Ferrara Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Highlights

  • Discover Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with an expert guide who will reveal its fascinating history and myriad of beautiful architecture.

  • Visit the impressive Castello Estense to see its original moat, drawbridges, and dominating towers.

  • Admire the Cathedral of Ferrara and its stunning facade of Renaissance and Gothic style.

  • Journey back the Medieval times as you stroll along the evocative Via delle Volte.

Summary

Ferrara, even with its coveted status as a UNESCO World Heritage site, often sits in the shadow of Bologna, the main city in the region of Emilia-Romagna. On this two-hour private tour, your expert guide will share stories of Ferrara's impressive history, rich artistic culture and offer you a new appreciation for this jewel. As you stroll through the lively streets and piazzas, you'll visit must-sees sites including Castello Estense, the Cathedral of Ferrara, the Jewish Ghetto and also the evocative Via delle Volte, in the medieval heart of the city.

Tour info

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
25
Pricing (From)
Group: (2-99 years)
€249.00
Commentary
Italian, English
Meeting Point

Meeting Point Piazzetta del Castello, 20, Ferrara, 44121, IT

Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

Ferrara, a hidden delight in the region of Emilia-Romagna, is often overlooked in favor of the famous city of Bologna. A UNESCO World Heritage site for its exemplary design, it is easy to explore the city's extraordinary Renaissance and Medieval art and architecture on foot.

As the history of Ferrara is intricately linked to the d'Este family, who ruled the city for three centuries, your expert guide will begin the private tour with an introduction to the magnificent Castello Estense (Estense Castle). Built in 1385 by Niccolò II d’Este, as defenses for himself and his family against a dangerous revolt, the Castle still retains the original moat that entirely surrounds the complex, drawbridges, and the massive towers at its four corners. From here you gain an understanding of its rich history, before moving on to explore the city. 

Continuing on with your tour, you'll pass by Piazza Savanorola, where an outdoor marble statue is dedicated to the Dominican Friar, Girolamo Savonarola, born in this city. We’ll also briefly stop at Palazzo Arcivescovile, a building of medieval origins, before reaching the Cathedral of Ferrara. Dating back to the 12th century, the different styles of the Cathedral bear witness to the historical periods of the city. Take in its stunning elaborate three-tiered facade in Romanesque and Gothic styles while your guide unveils the details of this pure architectural beauty. Just opposite the Cathedral, you’ll find Palazzo Marchionale, the first residence of the Este family that is today, the city council.

Next, you'll head to visit the Jewish Ghetto, situated in the heart of the medieval part of the city. This area preserves the memories of the centuries-old Jewish community in Ferrara and as you wander the tranquil streets, take time to admire the beautifully preserved medieval architecture. Finish your tour with a journey back in time as you walk along Via delle Volte, a narrow cobblestoned alley with a mesmerizing stretch of vaulted buildings dating to the 14th and 15th century. Just one tip - don’t forget your camera!

Sites Visited
Castello Estense
Piazza Savonarola
Palazzo Arcivescovile
Cathedral of Ferrara
Palazzo Marchionale 
Jewish ghetto 
Via delle Volte

What’s included?

  • Local guide

  • Expertly guided walking tour

  • Gratuities

  • Hotel pick up and drop off

  • Entrance fee (should you wish to enter a site)

Things to know

Before you book

  • 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.

  • Please arrive at the meeting point ready for your tour - prior to arrival use the bathroom and ensure you have eaten.

  • 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.

  • 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

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.