Delta del Po

Our third and final proposal (three days and two nights) explores the southernmost part of the Po Delta, characterised above all by the wonders of Ravenna. It is the city of mosaics, an ancient city, which has been elected as capital three times: first of the Western Roman Empire, then of the Gothic Kingdom under King Theodoric, and finally of the Byzantine Empire in Europe.

1° DAY: RAVENNA

The magnificence of that period has left a great legacy of monuments and a good eight buildings have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Neonian Baptistery, the Chapel of St. Andrew, the Baptistery of the Arians, the Basilica of St. Apollinare Nuovo, the Mausoleum of Theodoric and the Basilica of St. Apollinare in Classe. You will be spoilt for choice, however, regardless of your decision, you will be satisfied. In addition to these, make sure not to miss the MAR - the City Art Museum, which offers periodic high-profile exhibitions and houses several permanent collections, including the Contemporary Mosaic Collection and the recently opened Classis Museum, one of the most important archaeological museums in the country. A real journey through the history of Ravenna with over 600 exhibits illustrating the various phases that characterised the Byzantine city, from its origins among the Etruscans and Umbrians to the Roman age, from the late imperial age to the splendours of Theodoric and the Byzantine conquest. Finally, it goes without saying that the city is home to the mortal remains of Dante Alighieri and, on the occasion of the 700th anniversary of his death, there will be a wide range of events to keep his memory alive.

2° DAY: CERVIA

There is no doubt that one day, perhaps not even two, will be enough to cover all these proposals! However, if you make a few necessary and inevitable choices, on the afternoon of the second day you can move on to Cervia, a characteristic village of salt workers and a town that was completely rebuilt at the end of the 17th century. The Magazzini del Sale (Ancient Salt Warehouses), which now houses the MUSA Salt Museum, Torre San Michele (St. Michele Tower) and the Cathedral are the most significant landmarks. In particular, the MUSA houses a rich collection of artefacts, documents, equipment and historical photos that bear witness to the memory of life in the saltworks, while the Tower offers an extraordinary panoramic view of the city.

3° DAY: BUTTERFLY HOUSE AND CERVIA SALTWORKS

The third and last day begins with a visit to the Casa delle Farfalle (Butterfly House) which, in the wonderful setting of the Cervia pine forest, hosts every day the fantastic flight of hundreds of colourful tropical butterflies, making it one of a kind in the whole area. Finally, you can dive into the naturalistic heritage provided by the Cervia Saltworks, the southernmost station of the Po Delta Regional Park, where you will be catapulted into an environment of great natural and landscape interest, a resting and nesting area for numerous species of birds such as the Pink Flamingo, the Black-winged Stilt, the Avocet, the typical herons of the Po Delta and other protected species. The Salt works, which originated in Etruscan times and are still in operation today, bear witness to the interaction between the forces of nature and human activity. Guided tours on foot, by bike, electric boat or even by canoe are available for a truly awe-inspiring experience!