The historic center of Bologna is one of the best preserved in all of Europe - and its 6th century foundations are best experienced in the company of a local expert. Take a private walk through the city’s awe-inspiring churches, ancient medieval palaces and beyond, unveiling the rich history of an area brimming with character and charm.
Bologna at its Best Private Walking Tour with Expert
Summary Description
Highlights
- Enjoy Bologna’s preserved historic center on a private tour
- Gain private access to an expert local guide
- Discover beautiful medieval civic palaces
- Learn about Giambologna sculptures, visit a Gothic Basilica
- Browse the unique shops that line the Mercato di Mezzo
Description
Weave your way through the vibrant alleys and piazzas of Bologna, soaking up the peaceful atmosphere of Pavaglione Portico. Discover another side to this picturesque, cosmopolitan city with the help of a private guide’s illuminating insights.
Begin your private tour starting at the city’s famed Piazza Maggiore where your guide will begin by introducing you to three medieval palaces: Palazzo di Re Enzo, Palazzo of the Notaries, and Palazzo dei Banchi. It is here you will gain a better understanding of the intricate history of the area before departing to view some breathtaking works of art - including the imposing Fontana di Nettuno, the Fountain of (who else?) Neptune and nearby late Renaissance Giambologna sculptures.
You may not know, but you certainly will after your tour that one of the major churches in Bologna, the Basilica of San Petronio, is home to one of its most impressive art collections. Inside the church find the remains of Saint Dominic, as well as the late gothic paintings of Cappella Bolognini and the sun-dial designed by the astronomer Cassini. An oasis of peace and calm from the bustling Bologna, it makes an ideal stop on this private walk.
Moving on you’ll stroll down the atmospheric Pavaglione Portico, perusing its elegant shops until you reach the 16th-century Archiginnasio Palace, the old university building decorated with about 6,000 student coats of arms. You'll meander through the picturesque alleys of the Mercato di Mezzo and by its unique food shops before eventually arriving at the enchanting Square of Santo Stefano where your tour comes to an end.
Sites Visited
Piazza Maggiore,
Fountain of Neptune,
Basilica of San Petronio,
Pavaglione Portico,
Archiginnasio Palace
Included / Excluded
- Local guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Gratuities
- Entrance fee (should you wish to enter a site)
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Start / End Locations
Start Location: Via de' Pignattari, 1c, Bologna, IT
Start Location Notes: Meet your guide in Piazza Maggiore, next to the main entrance of the Basilica di San Petronio.
Start Location Directions: Meet your guide in Piazza Maggiore, next to the main entrance of the Basilica di San Petronio.
Accessibility
- Travellers easily arrive and depart on public transport
Commentary
Guide : English, Italian
Important Information
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours
Cancellation Notes: 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.
Options and Pricing
Minimum 2 pax
| 2020 to date | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult (15 - 99 years) | €240.00 |
| Child (2 - 14 years) | €30.00 |
| Infant (0 - 1 years) | N/A |
Terms and Conditions
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
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.
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.
Basic Information
- Duration: 2 hours
- Trip difficulty: Easy
- Max Group Size: 15
- Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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