Bologna

Culinary & Nightlife

Take in the incredible views from the tallest leaning medieval tower in the world, built between 1109 and 1119. The panoramic view from the Torre degli Asinelli will take your breath away.  After the tower visit, enjoy a food tasting of Bologna's typical products in the city center.

The Basilica of San Luca is one of the symbols of the city of Bologna. Situated on the Monte Guardia, the Sanctuary connects to the city center through the longest continuous portico in the world, made up of 666 arcades. At the meeting point, you'll receive a map and a timetable of the return train, which is available every 45 minutes. You’ll also receive a voucher for the food tasting. This tour departs every day and will help you discover the city from aboard the San Luca Express train, where the audio guides, available in 8 languages, will tell you about the city until your arrival at the Basilica of San Luca. Here, you can visit the Basilica at your own pace and decide what time to return by consulting the schedules on the map. On board, you will find a staff person, who will welcome you and respond to your information. When you return, you will get to taste of typical products in one of the historical markets.  

You will be hosted in a tiny, cozy apartment in Bologna. The kitchen is small but this tiny environment will make your class even more authentic. Learn to cook like a Bolognese in a typical Bologna home. Get hands-on help preparing your own lunch or dinner from a friendly chef during this activity. This experience consists of preparing some specialties of Bologna culinary tradition. Begin by preparing the dough for your pasta. Learn how to make tagliatelle and tortelloni then fill them with ricotta cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano, garlic, parsley, nutmeg, white pepper, and salt. Then make some delicious ragu for your pasta. After, enjoy your pasta with some delicious wine and a local dessert.  

Discover Bologna in comfort via an open top bus, enabling you to admire and photograph all the major attractions of the city.  Upon arriving at the meeting point, staff will welcome you onboard. Choose from an audioguide available in 10 different languages to learn more about the specific landmarks as well as the general history of the city. You will then journey across the city, capturing views of some of the most famous points of interest. Hop on and off at your leisure at some popular spots such as: • Basilica San Petronio • Palazzo dei Notai • Palazzo Comunale • Palazzo di Re Enzo • Palazzo del Podestà, • Tower of Asinelli and Garisenda • Museo Civico Archeologico • Archiginnasio • Palazzo Bevilacqua • Porta Saragozza • Palazzo Bentivoglio • Fontana del Nettuno • Teatro Comunale. After the tour, enjoy a food tour in a historical market in Bologna, where you will try local delicacies.

The Archiginnasio Palace was constructed between 1562 and 1563 as desired by the Papal Legate of Bologna, Cardinal Carlo Borromeo and Vice-legate Pier Donato Cesi. It was a project of Bologna's architect Antonio Morandi, titled Terribilia. The purpose of this operation during the cultural climate of the Council of Trent was to give a unit seat to the university teaching before being dispersed through various other seats. The external portion of the palace is presented by a long portico of 30 arches, and is pronounced in two internal floors around a central courtyard with a double order of loggias. Two grand staircases lead to the floor above that presents 10 scholastic lecture halls (which are unfortunately not able to been visited as they hold the principle book deposits of the library), and two home-lecture halls located at the two ends of the building. There is one hall for the artists (which is today a reading Hall of the Library) and one for the Legisti (ancient law students), titled Sala dello Stabat Mater. The sides of the rooms, the vaults of the grand staircases, and the open galleries are decorated with inscriptions and monuments commemorating the masters of the ancient university, as well as thousands coats of arms and students' names. At the conclusion of your visit, you will be invited to a typical Osteria to try a tasty bolognese "Ranocchi" accompanied by mortadella and tigelle, and partnered with Emilia-Romagna wine.

Visit FICO, the new Italian Food Theme and Amusement park in Bologna. FICO is the "park to taste" and combines the passion for Italian food with fun. Visit 7 themed areas, see farm animals and enjoy the Peasant Theme Park at Luna Farm. Explore 7 themed areas dedicated to the great Italian culinary excellence (Area of Salami, Cheese, Pasta, Game, Wine, Oil, Sweets) divided by new and spectacular scenery, enriched with games, rides, and food-themed attractions. Get access to the Luna Farm, the farm-themed amusement park, and have fun on the 12 attractions without limits. Find a new entrance with friendly farm animals.

Discover the secrets of the city’s cuisine with a food tasting tour of Bologna. With a map and a set of vouchers for local food samples, taste your way through the city at your own pace. Enjoy a self-guided food tour, wander the narrow streets of the old town, take breaks for photos, and explore the points of interest suggested by the map. Collect tastings of local and traditional food along the way. Try handmade chocolates, delicious ice cream, and the famous Tigellone with typical ragù sauce, while adults will also receive a glass of wine, a coffee, and a parmesan sample. Each voucher says what it includes and where to use it, and you can scan the QR code to follow the path on google maps.

Uncover the secrets of Italian family recipes on your travels, Your guide, or Cesarina will share their wisdom, which has been passed down in their families for generations. Go food shopping like a local with your host, enjoy the distinctive Italian local market and learn how to recognize the best produces from the land.  Come back to your Cesarina’s home, attend a private cooking demo where your host will share the secret of her family cookbook while finishing one of the dishes in front of you. Sit at an authentic Italian table and enjoy a 4-course seasonal menu including starter, pasta, main course with a side dish, and dessert accompanied by a selection of red and white local wines. Feel the warmth of Italian hospitality as you connect with local people. 

Discover Palazzo d'Accursio, one of the most iconic and impressive places in Bologna. Learn about the clock tower from your audio guide. Listen to facts and stories on your smartphone as you make your way through the various parts of the clock tower until you finally reach the inner mechanism that makes the clockwork. Admire the Municipal Art Collections, full of artistic treasures that reveal the history of Bologna. Hear anecdotes about how the building has functioned over the centuries. Finish your day with a tasting of typical products in the heart of the city to get the full Bologna experience!

Discover the production of two excellences of Italian cuisine, Parmigiano Reggiano and Parma Hak, on a gastronomic tour from Bologna. After being picked up from your accommodation in Bologna or Modena, head to Italy's food capital declared as UNESCO Creative City for gastronomy since 2015. Learn more about Parma and its local cuisine that is so popular that it often ends up dominating conversations among locals. Visit the historic Parmigiano Reggiano factory where an expert guide will show you the stages of production, and you'll be able to taste some of the cheese made by the factory. Then, get up close to the production of the famous Parma Ham. Learn the secrets of this Italian delicacy followed by a tasting paired with a glass of local wine.  Following the Parma Ham factory, your driver will take you to a local restaurant famous for its regional dishes. Here you can enjoy a two-course lunch, including water and wine. Finally, head back to your accommodation in Bologna or Modena.