Top Experiences in San Petronio Basilica (Basilica di San Petronio)

On our Secret Food Tour: Bologna, we'll provide you with an unforgettable taste experience.

We'll take you to a small trattoria to sample the traditional Ragù alla Bolognese (Bolognese sauce), sample and learn why the authentic Parmigiano Reggiano is so special, sip 8-12-24 year-old balsamic vinegar from Modena, enjoy a carefully selected Charcuterie sampler from Emilia-Romagna and enjoy homemade, fresh pasta is created by Bologna's very own sfogline (pasta-makers).

As a private tour, everything works around you! Our start times are much more easy going, dates can open up. It's a much more intimate and cozy experience. No need to shout over other tourists, you will have every question answered, and leave feeling like a native yourself!

How do the Bolognese live, eat and drink? What are the main attractions of the city? Why does the view of San Luca make a Bolognese feel at home even if he is still on the street? All these questions will find the right answer in the tour designed to let you experience the city and all its secrets in the round: from morning until evening.
We start from Piazza del Nettuno, the meeting point of our tour, and then continue to Piazza Maggiore where you will admire the architectural and artistic grandeur of San Petronio. You will go to Piazza Galvani, where you will discover the secrets of the Archiginnasio. In Piazza Santo Stefano, the Bolognese lounge par excellence, you will get lost while discovering the 7 Churches. You will have lunch in the suggestive, and delicious, historic market, and then resume your tour full of energy to discover the Asinelli Tower, symbol of the city, and the breathtaking view that can be enjoyed from the Sanctuary of the Virgin of San Luca.

• 3-hour Segway tour lead by an expert local guide
• See top Bologna attractions including: Bologna's stunning medieval center, Basilica di Santo Stefano, Piazza Minghetti, Fountain of Neptune, Seven Churches, Torre degli Asinelli and Torre della Garsenda
• Hear tales of colorful history from a knowledgeable guide
• Enjoy a Segway sightseeing tour that’s suitable for all fitness levels
• Small-group tour with a maximum of eight people ensures a personalized experience

If you're looking for a fun and curious way to visit Bologna, you've come to the right place!

With this guide created by a local, you will be able to visit all the most important monuments at your own pace. You'll get to know the stories and curiosities of Bologna! But also you will discover everything about local foods, Italian aperitivo in authentic local restaurants, and much more!

The city of Bologna has an outstanding architecture that perfectly represents the best medieval style. It also has the oldest university in the western world and is considered the cradle of Italian gastronomy.

Our driver can pick you up from a place of your choice in Milan and take you to Bologna in a comfortable luxury car. Upon arrival, a local guide will accompany you for 3 hours to walk around the most attractive places, such as:

- Piazza Grande
- Basilica of San Petronio
- Palazzo Comunale
- The Archiginnasio, the site of the oldest university in the West.
- The Medieval Market "the Quadrilateral".
- The Two Towers (Asinelli and Garisenda).
- Basilica di San Domenico and much more.

You will also have free time to shop or eat at the many local restaurants. At the end of the tour, the car will take you back to Milan to drop you off at a location of your choice.

Are you looking for a way to see Bologna without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour.

• Be introduced to each facet of the city and some of its secrets too, including how the rebellious Bolognese stopped the city from becoming the Vatican
• Hear from producer Mike Corradi, the author behind A History of Italy Podcast
• Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

A journey from the medieval reminders of the ancient city to the Renaissance and beyond, seeing the signs of its past.
An enchanting tour to discover the timeless atmosphere of the historical center of Bologna, the location of the oldest University in western world, dating back to 1088 A. D.

Experience our Private Full Day Shore Excursion tailored exclusively for Cruise Ship Passengers!

Embark on a serene journey through the picturesque landscapes of Italy as you make your way to the heart of the city. Upon your arrival, meet your seasoned tour guide, ready to lead you on an enchanting tour of Bologna.

Discover the awe-inspiring allure of the Piazza del Nettuno, marvel at the grandeur of Basilica di San Petronio, and capture iconic moments at landmarks like the Piazza Santo Stefano and many more.

Indulge in delectable local cuisine and explore a myriad of unique souvenirs to commemorate your journey.

Our excursions are meticulously designed to align with your ship's schedule, allowing you to savor every moment without the worry of returning to your ship on time.

We'll greet you directly at the port and ensure you return with ample time to relax and relish your day.

This tour is tailor made by a photographer for photographers, considering their special need in terms of light conditions and crowd factor.

The tour leader is an expert photographer and photography teacher and will assist you by any means in photography matter. Don't worry if don't know how to take a specific photo or do you need help with your settings, you won't be alone!

• Photographers are not the usual kind of tourist: they are very demanding about light conditions, preferring the warm tone of golden hours or the colder nuances of a blue hour to capture better images.
• Capture good photos require a proper time and we are not in a hurry, we spend all the necessary time to each location until you are satisfied with your photos
• We try to select the best moments to minimize the crowd factor.

This is not a photo book/portrait sessions. If you want to have nice pictures of you in Bologna this is not the tour for you.

Bologna is known in the world for mainly 4 reasons: the towers, the porticos, the university and the food.

In this tour you will find out why did the porticos and the towers come to define the skyline of Bologna and how the oldest university of the western world was born exactly here in 1088.
You will discover that mortadella, our pride and joy, exists since Roman times and "spagnetti bolognese". . . . doesn't really exist.

Outstanding churches and palaces, beautiful squares and narrow alleys will be the frame for all these stories.

This tour is tailor made by a photographer for photographers, considering their special need in terms of light conditions and crowd factor.

The tour leader is an expert photographer and photography teacher and will assist you by any means in photography matter. Don't worry if don't know how to take a specific photo or do you need help with your settings, you won't be alone!

Photographers are not the usual kind of tourist: they are very demanding about light conditions, preferring the warm tone of golden hours or the colder nuances of a blue hour to capture better images.

Capture good photos require a proper time and we are not in a hurry, we spend all the necessary time to each location until you are satisfied with your photos
We try to select the best moments to minimize the crowd factor.

This is not a photo book/portrait sessions. If you want to have nice pictures of you in Bologna this is not the tour for you.

Take a journey in this culturally rich, deeply historic and well-preserved towns, with our exclusive walking tour for a unique and unforgettable experience. You will see the highlights of Ravenna, with its mosaics, and Bologna just in one day with a top rated & local guide.
The tour will start in Ravenna where you will spend about 3 hours, then you will travel by train or your own car to Bologna where the guide will led another 3 hours tour.

On this private and personalised experience, discover the traditions and gourmet treats that make the festive season in Bologna so special as you explore Christmas markets and beautifully decorated medieval porticos. Wander through Bologna's historic streets draped in twinkling lights and traditional red and green garlands, soaking up the festive atmosphere and visiting the best loved Christmas spots in the city. Indulge in festive treats and traditional Christmas favourites like pandoro, see the famous nativity scenes, browse the Santa Lucia Christmas Market for hand-made gifts and decorations and stroll through the Mercato di Mezzo buy gourmet foodie gifts and sample some of the traditional Christmas delicacies! With a Local Host, you can eat, drink and be merry Bolognese style!

You’ll spend a wonderful few hours with one of our hosts getting yourself orientated in what many consider to be Italy’s food capital. Spend your time together strolling through the arcaded streets while taking in some of the city’s best-known sites. Feel refreshed with some ice-cold prosecco or sip some a coffee in the elegant Piazza Santo Stefano. Tell your host what interests you, and they’ll fill you in on all the must-sees and hidden gems. There can be no better way to kickstart your trip to Bologna!

Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Your experience will start in Piazza Maggiore where you'll discover its civic medieval palaces: Palazzo di Re Enzo, Palazzo of the Notaries and Palazzo dei Banchi. In the square, you'll also find the Fountain of Neptune with the precious late Renaissance sculptures by Giambologna.

You'll then head to the gothic Basilica of San Petronio: inside you'll find the late gothic paintings of Cappella Bolognini and the sun-dial designed by the astronomer Cassini.

You'll then walk along the Pavaglione Portico and its elegant shops until you reach the 16th-century Archiginnasio Palace, the old university building decorated with about 6000 student coat of arms.

You'll stroll through the picturesque alleys of the Mercato di Mezzo and its unique food shops to get to the enchanting Square of Santo Stefano with the complex of Santo Stefano where your tour will end.

Bologna is the city where the first university of the Western world was founded. It is known as the city of music, culture and food. In this tour you will discover which historical periods significantly marked the history and architecture of Bologna. Walking through its narrow streets is the best way to enjoy the city medieval atmosphere and its 40 km-long porticoes. You will visit one of the few still-preserved ghettoes of the region as well as the Archiginnasio, the first official seat of the Alma Mater Studiorum (the university).

