenna (approx. 1-1.5 hours). Check into your hotel, then take a leisurely evening passeggiata (stroll) through the historic center. Settle in for a welcome dinner at a traditional osteria, savoring the authentic flavors of the region.
• Day 2: The Glory of Ravenna. Dedicate the day to Ravenna’s UNESCO sites. A single combination ticket provides access to most of the major monuments. Start at San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, as they are near each other. After a break for a classic piadina lunch, continue to Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and the Neonian Baptistery. The sheer artistic brilliance is best absorbed at a comfortable pace, allowing time to sit and contemplate the history within the walls.
• Day 3: Embarkation Day. Enjoy a final, relaxed morning in Ravenna. Perhaps you’ll visit Dante’s Tomb or browse the local market. After a leisurely lunch, take a pre-arranged taxi or shuttle to the Porto Corsini cruise terminal. You will arrive for embarkation feeling refreshed and culturally enriched, having already begun your vacation in one of Italy’s most historically significant cities, ready for the next leg of your journey.

For a post-cruise stay, simply reverse the logic, taking the train from Venice to Ravenna for a couple of days of exploration before flying home from Bologna. This approach transforms a potential travel challenge into a highlight, offering a two-part discovery of Byzantine splendor and Venetian grandeur.