Bologna rewards smart travelers with fantastic guided experiences that make the most of this remarkable Italian city. The classic half-day walking tours are your best bet for understanding the medieval center and its towers – they cover all the main sights in just 3 hours. Food tours shine here too, as expert guides take small groups to authentic spots for mortadella, tortellini, and aged balsamic tastings. The e-bike tour to San Luca Basilica is a personal favorite, combining outdoor activity with amazing hilltop views. For architecture buffs, the porticoes tour reveals the stories behind Europe’s longest covered walkway system. Let’s explore the top guided tours this food-loving city has to offer.
Good To Know
- Bologna offers a variety of guided walking tours that provide personalized experiences, focusing on the city’s history, culture, and hidden gems.
- Culinary and food tours in Bologna allow visitors to enjoy the local cuisine, with private guides, tastings, and accommodations for dietary restrictions.
- Unique and thematic tours in Bologna, such as e-bike tours and night tours, offer diverse experiences tailored to different interests and fitness levels.
- Self-guided and flexible exploration options, including scavenger hunts and audio-guided walking tours, provide a more independent and customizable way to discover Bologna.
- Specialized and automotive tours in Bologna cater to enthusiasts, offering visits to renowned car museums and showrooms with comprehensive guidance.
Guided E-Bike Tour of Bologna With Tastings
For those seeking an engaging way to explore the historic city of Bologna, the Guided E-Bike Tour of Bologna With Tastings offers a captivating experience.
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 82 travelers, this tour is highly recommended, with 98% of participants endorsing it. Priced at $101.58 per person, the tour includes an e-bike rental, a certified guide, and an aperitif with tastings of local products.
The meeting point is in central Bologna, and the tour returns to the same location. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour requires a moderate fitness level and has a maximum group size of 12.
Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and enjoyable food and drink tastings.
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Porticoes of Bologna and Basilica San Luca Guided Tour
Commonly regarded as a top attraction in Bologna, the Porticoes of Bologna and Basilica San Luca Guided Tour provides visitors with a captivating exploration of the city’s iconic architectural wonders.
With a 4.5-star rating from 14 reviews, this guided tour is highly recommended by 100% of travelers. Priced from $139 per person, the tour includes a welcome by Bologna Tour staff, a San Luca Express ticket, Dome of San Luca entrance, earphones, a map of Bologna, and a private guide.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and appropriate attire is required for the Basilica visit. Reviewers praise the tour’s beautiful views, knowledgeable guides, and unique train ride experience.
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Bologna Half Day Tour With a Local Guide: 100% Personalized & Private
Offering a personalized and immersive exploration of Bologna’s highlights and hidden gems, the Bologna Half Day Tour With a Local Guide provides travelers with an unforgettable 4-hour experience.
This private walking tour focuses on the city’s rich history and culture, with a format that blends sightseeing and public transport. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, groups of any size can discover Bologna’s architectural wonders, from the iconic porticoes to the Basilica of San Luca.
With a flexible meeting point and end location, the tour caters to individual accessibility needs. Praised for their engaging storytelling and historical insights, the guides ensure a tailored experience that exceeds expectations.
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From Bologna: Guided Tour of the Mosaics in Ravenna
Travelers seeking an immersive exploration of Ravenna’s renowned mosaics can embark on the guided tour from Bologna.
The tour includes entrance tickets to five UNESCO World Heritage sites, allowing visitors to marvel at the stunning mosaic artistry up close.
Led by expert local guides, the experience delves into the history, artistry, and religious significance of these captivating works.
With whisper radio guides, a maximum group size of 20, and the option to depart from either Bologna or Ravenna, the tour offers a seamless and engaging way to discover Ravenna’s mosaic treasures.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s praised by travelers for its informative and memorable experience.
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3 Hour Private Bologna Gastronomic Tour With Local Guide
This immersive gastronomic adventure through Bologna’s culinary landscape offers travelers an unparalleled opportunity to indulge in the city’s renowned food and wine heritage.
Priced at $203.16 per person, this private tour provides a full Emilian meal with wines, a typical Italian breakfast, and tastings of local cold cuts, cheeses, homemade pastas, and the famous Aceto Balsamico.
Travelers will also savor what’s considered the best gelato in Bologna.
With a 5-star rating based on 12 reviews, this tour is highly recommended for its friendly, informative guides and comprehensive exploration of Bologna’s gastronomic delights.
The tour starts at the Fontana del Nettuno and ends at Piazza Santo Stefano, making it easily accessible via public transportation.
