2.5-hour Bologna City and University Walking Tour

Explore the captivating history of Bologna on a comprehensive 2.5-hour walking tour. Guided by an expert, you’ll uncover the city’s renowned medieval architecture, including the prestigious University of Bologna – the world’s oldest university. With a focus on Bologna’s academic legacy, the tour provides valuable insights into famous scholars and iconic sites. Wheelchair accessible and tailored to guests’ needs, this experience is perfect for history enthusiasts seeking an informative and memorable adventure. Explore Bologna’s rich past and uncover the fascinating stories that have shaped this remarkable city.

Good To Know

• This 2.5-hour private walking tour explores Bologna’s historic city center and the world’s oldest continuously operating university, the University of Bologna.
• The tour is led by an expert guide and provides insights into Bologna’s legacy as a center of learning, including famous scholars like Dante Alighieri and Nicolaus Copernicus.
• Participants meet at Piazza del Nettuno and the tour is wheelchair accessible, with most surfaces suitable for mobility aids.
• The tour excludes entrance fees to museums but provides key information for planning visits, and operates rain or shine with full refunds for heavy rain.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 from 5 reviews, with positive feedback highlighting the guide’s historical knowledge and adaptability.

Tour Overview

The Bologna City and University Walking Tour is a 2.5-hour private tour led by an expert professional guide.

Priced from $139.64 per person, the tour explores the city and its renowned university.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience.

The meeting point is Piazza del Nettuno, and the tour ends back at the starting location.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and most travelers can participate.

Entrance fees to museums and sites like the Museo Medievale are excluded.

The tour operates rain or shine, though heavy rain may lead to cancellation with a full refund.

Meeting and Pickup

Participants meet their guide in front of the Biblioteca Salaborsa at Piazza del Nettuno, 3, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy.

The guide will be holding a TUI sign or flag, making them easy to identify. The tour begins at this meeting point, and participants are expected to arrive on time.

At the conclusion of the tour, the group will return to the original meeting location. This centrally located starting point ensures convenient access to the key sights and landmarks explored during the 2.5-hour walking tour of Bologna’s city center and university.

The tour is accessible by wheelchair, and most travelers can participate.

Accessibility and Additional Information

The tour is accessible to wheelchair users, as both the transportation and surfaces are wheelchair-friendly.

Most travelers can participate in this walking tour. Confirmation for the tour is received at the time of booking, except for last-minute bookings made within one day of the travel date.

The tour operates even in rain, though heavy rain may lead to cancellation with a full refund.

Visitors should note the operating hours of the Museo Medievale, which is open from Tuesday to Friday, 9 am to 3 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 6:30 pm, but closed on Mondays.

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a private walking experience with an expert professional guide.

The tour price varies based on group size, starting from $139.64. While the tour includes the guided experience, it excludes entrance fees to any museums or sites that may be visited, such as the Museo Medievale which has the following operating hours:

• Open Tuesday through Friday from 9am to 3pm
• Open Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6:30pm
• Closed on Mondays

The tour operates rain or shine, though heavy rain may lead to a full refund due to cancellation.

Reviews and Feedback

With a total of 5 reviews, the Bologna City and University Walking Tour maintains an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5.

Positive feedback highlights the guide’s strong historical knowledge and ability to adapt the tour to participants’ interests.

However, some customers expressed disappointment when the tour was canceled without notice, leading to disruption of their plans.

The tour’s historical significance is emphasized, as Bologna is described as the oldest university town in Europe with over 100,000 students.

The company has acknowledged the feedback and committed to improving service quality based on customer comments.

Customer Service Response

According to the information provided, the company has acknowledged the feedback received and committed to improving service quality based on customer comments.

The negative feedback regarding cancellation without notice, leading to disappointment, seems to be an area the company aims to address.

To improve the customer experience, the company could consider the following:

1. Establishing a clear and transparent cancellation policy that’s communicated to customers in advance.
2. Implementing a reliable notification system to alert customers in case of any last-minute changes or cancellations.
3. Offering alternative options or compensation for affected customers to mitigate any inconvenience caused.

Exploring Bologna’s History

Bologna, the oldest university town in Europe, boasts a rich history that has shaped its cultural identity. Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna stands as the world’s oldest continuously operating university. Its illustrious past includes famous scholars like Dante Alighieri and Nicolaus Copernicus.

The city’s medieval architecture, such as the Two Towers and the Basilica of San Petronio, reflect its storied past. Visitors on the walking tour can explore the historic center, including the Neptune Fountain and the porticoes that line the streets.

The guide’s expertise brings this ancient city to life, offering insights into Bologna’s enduring legacy as a center of learning and culture.

Navigating the University

As part of the walking tour, visitors explore the historic University of Bologna, the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Founded in 1088, the university has a rich legacy and remains a central part of Bologna’s identity.

Key highlights of the university tour include:

1. The Archiginnasio, the former principal building of the university, featuring a stunning Baroque library with ornate wooden shelves and painted ceilings.

2. The Università di Bologna, the main university building, showcasing Renaissance architecture and hosting renowned faculties like Law, Medicine, and Engineering.

3. The Anatomical Theatre, an iconic 17th-century amphitheater where medical students once studied human anatomy through dissections.

Exploring the university’s historic spaces provides visitors with a glimpse into Bologna’s enduring scholarly tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Yes, photography is allowed during the tour. Visitors are encouraged to capture their experience, as the tour provides opportunities to photograph the city’s historical landmarks and university buildings. However, guests should be mindful of any restrictions at specific sites.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Our Interests?

The tour can typically be customized to customers’ interests, as the private guide is knowledgeable and adaptable. However, specific requests should be discussed with the tour operator at the time of booking to ensure they can be accommodated.

What Are the Health and Safety Protocols in Place?

The tour provider follows local health guidelines, including requiring masks. Hand sanitizer is available, and group sizes are limited to allow for social distancing. Procedures are in place to ensure the safety of participants.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t advertise any discounts for students or seniors. However, it’s worth checking if the guide offers any flexibility on pricing for those groups when booking. The overall price starts from $139.64 per person.

Can We Stop for a Break to Get Refreshments During the Tour?

The tour allows for breaks throughout, so participants can stop to get refreshments as needed. The guide will accommodate any requests for short breaks during the 2.5-hour walking tour to ensure a comfortable experience.

The Sum Up

Enjoy Bologna’s rich academic history on this comprehensive walking tour. Discover the renowned University of Bologna, the world’s oldest university, and uncover the stories behind its iconic sites. With expert guidance and a focus on accessibility, this tour offers an engaging and informative exploration of Bologna’s past, perfect for history enthusiasts. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the city’s medieval charm and scholarly legacy.