After the fall of Rome, Ravenna was Italy’s most important city. For 300 years after 402 CE, while the rest of Italy foundered under barbarians, Ravenna blossomed in the Western Roman and Byzantine empires. Its Byzantine Christian churches were adorned with breathtakingly beautiful mosaics in gold, emerald and sapphire. Even Dante was mesmerized. Visit these UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Saint Vitale Basilica, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Neonian Baptistery, the Arian Baptistery, the Basilica of S. Apollinare Nuovo, the Basilica of San Francesco (Dante’s tomb), and the newly discovered House of Stone Carpets, an ancient Roman house.
*NOTE: Lunch is not included