Ravenna and the Veneto
An Artistic Passage Through Northern Italy
September 17 - 26, 2026 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open
Designed by Fiona Bennett—art historian, long-time European Discoveries guide, and resident of Italy’s Marche region for nearly 30 years—this exceptional tour explores the picturesque towns and villages of the Veneto, tracing the region’s enduring ties to Asia Minor and the artistic and cultural influences it has absorbed over the centuries.
We begin in Venice—the Serene Republic—an enchanting blend of fantasy and history. Once a major seafaring power in the Eastern Mediterranean, Venice boasts an extraordinary collection of art and architecture. We’ll explore the city and its lagoon islands before heading inland to the medieval city of Mantova, our base for the next portion of the journey.
The tour concludes in Ravenna, a city shaped by empire and faith. After the fall of Rome, Ravenna became a center of Eastern Imperial power under General Belisarius, who recaptured it in 540 CE. In the 7th century, Ravenna’s bishop aligned with the Patriarch of Constantinople, foreshadowing the East-West church schism centuries later.
This fall, join Fiona Bennett for vineyard visits, quiet walks through Venice’s backstreets, and leisurely afternoons in ancient villages. It’s a perfect opportunity to savor Northern Italy’s rich cuisine and explore the cultural beauty of the Veneto.
Tour at a Glance:
Sep 17 – Depart U.S. for Venice
Sep 18 – Arrive in Venice • Orientation walk • After-hours visit to St. Mark’s • Welcome dinner
Sep 19 – Guided walking tour of Venice • Free afternoon
Sep 20 – Islands of Torcello, Burano (lunch), and Murano
Sep 21 – Scrovegni Chapel • Palazzo del Tè • Transfer to Mantova
Sep 22 – Palladian Villas: Villa Maser, La Rotonda & Teatro Olimpico • Dinner in Mantova
Sep 23 – Verona city tour • Winery visit • Palazzo Ducale • Cooking class & dinner
Sep 24 – Villa Pisani • Abbey of Pomposa • Ravenna: Sant’Apollinare Nuovo • Seafood dinner
Sep 25 – Ravenna mosaic tour • Free time • Farewell dinner
Sep 26 – Morning transfer to Bologna Airport • Return flights to U.S.
*Once you have submitted the above registration form with your digital signature, a European Discoveries staff member will be in contact as soon as possible to process your deposit and welcome you to the tour.