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Bologna : Small Group Guided Tour

7 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 7 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Bologna, Italy

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On average, this is booked 22 (0) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
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Offered in: English

Overview

Explore the heart of Bologna on a 2-hour walking tour in a small group, ideal for an authentic and immersive experience. With a certified Tour Guide, you will discover the city's iconic landmarks: the iconic Two Towers, the striking Piazza Santo Stefano, the elegant Piazza Minghetti and the lively Quadrilatero Point of Sale. You will admire the exterior of the Archiginnasio, an ancient palace of the University of Bologna, entering its charming courtyard. The tour continues in Piazza Maggiore and Piazza Nettuno, where you can admire the Basilica of San Petronio (with admission only for the morning tour), the Fountain of Neptune, Palazzo Re Enzo, the Salaborsa Library and Palazzo d'Accursio. Thanks to the limited number of participants, you can easily interact with the Guide, ask questions and enrich your interests. A unique opportunity to discover the history, art and culture of Bologna in depth and relaxed.

What's Included

  • Certified professional tour guide
  • Snacks Meals and drinks
  • Transportation to/from the meeting point
  • Tips and personal expenses
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Strada Maggiore
5/A, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Piazza del Nettuno
Bologna BO, Italy

The tour will end at the beautiful Piazza del Nettuno, to make the city orientation easier for everyone

What To Expect

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Piazza Santo Stefano

Start your itinerary in the historic heart of Bologna with Piazza Santo Stefano, one of the most fascinating and unique squares in Italy. Here stands the imposing complex of Santo Stefano, also known as the "Seven Churches" or the "Bolognese Jerusalem". Once you walk through the entrance, you will be thrown into a timeless atmosphere. Admire the striking Romanesque columns that characterize the ancient courtyards, immerse yourself in history by touching the Pilate's Basin, an ancient stone basin linked to legends and rites. Do not miss the opportunity to see the unique Gaul of St. Peter and contemplate the touching fresco of the pregnant Madonna, testimonies of faith and art that enrich this sacred place. An unmissable experience that will make you discover the deepest soul of Bologna. On Mondays this stage is replaced by another, as the basilica is closed.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Quadrilatero

Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Quadrilatero, Bologna's vibrant and historic market district. A few steps from Piazza Maggiore, this area is a real sensory journey into the heart of authentic Bolognese tradition. Stroll through its iconic streets: Via Caprarie, Via Drapperie and Via Pescherie Vecchie. Here, historic shops and lively stalls offer a riot of flavors and aromas, from typical cold cuts and cheeses to fresh handmade pasta. The Quadrilatero is the ideal place to discover the most genuine soul of Bologna, between ancient crafts and the famous Emilian gastronomic culture.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Piazza Maggiore

Your tour takes you from the bustling Quadrilatero directly to the grandiose Piazza Maggiore, the hub of Bolognese life. This immense square is an open-air stage that encompasses centuries of history and power. Admire the Palazzo Comunale (also known as Palazzo d'Accursio), which for centuries was the seat of city government and now houses part of the Municipality. Cross the picturesque Voltone del Podestà, a historic passage that takes you to the majestic Fountain of Neptune, symbol of Bologna with its imposing bronze statue. Opposite, you will notice the Sala Borsa building, once a trading centre and today a modern library with fascinating underground archaeological remains visible. Turning around, you can admire the Palazzo Re Enzo, the second town hall, linked to stories of imprisonment and legends.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Basilica Di San Petronio

The Basilica of San Petronio dominates Piazza Maggiore, an undisputed symbol of Bologna. Externally, its façade, although unfinished, reveals the ambitious Gothic project, with Renaissance sculptural details such as the main portal by Jacopo della Quercia. Inside, a majestic vastness will welcome you. See Gian Domenico Cassini's famous sundial, a scientific work that precisely tracks the sun's rays. The side chapels house works of art and frescoes that tell centuries of history and faith. A visit to San Petronio is an experience that combines art, science and spirituality in the beating heart of Bologna.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Archiginnasio Di Bologna

Visit the striking inner courtyard of the Archiginnasio, the ancient and prestigious seat of the University of Bologna. Here you will breathe centuries of academic history. Its walls and ceilings are an impressive gallery of thousands of coats of arms and inscriptions of distinguished students and professors. Each coat of arms tells a story, making the courtyard a living testimony of the erudition that permeated Bologna. A passage here will connect you directly with the city's glorious cultural and intellectual past.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Piazza del Nettuno

Your journey will end in the magnificent Piazza del Nettuno. Here you can admire the famous Fountain of Neptune, symbol of Bologna, ending your journey in the beating heart of the city.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Bologna : Small Group Guided Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-5590770P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
7 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 7 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
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3 stars
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On average, this is booked 22 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

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  • Certified professional tour guide
  • SnacksMeals and drinks
  • Transportation to/from the meeting point
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Anything not expressly stated in the inclusions

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
  • Operated by a business

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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).

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