Bologna Cultural Tours & Trip Packages

Bologna Cultural Tours & Trips

36 Bologna trips. Tours from 24 tour companies. 89 reviews.

31 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Cultural
Italian Discovery
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By Eskapas
preferred
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They introduce their travelers to real locals through their selection of guides and off-the-beaten-path restaurants and attractions.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Assisi, Bologna, Florence, Isle of Capri, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Naples, Padua, Rome, Siena, Sorrento, Venice

Highlights

  • - Most comprehensive itinerary of Northern and Southern Italy - Fully escorted - Private arrival and departure airport transfers - Free Rome walking tour by night

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, Photography

What travelers are saying

"Wonderful, we really liked it."

Trip dates & details
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Venice to Rome by Rail
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Bologna, Colosseum, Forum, Pisa, Rome, Venice

Highlights

  • Journey from the iconic sights of Venice, Florence and Rome to the fabulous Amalfi Coast
  • Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine in the foodie's heaven of Bologna
  • Travel by rail and on foot and minimise your carbon footprint

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Good accomodation and an excellent guide. Sagres has lots of nice restaurants and 3 beaches."

Trip dates & details
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Emilia Romagna History and Food Traditions
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By Top Travel Italy
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
18 reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
Their flexible and customizable approach, along with their expert local guides, sets them apart from other tour operators and travel agencies in Italy
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bologna, Parma

Highlights

  • History, Life & Food in Bologna
  • Discover Parma with Parma ham and cheese tasting experience at local factory
  • The Ferrari experience at the Italian Motor Valley with sparkling wine tasting experience
  • Ferrara Excursion with Lambrusco tasting experience
  • Ravenna and the Valley of Comacchio private excursion
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Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Photography

What travelers are saying

"It was a leap of faith for us to use Zicasso, a service that connected us to Top Travel Italy, and to book a trip with a travel agent because we've always planned our own vacations in the past. It turned out great! Their model works. Zicasso recommended two agencies in Italy, our destination country, and we chose Top Travel Italy based on their responsiveness. What fun to create a customized itinerary based on their recommendations -- we told them how many days we could travel, what our budget was, and roughly what we wanted to do. They came back with a first draft and we tweaked it from there. Everything worked smoothly while we were in Italy -- we had good hotels and great tour guides, but I think the highlight for me was the private drivers! Driving in Cinque Terre, Rome, and the Amalfi Coast would have been stressful and it was wonderful to leave that to the professionals. And always, Top Travel was a phone call or an email away if we needed them."

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Italy's Treasures Art, Food & Wine of Italy - 2024
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
With a history that spans back to 1918, they have unparalleled expertise in the guided tour industry and can cater to all types of travelers.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bologna, Cinque Terre, Florence, San Gimignano, Siena, Tuscany, Venice

Highlights

  • Journey by boat to Isola dei Pescatori for a lovely welcome dinner.
  • Taste authentic Italian gelato from an award-winning ice cream parlor in San Gimignano.
  • Learn the art behind Tuscan cuisine during a hands-on cooking lesson.
  • Explore Lake Orta, one of Italy’s hidden treasures.
  • Discover colorful Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary about this trip! My Diary about our trip to South Dakota shorturl.at/efoX1"

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Highlights of Italy in Winter
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bologna, Florence, Pantheon, Pisa, Rome, Venice

Highlights

  • This winter trip is a great way to see the highlights of Italy without any of the crowds.
  • Wander around Rome's famous landmarks including the Colosseum, Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica and much more. This is a city where you'll be able to tick a lot off your bucket list.
  • The floating city of Venice is one place you’ll be happy to get lost in. The city's maze of alleyways, canals and lagoon islands lead to over 130 churches, all with their own distinct character.
  • Learn to make the king of comfort food – pasta – by hand in Bologna.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Cooperativa Coraggio. Donations help them regenerate 22 hectares of unused public land to create local jobs and produce organic food in Italy. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Parma to Florence: Italy's Culinary Highlights
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Bologna, Florence

Highlights

  • Visit producers ofculatelloham, Parmesan cheese, Modena balsamic vinegar and olive oil
  • Join a cooking class led by a local chef to make a traditional Bolognese menu
  • Discover Brisighella, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy
  • Take a train through rolling hills to Florence

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

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Generous cancellation

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Venice to Rome by Rail + Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Amalfi Coast, Bologna, Colosseum, Forum, Naples, Pisa, Pompeii, Positano, Rome, Sorrento, Venice

Highlights

  • Two week journey from Venice through Tuscany, to Rome and the Amalfi Coast
  • Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine dining out at local restaurants each night
  • Guided tours in Rome and Pompeii and chance to visit enchanting Capri

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Good accomodation and an excellent guide. Sagres has lots of nice restaurants and 3 beaches."

