Bologna’s historical tours range from excellent half-day city walks to specialized private outings. The top-rated city walk starts at Piazza Maggiore and the towering Basilica di San Petronio. This practical introduction hits all the must-sees in about 3 hours, ideal for first-timers. I especially love the small-group walking tours through the old town – guides share fascinating stories about the world’s oldest university, medieval towers, and Napoleon’s impact on the city. Private tours offer flexibility and personal attention, letting you focus on your specific interests, whether that’s architectural history or papal influence. Coming up next: our favorite historical tours in Bologna.
Key Points
- The Historical Tour Overview offers a highly rated, half-day sightseeing experience focusing on Bologna’s history, art, architecture, and food heritage.
- The Walking Tour Highlights provide a 2-hour walking tour of Bologna’s historic heart, led by knowledgeable local guides and available in multiple languages.
- The Private Guided Tours offer personalized experiences with a licensed guide, exploring significant sites like the University of Bologna, the oldest university.
- The Old Town Exploration tour provides a private 2-hour walking experience highlighting famous squares, sites, and the Quadrilatero, Bologna’s oldest market and food hall.
- The Unique Cultural Experiences tour, titled “Bologna: A Walk into History,” explores historical sites and covers Bologna’s relationship with the Pope and Napoleon.
Historical Tour of Bologna
For an immersive journey into Bologna’s rich history, the Historical Tour of Bologna is a must-try experience. Rated an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars by 94 reviewers, this half-day sightseeing tour is recommended by 98% of travelers.
Led by a knowledgeable local art lover, the tour focuses on Bologna’s history, art, architecture, and food heritage, visiting popular sites like Piazza Maggiore and Basilica di San Patronio. Priced from $154.40 per person, the tour includes all fees and taxes, with wheelchair and stroller accessibility.
Travelers praise the guide’s passion, knowledge, and engaging storytelling, highlighting insights into the city’s hidden gems and local traditions.
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Bologna : Historic Center Walking Tour
Explore Bologna’s historic heart on a captivating 2-hour walking tour. Priced from $26.28 per person, this tour takes you through the city’s key landmarks, including Palazzo d’Accursio, Piazza Maggiore, and the iconic Two Towers.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll gain valuable insights into Bologna’s rich history and culture. The tour is available in multiple languages, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors.
With a flexible cancellation policy and the option for a private or small-group experience, this walking tour offers a personalized way to discover the historic center of Bologna.
Wheelchair accessibility and positive traveler reviews further enhance the appeal of this tour.
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Private or Semi-Private Tour of the Historic Center of Bologna
This private or semi-private guided walking tour offers visitors a captivating exploration of Bologna’s historic center.
Led by a licensed guide, the tour takes guests through Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio, the Fountain of Neptune, and the iconic twin medieval towers.
Participants will also discover the University of Bologna, the oldest university in the world.
The experience is intimate, with a maximum of 10 travelers, allowing for in-depth insights into the city’s history, architecture, and cuisine.
Suitable for most visitors, including those with strollers and wheelchairs, the tour includes insurance, gratuities, and optional audio guides.
With a 4.9 rating and 100% recommendation from travelers, this tour provides an engaging and informative introduction to the rich heritage of Bologna.
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Bologna – Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour
Enjoy the captivating history of Bologna’s old town during this private walking tour. Priced at $367.87 per group (up to 20 participants), the 2-hour tour explores the city’s famous squares and historic sites, including the iconic Two Towers, the largest sundial in the world at the Basilica di San Petronio, and the 16th-century Fontana del Nettuno.
You’ll discover the Quadrilatero, Bologna’s oldest market, and the Mercato di Mezzo, a 19th-century food hall. Along the way, you’ll learn about the city’s rich history and architectural significance from your English or Italian-speaking guide.
Booking is available with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making this an ideal way to explore Bologna’s past.
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Bologna : a Walk Into History
A captivating 3-hour private walking tour, “Bologna: A Walk into History” invites visitors to uncover the city’s remarkable past.
This comprehensive tour explores Bologna’s historical sites, including Piazza Maggiore, the city hall, a former jail, and the St. Stefano religious complex.
Led by an engaging professional guide, the tour delves into Bologna’s unique history, tracing its relationship with the Pope and Napoleon. Guests also learn about the University of Bologna and Valsalva’s contributions to ear-clearing techniques.
With an impressive 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews, this tour offers an informative and immersive experience for most travelers, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.
The tour concludes at Via dell’Indipendenza in central Bologna.
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Private Afternoon Tour in Historic Acetaia and Ferrari Museum
Visitors exploring Bologna’s rich history can embark on a Private Afternoon Tour that combines a visit to the renowned Ferrari Museum in Maranello and a guided tour with tasting at the historic Acetaia Storica in Modena.
Priced at $265.38 per person, the tour includes free admission to the Ferrari Museum, a simulator experience, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Highlights include tasting balsamic vinegar aged up to 25 years and a dinner. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with infant seats available.
Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and personalized service, with a 4.8/5 overall rating.
Flexible booking and cancellation policies provide added convenience.
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Bologna in One Day: Art, History and Gastronomy
Exploring Bologna’s rich tapestry of art, history, and gastronomy, the “Bologna in One Day: Art, History and Gastronomy” tour offers visitors an immersive experience that delves deep into the city’s cultural heritage.
Priced at $150.12 per person, this private tour provides exclusive access to landmarks like the Lamentation of Santa Maria della Vita, the National Art Gallery, and the Bolognini Chapel.
Travelers will also savor local delicacies, including cured meats, Parmesan cheese, and balsamic vinegar.
Led by the knowledgeable Professor Riccardo Bacchi, the tour receives glowing reviews for its engaging presentations and ability to provide an insider’s perspective on Bologna.
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The Sum Up
Bologna offers a rich historical tapestry to explore through a variety of guided tours. From walking tours of the historic center to private tours focused on art, gastronomy, and automotive history, visitors can enjoy the city’s captivating past. Whether seeking a rundown or delving into specific aspects, these tours provide an engaging way to uncover the fascinating heritage of this vibrant Italian destination.