Ravenna is a city that combines stunning mosaic art with a lively culinary scene — making it a top destination for food lovers who also want to explore beautiful architecture. What sets Ravenna apart is its ability to blend history with vibrant local flavors. For example, the Ravenna: Mosaics and Food Guided Walking Tour with Tastings offers a perfect mix: you’ll see iconic sites like San Vitale while sampling regional street food. It’s a great way to satisfy your curiosity about both Ravenna’s artistic achievements and its tasty traditions.
If you’re looking for a deeper, more intimate experience, the Ravenna Food and Mosaic Tour with Taste Bologna limits groups to just 10 people, so you get more personalized attention. Whether you want a thorough exploration of Ravenna’s mosaics combined with regional bites or a relaxed wine tasting, this list covers the best options to help you enjoy Ravenna’s unique charm.
Below, you’ll find four highly recommended food tours, each offering different insights and experiences tailored to various interests and budgets.
1. Ravenna: Mosaics and Food Guided Walking Tour with Tastings
This tour is a standout for combining Ravenna’s renowned mosaics with a taste of local food. As you stroll through the city, your licensed guide takes you to landmarks like the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, the Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, and the San Vitale, all while revealing stories behind the art and architecture.
What makes this tour unique is its seamless integration of culinary stops. You’ll visit a local bakery for street food, enjoy regional specialties at a local restaurant, and cap off your day with gelato at SBRINO® Gelateria. The tour lasts around three hours, making it manageable even with a busy schedule, and the small-group setting ensures personalized attention.
Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides — one reviewer said, “Our guide made the experience memorable,” while another mentioned how the street food tastings added a flavorful dimension to their day. The cost is around $62 per person, presenting excellent value for a mix of art, history, and food.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for first-timers who want a thorough introduction to Ravenna’s cultural highlights combined with culinary delights.
2. Ravenna Food and Mosaic Tour with Taste Bologna
At number 2, this Ravenna Food and Mosaic Tour offers a slightly longer, more intimate experience with a maximum of 10 participants. It’s designed for those who want to enjoy Ravenna’s mosaic art while sampling local seafood like fried sardines and clam-based dishes.
Starting in Piazza del Popolo, the tour visits San Francesco Basilica and the Basilica di San Vitale, where your guide will reveal the stories behind the mosaics. Then, as you stroll through the city, you’ll taste Romagna specialties like piadina (flatbread) and Sangioese wine in an ancient tavern.
This tour has received excellent reviews for its personalized approach and deep knowledge — one guest raved, “Silvia was terrific and made us want to come back.” The cost, around $137, reflects its focus on small groups and detailed storytelling.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive mosaic and food experience with a relaxed atmosphere and expert guides.
3. Modena Tour: Discover Food, Market & Highlights of the City
Although not in Ravenna itself, this Modena food tour offers a fantastic chance to explore another Emilia-Romagna city famed for its balsamic vinegar, pasta, and Lambrusco wine. The 2.5-hour tour begins at Piazza Grande and includes visits to Mercato Albinelli, where you can sample local produce, and a walk through the city’s main sights.
You’ll get to taste homemade pasta, enjoy authentic gelato, and learn about Modena’s culinary heritage. The guide’s insights are complemented by visits to local shops and markets, giving a well-rounded experience of what makes this city a foodie haven.
Given the short duration and focus on market visits and tastings, this tour is perfect for those with limited time who want a broad taste of regional cuisine. It’s less about art and more about food culture, making it ideal for foodies eager to taste their way through Italy’s culinary landscape.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers looking for a short, lively exploration of Modena’s food scene with local guide insights.
4. Winery Visit with Wine & Food Tasting near Ravenna
For a relaxing break from walking, the Winery Visit with Wine & Food Tasting near Ravenna offers a 75-minute tour of a traditional Emilia-Romagna winery. You’ll learn about regional wine production, sample four different wines, and enjoy local snacks in a welcoming environment.
This experience is particularly appealing if you’re interested in regional wine heritage and want to see how local producers craft their products. The guided tour provides insights into the winery’s history and production process, making it both educational and delicious.
Guests comment on the informative guides and the relaxed setting, which makes it easy to savor each sip. The tour costs less than an hour and a half, making it a great add-on if you have extra time or want a mellow, taste-focused outing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine lovers and those seeking a peaceful, in-depth look at Emilia-Romagna’s wine tradition.
How to Choose the Right Ravenna Food Tour
When deciding which tour to book, consider your interests and travel style. If you want a comprehensive introduction to Ravenna’s mosaics and local bites, the Mosaics and Food Guided Walking Tour offers excellent value and variety. For a more personalized experience with a focus on art and seafood, the Ravenna Food and Mosaic Tour is ideal.
Travelers with limited time or a desire to explore beyond Ravenna should consider the Modena tour for its market visits and culinary highlights. Lastly, wine enthusiasts will enjoy the winery visit for its relaxed pace and regional insights.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, as these tours tend to fill up quickly. Pay attention to your budget, fitness level, and specific interests—whether it’s art, seafood, or wine—to find the best fit.
In Summary
Ravenna offers a range of food tours that blend art, history, and delicious regional cuisine. Whether you prefer an all-in-one walking tour with tastings, a small-group mosaic and food experience, a city market exploration, or a relaxed winery visit, there’s something for every palate.
For those who want an immersive and well-rounded experience, the first two options are hard to beat, especially considering their excellent reviews and detailed itineraries. Budget travelers or those short on time might prefer the Modena tour or the winery visit for quick, focused experiences.
Whatever your choice, booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on savoring Ravenna’s culinary and artistic treasures. Now, all that’s left is to pick a tour and start planning your flavorful journey through Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region.
