Bologna: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour)
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
The perfect tour to get deep into the tastes and the flavours of the heart of Bologna and Modena.
Emilia Romagna history and art, explained from a culinary point of view, From the gothic frescoes to the medieval inns, canals and towers, our guests will bite some history and some local delicacies at the same time.
More in details, it is a tasting tour to discover real authotenic flavors of Bologna's: Parmigiano Reggiano, Tagliatelle, Lasagne, Tortelloni, and the ACETO TRADIZIONALE BALSAMICO DI MODENA.
The seven churches of Bologna and the renaissance / gothic chapels will complete this trip into history, art, and tastes.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Quadrilatero
Experiencing the early morning life in the old food market (QUADRILATERO) Visiting the shop and groucery ACETAIA GIUSTI (tasting of ACETO TRADIZIONALE BALSAMICO DI MODENA). Discover stories and art masterpieces of middle age and renaissance depicting the world of local tastes hundreds of years ago Visiting the special shops and inns of this ancient neighborood. Tasting different kinds of Parmigiano Reggiano, and plenty of other home made salumi, cheeses and other foodies.
Acetaia Giusti - Boutique Bologna
Old Acetaia, homemade production of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena
Options
Bologna: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour)
What‘s Included
Wine tastings at Osteria del Sole (old historical Inn)
Lunch
Tastings of local delicacies
Entrance to Bolognini Chapel (San Petronio Basilica)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The only way to see the real magical history and depth of Bologna
823karie,May 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you want to see just how rich in history, art, architecture, and culture Bologna is going off the beaten path, seeing places you can’t find on a map or typical guide you have to go with Ricardo. He is THE history professor of Bologna. Magical experience. Fantastic food and fun. Thank you Ricardo none of us will forget the amazing time we had because of your passion to share your endless knowledge and love for the City of Bologna.
Discovering Bologna
saragA3052DZ,May 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ricardo was a great guide, super knowledgeable, took us many places out of the beaten path, I fell in love with Bologna and of course the food was great.
Unmissable crash course in everything Bologna
Ninart W,Nov 28, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Wow, where to begin? This is our first time in Bologna but Riccardo gave us such a fantastic tour and introduction of what the city has to offer that we only regret not having more time to explore its splendours. Brimming with knowledge and enthusiasm for the history of the region, art, music and food, this is such a unique tour that I would highly recommend to anyone whether it is their first time to the city or a repeat visitor wanting to delve deeper below the surface. Riccardo shared with us hidden gems and treasures that only locals know to enjoy. We can’t wait to be back for more.
This is not a food tour
Margaret J,Jun 26, 2024
- Review from Viator
2.00Great at history but not a food tour. Didn't learn anything about mortadella or the history or differences of Parmesan Reggiano or Romano. Why did they choose to focus differently? Lots of art but no food. We tasted 3 chocolates at one shop and one rice cake and some Parmesan with a touch of 15yo balsamic vinegar. There was no history for the food. The guide took us to a restaurant that was closed for lunch and then had to take us to another one which was another 15 minute walk. He tried to ask us if we were ok with the tour but at this time it was just a little too late. To be fair it was a great tour about the art or the history of Bologna it was just not a a real food tour.
A wealth of information. An authentic old European city and authentic Bologna food.
401sherrym,May 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing wealth of information and passion for Bologna. The guide gave an extensive history of the city and we sampled truly local specialties. I highly recommend.
Excellent tour
eloisarem,Sep 24, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ricardo is an excellent guide with a lot of knowledge. We have enjoyed a lot The tour knows a lot about history and has shown us beautiful places
Excellent tour!
KAREN R,Sep 17, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Guide, Riccardo, was excellent. Kept a great pace for me & my husband Very knowledgeable of his city & its history, of the art work & the artists, the food & its origins. Great mix of facts & history and kept us interested the entire time. Well worth the time & price.
Passion and food of Bologna
DaveRado,May 21, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Extremely informative tour of the historical center of Bologna. Good balance of history, culture and food. The passion of Ricardo for his city, art, architecture and its rich history came through. The pride and quality was evident. Good way to hit highlights of Bologna and to learn about its authentic food.
Historical Travel in Bologna
Ericka A,Nov 10, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00I highly recommend this tour for those who are interested to learn about the history of Bologna! I learned so much from the information that Riccardo shared about the history of Bologna (and its connection with other Italian cities and other countries) from the Roman times up to the present. This tour is like a peak into how the people of Bologna lived during different historical periods.
The best of our Italy trip!
Niki D,May 31, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour with Riccardo was incredible! We learned so much about the region’s art, food, and history throughout the day. We could tell right away that he was passionate and extremely knowledgeable on the region. This was the highlight of our 2 week Italy trip hands down. Riccardo is not just an excellent tour guide, he was an excellent person to spend the day with and talk to!
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Operated by Riccardo Bacchi