See the best of Italy in five days on this must-do tour from Rome, and fall in love with Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Padua, Venice and Montepulciano – places so captivating that you won’t want to go home! Enjoy a mix of guided tours and free time to discover world-class attractions like Florence Duomo and the Doge's Palace in Venice, and enjoy four nights of 4-star hotel accommodation – two nights in Florence and two nights in Venice (Mestre).

Enjoy a day in Bologna where you can discover all the secrets of the history and culture of one of the most beautiful and richest cities in Italy.
A guide will accompany you through the streets of the center and will make you discover the main monuments of the city and taste the specialties of the local gastronomy.
You will enjoy a lunch in an ancient inn and in the afternoon on board the train san luca express you will see the famous Basilica of San luca.

Pick up and drop off from Venice

You’ll spend the better part of a day with one of our friendly hosts in the terracotta-tiled, student-filled, food capital that is Bologna! You might begin your day with a shot of strong espresso in one of the coffee bars under the portici (covered walkways) before ambling past an exquisite theatre to the city’s medieval Mercato di Mezzo. You could see the Piazza Maggiore and San Petronio Basilica or if you’re feeling energetic, climb one of the Two Towers (Bologna’s icon) and enjoy a panoramic view of the medieval city center.

Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

A one day walking itinerary to explore Bologna, a fascinating medieval city. Discover Bologna works of art, its porticoes and its amazing food!
Bologna is home to the oldest university in the Western world, and is known for its lavish porticoed walkways and squares, its fascinating medieval center and its bustling night life.
Discover all the most important sightings of the city with this one day trip from Rome!

This is the ideal tour of Bologna if you want to get to know the best of the city on a half-day walk in the historic center. You will discover the history and culture behind each building and you will also receive further information to make unique and unforgettable your stay. We will end up in the medieval market area where you can receive some suggestions for your lunch and dinner based on typical local products.
The tour is carried out by a local expert and certified local guide.

This is a 10 hour tour from pick up to drop off. This includes driving time as well.

Bologna, Italy is a beautiful and fascinating city that should be on everyone's list. The city is full of history that dates back to the fifth century BC. From its cobblestone streets to its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, there are many reasons why people should explore this beautiful and underrated city.

Bologna's Piazza Maggiore is a fascinating place that anyone would be intrigued to explore. It has many monuments, like the Duomo and the Palazzo dei Boi, on display. The main square is always full of life, so it would be easy to find something interesting around.

It will be 10 hours from when we pick you up in Milan until we drop off you. There will be around 2 hours driving time each way.

Experience our Private Excursion tailored exclusively for you!

Embark on a serene journey through the picturesque landscapes of Bologna as you make your way to the heart of the city. Upon your arrival, meet your seasoned tour guide, ready to lead you on an enchanting tour of Italy.

Discover the awe-inspiring allure of Basilica di San Petronio, marvel at the grandeur of Archiginnasio di Bologna, and capture iconic moments at landmarks like Piazza Santo Stefano and many more.

Our excursions are meticulously designed schedule.

We'll greet you directly at the hotel and ensure you return with ample time to relax and relish your day.

Leave the details to us as we escort you on an extraordinary adventure, crafting memories that will stand the test of time!

The best of Bologna in a two and a half hour walking tour with a private guide.
Admire the city's beautiful arcades, declared a Unesco World Heritage Site, and discover wonderful buildings such as the Basilica of San Petronio, the fourth largest church in Italy, which houses the largest sundial in the world!

Stroll through the historic center of the city to learn about the history, culture and ancient traditions of Bologna, admiring its points of interest, such as the Statue of Neptune or the Two Towers.

At the end of the tour, you will be able to enjoy a small food tasting in the city center.

Visit Bologna... with Audiogiro audio guides! Choose this tour (Italian, English and Spanish language) to discover the city with the voice of an advanced digital guide. All audio guides were first checked by a historian to verify their reliability.

You will always know where you are, thanks to the geolocation of our navigation map. Start the tour from wherever you want! If you prefer offline listening, remember to download the audio tracks first.

Within 24 hours you will receive a link from us to redeem the minutes for the audio-guided tour. After that, all you have to do is start exploring the map. No need to download external apps!

PAID ENTRANCE TO THE ATTRACTIONS ALONG THE ROUTE ARE NOT INCLUDED. The price is indicated in the "exclusions".

An unforgettable immersion into Bologna's rich tapestry, combining history, culture, and panoramic views.

