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Follow in the footsteps of Dante, Lord Byron and Oscar Wilde – three poets whose hearts once beat for Ravenna.

Step into a world where language, art and a love of beauty converge. This immersive full-day experience blends Italian language, poetry and culture in one of Italy’s most enchanting cities. Discover Ravenna through the eyes and words of its poetic visitors, from Dante’s final resting place to Byron’s romantic residence and Wilde’s lyrical impressions.

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Itinerary Overview

Duration: Full Day
Best Seasons: Spring or early autumn, when the light is gentle and the crowds fewer
Language Level: Intermediate Italian recommended (adaptable for beginners)
Group Size: Small group (maximum 10) or private experience.

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Morning: Italian Through Poetry (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Location: A quiet courtyard or local language school in central Ravenna

Begin your day with an Italian lesson unlike any other – three hours of immersive study through the language of poetry. Learn from the words of Dante Alighieri, Lord Byron and Oscar Wilde, exploring their letters, verses and reflections on love, exile and inspiration.

Each session includes:

• Grammar and vocabulary woven through poetic language and historical context

• Readings from La Vita Nuova, Byron’s letters from Ravenna and Wilde’s essay Ravenna

• Cultural insights into each poet’s time in the city

Includes: bilingual handouts and a glossary of poetic and historical terms.

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Afternoon: Lunch at Byron’s Palace (12:15 PM – 1:30 PM)

Location: Palazzo Guiccioli, Byron’s historic residence

Enjoy a regional lunch in the atmospheric rooms of Palazzo Guiccioli, where Lord Byron once lived with Teresa Gamba. The menu draws on the rich culinary heritage of Emilia-Romagna, with vegetarian options available.

Sample Menu:

• Crostini with local cheese and fig jam

• Cappelletti in brodo or Tagliatelle al ragù

• Torta di riso or Zuppa Inglese
  Served with a glass of local Sangiovese wine and still or sparkling water.

Private dining experiences may require advance booking.

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Early Afternoon: Dante’s Ravenna (1:45 PM – 3:15 PM)

Follow Dante’s final footsteps on a guided walking tour through the heart of Ravenna.

Highlights:

• Tomba di Dante – the poet’s tomb

• Basilica di San Francesco – where his funeral was held

• Zona del Silenzio – a peaceful area dedicated to his memory

Hear stories of exile, legacy and the writing of the final cantos of The Divine Comedy.
Audio guides and printed materials are available in multiple languages.

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Coffee and Pasticcini Break (3:15 PM – 4:00 PM)

Location: Pasticceria Veneziana or Pasticceria Palumbo

Pause for a restorative coffee and a selection of miniature Italian pastries such as cannoli, bigné, biscotti and crostata mignon.
For something local, try a Caffè alla Ravennate – espresso with a hint of orange zest.

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Late Afternoon: Oscar Wilde’s Ravenna (4:15 PM – 5:30 PM)

Explore the places that inspired Oscar Wilde’s poem Ravenna (1878), written after his visit to the city on a literary tour.

Experience includes:

• The Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

• Access, where available, to local archives featuring Wilde’s signed guestbook entries

• Readings from Ravenna during the walk

Conclude the day with a short discussion connecting the three poets’ shared themes of love, exile and artistic vision.

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Practical Information

• Dress: Comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets; modest attire for church visits

• Bring: Notebook, water bottle, sunglasses and an Italian phrasebook or app

• Photography: Permitted in most locations, though flash is not allowed in historic interiors

• Weather: Summer afternoons can be hot; a hat and light layers are recommended

• Souvenir Tip: Visit Libreria Dante di Longo for rare books and literary keepsakes

 

Pricing (Per Person)

ExperiencePrice (£)

Italian language session50

Lunch at Byron’s Palace50

Guided Dante tour20

Coffee and pasticcini8

Wilde tour20

 Total£148

Group discounts, family rates and private customisations are available.

Ready to follow in the poets’ footsteps?
Create your perfect experience directly with Roberta.