Bologna , Italy

Bologna Food & Wine Private Tour

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About this experience

Discover the authentic flavors of Bologna on a 3-hour private food tour in the heart of the city. You will walk together with a local guide among the scents and colors of the Quadrilatero Market, crossing Piazza Maggiore and the Jewish Ghetto, listening to stories and curiosities about the Bolognese gastronomic tradition. Along the way you will stop at three historic shops to taste typical specialties.

The tour ends in an intimate wine shop, a welcoming place with a warm atmosphere, where the guide will greet you leaving you in the expert hands of a sommelier. Here you will experience a guided tasting of three Italian wines, accompanied by delicious appetizers. To make the experience even more original there is the Sommelier’s Game: an interactive challenge with 10 questions designed to have fun and discover something more about wine. At the end you will receive a digital certificate, a personalized evaluation and advice on the wines that best suit your tastes.

Available options

Bologna Food & Wine Private Tour

What's included

Certified tourist guide

Wine expert

Tastings of local products to accompany the wine

3 traditional tastings

Game of the Sommelier with digital certificate

Tasting of 3 Italian wines

Detailed itinerary

Immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the Quadrilatero, Bologna's legendary historic district. Here, among the Via Caprarie, Drapperie and Pescherie Vecchie, you will discover a multitude of delicacies: cold cuts, cheeses and fresh pasta. An unmissable experience for lovers of typical Bolognese food.

Leave the Quadrilatero and stroll along the historic Via Rizzoli, admiring the arcades and architecture that will take you to the next stop, offering a glimpse into the liveliness of Bologna's city centre.

Stop 3 Pass by

In the center of the city, here is Piazza Maggiore, Bologna's iconic main square. See the imposing Basilica of San Petronio, the Palazzo d'Accursio and the famous Fountain of Neptune. This is the real city living room, a place rich in history and life.

Stop 4

Explore Bologna's bustling Herb Market, the city's largest indoor market. A riot of colors and scents where you will find fresh fruits, vegetables, local products and delicious gastronomic proposals. It is the perfect place for an authentic immersion in the flavors and everyday life of Bologna.

End your tour in a cozy wine shop in the center of Bologna. A tasting of selected wines awaits you, accompanied by a rich platter of typical local products. Test yourself with the fun sommelier game: an interactive experience to discover the secrets of food and wine pairing and celebrate the flavors of Emilia-Romagna.

What's not included

Transportation to/from the meeting point

Tips and personal expenses

Anything not expressly stated in the inclusions

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The last meeting point is in Strada Maggiore 5/a, Bologna. At the Baggage Storage Bologna.

About Bologna

Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy, is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and exceptional cuisine. Known as 'La Dotta' for its university, 'La Grassa' for its food, and 'La Rossa' for its red-tiled roofs, Bologna offers a unique blend of medieval charm and modern sophistication.

Top Attractions

Two Towers (Due Torri)

The Two Towers, Garisenda and Asinelli, are iconic symbols of Bologna. Built in the 12th century, they offer panoramic views of the city from the top.

Architecture 1-2 hours €5 for the Asinelli Tower, €2 for the Garisenda Tower

Piazza Maggiore

Piazza Maggiore is the heart of Bologna, surrounded by stunning medieval buildings, including the Basilica di San Petronio and the Palazzo d'Accursio.

Historical 30 minutes to a few hours Free

Basilica di San Petronio

This massive basilica is one of the largest churches in the world. Built in the 14th century, it features a stunning interior with beautiful art and architecture.

Religious 1 hour Free, €3 for the museum and crypt

Piazza Santo Stefano

Known as 'Piazza dei Guai' (Square of Troubles), this charming square is surrounded by medieval buildings and features the Basilica di Santo Stefano.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Piazza del Nettuno

This square is home to the Fontana del Nettuno, a stunning fountain featuring a statue of Neptune. The square is also surrounded by beautiful Renaissance buildings.

Historical 30 minutes Free

Archiginnasio

The Archiginnasio was the main building of the University of Bologna from 1563 to 1803. Today, it houses the Anatomical Theatre and the Historical Library.

Historical 1 hour €5

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tortellini in Brodo

Tortellini pasta filled with a mixture of meats, served in a rich broth. A classic Bolognese dish, perfect for a comforting meal.

Main Dish Contains meat and gluten

Ragù alla Bolognese

A rich meat-based sauce served with tagliatelle pasta. This iconic dish is a must-try for any visitor to Bologna.

Main Dish Contains meat and gluten

Lasagne alla Bolognese

Layered pasta with ragù sauce and béchamel, baked to perfection. A hearty and delicious dish that showcases Bolognese cuisine.

Main Dish Contains meat and gluten

Mortadella

A type of large Italian sausage made from finely ground heat-cured pork, flavored with spices. Often served in thin slices as an antipasto.

Snack Contains pork and may contain other meats

Popular Activities

Cycling tours Hiking in the nearby Apennine Mountains Visiting spas and wellness centers Strolling through the city's parks and gardens Attending concerts and performances at Teatro Comunale Visiting museums and art galleries Boating on the Reno River Ice skating in Piazza Maggiore

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

The best time to visit Bologna is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild, and the tourist crowds are smaller. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15-28°C 59-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Bologna is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of pickpockets and bag snatchers, especially in crowded areas
• Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas

Getting there

By air

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport • 6 km from city center

By train

Bologna Centrale

By bus

Bologna Autostazione

Getting around

Public transport

Bologna's public bus network is efficient and covers most of the city. Buses are a convenient way to get around, especially for reaching areas not served by the tram.

Taxis

Available • Apps: FreeNow, MyTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Centro Storico Saragozza San Vitale Sant'Agostino San Donato

Day trips

Modena

45 km from Bologna • Half day to full day

Modena is a charming city known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and world-famous balsamic vinegar. It's a great day trip from Bologna, offering a mix of culture, history, and gastronomy.

Parma

100 km from Bologna • Full day

Parma is a beautiful city known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and delicious food. It's a great day trip from Bologna, offering a mix of art, history, and gastronomy.

Ferrara

50 km from Bologna • Full day

Ferrara is a charming city known for its well-preserved Renaissance architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. It's a great day trip from Bologna, offering a mix of history, art, and local traditions.

Festivals

Bologna Jazz Festival • July Bologna Children's Book Fair • March Bologna Film Festival • June

Pro tips

Explore the city's historic center on foot, as it's compact and pedestrian-friendly
Try local specialties like tortellini, ragù alla Bolognese, and mortadella
Visit the Two Towers for a panoramic view of the city
Take a food tour to discover the city's rich culinary heritage
Use public transportation or walk to get around, as driving in the city center can be challenging