Discover the Byzantine origins of Ravenna & Venice

Unravel the mysteries of Ravenna and Venice’s Byzantine origins on The Travellers’ Club eight day tour (8-15 March 2008) bookable through independent tour operator Prestige Holidays.

The tour costs £985 per person including flights to Bologna and back from Venice, transfers, guided visits and seven nights accommodation.

The holiday commences with two days in Ravenna and the chance to gain an insight into the early Byzantine Empire and church through the wonderful mosaics and domed buildings of the Exarchate. Key sites include the Tomb of Galla Placida, the churches of San Vitale and Sant Apollinare Nuovo.

In Venice the tour goes on to explore how Byzantium and the East provided a unique contribution to Renaissance architecture and art in Venice, visiting the beautifully restored church of Miracoli and paintings of Bellini, Carpaccio and their contemporaries in the Accademia Gallery and key churches.

Other highlights include visits to the Basilica di San Marco, San Zaccaria and the Romanesque cloister of Sant Appolinia plus a boat trip to the islands of the lagoon: Murano, Torcella and Burano.

For further information consult Thetravellersclub.com.