Bologna's Ancient and Recent History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Are you looking for a way to explore Bologna without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour.
• Stroll through the ancient – and more recent – past of Bologna, a place that art critic John Berger once called “an improbable city.”
• Hear from producer Frank Bures, an award-winning author who spent time in Bologna as an exchange student in the 1990s,
• Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home
Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.
The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note: You won't be guided through any museums or other attractions mentioned en route. If you choose to enter and visit such places, you'll need to pay for it independently of this tour.
What To Expect
Bologna
Bologna is home to some of the best food, the most sublime beauty, and the richest history in all of Italy. Yet it’s rarely on the tourist radar. On this walking tour, award-winning author Frank Bures will give you a taste of authentic Italian culture, show you the city’s many historical sites, and tell you the stories most travelers don’t hear.
Starting at the Neptune Fountain, you’ll walk through Piazza Maggiore to San Petronio Basilica where you’ll see the world’s largest sundial.
Options
English Tour
Italian Tour
What‘s Included
Lifetime access to this tour in English or Italian
VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Smartphone and headphones
Transportation
Food and drink
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Reviews
5 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lacking Detail
William G,Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00This is simply a quick walking tour. If you are not in the right spot you will have silence - so many gaps. Churches are mentioned, but there is no further information about what you may find inside. The Duomo has a fascinating Meridian Line - the small church mentions a famous sculpture, but no info to buy a ticket. Then there is a lot of talk about soccer which could have been better filled with local info on food or traditions.
Lacking in valuable content
Dan C,Jun 12, 2024
- Review from Viator
2.00Could have included a lot more value for money as the factual descriptions were quite short. The speaker seemed to enjoy speaking about his university life which wasted a bit of time when standing around at sights waiting for valuable information.
Amazing!
joeyj748,Mar 19, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was great and we enjoyed the experiance of walking among the gorgeous buildings and listening the the great stories! I wish I could live here for a year!
Fun tour of some hidden corners.
MplsArts,Mar 7, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Aerosmith in Bologna? Who knew? Lots to love in this audio tour, including the author’s stories. Also the weird history niches he gets into, like the canals of the city, music and football. Fun hour! Could have gone a little longer.
Amazing tour off the beaten path
Markontheroad1,Mar 5, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was our first time in Italy, and we're so glad we stopped in Bologna! Had no idea about the city’s history, and I doubt we would have found all this ourselves—especially the Mary Magdalene. Florence was great, but Bologna felt like a real city, and we didn’t have to book every thing online two day ahead. Great tour!
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Operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours