Ravenna, Urbino & Ferrara

FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAYS | 3 MAY & 18 SEPTEMBER 2023

The first of our two holidays to this region focuses on three historic cities in the western part of Emilia-Romagna and Le Marche. Ravenna was the last capital of the Western Roman Empire, and remains a treasury of some of the world’s most dazzling mosaics and Byzantine architecture – memories of the final glowing embers of imperial glory. In Urbino, in Le Marche, we discover an idealised city state created by the Duke of Urbino and in Ferrara we will learn more about the powerful d’Este family whose court was based here.

the itinerary

We fly to Bologna and on arrival transfer to Ravenna where we stay for five nights at the centrally located 4* Palazzo Bezzi.

We spend the first day in Ravenna, famous for its ancient monuments including eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We visit the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, with dazzling mosaics from the 4th and 5th centuries, Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, with its procession of martyrs depicted in mosaics, and the National Museum.

This morning we will see the mosaic portraits of Justinian and Theodora at San Vitale and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe. A visit to the Cathedral Museum completes the day.

We will spend today in Urbino, one of the most perfect ducal hill top towns in Italy. This was the seat of the Dukes of Urbino and at the Palazzo Ducale, dating from the 15th century, we will see the art collection of Duke Federico da Montefeltro, which includes works by Piero della Francesca, Titian, Gentileschi and Raphael. Afterwards we will see the frescoes at the Oratory of St. John and Raphael’s house.

Ferrara is today’s destination, where we see a collection of outstanding buildings associated with the d’Este family including the Palazzo Diamanti with its great art collection, and there will be some free time during which you may like to visit the Casa Romei.

We drive to Bologna airport for the flight back to London. Clients joining the second part of the tour will travel on to Parma.

Ravenna Urbino

the hotel

The Palazzo Bezzi is 100 metres from the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo with its extraordinary collection of mosaics, and a short walk to the MAR Art Museum and the historic heart of Ravenna. An 18th century palazzo with a pale cream façade, the decoration throughout is refined and contemporary, both in the public areas and the 32 stylish and light-filled bedrooms. Breakfast is served in the quiet internal garden in fine weather – a pleasant place for an aperitif, as is the panoramic roof terrace with its solarium and magnificent views over the city’s rooftops and monuments.Additional facilities include a wellness centre with sauna and steam room and a lounge bar with a billiards table.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP

3 May 18 September £2,194 £475

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: Depart London Heathrow 07.40, arrive Bologna 10.50 Depart Bologna 11.45, arrive London Heathrow 13.05 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights • Five nights’ accommodation with breakfast • Three dinners and one lunch • All entrances fees and gratuities as described • The services of a Kirker Tour Lecturer

THE ART CITIES OF NORTHERN ITALY

Ravenna, Urbino & Ferrara and Parma, Cremona & Mantua run consecutively so why not book both for a 10 night tour of northern Italy’s art cities? The price to join both tours is £4,398 per person (single supp. £950).