Tours/Bologna/Welcome to Bologna! Private Walking Tour
Welcome to Bologna! Private Walking Tour
5.0(22)Bologna2h 40min
VIATOR5.0(6)TRIPADVISOR5.0(16)
+2 photos
At a glance
Duration
2h 40min
Price from
$183 / person
Location
Bologna, Italy
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 22 reviews
Languages
EN, IT
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Within 24h
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Francesco Antonelli Emilia-Romagna Tour Guide
Meeting point
On a side of the Neptune's Fountain, between the fountain and the Palazzo del Podestà.In the heart of the city center.
Description
This is the ideal tour of Bologna if you want to get to know the best of the city on a half-day walk in the historic center. You will discover the history and culture behind each building and you will also receive further information to make unique and unforgettable your stay. We will end up in the medieval market area where you can receive some suggestions for your lunch and dinner based on typical local products.
The tour is carried out by a local expert and certified local guide.
I'm a freelance tour guide and often collaborate with many different organizations during the season, so my calendar may not be fully updated.
For every eventuality I recommend sending me a direct message so I can respond promptly and best organize your tour.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
10:00 AM and 4:30 PM
Next available
Sun, Oct 11
Group price
$183 per group of up to 8
Out at sunset: the 4:30 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 6:18 PM in the coming weeks.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 10.
Tour Options
Welcome to Bologna! Private Walking Tour
Itinerary
Piazza Maggiore
20 min
The heart of the city, we will discover something about the history of the city and the main buildings that stands on the square. I will provide also some other general informations about your journey in Bologna!
Some other attractions around the square that we will see are:
-Sala Borsa and the archeological escavations in the basement of the building
-Palazzo Re Enzo
-Palazzo de' Banchi
Palazzo del Podesta
20 min
This is one of the buildings that are in Piazza Maggiore. It was the old City Hall during the medieval times. We can also stop under the arcades, in the Tourist office, if you need more informations about Bologna and the sorroundings, and you can also take a city map for free!
Inside the building there is a "Voltone", a cross vault that has really a unic feature...
15 min
This is one of the simbol of Bologna. Let's discover toghether something more about it and something curious that is on the triton he holds.
Basilica Di San Petronio
25 min
We will say something about this wonderful Church, The 5th Bigger Church in Europe!
Currently I cannot guarantee group entry (including a small group) but I will give you information from the outside so that you can visit it later by your own.
Archiginnasio Di Bologna
15 min
One of the main nicknames of the city is "La Dotta", that means the wise, the learned city. Looking at the Archiginnasio Building I can explain you something more about "the oldest university in the western world" dated 1088 BC!
Quadrilatero
30 min
This is a squared area (quadrilatero) that is also called "medieval market" or "middle market". I think it would be better to call it the Food District of Bologna. Here we will discover something more about our rich gastronomy, talking about mortadella, prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano and many other regional deli!
I can suggest you some nice spot to have a board of cold cuts and cheeses for the end of the tour...
Le Due Torri Torre degli Asinell
30 min
Under the two towers of Bologna is where we finish our half day tour, talking about the medieval time when Bologna had about 80 towers in its skyline.
Some other attractions that I will introduce you here are
-the Saint Stephen Complex (aso called the seven churches complex)
-The Jewish Ghetto area
What's included
Included
Certified local guide
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
22 reviews
5
22
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Bologna
Rated higher than 90% of 124 reviewed tours in Bologna
Excurgo comparison of 466 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
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
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Welcome to Bologna! Private Walking Tour take?
Welcome to Bologna! Private Walking Tour lasts about 2h 40min. The itinerary has 7 stops.
How much does Welcome to Bologna! Private Walking Tour cost?
Prices start at $183 per person for this Bologna experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Welcome to Bologna! Private Walking Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM.
Can I cancel Welcome to Bologna! Private Walking Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is On a side of the Neptune's Fountain, between the fountain and the Palazzo del Podestà. In the heart of the city center. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Welcome to Bologna! Private Walking Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN, IT.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.
Is Welcome to Bologna! Private Walking Tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 22 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Francesco Antonelli Emilia-Romagna Tour Guide.
Reviews(22)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
L
LaraMaii
June 25, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Excellent Tour
In April, I participated in a walking tour of Bologna with Francesco, and the experience was excellent. He is an extremely knowledgeable, reliable guide who conveys his extensive knowledge of the city in an engaging and never boring manner. During the tour, he shared many interesting facts and tidbits that made the visit truly special.
I organized this experience for some colleagues as well, and I received compliments from everyone for the quality of the tour. In addition to being very knowledgeable, Francesco is also a likable person and pleasant to listen to. I highly recommend that anyone visiting Bologna book a tour with him: it is the best way to discover the city.
P
petramM9946CR
May 3, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Informative historical tour
Very good , historically sound tour that gave us a good overview of the history and architecture of Bologna. We would have liked to hear about art historical contexts , e.g. about the Bolognese Baroque. Francesco was very relaxed and pleasant in his manner. Definitely highly recommended!
1 people found this helpful
M
Mikko_R
April 27, 2026 · via Viator
Excellent guide
Francesco is a wonderful guide: we planned the tour in detail and he was very effective in including very much in it, kudos!
1 people found this helpful
7
716masonh
April 26, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great intro to Bologna and its history (and food!)
Francesco gave us a 3-hour evening tour of Bologna, highlighting the local history and cuisine. He is extremely knowledgeable about the area and will happily and accurately answer any question. We had a lovely time getting to know Bologna with Francesco, seeing several city highlights and tasting a few delicious traditional dishes with local wine. Afterwards, he led us to the best gelato in town. Highly recommended!
M
maryanneb929
April 20, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Bologna city
Francesco was just wonderful. He was so knowledgeable and fond of the city.
D
David F
April 19, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
First Class Guide
What a fantastic guide ! Francesco was knowledgeable and professional. His knowledge of the history and geography of Bologna was first class . Don’t hesitate to book him .
M
MassimilianoO579
April 11, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
A guide to Bologna
Good and prepared not only on Bologna.
Very interesting visit to recommend.
F
Franco V
April 11, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Interesting tour of Bologna
Francesco is a very kind and helpful person and above all very prepared and competent.
L
Lau L
April 11, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Bravo and prepared
Francesco was very good, he made us visit and learn about the city. Very prepared
T
Tourist22040306503
April 11, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Interesting and curious
Very competent and full explanations
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