Uncover the captivating history and vibrant culture of Bologna on the "Bologna Waters and Bologna Dotta" guided tour. This immersive experience delves into the city’s ancient canals and their influence on its thriving manufacturing industry. Kickstart the adventure with a delightful breakfast at a local restaurant before embarking on a four-hour exploration of key sites, including the Basilica di San Martino dell’Aposa and the charming Finestrella of Via Piella. Through the insights of a knowledgeable guide, visitors gain a unique perspective on Bologna’s rich heritage, setting the stage for a truly memorable journey.
Key Points
- The guided tour of Bologna highlights the city’s ancient canals and their role in supporting the manufacturing history and industrial prosperity of the medieval town.
- The tour includes a traditional Bolognese breakfast at a local restaurant, setting an engaging tone for the exploration of Bologna’s cultural and historical significance.
- Key sites visited during the tour include the 1635 "Volto Santo di Lucca" fresco, the Finestrella of Via Piella, the Basilica di San Martino dell’Aposa, and the Palazzo Poggi Museum.
- The tour offers an optional visit to the National Pinacoteca of Bologna and the Luigi Bombicci Museum, providing a deeper dive into the city’s artistic heritage.
- The tour features a live guide available in English and Italian, offering comprehensive insights into Bologna’s engineering feats, cultural evolution, and transformation from a medieval town to an industrial hub.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The guided tour of Bologna offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city, including a breakfast at a local restaurant.
Priced at €65.00 per person, the tour lasts 4 hours and provides an in-depth look at Bologna’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a "reserve now & pay later" option is available.
The tour covers key sites such as the 1635 "Volto Santo di Lucca" fresco, the Finestrella of Via Piella, and the Basilica di San Martino dell’Aposa, among others.
Visitors can also explore the Palazzo Poggi Museum and the Botanical Garden and Herbarium during the tour.
Itinerary and Highlights
Starting from the Irnerio10 Ristorante Bologna on Via Capo di Lucca, 24, the tour kicks off with a delightful breakfast at a local restaurant. Afterward, the group will visit key sites, including the 1635 "Volto Santo di Lucca" fresco, the Finestrella of Via Piella, and the Basilica di San Martino dell’Aposa. The tour also includes a visit to the Palazzo Poggi Museum, the Botanical Garden and Herbarium, and the optional National Pinacoteca of Bologna and the Luigi Bombicci Museum. The tour concludes with a return to the starting point at Irnerio10 Ristorante Bologna.
| Site | Entrance Fee |
|---|---|
| Palazzo Poggi Museum | €7 |
| National Pinacoteca of Bologna | €10 |
| Luigi Bombicci Museum | – |
Guided Tour Details
A live tour guide is available to lead the tour in both English and Italian, providing insight into Bologna’s rich manufacturing history and prosperity.
The focus of the tour is on the ancient canals built in the 12th century, which were used to power mills, tanneries, and spinning mills. Guests will learn about how these waterways contributed to Bologna’s manufacturing dominance during this period.
The tour also includes visits to notable landmarks like the Basilica di San Martino dell’Aposa and the Botanical Garden and Herbarium, offering a comprehensive exploration of the city’s cultural and historical significance.
Additional Information
Optional visits to the National Pinacoteca of Bologna and the Luigi Bombicci Museum (Mineralogy Collection) as well as the Luigi Cattaneo Collection of Anatomical Waxes may incur extra fees.
The guided tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the historic nature of the sites.
Plus, there are important restrictions in place – no smoking and no flash photography are allowed during the tour.
Guests are advised to check availability for their desired dates and participant numbers.
The meeting point for the tour is easily accessible via Google Maps.
Booking and Availability
Guests can check availability for their desired dates and participant numbers on the tour’s booking platform.
There, they’ll find a user-friendly interface where they can easily select their preferred tour date and the number of people in their party. The platform will display real-time availability and allow guests to secure their spots with a simple booking process.
Payment can be made at the time of booking or through the "reserve now, pay later" option.
The meeting point for the tour is conveniently located and can be accessed via Google Maps, ensuring a smooth start to the guided experience.
Ancient Canals and Manufacturing
The guided tour provides an in-depth look into Bologna’s rich manufacturing history, centered around the ancient canal system built in the 12th century.
These canals were vital for powering mills, tanneries, and spinning mills that drove the city’s prosperity. Participants will learn how the ingenious canal network was designed to harness the power of water, enabling Bologna to become a thriving industrial hub.
The tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the engineering feats and innovative spirit that shaped the city’s past. Exploring these historic waterways provides a unique perspective on Bologna’s transformation from a medieval town to a dynamic manufacturing center.
Breakfast at Local Restaurant
The tour begins with a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant, providing participants a chance to fuel up and enjoy Bologna’s vibrant food culture.
Guests savor traditional Bolognese specialties, such as fresh-baked breads, local cheeses, and cured meats, while sipping on robust espresso or fragrant herbal teas.
This convivial setting allows the group to bond and prepare for the exploration ahead, learning about the city’s history and culinary heritage from the knowledgeable guide.
The breakfast not only nourishes the body but also sets the tone for a captivating journey through Bologna’s winding canals and architectural wonders.
Key Sites Explored
After breakfast, the tour takes participants on a captivating journey through Bologna’s rich history and architectural wonders. The first stop is the 1635 "Volto Santo di Lucca" fresco, a remarkable religious mural. Next, the group admires the charming Finestrella of Via Piella, a picturesque canal-side window. The tour then moves to the Basilica di San Martino dell’Aposa, a historic church, and the Palazzo Poggi Museum, known for its impressive art collection. The Botanical Garden and Herbarium provide a peaceful respite, while the optional visit to the National Pinacoteca of Bologna offers a deeper dive into the city’s artistic heritage.
| Key Sites Explored |
|---|
| 1635 "Volto Santo di Lucca" fresco |
| Finestrella of Via Piella |
| Basilica di San Martino dell’Aposa |
| Palazzo Poggi Museum |
| Botanical Garden and Herbarium |
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- Pasta Mama, Home Cooking Lessons at Grazias House
- The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Bologna: 6 or 10 Tastings
- Bologna: Ferrari VIP Experience With Test Drive and Museum
- Bologna Traditional Food Tour – Do Eat Better Experience
- Bologna Airport: Round Trip Transfer to Venice+Water Taxi
- From Bologna: Private Venice Day Trip With Transfer
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Group Size for This Tour?
The tour’s group size isn’t specified in the details provided. The information only mentions the price per person, so the group size can vary depending on the number of participants who book the tour.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Special Dietary Requirements?
The tour can accommodate special dietary requirements. Guests should notify the tour operator in advance so they can make the necessary arrangements with the breakfast restaurant. Customizations may be subject to additional fees.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
The guided tour offers a 10% discount for students and seniors. Participants can inquire about the discount when booking the tour. However, there are no specific details provided about any other discounts available.
Do the Tour Guides Have Specific Expertise in Art or History?
The tour guides have expertise in both art and history. They provide insights into Bologna’s rich manufacturing heritage and explain the significance of the city’s ancient canals and landmark buildings during the 4-hour guided tour.
Can I Join the Tour Midway Through the Itinerary if I’m Running Late?
Joining the tour midway may not be possible, as the guide’s commentary and schedule are designed for the full 4-hour experience. It’s best to arrive on time to ensure you don’t miss any key highlights or activities.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Bologna: Guided Bike Tour With Breakfast
- Bologna: Guided Bike Tour With Aperitif
- Emilia Romagna Cheese Tour
- Taste Bolognas Culinary Treasure With a Local
- Bologna: Capture the Most Photogenic Spots With a Local
- Funny Cooking Class With Chef Antonino
- Emilias Food Farm-Parmiggiano, Wine Tasting & Vinegar Visit
- Food Tour: Prosciutto, Parmigiano, Balsamic, Lambrusco, Lunch, Transport
- Bologna Private Tours With Locals: 100% Personalized, See the City Unscripted
- Fresh Pasta Masterclass & Organic Wine Tasting
- Sweet Bologna
- Private Food Tour With Tastings Near Bologna
- Cook Bolognese Dishes in a Splendid Villa
- Experience Enchanting Bologna: Private Walking Tour
- Bologna: Craft Beer Tasting Bike Tour
Recap
The "Bologna Waters and Bologna Dotta" guided tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and cultural heritage of Bologna. Visitors can discover the impact of the city’s ancient canals on its manufacturing prowess, visit key landmarks like the Basilica di San Martino dell’Aposa, and enjoy a delightful breakfast at a local restaurant. With insights from a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers a captivating glimpse into Bologna’s vibrant past.