Private or semi-private tour of the historic center of Bologna
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Visit the red streets of the historic center of Bologna, visiting the symbolic places of the city and discovering their secrets
Art, history and gastronomy, but also secrets, legends and suggestions of contemporary life: discover everything that has made Bologna one of the most popular destinations for tourists in recent years with a certified guide, as well as a true Bolognese DOC, on a tour private dedicated to you
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Wheelchair accessible
Light walking involved
What To Expect
Piazza Maggiore
Together we will explore the heart of Bologna, Piazza Maggiore or Piazza Grande, as Lucio Dalla calls it, but for the Bolognese simply the Piazza, discovering some of the most popular "Pulcinella secrets" of the city.
Fontana del Nettuno
In marble and bronze, the Fountain of Neptune is the second symbol of Bologna and known by the Bolognese as Il Gigante. Built by the Flemish Giambologna on a project by Tommaso Laureti between 1563 and 1566 and commissioned by Pope Pius IV, it is a symbol of papal power: as Neptune dominates the waters, so the Pope dominates the world. At the feet of the God are in fact four putti, representing the Ganges, Nile, Amazon River and Danube, that is the rivers of the continents then known
Options
Private or semi-private tour of the historic center of Bologna
What‘s Included
Guided tour with licensed guide
RC insurance
Gratuities
Snacks
Audio guides (optional)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
34 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fabulous few hours in Bologna.
Glenn T,Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Isadora’s food and culture tour was recommended to us by a close friend and travel agent, and although expensive, we were very impressed by the whole experience. Isadora is a very knowledgeable and engaging young woman who demonstrated a love for her city and region, as well as a desire to provide an enjoyable and immersive experience for her clients in the heart of Bologna. I was particularly impressed by the way she accommodated my dietary needs in a seamless and natural manner. I would not hesitate to recommend Isadora’s tour to those visiting Bologna.
Well worth the effort
David Y,May 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour is a great way to learn the history of the main palazzo of Bologna it covers all of main buildings in the area and also a walk through the food areas, about 3 hours of easy walking and plenty of history. The guides being locals obviously know their town and provide excellent tour information.
Isadora is 5 star guide
Kathryn C,Nov 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Isadora gave us a wonderful overview of Bologna, both past and present. It was a perfect introduction to the city on our first day. . She has many good suggestions and recommendations for things to do and see. We loved the pasta bistro she recommended for dinner.
Organized and lots of information packed.
Osama H,Sep 12, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent tour and the private tour guide was excellent in the information she shared about Bologna. Would definitely recommend.
Bologna
Paula B,Jun 24, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Very interesting and informative! We were given great pieces of information about Bologna and terrific recommendations for where we could get various foods. Spot on!
Wonderful Tour, wonderful Guide
565marleer,Apr 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Isadora was a wonderful tour guide. She shared lots of history about Bologna as well as funny facts. We visited many different sites. We also learned about Italian cuisine and we certainly understand why Bologna is such a food capital. Isadora gave us great suggestions for things to do in the afternoon as well as restaurants for dinner.... and the best Gelato places in town. So our tour with her just kept giving.
Excellent Experience
Destination648183,Apr 4, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did both the private walking tour and the food tour with Isadora and both were excellent! Isadora was extremely knowledgeable as well as very patient (our group contained our two young children, who were adjusting to the time difference). We learned a lot about the beautiful city and even though it rained off and on both days we were there, Isadora was able to adjust our tour in response to the rain and we still had a wonderful time. I would definitely recommend both tours! Isadora also provided great dinner recommendations for us, which was above and beyond and really made our trip.
Personable and thorough
U7102HBdanielg,Feb 19, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Isadora took us on a thorough, informative, and all-around great walking tour of the center of Bologna. She was informative, personable, and tried to understand our specific interests. 5/5!
A tour worth your while
Edward0752,Dec 21, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An absolute pleasure walking around Bologna. Even in the rain, walking through galleries, eyeing shops and getting the story of the city, it was a fun time. Highly recommended.
AMAZING
P4353XPlisaw,Dec 21, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My family booked a tour of Bologna with Isadora in March 23. We like to get a guided tour by locals, on the first day we get into a new city to get a better sense of the city and how things work, plus get the sights in. Isadora was wonderful. Her English is amazing. She showed us all the sights to see. More importantly, she loves wine and food, as do we. She gave us the all the tips on where to eat and drink. We were able to experience a locals only kind of day because of her tips. She was also very open to providing restaurant suggestions months before we got there and was helpful in giving us some tip on balsamic tastings outside of Bologna. I'd highly recommend booking with Isadora, you won't regret it. We didn't.
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