Venice , Italy

From Venice: 1 day tour to Bologna

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About this experience

Enjoy a wonderful day in Bologna, discovering the secrets, history and culture of one of the most fascinating and richest cities in Italy.

The day will start with a small group guided tour of the old town, during which an expert guide will accompany you through the streets of the city to show you the main monuments and introduce you to its heritage.

After sightseeing, enjoy lunch at a quaint historic inn. In the afternoon, aboard the San Luca Express train, you will reach the famous Basilica of San Luca, enjoying the unique landscape along the longest portico in the world.

Pick up and drop off from Venice

Available options

From Venice: 1 day tour to Bologna

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Gastronomic tastings

Certified local guide in language

Pick up and drop off in Venice

Lunch in an ancient 2-course inn

Detailed itinerary

Founded in 1564 to highlight the statue of Neptune to which it owes its name, the square was the result of the expansion of the existing space between Palazzo d'Accursio and Palazzo del Podestà through the demolition of a block of buildings.

The statue of Neptune was built between 1563 and 1567 by the Flemish sculptor Jean de Boulogne, known as Giambologna, and by Tommaso Laureti, known as Il Siciliano.

On one side of the square is the Sala Borsa, since 2001 the Multimedia Civic Library, on the other, next to Palazzo del Podestà, stands Palazzo Re Enzo.

Stop 2

The Basilica of San Petronio, dedicated to the city's patron saint, stands in Piazza Maggiore and is the largest and most important church in Bologna.

Construction began in 1390 under the direction of Antonio di Vincenzo. In 1514 Arduino degli Arriguzzi proposed a new Latin cross model that would have exceeded the size of the church of San Pietro in Rome, but, according to legend, Pius IV blocked its construction by soliciting the works for the construction of the Archiginnasio.
Famous is the Musical Chapel of San Petronio, the oldest musical institution in Bologna (1436), whose most prestigious symbol is a still functioning organ, which, built around 1470 by Lorenzo da Prato, is the oldest in the world still in use

Stop 3

A truly special itinerary is the one that takes you through the streets of the ancient market of Bologna, the Quadrilatero. This district already housed most of the city's artisan guilds since the Middle Ages and is today one of those most characteristic places in Bologna.

Piazza Santo Stefano is one of the symbolic places of Bologna, commonly considered a square, although it is actually a widening originating from Via Santo Stefano and leading to the homonymous complex, also known as "Seven Churches".

Dominated by the Basilica of Santo Stefano, the square has the Berti house, Palazzo Isolani and Palazzo Bolognini Isolani on one side, and the sixteenth-century Palazzo Bolognini Amorini Salina on the other.

Stop 5

The sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca (San Lócca in Bolognese) is a basilica dedicated to the Catholic Marian cult and stands on the Colle della Guardia, a partly wooded spur at 280 m a.s.l. south-west of the historic center of Bologna. It is an important sanctuary in the history of the city, since its origins a pilgrimage destination to venerate the icon of the Virgin and Child called "di San Luca". The sanctuary can be reached from Porta Saragozza through a long and characteristic arcaded road, which crosses via Saragozza with the monumental Arco del Meloncello (1732) and then climbs steeply up to the sanctuary.

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Near the departure of taxis and Ncc

About Venice

Venice is a unique and enchanting city built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Known for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture, Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for its rich history, art, and culture. The city offers a romantic and timeless atmosphere that captivates visitors from around the world.

Top Attractions

St. Mark's Basilica

A stunning Byzantine cathedral known for its opulent design, golden mosaics, and historical significance. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free entry, €3 for museum and treasury

Doge's Palace

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of Venetian government. It offers a glimpse into the city's political and cultural history.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €25 for standard ticket, €30 for Secret Itineraries Tour

Rialto Bridge

The oldest and most famous of Venice's four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is an iconic symbol of the city.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Grand Canal

The main waterway of Venice, the Grand Canal is lined with beautiful palaces, churches, and historic buildings. A vaporetto ride along the canal offers stunning views.

Nature/Scenic 30-60 minutes €7.50 for a vaporetto ticket

Murano

An island famous for its glass-making tradition. Visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase unique glass souvenirs.

Cultural/Historical Half-day Free to explore, €10 for museum

Burano

A colorful island known for its lace-making tradition and picturesque houses. Burano is a charming and photogenic destination.

Cultural/Scenic Half-day Free to explore, €5 for lace museum

Must-Try Local Dishes

Risotto al Nero di Seppia

A risotto made with cuttlefish ink, giving it a distinctive black color and rich, briny flavor.

Main Course Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies.

Sarde in Saor

Sweet and sour sardines marinated with onions, raisins, pine nuts, and vinegar.

Appetizer Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Bigoli in Salsa

Pasta with a sauce made from anchovies, onions, and breadcrumbs.

Main Course Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Frito Misto

A mix of fried seafood and vegetables, including shrimp, squid, and zucchini.

Appetizer Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians.

Popular Activities

Kayaking in the canals Cycling on Lido di Venezia Hiking in the Venetian Lagoon Sunbathing on Lido di Venezia Enjoying a gondola ride Visiting a spa or wellness center Attending a concert or opera Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. The city is vibrant with events and festivals, and the temperatures are comfortable for exploring.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken in local areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Venice is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas, and acqua alta (high water) events can disrupt travel plans.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Use official taxis and ticket vendors
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Venice Marco Polo Airport • 12 km from city center

By train

Santa Lucia Railway Station

By bus

Piazzale Roma

Getting around

Public transport

The vaporetto is the main public transport system in Venice. It operates on fixed routes and is the most convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber (limited availability), Local taxi apps

Rentals

Neighborhoods

San Marco Dorsoduro Cannaregio Castello

Day trips

Burano and Murano

10-45 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

Visit the colorful island of Burano and the glass-making island of Murano for a unique and picturesque day trip.

Lido di Venezia

20 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

A long, narrow island between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, known for its beaches, the Venice Film Festival, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Padua (Padova)

40 km (25 miles) • Half-day to full day

A charming city known for its beautiful architecture, historic sites, and the famous Scrovegni Chapel with its stunning frescoes by Giotto.

Festivals

Venice Carnival • February or March (dates vary) Venice Film Festival • Late August to early September Festa del Redentore • Third weekend of July

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and hidden gems for a more authentic experience
Try local specialties and dishes, and ask locals for recommendations
Use a map or GPS to navigate the intricate streets and canals, as Venice can be easy to get lost in
Be prepared for acqua alta (high water) events, especially from October to January, and check forecasts and plan accordingly