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Bologna : Small Group Guided Tour

16 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 16 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Bologna, Italy
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from $27.39 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Piazza Maggiore, Basilica of San Petronio
St Stephen's Square
The two Towers of Bologna
Piazza Maggiore, Clock Tower
The Square of Mercanzia
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 22 (0) days in advance.
2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 2 more
French, Italian
Instant confirmation

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
See 1 moreSee 4 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Strada Maggiore
5/A, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy

Show on Google Maps

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

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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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

Show 5 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

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 (CET). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

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

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-5590770P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
16 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 16 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
16
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 22 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

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 (CET).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Certified professional tour guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Snacks. Meals and drinks.
  • Transportation to/from the meeting point.
  • Tips and personal expenses.
  • Anything not expressly stated in the inclusions.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Bologna : Small Group Guided Tour is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Bologna : Small Group Guided Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • 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

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