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Private Local Tour Guide Bologna: Kickstart Your Trip, 100% Personalized
Kickstarting your Bologna exploration, the Private Local Tour Guide Bologna promises a 100% personalized experience, catering to your unique interests and preferences.
This 3-hour walking tour takes you through the city’s layout, landmarks, and hidden gems, led by a knowledgeable private guide. With an opportunity to customize the itinerary, you’ll enjoy a stress-free discovery of Bologna, complemented by insights into the local culture and history.
The guides’ expertise extends to providing restaurant, museum, and event recommendations, ensuring you make the most of your time in the city. Rated 5.0 stars by 8 satisfied travelers, this tour offers a seamless and immersive experience, whether you require wheelchair accessibility or just seek a comfortable, tailored exploration of Bologna.
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Private Custom Tour With a Local Guide in Bologna
Embarking on a private custom tour with a local guide in Bologna allows visitors to tailor the experience to their unique interests and preferences.
The tour is fully customizable, with the option to meet the guide at one’s accommodation if located in the city. The team can help book tickets for desired visits, and the tour may end at a different location if requested in advance.
Inclusions like a food or drink break can be added, while personal expenses and local transportation aren’t covered. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and most travelers can participate in this private experience.
Priced from $48.12 per person, the tour has received exceptional 5-star reviews highlighting its flexibility and knowledgeable guides.
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Bolognas Ancient and Recent History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Exploring Bologna’s captivating past, the self-guided audio tour “Bologna’s Ancient and Recent History” invites travelers to uncover the city’s rich heritage at their own pace.
Accessible through the VoiceMap app, this tour provides a personalized experience, allowing users to start, pause, or restart at any time. While not guided through museums or attractions, the tour offers offline access to audio, maps, and geodata, making it a convenient option.
However, some reviewers have criticized the tour’s lack of valuable content, noting the speaker’s tendency to focus on personal anecdotes rather than historical information.
Nonetheless, at $7.99 per person, it provides an affordable way to explore Bologna’s ancient and recent history independently.
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Private Walking Food Tour of Bologna With a Certified Tour Guide
The Private Walking Food Tour of Bologna With a Certified Tour Guide offers travelers an intimate and personalized culinary experience in the heart of this historic Italian city.
Priced from $110 per person, the tour features a private walking exploration with an expert guide, Paolo, and includes tastings of traditional Bolognese pasta, curated meats and cheeses, local wines, and Italian coffee.
Vegan and vegetarian options are available, and dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
The tour’s duration is personalized, and the meeting point is at the Mercato delle Erbe.
With an overall rating of 5.0 from 2 reviews, this tour promises an excellent, intimate exploration of Bologna’s rich food culture.
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Private 3-Hour Walking Tour of Bologna With Private Official Tour Guide
This private 3-hour walking tour of Bologna provides travelers with a comprehensive and immersive exploration of the city’s captivating history and architectural wonders.
Led by a private official tour guide, the tour earns a 5.0 rating based on 2 reviews across Viator and Tripadvisor. Guests can meet the guide at their hotel or a designated meeting point, and the tour ends at the same location.
The experience includes the private guide and local taxes, while transportation, food, and entrance fees are excluded.
Travelers can benefit from free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, and the activity is suitable for most participants, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.
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Full-Day Ferrari Museum, Pagani, Maserati Factories Guided Tour
Visitors embark on a captivating full-day journey through the renowned automotive powerhouses of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region.
This guided tour whisks them away to explore the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, the Pagani Museum and Factory in San Cesario sul Panaro, and the Maserati Showroom and Factory in Modena.
Along the way, they’ll enjoy a delicious included lunch. The tour, priced from $470.47 per person, can accommodate up to 15 travelers and is confirmed upon booking.
An English-speaking guide provides insights throughout, and pickups are available from various Bologna locations.
With overwhelmingly positive reviews, this comprehensive experience immerses visitors in the storied histories and cutting-edge innovations of these iconic Italian marques.
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Bologna Highlights Private Tour With a Local Guide
Explore the vibrant city of Bologna through a private guided tour that showcases its captivating highlights. Operated by Raphael Tours & Events, this 3.5-hour excursion takes visitors on a personalized journey through the city’s top attractions.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off services, entrance tickets, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and located near public transportation.
Reviewers praise the guide’s expertise on Bologna’s history and main sights, providing a positive customer experience. Priced from SEK 4,728.09 per person, this private tour offers a comprehensive and immersive exploration of this vibrant Italian city.
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Bologna Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour
One can embark on a captivating Bologna Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour, seeing the city’s rich cultural and culinary heritage.
Priced at just $5, this self-guided option offers flexibility and allows travelers to explore Bologna at their own pace. The tour utilizes a user-friendly app for navigation, providing access to local insights and hidden landmarks.
