Bologna – Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour

The Bologna – Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich history and vibrant food culture. Guided by knowledgeable local experts, the two-hour tour takes visitors through the Quadrilatero, Bologna’s oldest market, and the impressive Basilica di San Petronio, one of Europe’s largest churches. It also showcases the city’s iconic landmarks, including Piazza Maggiore, the Bologna Clock Tower, and the Palazzo d’Accursio. Immersing guests in the local culinary heritage, the tour allows them to discover the region’s fresh produce, cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and handmade pasta. For those interested in experiencing the best of Bologna’s past and present, this tour provides a unique and engaging opportunity.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Private Tours In Bologna.

Key Points

• This private walking tour offers a 2-hour exploration of Bologna’s historic Old Town, led by knowledgeable guides in English and Italian.
• The tour takes visitors through the Quadrilatero, Bologna’s oldest market, showcasing the city’s vibrant food culture and local delicacies.
• Visitors will have the opportunity to visit the Basilica di San Petronio, one of the largest churches in Europe, and learn about its impressive gothic architecture and sundial.
• The tour includes stops at Piazza Maggiore, the Bologna Clock Tower, and Palazzo d’Accursio, providing an in-depth look at Bologna’s historic landmarks.
• The tour is priced at 8,806 CZK for a group of up to 20 people, offering an affordable option with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This private historic walking tour of Bologna’s Old Town offers an immersive 2-hour experience led by knowledgeable guides in both English and Italian.

Participants will explore the city’s oldest market, the Quadrilatero, and marvel at the impressive Basilica di San Petronio, one of Europe’s largest churches.

The tour also includes visits to the historic Piazza Maggiore, the iconic Bologna Clock Tower, and the Palazzo d’Accursio, which serves as the town hall.

Along the way, visitors will learn about Bologna’s rich history and the significance of landmarks like the famous Two Towers, Garisenda and Asinelli, which have become symbols of the city.

Key Sights

The tour explores the Quadrilatero, Bologna’s oldest market, where visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere and discover the city’s best street foods.

Next, the tour visits the Basilica di San Petronio, one of the largest churches in Europe, featuring a large sundial.

Participants then head to the historic Piazza Maggiore and the iconic Bologna Clock Tower.

The tour also includes the Palazzo d’Accursio, Bologna’s Town Hall, and the 16th century Fontana del Nettuno.

No visit to Bologna is complete without seeing the city’s two most famous symbols, the Garisenda and Asinelli Towers.

The tour concludes at the Piazza of Santo Stefano, home to the Basilica of Santo Stefano.

Quadrilatero: Bologna’s Oldest Market

After exploring the city’s historic landmarks, the tour heads to the Quadrilatero, Bologna’s oldest market, where visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere and discover the city’s best street foods. This bustling marketplace dates back to the Middle Ages and features a maze of narrow alleyways lined with traditional shops and stalls. Visitors can peruse the vibrant displays of fresh produce, cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and handmade pasta while soaking in the local culture. To help visitors navigate the Quadrilatero, here’s a table highlighting some of the must-try specialties:

Item	Description
Tortellini	Signature pasta filled with meat or cheese
Mortadella	Bologna’s famous cured pork sausage
Parmigiano-Reggiano	Iconic Italian hard cheese
Balsamic Vinegar	Rich, syrupy condiment from Modena
Gelato	Creamy, artisanal Italian ice cream

Basilica Di San Petronio

As one of the largest churches in Europe, the Basilica di San Petronio commands attention with its impressive scale and gothic architectural features.

The interior boasts a vast nave and soaring ceilings, creating a grand and awe-inspiring atmosphere.

Visitors can admire the church’s intricate stone carvings and stained glass windows, which illustrate biblical scenes and religious motifs.

One of the Basilica’s most notable features is its large sundial, which runs along the floor and was used to track the movement of the sun.

The Basilica di San Petronio stands as a testament to Bologna’s rich history and religious heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s past.

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Historic City Square and Landmarks

Exploring the historic city squares and landmarks is a key part of the Bologna Old Town walking tour. Piazza Maggiore, the central and largest public square, has long been the heart of civic life in Bologna, home to the Palazzo d’Accursio town hall and the iconic Torre dell’Orologio, or Clock Tower.

The Fontana del Nettuno, a 16th-century fountain featuring a grand statue of the god Neptune.

The Basilica of Santo Stefano, a complex of seven connected churches dating back to the 5th century.

The famous Two Towers, Garisenda and Asinelli, towering symbols of Bologna’s medieval skyline.

The Quadrilatero, Bologna’s oldest market district, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant food culture.

Food and Markets

The tour explores Bologna’s vibrant food culture at the Quadrilatero, the city’s oldest market district, where visitors can sample the best of Italy’s renowned street food offerings.

Plus, the tour includes a visit to the Mercato di Mezzo, a 19th century indoor food market that showcases the region’s fresh produce, meat, and other culinary delights. Visitors can wander through the bustling stalls, taking in the sights, sounds, and aromas of traditional Italian cuisine.

From handmade pasta to cured meats and artisanal cheeses, the Quadrilatero and Mercato di Mezzo offer a true taste of Bologna’s gastronomic heritage, allowing guests to enjoy the city’s rich food culture.

Pricing

The Bologna – Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour is priced from Kč 8,806 per group of up to 20 people.

This rate makes the tour an affordable option for small groups looking to explore the historic heart of Bologna.

Some key pricing details include:

• The price is per group, not per person, allowing you to split the cost among your party.
• The tour is capped at 20 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
• Reserving now and paying later makes it easy to secure your spot.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance provides flexibility.

Booking and Cancellation

You can reserve the Bologna – Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour now and pay later.

The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

This means you can secure your spot on the tour without the need to pay right away, and if your plans change, you can cancel your reservation with no penalties.

The free cancellation policy is a convenient feature that allows you to book the tour with confidence, knowing you can adjust your schedule if necessary.

Whether you’re finalizing your itinerary or want the option to change your plans, the booking and cancellation policy for this tour is designed to accommodate your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has no specific dress code. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended to ensure a pleasant experience during the tour. Participants should dress in a way that allows them to explore the city comfortably.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are generally not allowed on private walking tours. The tour operator likely wants to keep the experience focused and comfortable for all participants. Most tours have policies restricting animals for safety and logistics reasons.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour may be suitable for some people with disabilities, as it involves walking. However, the terrain and accessibility of the historical sites should be confirmed with the tour provider prior to booking to ensure it meets individual needs.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the tour. However, participants should be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines provided by the tour guide to ensure an enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Yes, some tour providers offer discounted rates for students and seniors. Customers should inquire about any available discounts when booking the tour to see if they qualify for reduced pricing.

Recap

The Bologna – Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour offers a comprehensive 2-hour exploration of the city’s rich history and vibrant food culture.

Visitors can enjoy the local heritage, discover the region’s fresh produce, cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and handmade pasta, while also exploring the city’s iconic landmarks, including the impressive Basilica di San Petronio and the Quadrilatero, Bologna’s oldest market.

You can check availability for your dates here: