10 Cultural Tours in Bologna That You Shouldn't Miss

Not many know that Bologna dates all the way back to 1000 BC! With a history of almost 3000 years, it has played an important role in the world’s events, and one can only imagine how much there is to tell! On our enchanting private walking tour through the city of Bologna we will visit numerous of interesting and off-the-beaten-path places as well as the major piazzas and monuments of this fascinating town. Bologna is a bustling city displaying beautiful sites and is home to the first university in the world! In fact,still to this day it is a popular city among Italian and international students. Discover this fascinating Medieval town on a Private and Exclusive Walking Tour.

Inclusions: Professional Local Expert Guide, Private Tour

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Ferrara is the italian “city of bikes”! Declared Unesco heritage site due to its well preserved city centre, in Ferrara you'll admire stunning palaces built by the famous Este family, such as the Estense Castle, now the symbol of the city, and the gorgeous Palazzo dei Diamanti.

Inclusions: Tour Guide, Radio-guides, Bike, Helmet, Raincoat, Child seat for infants

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Enjoy the historical and cultural heritage of Bologna in a walking tour of 2 hours! Visit its Medieval squares and the main landmarks of the city, from Piazza Maggiore and its impressive unfinished cathedral, the Basilica San Petronio, to the 2 Towers, main symbol of the city. You'll also learn the history of Bologna's University, the oldest one in Europe.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Headsets for groups over 3 participants.

Exclusions: Gratuities

What makes this guided tour unique is the view of Bologna from above, the history of the sanctuary and the view of the longest portico in the world. The journey will be made by the San luca Express train which connects the city to the Sanctuary in a panoramic way

Inclusions: tourist guide, San Luca Express included

Exclusions: tip

During our experience, I will guide you through the magnificent city of Bologna, where you will be able to find out about your city. I'll reveal the secrets of the town, walking throu both markets and monuments. I'll also make sure you have a true local for the city! I'll take you to differents "neighborhood" where you can fully feel how the atmosphere of the city changes and you can live it at the fullest. I will give you a little map to AVOID all the turistic spot, and give you advice for restaurants, taverns and markets Where to have a drink and where to buy and where to buy! Many more secrets ... can just reveal all now ...;)

Inclusions: Private local guide

Exclusions: Soda/Pop

Imagine sipping delicious Italian wine in an authentic bar filled with locals. Let a local host in Bologna make this your reality! Discover Bologna’s relaxing bars and blend in with the regulars while you enjoy delicious local wine paired with Italian bites. 7 delicious tastings included. Start your experience at an award-winning wine bar where you’ll enjoy a glass of light and fruity sparkling Italian wine paired with some tasty local cheese. Then stroll through the city and admire the historic canals! Step inside a homely bar beloved by the locals. Sip on a glass of sparkling red wine with an Italian classic, parmesan cheese. The rich and salty flavors of the cheese paired with the citrus and floral notes of the wine are a match made in heaven. Follow your local host through the city’s old market and then weave your way to a local osteria (Italian restaurant). This local favorite has been serving wine since 1465 making it one of the oldest in Bologna.

Inclusions: Private tour, Local guide, 3 pairing bites with your wine, 4 alcoholic drinks: wine

Exclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop off, Food and beverages not listed as inclusions

A mix of art masterpieces, history, food stories, legends and secrets described by a local art lover with a great experience and knowledge of the city. The tour itself will be like a dive into history and time. All information about art will be experienced by the visitors as a trip enriched with details about life, food, culture, music and traditions of those ages.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes

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A classic walking tour together with a private guide through the streets of the center of Bologna visiting the major cultural attractions of the city and the history of local gastronomy to discover all the secrets of the city that our guide will tell you. At the end a small tasting of local products in a historical shop.

Inclusions: Final tasting of typical products

Exclusions: Gratuities

Palazzo Comunale, a mighty building that incorporates various buildings from different eras. Starting from 1336 it became the residence of the Anziani residence, the city's top magistracy, and since then it has always played the role of representing the city. It is the seat of the Mayor's office and of the Council Hall; Palazzo del Podestà, the oldest building on the Piazza built as the first seat of the city government. Today it has a restored facade in the Renaissance period; Palazzo di Re Enzo, built between 1244 and 1246 as an extension of the municipal buildings of the Palazzo del Podestà. It soon became the home of King Enzo, son of Emperor Frederick II of Swabia, captured by the Bolognese during the battle of Fossalta;

Inclusions: Guide

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Meet our assistant at Milan Central railway station: she will deliver your train tickets and vouchers and provide some useful information. Then get the high-speed train to Bologna; the journey takes approximately 1h 15'. This package includes the entry fee to the the Asinelli Tower, the tallest leaning tower in the world, built between 1109 and 1119. You will climb the 500 steps of the most important symbol of Bologna and enjoy a wonderful view of the town from above. Then you will have the chance to taste some local food, a snack with a typical cold cut and a home-made gelato. You will also have time to explore the city centre independently. At the end of the day, travel back to Milan by train.

Inclusions: English speaking assistant at the railway station in Milan (only upon departure), Round-trip high-speed train tickets from Milan to Bologna - 2nd class, Asinelli Tower entry fee (only entrance without guided tour), Local food tasting (snack with a local cold cut + ice-cream)

Exclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Guided visit of Asinelli Tower (self guided tour)