While food and drinks aren’t included, the self-guided nature of the experience makes it suitable for various group sizes.
Travelers can expect a customizable tour that highlights Bologna’s renowned culinary traditions and cultural gems, allowing for an immersive and insightful exploration of the city.
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Bologna Highlights Private Tour With Top Rated Local Guide
Discover Bologna’s rich historical legacy through a private tour led by a top-rated local guide. This immersive experience explores the city’s architecture, palaces, churches, and canals, offering a deep dive into its storied past.
Key highlights include Piazza Maggiore, San Petronio, Santo Stefano, and the iconic Two Towers. The small-group tour provides personalized attention and insights from an expert who’ll bring Bologna’s history to life.
With admission tickets included and a convenient meeting point, this tour is perfect for those seeking a comprehensive yet flexible exploration of the city. Moderately active you will appreciate the guided walk, leaving with a newfound appreciation for Bologna’s enduring charm.
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Bologna Private Night Tour With Local Top Rated Guide
Immersing visitors in Bologna’s captivating nighttime ambiance, the Bologna Private Night Tour with Local Top Rated Guide offers an unparalleled exploration of the city’s architectural gems and vibrant local culture.
Led by a professional art historian, the 3.5-hour private walking tour covers top attractions like Piazza Maggiore, Basilica di San Petronio, and the Mercato di Mezzo.
Guests can expect personalized commentary, a market visit to experience local life, and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour operates in all weather conditions, making it an ideal choice for first-time visitors seeking an in-depth, intimate look at Bologna’s renowned landmarks and lively atmosphere.
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Bologna Self-Guided Audio Tour
The Bologna Self-Guided Audio Tour provides visitors with the flexibility to explore the city’s renowned attractions at their own pace.
With morning or afternoon departure options, travelers can customize their itinerary to cover 12 top sights. The tour includes private access links to audio guides and a navigation map, valid for up to 6 days.
While reviews mention some issues with audio quality and translation, the host emphasizes the overall quality and affordability of the service, encouraging users to experience all the guides before forming an opinion.
The self-guided format allows visitors to start and end the tour wherever they choose, making it a convenient option for discovering Bologna’s historical and cultural highlights.
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Bologna Audio-Guided Tour of the Archiginnasio and Local Tasting
This audio-guided tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the historic Archiginnasio Palace, home to one of Europe’s oldest university libraries.
For $21.38 per person, travelers can explore the building’s stunning architecture and anatomy theater while enjoying local food tastings. The tour is led by Bologna Tour staff and includes an audio guide, map, and earphones.
However, reviews indicate some issues with the language of the audio guide and meeting arrangements. While the food vouchers are praised, there are mixed feelings about the necessity of the tour service.
Nonetheless, this experience offers a unique opportunity to explore Bologna’s rich history and culinary delights.
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Modena Private Guided Tour From Bologna (Mar )
A Withlocals private day trip from Bologna takes visitors on an enriching exploration of the historic city of Modena.
Travelers will be picked up from their hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide.
The tour includes visits to the city’s key landmarks, as well as the opportunity to sample delicious regional cuisine.
With moderate physical fitness required, the tour isn’t accessible for wheelchair users but is conveniently located near public transportation.
Confirmation is provided upon booking, and the tour is a private experience, ensuring travelers can enjoy the sights at their own pace.
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Guided Tour at Cantina Da Vittorio With Tastings
Nestled in the picturesque town of Dozza, Cantina da Vittorio offers an immersive guided tour that promises an unparalleled wine and culinary experience.
This 5-star rated tour takes visitors on a journey through the winery’s vineyards and cellars, culminating in a tasting of their renowned wines accompanied by local delicacies like cheese and prosciutto.
With a maximum of 6 travelers, the intimate setting allows for personalized attention from the knowledgeable sommelier.
Wheelchair and stroller accessible, the tour caters to a diverse audience, making it an ideal activity for both wine enthusiasts and casual explorers.
Based on glowing reviews, this guided experience is a highlight not to be missed during a visit to Bologna.
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Bologna: a Self-Guided Audio Tour From Porta Galliera to Le Tre Frecce
Explore Bologna’s historic center on a self-guided audio tour that takes you from the iconic Porta Galliera to the captivating Le Tre Frecce.
This 4.8-rated tour provides lifetime access to its commentary, maps, and geodata through the VoiceMap app. While not wheelchair accessible, most travelers can enjoy the experience at their own pace.
With offline capabilities, you can start, pause, or restart the tour anytime. The 60-minute excursion covers highlights like good sites and information, as noted in positive reviews.
