East Coast of Italy Itinerary: Byzantine Mosaics and Adriatic Flavours
This 7-day itinerary explores Italy's vibrant East Coast, starting in Bologna, moving to the mosaic city of Ravenna, and concluding in the port city of Ancona. Travel between cities is primarily by train.
- 1Bologna
- 2Ravenna
- 3Ancona
Day 1: Arrive Bologna
Arrive in Bologna, Italy's culinary capital, and begin your exploration of its historic heart, including the grand Piazza Maggiore and the bustling Quadrilatero market district.
Highlights
- Land at Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) and transfer to the city centre, easily accessible by Marconi Express monorail to Bologna Centrale train station.
- Stroll through Piazza Maggiore, Bologna's main square, surrounded by landmark buildings.
- Wander the narrow lanes of the Quadrilatero, a historic market quarter vibrant with local life.
Day 2: Explore Bologna
Delve deeper into Bologna's rich culinary traditions and iconic architecture, including a climb up the medieval Asinelli Tower for panoramic city views.
Highlights
- Ascend the Asinelli Tower, one of Bologna's iconic leaning towers, for sweeping vistas.
- Savour traditional Bolognese dishes like Tagliatelle al Ragù or Tortellini in Brodo, protected by local culinary tradition.
- Explore the vast Gothic Basilica di San Petronio, dominating Piazza Maggiore.
Day 3: Bookable day trip from Bologna to Modena
Take a train day trip to Modena, renowned for its automotive heritage, balsamic vinegar, and UNESCO-listed Romanesque cathedral.
Highlights
- Travel by train from Bologna to Modena, with services running from 00:05 and the last return at 23:52, with tickets starting from €5.
- Visit the Museo Enzo Ferrari, celebrating the iconic car brand with immersive displays.
- Discover Modena's UNESCO-listed Duomo and its elegant bell tower, Torre Ghirlandina.
Day 4: Bologna -> Ravenna
Journey by train from Bologna to Ravenna, a city famed for its stunning Byzantine mosaics, and begin exploring its ancient treasures.
Highlights
- Take a train from Bologna Centrale to Ravenna, with tickets starting from €9 for the approximately 1 hour 23 minute journey.
- Start your exploration at the Basilica di San Vitale, a UNESCO 6th-century basilica with shimmering Byzantine mosaics.
- Wander through Piazza del Popolo, Ravenna's main central square, a natural starting point for the historic centre.
Day 5: Explore Ravenna
Dedicate a full day to Ravenna's UNESCO World Heritage sites, focusing on its ancient Christian mosaics and unique architectural gems.
Highlights
- Marvel at the striking 5th-century mosaics in the Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, among the oldest Christian mosaics globally.
- Explore the octagonal Battistero Neoniano, preserving superb early Christian mosaics and marble decoration.
- Visit the Museo Nazionale di Ravenna for deeper context on the city's archaeology and early Christian artifacts.
Day 6: Ravenna -> Ancona
Travel south by train to Ancona, a historic port city on the Adriatic coast, and explore its ancient Roman and maritime landmarks.
Highlights
- Board a train from Ravenna to Ancona, with tickets starting from €12 for the approximately 2 hour 2 minute journey.
- Discover the Arco di Traiano, a monumental Roman arch from 115 CE, standing by Ancona's historic port.
- Stroll along the Passeggiata del Passetto, an elevated promenade offering iconic sea views and sunset walks.
Day 7: Depart Ancona
Enjoy a final morning in Ancona, visiting its impressive cathedral before departing from the city.
Highlights
- Visit the Cattedrale di San Ciriaco, crowning Guasco Hill with Romanesque and Byzantine features and broad Adriatic views.
- Depart from Ancona Falconara Airport (AOI), the recommended international airport for the Marche region.
- Alternatively, Ancona Train Station offers vital regional and national rail connections.