Your tour begins at vibrant Piazza Maggiore, where the Basilica of San Petronio, Clock Tower, and Fountain of Neptune captivate.
Your knowledgeable guide unveils the stories behind these historic gems.

Moving on, you'll traverse the city's picturesque frescoed porticos, visiting landmarks like the Archiginnasio and Anatomical Theater, steeped in medical history.

The journey continues through bustling Quadrilatero Market, the iconic Two Towers, and the serene Piazza Santo Stefano with its seven churches.

Explore renowned spots like Galleria del Leone before reaching the Torre dell’Orologio. Here, you ascend independently for a breathtaking city panorama.

Visit the red streets of the historic center of Bologna, visiting the symbolic places of the city and discovering their secrets
Art, history and gastronomy, but also secrets, legends and suggestions of contemporary life: discover everything that has made Bologna one of the most popular destinations for tourists in recent years with a certified guide, as well as a true Bolognese DOC, on a tour private dedicated to you

The perfect tour to get deep into the tastes and the flavours of the heart of Bologna and Modena.

Emilia Romagna history and art, explained from a culinary point of view, From the gothic frescoes to the medieval inns, canals and towers, our guests will bite some history and some local delicacies at the same time.

More in details, it is a tasting tour to discover real authotenic flavors of Bologna's: Parmigiano Reggiano, Tagliatelle, Lasagne, Tortelloni, and the ACETO TRADIZIONALE BALSAMICO DI MODENA.

The seven churches of Bologna and the renaissance / gothic chapels will complete this trip into history, art, and tastes.

Be the hero of a quest and follow clues to discover amazing places and local stories in Bologna.

You will learn about Bologna’s terracotta art and many of the stories behind the city’s most iconic places. You will see the historical Ghetto, walk along the legendary Via dell’Independenza, and much more.

Are you up for discovering Bologna with a twist of mystery? You’ve come to the right place.

Highlights:
Uncover the stories behind Bologna’s central square
Learn about the puzzling history of the Old University
Discover the city’s most famous marketplace
Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, an outdoor escape game, and a treasure hunt.

The city game will take you about 1 hour to complete, but there’s no time limit which will allow you to go at your own pace. You won't need a guide, just download the app, go to the starting point, and begin the adventure.

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.

The beauty of Bologna is not only that it's got (almost) everything that you expect of a big city, but on a human scale, Bologna is not only the seat of the oldest Western World University, founded in 1088, it also has an established reputation of capital of gastronomy and a well preserved medieval city centre containing some 40 kilometres of porticoes built over 1,000 years.

Walk through the heart of Bologna and visit famous landmarks. Visit famous squares, get to see one of the largest Sundials in the world. You will also see the Two Towers, the Fountain of Neptune and famous markets.

Bologna has been named Unesco Creative city since 2006: get the opportunity to discover the "musical" side of the city with this walking tour that will take you around the town centre to discover all the stories and facts of the music and Bologna.

Explore Bologna on two wheels on a two-hour bike tour focused on the history of the city. A local guide will take you on a tour of monuments and medieval squares. You will admire the oldest university in the world, the majestic Piazza Maggiore, to get to the Two Towers, one of the greatest attractions of the Emilian capital. We will lead you to the discovery of the ancient medieval port and its history through the many canals that developed around the city. You will discover the history of the Jewish community by crossing the medieval Ghetto of Bologna to then reach and admire the symbol of the city: the Two Towers. Cycling among the beautiful arcades you will reach Piazza Maggiore, home to the most important buildings of the city: the Basilica of San Petronio, the elegant Fountain of Neptune and the imposing Palazzo Re Enzo. The bike tour will end in Via Piella looking through the famous small window, you can still see the waters and canals.

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.

Have an individual wine session and dive into the world of Valpolicella & Amarone DOC wines: discover an exclusive garden by the river in the centre of Verona and taste products from a family-run winery with the help of an expert guide!

Thanks to this FULL DAY tour you'll have the chance to discover the stunning wonders of this land: Bologna and Ravenna. Both cities were protagonists in the historic panorama of this part of Italy.

The presence of the University, the oldest in the Western world, has made BOLOGNA a cultural center of extraordinary importance. We'll visit the most evocative monuments and places in the city center.

RAVENNA, a Unesco site known worldwide because of its early Christian era mosaics, gives you the opportunity to see preserved monuments from the 5th and 6th century.

We will meet in Bologna in the morning and we will visit the city center highlights. Then together we'll catch the train to Ravenna.

