Why is this the most complete tour?
Because it blends Bologna’s monumental history, its intellectual heritage, and the authentic soul of its medieval market into a single, seamless experience. With exclusive access, a private guide, and a deep dive into the city’s oldest culinary traditions, this tour offers the richest and most immersive introduction to Bologna you can get.
Description
This is the only original Taste Bologna tour that combines food and culture!
This walking tour includes visits to Bologna’s most famous monuments: Piazza Maggiore with the Accursio Palace, home to Bologna’s city hall since the 14th century; the Neptune Fountain, considered one of the most elegant Renaissance fountains in Italy; St. Petronio Basilica, with its treasures; the Archiginnasio Palace, the first permanent seat of the world’s oldest university, famous for its frescoed walls and Anatomy Theater; the Two Towers; St. Stephen’s Square; and more!
Duration:
6 hours
Availability:
Monday to Friday except bank holidays
Starting time:
9:00 am or 10:00 am
Program
Meet your private guide at your centrally located hotel or by the Neptune Fountain in Piazza Maggiore—the vibrant heart of Bologna. From here, you’ll begin a captivating journey through the city’s rich past, exploring at your own pace its most iconic landmarks: the majestic Basilica of San Petronio, the elegant Palazzo Comunale, the atmospheric Santo Stefano complex, and the iconic Two Towers.
You’ll also enjoy exclusive access to the Archiginnasio Palace, the first permanent seat of the University of Bologna—the oldest in the Western world. Inside, your guide will bring to life the remarkable Anatomy Theater and the evocative Stabat Mater Hall, offering insights you simply wouldn’t gain on your own.
The experience then deepens as you step into the ancient medieval market district, one of the most historic and vibrant corners of Bologna. This is not just a market—it’s a living memory of the city’s medieval past, where trade, craftsmanship, and culinary traditions have thrived for nearly a thousand years. Narrow streets brim with character, and the shops you’ll visit are true guardians of Bologna’s gastronomic heritage, many of them run by the same families for generations.
In the heart of the Quadrilatero, Bologna’s medieval food market, you’ll enjoy five unforgettable tastings that together form a full, indulgent meal. Each stop is an experience in itself:
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a centuries-old, family-run deli offering artisan cured meats and cheeses,
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a traditional bakery where recipes remain unchanged for decades,
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a chocolate atelier crafting specialties the old-fashioned way,
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a pasta workshop where fresh tagliatelle, tortellini, and other classics are made on the spot,
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and finally, an artisanal gelato shop serving flavors rooted in local tradition.
These tastings are generous, immersive, and deeply tied to Bologna’s identity—for most guests, they become the highlight of the entire visit. With the abundance of food served, lunch afterward is rarely needed.
This is the perfect tour to give you insights into Bologna’s traditions and culture.
You will visit:
the oldest bakery in Bologna
and taste their delicious “torta di riso” (rice cake);
the most ancient chocolate factory of the town
where the first solid chocolate “sfoglia nera” was invented and sample their specialties;
a deli-store
where you will be served cured meats and cheeses (Parmigiano Reggiano with balsamic vinegar, Mortadella, Salame di Felino, Caciotta, Prosciutto di Parma Parma Ham) with typical breads and local wine;
a pasta laboratory
to taste homemade egg pasta;
and finally a traditional ice-cream shop!
The experience includes:
- Expert local guide
- Guided tour of Bologna
- Visit to Bologna’s oldest food market
- Entrance fee to the Archiginnasio Palace (ticket + reservation, skip the line)
- Visit to 5 selected traditional food shops with 5 delicious food and wine tastings: pastries, chocolate, gelato, homemade pasta, local wines, and cured meats and cheeses
- Progressive lunch
- Expert local guide
- Guided tour of Bologna
- Visit to Bologna’s oldest food market
- Entrance fee to the Archiginnasio Palace (ticket + reservation, skip the line)
- Visit to 5 selected traditional food shops with 5 delicious food and wine tastings: pastries, chocolate, gelato, homemade pasta, local wines, and cured meats and cheeses
- Progressive lunch
Prices per person:
2 pax: Eur 315,00
3 pax: Eur 249,00
4 pax: Eur 215,00
5 pax: Eur 194,00
6 pax: Eur 180,00
Quotations available upon request for groups of 6 or more.
Prices are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Price increases may occur during major events or due to rises in raw material costs and VAT.
Additional info
- The starting time will be confirmed upon booking.
- Please inform us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions.
- If you are arriving to Bologna by train for the tour, we recommend arriving at Bologna Centrale train station around 9:00 AM. Please allow 15-20 minutes on foot to reach Piazza Maggiore.
