Bologna Private Walking Tour: Europe’s Oldest University

Name: Bologna Private Walking Tour: Europe’s Oldest University
Brand: Walks
SKU: 53b9b025-a09e-49e3-b0d9-dcc5d23c12e0
Price: 240.0 EUR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.66 (18923 reviews)

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Highlights

Explore the monuments of the most illustrious professors of the Middle Ages in the Piazza San Domenico
Enjoy a unique private walking tour of Bologna and learn all there is to know about the oldest university in Europe
Experience the Museo Medievale brought to life by your captivating, engaging guide
Stroll through the Archiginnasio Palace, home to city's schools from the 16th to the 19th century
Admire the wooden sculptures in the 17th Century Anatomy Theater

Summary

Not only is Bologna home to one of the best preserved historic towns in Europe, it’s also where the very first university on the continent was built. The University of Bologna, dating right back to the 11th century, is a majestic treasure trove of history, art and architecture just waiting to be explored. On this private guided tour you’ll discover what’s behind every intriguing nook and cranny, and come away with an understanding of this magnificent, elegant space, gleaned from your private guide’s captivating insights.

Tour info

Duration

2 hours 30 minutes

Group Size

Pricing (From)

Adult: (14-99 years)

€240.00

Child: (2-14 years)

€30.00

Infant: (0-1 years)

€0.00

Commentary

English, Italian

Why take this tour?

Dating back to 1088, the prestigious University of Bologna is the oldest academic institution of its kind in the western world, and there’s simply no better way to explore it than with an expert guide. With hidden histories around every corner, it’s a site that holds an air of mystery, grandeur, and reverence for scholars, and leaves visitors with a true appreciation for the individuals upon whose shoulders we stand today.

Your tour begins in the Piazza Maggiore, where you’ll meet your guide before making your way to the peaceful Piazza San Domenico. There, your guide will take you through the monuments to the eminent professors and law-makers of the Middle Ages that dot the area.

Weaving your way in through the University grounds, you’ll soon enter the Museo Civico Medievale, where your guide will bring the surrounding collection of medieval bronzes, armor and books to life with fascinating insights. At the Archiginnasio Palace (one of the most important buildings in Bologna) you’ll visit the 17th Century Anatomy Theater. Inside, you’ll learn about the statues and sculptures that decorate the amphitheatre, and how events of 1944 very nearly reduced it all to rubble.

The University of Bologna has seen Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket, mathematician Nicolaus Copernicus, scholar and poet Francesco Petrarca and 15th-century humanist and theologian Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus, through its doors, and today stands as a monument to some of the most fundamental learnings of the Middle Ages.

Sites Visited:
Piazza San Domenico

Museo Medievale

Archiginnasio Palace

Anatomy Theater

What’s included?

Add included
Local expert guide
Add excluded
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off

Things to know

Before you book

This tour is conducted in English only.
This is a walking tour. While there are stops along the way, guests should be able to walk at a light to moderate pace without difficulty. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Tours run rain or shine. Please dress accordingly. In the event of exceptionally heavy rain, the tour may be canceled and you will be given a full refund.
Please note, this tour does not include entrance to the main sites. If you’d like to visit any particular site, you will need to buy a ticket at the location.

Before you go

This is a walking tour. While there are stops along the way, guests should be able to walk at a light to moderate pace without difficulty. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
This tour is conducted in English only.
Tours run rain or shine. Please dress accordingly. In the event of exceptionally heavy rain, the tour may be canceled and you will be given a full refund.
Please arrive at the meeting point ready for your tour - prior to arrival use the bathroom and ensure you have eaten.
Please note, this tour does not include entrance to the main sites. If you’d like to visit any particular site, you will need to buy a ticket at the location.
Due to circumstances beyond our control, sites may occasionally close. We make every effort to stay as close to the advertised itinerary but substitutions/omissions may be necessary.
No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows after tour commencement or departure.

Covid Policy

Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive or arrives after tour departure.

Redemption information

Mobile tickets will be accepted

Your voucher will be collected or scanned on redemption

Operator Website

Operated by:

About operator:

Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.

In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.

Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...

Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.