A classic walking tour through the streets of the city centre. With this guided tour you will discover the history of Bologna and its main cultural attractions. The ancient market area, the so-called Quadrilatero, the statue of Neptune and the Basilica of San Petronio are just some of the stops on this wonderful tour.

Our tour starts at the vibrant heart of Bologna, Piazza Maggiore, where the imposing Basilica di San Petronio and the Fountain of Neptune stand out. Moving on to the historic Archiginnasio, we delve into its ancient halls, including the intriguing Teatro Anatomico, showcasing the city's rich history of learning.

Next, we explore the lively Quadrilatero Market, brimming with sensory delights. We then marvel at Bologna's iconic skyline dominated by the majestic Due Torri, symbolizing its medieval heritage.

Continuing our journey, we visit Santo Stefano and its seven churches, passing through renowned galleries like Galleria del Leone and Galleria Cavour.

Throughout, we stroll under the city's elegant porticos, providing shelter and charm in all weather.

This is not just another city tour; this is the best of Bologna from a unique perspective! Get to know Bologna on a city tour that gives you the perfect overview, with city highlights, hidden gems, storytelling, and a local treat - this tour has it all!

Forget about big touristy groups and the crowds; it's time to see Bologna at its best but from the eyes of a local. Check out main landmarks like Piazza Maggiore, Quadrilatero, Due Torri and uncover hidden gems and city secrets with the help of a knowledgeable local guide. And the cherry on top, a local treat is included.

Withlocals Highlights & Hidden Gems Private City Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

On our Secret Food Tour Bologna: we'll provide you with an unforgettable taste experience.

We'll start with a traditional welcoming sweet. Then, we'll visit one of the oldest Salumeria of
the city to learn more about the local meat products and the famous pastas.

You'll enjoy: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella di Bologna and many
more regional cold cuts in the oldest Osteria in the world with a glass of our local wine.

Next we have planned a taste of fresh, handmade pasta made just for us at a local Trattoria,
always with a glass of local wine (and a coffee, if you like it) Then we will visit the main local
food market, called Quadrilatero, and we'll enjoy a tasting of different types of balsamic
vinegar from Modena (8-12-25 years of aging) to discover how this amazing tradition is still
deeply rooted in this region.

Please note that we are not able to offer any gluten-free or vegan option yet.

Bologna, the capital of the Reggio Emilia region, is one of the most historical cities in whole Italy. It’s existence dates back to 1000 BC. The city hosts the first university in the whole World.

You will enjoy, with your private official tour guide, getting to know the most emblematic and representative sites of the city. Bologna has a very active public life and high economic activy.

Enjoy this walking tour of Bologna. Pick up will be set from a centrally located meeting point in the city of Bologna, always walking distance. If your hotel is walking distance, please include this at the time of booking.

Amongst other monuments, please enjoy these sites:

- Piazza Maggiore
- Le Due Torri Torre degli Asinell
- Basilica di San Petronio
- Archiginnasio di Bologna

SAVE COVID-19 SAFE - As this is a private tour we take care of maintaining social distance.

Bologna is the capital of Emilia-Romagna, Parma is the capital of Emilia-Piedmont in Northern Italy. Both cities have a rich history and are also known for their food. Bologna is particularly well known for its meat products and wood carving, while Parma's specialty is sausages.

Bologna is a city of over 400,000 inhabitants. This city is famous for being home to the world’s oldest university and it is also one of Italy’s most important cultural and economic centers.

In this private tour, you will discover the city’s fascinating history and art by visiting Parma’s and Bologna’ s most beautiful monuments, as well as its antique shops and local markets. This tour has a starting point in Parma and an ending point in Bologna.

We will arrange a private and comfortable pick up from your hotel or place of choice in Milan. You will enjoy a 2 hours guided tour in Parma and Bologna with a local tour guide.

At the end of the tour, your private driver will take you back to your hotel.

Explore the beautiful Bologna at your own pace. This self-guided audio tour will take you to all the well-known spots and undiscovered gems of Bologna. Go on a journey of discovery with your virtual audio guide and get to know Bologna and its history in a unique way.

You can walk at your own pace and experience the most beautiful walking routes and best stories

This route will take you to unexpected discoveries by using a Personal virtual GPS audio guide available in 7 languages.

An enchanting tour to discover the timeless atmosphere of the historical center of Bologna, the seat of the most ancient European university, dating back to 1088 A. D.

This visit will give you the chance to witness the real heart of the city, walking through its most ancient area and monuments.