Available daily from 12 AM to 11:59 PM, this private tour ensures your group has an immersive, self-guided experience exploring Bologna.
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Bologna Classic Guide Bike Tour
The Bologna Classic Guide Bike Tour offers travelers a captivating way to discover the city’s historic sights and hidden gems. Rated 5.0 out of 3 reviews, this tour provides a rundown of Bologna’s rich cultural heritage.
Participants will explore the city on comfortable bikes, equipped with helmets and radio-guides, while a knowledgeable guide shares fascinating insights. The tour covers key landmarks like Porta Galliera and Le Tre Frecce, ensuring an informative and enjoyable experience.
With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour allows for personalized attention. Priced at $80.19 per person, the tour includes comprehensive insurance and optional rain gear, making it an accessible and well-rounded choice for exploring Bologna by bike.
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Bologna Self-Guided City Walking Tour With Audio Guide
For travelers seeking a more independent and immersive way to discover Bologna’s historic charms, the Bologna Self-Guided City Walking Tour with Audio Guide provides a flexible and informative option.
Starting at €5.32 per person, the tour offers a 35-story walking experience spanning 3.5 km, with a Lowest Price Guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
The app-based experience is available in English and 6 other languages, guiding users through the city with GPS navigation.
While some users faced technical issues, the overall experience is highly rated, with praise for the self-paced nature and informative content.
With a duration of 3-4 hours, this tour allows visitors to explore Bologna at their own pace.
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Bologna: 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour
Although Bologna is renowned for its rich history and captivating architecture, the most immersive way to experience the city’s highlights is through a private guided walking tour.
Priced at $139 per person, the 2-hour Bologna: Private Guided Walking Tour offers an expert local guide and a customized experience for your group. You’ll stroll through the picturesque Mercato di Mezzo, visit unique food shops, and end at the enchanting Santo Stefano Square.
The tour includes the Archiginnasio site entry fee, while food, drinks, and other entrance fees are excluded. Flexibility is assured with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.
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Bologna 3 Hour Private Guided City Tour of Must-See Sites
Typically, the Bologna 3 Hour Private Guided City Tour of Must-See Sites provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of the city’s historical and cultural highlights.
Led by a professional local guide, the private walking tour covers Bologna’s iconic landmarks, from the Piazza del Nettuno to the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana.
Priced from $183.91 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and service animals are welcome.
Inclusions cover the professional guide and gratuities, while food and drinks are excluded.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and a lowest price guarantee and pay-later option are available for added flexibility.
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Bologna Highlights, City Walking Tour With Private Guide
The Bologna Highlights, City Walking Tour With Private Guide provides an immersive exploration of the city’s captivating history and architectural marvels. Operated by ARTexplorer Italy, this private walking tour offers a personalized experience, with a professional guide leading visitors through the city’s must-see sites.
The tour includes admission fees for monuments, estimated at around 6 euros, and gratuities. Participants will meet in front of the Tourist Office in Piazza Maggiore and the tour will return to the same location.
Confirmation is received within 48 hours, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though most travelers can participate. Tour customization is available if some monuments are closed.
The price varies by group size, starting from $113.29 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Book a Tour for a Group of 20 People?
Yes, most guided tour providers in Bologna can accommodate groups of up to 20 people. They often offer discounted rates for larger parties and may provide additional services like private transportation or customized itineraries.
Do Any of the Tours Offer Child-Friendly Activities?
Many guided tours in Bologna offer child-friendly activities to engage young travelers. Options may include interactive exhibits, scavenger hunts, and hands-on experiences tailored to kids’ interests. Families can find tours that cater to a range of ages and learning styles.
Are the Tours Wheelchair Accessible?
Many guided tours are designed to be wheelchair accessible, providing an inclusive experience for all visitors. Guests should check with tour providers to ensure the specific tour they’re interested in accommodates their needs.
Can I Customize the Itinerary for a Private Tour?
Yes, many private tour providers allow you to customize the itinerary to suit your interests and needs. This flexibility ensures you get the most out of your tour experience.
How Long in Advance Should I Book the Tours?
For private tours, it’s best to book well in advance, typically 2-4 weeks prior to the desired date. This ensures availability and allows the tour provider to customize the itinerary to the customer’s preferences.
The Sum Up
Bologna offers a wide range of guided tours to suit every interest. From e-bike tours to gastronomic experiences, visitors can explore the city’s historic landmarks, porticoes, and mosaics with knowledgeable local guides. Whether one prefers a private tour or a larger group, there are options to discover the best of Bologna’s rich cultural heritage and culinary delights.