• Piazza Maggiore - When envisioning Italy, iconic cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence often come to mind. While these cities boast remarkable landmarks, they also attract large crowds. For those seeking a less crowded experience and a deeper understanding of Italy’s culture, Bologna is a hidden gem worth exploring. Though not a top tourist destination, Bologna offers an authentic Italian experience that can be elusive in more popular locations. Conveniently situated between Venice and Florence, Bologna is a major rail hub and has an international airport, making it easily accessible. Piazza Maggiore, the historical center of Bologna since Roman times, is surrounded by significant monuments such as the Neptune Fountain, the Basilica of San Petronio, the old town halls, the Palazzo dei Banchi, and the Sala Borsa.
• Fontana del Nettuno - The Fountain of Neptune, located in Piazza del Nettuno, is a monumental civic fountain that exemplifies the Mannerist style favored by the Italian courtly elite in the mid-sixteenth century. The trident of Neptune’s statue was adopted by the Maserati brothers as the emblem for their first car and remains the logo of the Maserati car company today.
• Via Rizzoli - Via Rizzoli, along with Via Ugo Bassi, follows the path of the main Roman axis of the city and the Roman Via Emilia, constructed in the 2nd century B.C. From Via Rizzoli, visitors can view the two medieval leaning towers, symbols of the city, and Via Indipendenza, a popular shopping area.
• Basilica di San Petronio - This grand basilica is renowned for hosting significant events: it was here that Charles V became the last Holy Roman Emperor to be crowned by a pope in 1530, and a section of the Council of Trent, a key part of the Counter-Reformation, took place. The church also features a meridian line inlaid in the paving of the left aisle in 1655, which is the longest covered sundial in the world. Note: a dress code is required in this church.
• Quadrilatero - Bologna is celebrated for its rich and vibrant food culture, earning the nickname ‘La Grassa’ (the fat one). The Quadrilatero, or ancient Bologna food market, is a lively area with narrow streets filled with vendors and old food stalls reminiscent of medieval times, selling directly into the narrow passageways.
• Archiginnasio di Bologna - This building was designed to centralize university teaching, which had previously been scattered across various locations. The Archiginnasio’s rich decorations form the largest existing heraldic wall complex. ON REQUEST: Visitors can also tour the old anatomy theatre. Entrance fee €3.00 per person, payable on the tour date.
• Piazza Santo Stefano - Piazza Santo Stefano, also known as Piazza delle Sette Chiese (Seven Churches Square), is a pedestrian square near the start of Via Santo Stefano, both named after the Santo Stefano church complex located on the piazza. It frequently hosts cultural events, flea markets, and concerts, and features porticos along both long sides.
• Basilica - Santuario di Santo Stefano - The Basilica of Santo Stefano is a complex of religious buildings locally known as Seven Churches and Holy Jerusalem. The complex includes the Church of Saint Stephen (8th century), the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (5th century) rebuilt on a Roman temple, the Church of the Saints Vitale and Agricola (5th century, rebuilt in the 12th century), the Courtyard of Pilate, and the Church of the Trinity or of the Martyrium (13th century). Currently, the complex is closed on Mondays.
• Strada Maggiore - The complex owned by the Isolani counts, between Strada Maggiore and Piazza Santo Stefano, is connected by a gallery linking the two locations. On the Strada Maggiore side, the gallery entrance resembles a medieval house with Romanesque-Gothic elements. On the Piazza Santo Stefano side, it appears as a Renaissance-style senatorial palace. The project was completed for a family of Cypriot origin, hence the surname Isolani, which became one of the city’s most prominent. One of Bologna’s most striking arcades is undoubtedly that of Casa Isolani on Strada Maggiore. Its view is breathtaking, with oak beams reaching 9 meters high, supporting the third floor of what was originally a medieval civil dwelling. Built in the mid-13th century, it remains the city’s tallest wooden portico.
• Le Due Torri Torre degli Asinell - The Two Towers (Asinelli and Garisenda), both leaning, are iconic symbols of Bologna and the most notable of the city’s towers. They are situated at the intersection of roads leading to five gates of the old ring wall. Their names are derived from the families who constructed them between 1109 and 1119.

• Qualified local tour guide
• Private tour
• Professional guide

• Transportation to/from attractions
• Tickets, food and drinks

Bologna’s charm not only lies in its embodyment of most metropolitan city features, but also its manageable size. Bologna is not just home to the oldest University in the Western World, established in 1088, it’s also renowned as a gastronomic hub and has a well-maintained medieval city centre featuring approximately 40 kilometres of porticoes, constructed over a millennium ago.

• A dress code is required to enter places of worship. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.