About the Port
Ravenna sits a few miles inland from the Adriatic coast, its port linked to the historic center by a short transfer through flat countryside once crossed by Roman roads. The city served as capital of the Western Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Exarchate, a legacy still visible in its churches and mausoleums, many recognized for their extraordinary mosaic work dating to the fifth and sixth centuries.
Within the compact old town, travelers find the Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and the tomb of Dante Alighieri, who spent his final years in the city. Quiet piazzas, brick medieval architecture, and unhurried streets give Ravenna a low-key character distinct from its more famous northern neighbor. The historic center rewards those willing to walk at an easy pace, its treasures often tucked behind understated facades rather than announced by grand approaches.
Planning time ashore or a longer stay? Read our full Venice travel guide.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Venice .
Marvel at San Vitale's Mosaics
Step inside this octagonal sixth-century basilica to see shimmering gold and blue mosaics of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora, among the finest Byzantine artwork outside Istanbul. Located a short walk from the old town center; arrive early to avoid tour groups.
Visit Dante's Tomb
Pay respects at the poet's simple neoclassical mausoleum near the Basilica of San Francesco, where he was laid to rest after exile from Florence. A quiet, unhurried stop that takes only minutes but anchors Ravenna's literary legacy.
Wander the Old Town's Piazzas
Stroll brick-lined lanes and quiet squares like Piazza del Popolo, pausing for coffee beneath medieval arcades. Ravenna's unhurried pace rewards slow exploration between its major monuments.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Venice
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 8, 2026 | Royal Caribbean | Explorer of the Seas | 7 | $1,200 | |
| Aug 9, 2026 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Pearl | 7 | $1,169 | |
| Aug 10, 2026 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Viva | 9 | $1,299 | |
| Aug 10, 2026 | Celebrity | Celebrity Constellation | 11 | $2,650 | |
| Aug 14, 2026 | Crystal | Crystal Serenity | 32 | $22,300 | |
| Aug 15, 2026 | Royal Caribbean | Explorer of the Seas | 7 | $1,381 | |
| Aug 16, 2026 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Pearl | 7 | $1,229 | |
| Aug 16, 2026 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Gem | 7 | $1,149 | |
| Aug 19, 2026 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Viva | 9 | $2,289 | |
| Aug 21, 2026 | Celebrity | Celebrity Constellation | 10 | $1,209 | |
| Aug 22, 2026 | Azamara | Azamara Onward | 11 | $2,119 | |
| Aug 22, 2026 | Royal Caribbean | Explorer of the Seas | 7 | $4,838 | |
| Aug 23, 2026 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Pearl | 7 | $1,019 | |
| Aug 23, 2026 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Gem | 7 | $1,509 | |
| Aug 28, 2026 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Viva | 10 | $1,869 | |
| Aug 29, 2026 | Royal Caribbean | Explorer of the Seas | 7 | $1,095 | |
| Aug 30, 2026 | Crystal | Crystal Serenity | 9 | $7,000 | |
| Aug 30, 2026 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Pearl | 7 | $1,039 | |
| Aug 30, 2026 | Crystal | Crystal Serenity | 23 | $17,100 | |
| Aug 30, 2026 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Gem | 7 | $1,059 |
Showing the next 20 of 256 upcoming departures. Browse them all in cruise search → or call 800-528-9300 for today's best pricing.