Top 15 Bologna Tours for Unforgettable Experiences

Located in northern Italy, Bologna serves as the capital and most populous city in the Emilia-Romagna region, with approximately 400,000 residents.

Notably, Bologna hosts a vibrant population representing more than 100 nationalities. It is strategically located between the Savena and Reno rivers, adjacent to the foothills of the Apennine Mountains.

The city is renowned for its exceptional culinary offerings, luxury automobile manufacturers, and rich historical sites. Nevertheless, it typically attracts fewer tourists compared to other Italian cities such as Rome and Venice.

Below are 15 distinguished tours of Bologna that are highly regarded on many travelers’ itineraries.

1. Customized Private Meet-Up with a Local

For those who prefer a travel professional to manage all the intricate details, a customizable private tour of Bologna with a local guide is an excellent choice.

Participants simply need to contact the tour provider, responding to a few queries regarding interests and preferences, allowing for an itinerary tailored to you and your companions.

The tours encompass many of Bologna’s significant historical and cultural landmarks, including some lesser-known sites.

Options range from two to eight-hour excursions that commence with a brief introduction by a local host.

2. Europe’s Oldest University Tour

Many visitors find it surprising that Europe’s oldest university is located not in England or France, but in Bologna, Italy.

This university was established in the 11th century, and its campus boasts several significant attractions, including monuments dedicated to its founders, instructors, and students from the Middle Ages.

On this comprehensive two-and-a-half-hour themed tour, guests will accompany an experienced local guide to explore many of the city’s most historic and iconic locations.

The journey also includes visits to the Renaissance Palazzo and the Archiginnasio Palace.

Note that food, beverages, and admission tickets are excluded; therefore, it is advisable to bring some additional funds.

3. City Center Walking Tour

For those who prefer to spend valuable vacation time exploring on foot rather than being confined in a bus among other tourists, walking tours provide an excellent opportunity to closely observe the city’s layout and attractions.

Tours typically begin at the centrally located Piazza del Nettuno. After a brief overview, participants will embark to discover city highlights, including the Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio, and the world’s oldest library at Piazza Santo Stefano.

Due to Bologna’s moderate Mediterranean climate, it is advisable to dress appropriately and carry hats and sunglasses during summer visits.

4. Full-Day Ferrari Experience

Ferraris, recognized for their powerful engines, sleek designs, and luxury price tags, are a rarity on the roads. However, for those visiting Bologna, there are numerous affordable ways to experience these remarkable vehicles.

This full-day tour celebrates the iconic Italian automaker, centering around the official Ferrari Museum located in nearby Maranello.

Each experience features guided factory and test track tours, as well as a visit to Enzo Ferrari’s former residence in Modena, followed by a traditional lunch at a local farm just outside the city.

Tours span approximately eight hours and entail moderate walking.

5. Red Bus City Tour and Local Food Tasting

Bologna’s weather is typically favorable for outdoor activities most of the year. Hence, touring the city through an open-air bus serves as an excellent option for those wishing to enjoy the scenery without expending too much energy walking or cycling.

The Red Bus tour provides audio guides in various languages. At each attraction, attendees receive a historical overview of the site and can choose whether to disembark for a closer examination.

Participants can opt for food tastings and stops at significant landmarks, such as the Basilica San Petronio, Palazzo dei Notai, and Palazzo Comunale, among others.

6. Secret Food Tour

The Quadrilatero neighborhood in Bologna is a renowned culinary hotspot, and it serves as the starting point for this popular three-hour secret food tour.

In contrast to many typical food tours, this one emphasizes locations with lower traffic, resulting in a more unforgettable and genuine experience with numerous opportunities to interact with locals, learn about the city’s history and culture, and savor exquisite traditional and contemporary cuisines.

The tour includes six stops featuring samples of various items, including aged balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, homemade pasta, and cured meats.

7. Private Best of Bologna Walking Experience

While Bologna might be associated with processed meat products in the United States, the Italian city offers a vastly different experience.

Bologna is recognized for its stunning natural scenery, rich historical sites, welcoming locals, and vibrant cuisine, best discovered through private and personalized walking tours.

These tours feature customizable itineraries, the expertise of a local guide, and convenient pick-up from your accommodation in Bologna.

Participants can expect to engage with locals and perceive the city from a unique viewpoint away from typical tourist paths.

8. Torre degli Asinelli & Food Tasting

Erected over 900 years ago and towering nearly 300 feet, Torre degli Asinelli is Italy’s tallest tower, representing one of Bologna’s prime attractions.

For those who are prepared to conquer the nearly 500 steps to the summit, the spectacular views are immensely rewarding.

After the visit and an informative session about the tower, participants will partake in a food tasting featuring traditional local, regional, and national delicacies like pasta, cheeses, and baked goods.

Admission to the tower is included, along with an ice cream voucher to enjoy post-tour.

9. Cooking Class and Dinner with a Local Cook

Italians have a profound passion both for food and for sharing their culinary heritage with visitors from around the globe.

For committed food enthusiasts and novice chefs alike, this cooking class and dinner with a local chef presents an enjoyable, engaging, and educational evening.

The activity focuses on Bolognese cuisine, emphasizing the preparation of traditional pasta and sauces crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Participants can expect to enjoy wine, camaraderie, hands-on experience in the kitchen, a three-course meal, and the warmth of Italian hospitality.

10. LGBT Bologna Experience

While it is often said that true friendship cannot be purchased, this LGBT-focused tour in Bologna provides visitors with the occasion to engage with like-minded individuals.

Move beyond conventional travel guides that typically offer rigid itineraries; this private and personalized tour is customizable and tailored to the global LGBT community.

Before the experience, participants will answer some questions about their preferences, shortly followed by the delivery of a custom itinerary and a message from a compatible guide.

Tours commence from a centrally located point, and throughout the excursion, the guide and guests may collaboratively adjust plans if desired.

11. Italian Food and Wine Tour

Do you appreciate delicious Italian cuisine paired with leisurely, long lunches in picturesque environments?

If so, the pre-tour questionnaire is now complete, paving the way for the success of this extensively popular eight-hour tour.

The tour centers on Bologna’s cultural and culinary traditions, including a local expert guide and seamless pick-up and drop-off from multiple convenient locations across Bologna.

Visitors will tour facilities that specialize in producing Parmesan cheese, prosciutto, balsamic vinegar, and wine.

They will gain insights into the making of these staples of Italian cuisine, sample numerous offerings, and participate in a remarkable six-course lunch with wine in a family-owned restaurant.

12. Ferrari, Pagani, and Lamborghini Museum Tour

Italy holds the distinction of being home to the most supercar manufacturers globally, establishing itself as a true leader in the field.

The region around Bologna showcases internationally acclaimed brands such as Ferrari, Pagani, and Lamborghini, making it a paradise for automobile enthusiasts from all over.

This tour features an English-speaking guide, pick-up from the train station, airport, or your hotel in Bologna, combined with visits to the factories and museums of the aforementioned automobile manufacturers.

Optional test drives at each location are available; while thrilling, they may not suit travelers on a tight budget.

13. FICO Eataly World Tour

Bologna’s FICO Eataly World serves as a singular attraction for those aiming to gain profound insight into Italian culinary heritage without dedicating an entire day.

This one-hour guided experience encompasses agriculture, history, culture, and food, and remains a highlight for many visitors despite its brevity.

The facility features numerous restaurants, cafés, street food vendors, and markets, creating a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Given FICO Eataly’s extensive offerings, numerous guests plan return visits, making it especially popular for families traveling with children.

14. San Luca Basilica Tour with Food Tasting

Regardless of age or interests, many visitors find themselves spending their entire time in Bologna without exploring the surrounding countryside.

For some, however, excursions to nearby areas provide enjoyable opportunities to expand their experience away from the urban environment.

This combined train and food tour concludes in Bologna, incorporates audio guides in eight languages, and is available multiple times each day.

Each guest receives a train schedule before departure, enabling them to discover San Luca Basilica and other attractions at their own pace without the concern of falling behind.

Additionally, participants receive vouchers for food tastings.

15. Guided Walking Tour

Shorter tours like this three-hour walking option allow participants to experience Bologna efficiently without interrupting their entire day.

Many of the city’s landmarks and attractions are centrally located, facilitating easy visits to multiple sites in conjunction.

On this excursion, participants will explore the Fountain of Neptune, Piazza Maggiore, and the Mercato de Mezzo—known as one of the city’s primary culinary hubs, frequented by residents and restaurateurs for their daily ingredient purchases.

For those wishing to enhance their experience, options for additional costs include food and wine tastings, as well as visiting the Anatomical Theatre of the Archiginnasio.