Best of Bologna in one day : Food, architecture, art and history
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
This is an extremely comprehensive tour to discover the marvelous city of Bologna. A day of culture, art, and gastronomy among the city's main attractions. The program has been carefully designed to combine the great potential of Bologna's gastronomy (tortellini, mortadella, delicious cured hams, rice cake, tagliatelle, tortelloni, PARMIGIANO REGGIANO, MOodena Dop TRADITIONAL BALSAMIC VINEGAR)...
with that of its rich architectural and artistic heritage, including its splendid churches, palaces, ancient university, canals, and towers, and finally, a tunning museum rich in ancient art, the Pinacoteca Nazionale. Regarding its great famous gastronomy : most of its preparations do not need any poresentation (balsamic, parmesan cheese, pasta bolognese, lasagna, tortellini, parma ham, mortadella), but some of these delicacies are actual hidden gems for most of Italian travellers too! We ll visit also a TRADITIONAL PASTA LABORATORY for a qiuick and efficient LITTLE COOKING CLASS!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
reccommandable to all categories of travellers
What To Expect
Piazza Maggiore
We will discover the secrets and the great masterpieces of the square, such as the terracotta works of Nicolo' dell'Arca, the Fountain of Neptune, Palazzo Comunale and San Petronio. We will visit some splendid frescoed rooms of the Palazzo Comunale, the grand staircase of Bramane's horses and other small jewels of the sumptuous building.
Piazza Santo Stefano
Large and unique complex of early medieval buildings, medieval and Romanesque interiors, Gothic palaces, specialized art museum, frescoes, medieval porticoes and spiral staircases, terrace with a view of the towers and Bologna from "high".
Options
Best of Bologna in one day : Food, architecture, art and history
What‘s Included
Entrance to the Bolognini Chapel, San Petronio
Entrance to the National Art Gallery
Entrance ticket to the Lamentation of Santa Maria della Vita
Tasting of cured meats, Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar of Modena in the historic market
Entrance to the Archiginnasio and Anatomical Theater
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
35 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Our guide Ricardo had a...
Mark M,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Ricardo had a powerful background and knowledge of some of the craziest and unique things from a history perspective we have seen all over Europe. Bologna is a sleeper on history museums, and this tour was just a small part of what’s available here. He can be a little much to start out the day, but stay with him and you’ll get to experience something nobody else really does, including some great unique food at the end.
Outstanding
Daniel T,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Riccardo is passionate about the history of Bologna, with an encyclopaedic understanding and knowledge of the city and the region. Super keen to share that with you, you will not regret taking this trip, we thoroughly enjoyed it
The Best of Bologna: history and architecture.
Carmel R,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This experience was amazing, taking us through and to parts of Bologna that the general visitor would not find. Our tour guide Riccardo was passionate about his city and extremely well versed in its history and clearly explained where Bologna's is place in history of this region. We had up close access to places the general public/tourist would not experience. It was a long day of walking but the surprises around each turn made the tour absolutely worthwhile. Thank you Riccardo for an unforgettable experience. Carmel & John
Riccardo is One of a Kind Jewel in the Bolognese Crown!
Stacie P,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My husband and I are Italian-Americans who have traveled rather extensively through Italy, and Riccardo is by far one of the best guides we have had the pleasure of meeting. He brought Bologna to life and taught us so much about history, art, architecture, Bolognese culture and food. He is very high energy, so have a caffè and wear good walking shoes, and enjoy the absolute pleasure of the day!
Riccardo made our trip to...
Aileen L,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Riccardo made our trip to Bologna unforgettable! His high-energy, fast-paced walking tour is the perfect mix of art, history, and incredible food, and the 6-7 hours went by so quickly. He is a wealth of historical knowledge and effortlessly shares facts and dates. We especially loved the tastings at Bruno e Franco - La Salumeria and the sweet treats at Paolo Atti & Figli. Riccardo truly went above and beyond for us—an absolute 'Best of Bologna' experience. Thank you Riccardo!!
We had a wonderful time...
Agnes B,May 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful time in Bologna . Our guide was Riccardo, whose erudition and enthusiasm was amasing. We are grateful!
Fascinating insight
Jayne G,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very comprehensive and hugely informative day with Riccardo. He has vast knowledge of the history of Bologna, it's buildings, art and frescoes.
Fantastic deep dive into centuries of Bolognas rich history
Svetlana S,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Ricardo is the most knowledgeable guide I have ever had, in any country well beyond the standard history and dates, his depth of architectural knowledge, relative history from around the world, historical foods etc There was a lot to take in but we understood in advance it was going to be an intensive day and it was worth it I would recommend this tour for anyone who doesn’t have issues walking and the desire to learn a lot about Bologna, the uniqueness and influence its architecture had and its prominent role in Italian history I would try to use Ricardo again for any other tour I plan in this region
Riccardo is extremely...
Jessica A,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Riccardo is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about medieval history. He’s enthusiastic and shows you a lot of wonderful sites. Only thing to know is that because he is a true expert, there may be times things go over your head —- you really have to listen on this tour to absorb it all and be an active participant. If that’s you, then this is the perfect tour for you!
Riccardo Bacchi is a very...
Ingolfur K,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Riccardo Bacchi is a very intellegent and verbal man. His knowledge about art, arcitecture, religion and history of Bologna and Italy was very inspiring. I think I have never had á better guide.
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