Trip dates & details
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La Dolce Vita - 11 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bologna, Florence, Isle of Capri, Naples, Rome, Sorrento, Tuscany, Venice

Highlights

  • Rome - Enjoy an evening walking tour to highlights of this historic city, including the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and the Pantheon
  • Florence - Take in the sights of the 'Cradle of the Renaissance', including the beautiful town hall - Palazzo Vecchio
  • Bologna - Explore the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, with free time to sightsee independently
  • Venice - Discover St Mark's Square and Basilica, Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, and enjoy a glass of prosecco in this famous city
  • Tuscany - Drive through the picturesque Tuscan wine region and try a glass of local wine over lunch in the town of Montepulciano
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Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"First time we (mom and daughter) have done a tour and first time with on the go tours. What a special trip we had doing the 13 day Casablanca to Essaouira Morocco tour (26 Nov - 6 Dec 2023). We started the first 8 days doing the totally Morocco tour and the last few days at our own pace with down time in Essaouira. Jamal our guide led the tour from start to finish and took us safely on a culture filled journey. His knowledge of the country, it’s history and people was informative and inspiring. Every request was “no problem” and delivered with a smile and happy demeanour. Everything in Morrocco was “no problem” and we felt safe and looked after. We were driven in a comfortable coach with enough stops along the way to not feel long by our competent driver Suleman. The hotels, Riad and Dar were extremely comfortable with exceptional service. We would not have had the same experience travelling on our own, we felt as though we truly experienced Morocco. Everything was a highlight for us and we will definitely book another on the go tour in the future. If you wanting to see true Morocco we would strongly recommend doing this tour."

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31 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Cultural
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Bologna Reviews

S

Stephen

Oct 2023

Written on

Venice to Rome

Good all rounded info, leaving us to explore later in the day

L

Linda

Oct 2023

Written on

Venice to Rome by Rail

Trip was good, guide was excellent . Mattresses in some of the hotels were very hard

T

Trusted Customer

Jul 2023

Written on

Venice to Rome by Rail

The Vatican. Sunset in Florence.

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Bologna Tour Selection Trips

  • Language could be a major problem in Bologna as most locals do not understand English. It is better to learn a few Italian words or phrases that would help you to communicate if you are going to spend some time there. Or you can bring and English-to-Italian dictionary to solve the problem.
  • The city has a very well-maintained bus system. You can get all the routes and timings online and can get your tickets in advance. You can also get tickets on the bus through an automated machine but that will cost you more than regular. Get your tickets validated from the machine at the front or rear of the bus. The validation is valid for only one hour on any bus or route.
  • If you plan to ride a taxi, make sure you negotiate the fare before sitting. It is a custom to leave small cash for the driver and the total ride fare is rounded up to a convenient amount.
  • The best way to explore the beauty and charm of Bologna is on foot. Take advantage of the walkability of the area and do sightseeing on foot, while taking time to explore each and every point on the way.
  • Mostly local shops and shopping centers open early, around 8:00 a.m. and work till 8:00 p.m. However, the local markets close by the afternoon. Banks also open early and remain closed for some time in the afternoon before reopening, like 12:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. mostly
  •  The lively city is great to have fun but when you want to sleep the noises at 3 a.m. do not sound so good. Therefore, try to get accommodation at some distance where you can take rest peacefully. In the small and walkable city of Bologna even if you are staying at some distance from the center it will never be too far from major interest points.
  •  Pickpockets are very common in this region and work in groups. They can be disguised as anything, especially beggars. While one person distracts you as a beggar, by holding your hand or something like that, meanwhile the other member of the group takes out your wallet.
  • Make sure to keep your cash safe in the inside pocket of your handbag or if in your wallet be attentive towards it, especially in crowded places. Try not to take out cash or wallet from your pocket in public or you are telling the thieves where to find your money.
  • Always keep change with you. There are certain shops or points where you might need it. Some local shopkeepers do not accept international cards so you need cash there. Another place is the paid toilets where you need to insert the exact amount of cash to go inside. No cash might mean no access to the restrooms.
  • Call 118 in case of an emergency. You will find various pharmacies throughout the city and two hospitals. This city has a wonderful health system and Emilia-Romagna is even recognized at the European level for its well-maintained and efficient health system.
  • Overall Bologna is a safe city but unknown to you so avoid straying alone in the streets at night. It is better to be cautious than getting hurt for nothing.

Additional details

Where is Bologna

This beautiful and lively place is the largest city as well as the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy and is located on the Florence-Venice route. The city lies between the Savena and Reno rivers, to the north of Florence, and at Apennines northern foot.

Getting to Bologna

Bologna has a prime geographical location in northern Italy that makes is easily accessible through various modes.

By Air

The closest airport to Bologna is Guglielmo Marconi International Airport that is about six kilometers from the city. Many airlines approach here, including the low-budget European flights. You can hire a taxi or utilize the special bus line service, the Aerobus, to reach the city center.

The taxi may cost about €15 while Aerobus will take you in €6 and drops at Bologna Train Station. You can purchase the tickets onboard or from the machine just outside the terminal. The validated Aerobus ticket is also valid for one hour to be used on other buses as well.

By Rail

The geography and central location of Bologna have made it the main hub of rail transport in northern Italy, through its well-connected railway system.

The high-speed train line between various major cities has made the journey fast and easy. The travel time between Bologna and Florence is about 37 minutes, to and from Rome is 2 hours and 20 minutes, 1 hour for Ferrara, and so on.

By Car

Bologna is situated at the junction of three highways; A1, A13 and A14, therefore, it can be easily accessed by road from any place in the country. Beware of the rush hours if you plan to travel by road as these routes, especially A1, get horrendously packed during rush hours.

Best Time to Visit Bologna

Bologna witnesses all four-seasons, and every season has its pros and cons. The best time to visit is during spring (April to June) or fall (September to November). The temperature is between 6 to 18 °C and in this pleasant weather, you can enjoy most of the activities in the region.

During the summer months (July and August) there is a huge tourist crowd in Bologna but this might not be the best time to visit. The temperature can rise to 30°C and you might also face some accommodation problems. Prices are high and many of the hotels do not have an air conditioning facility that can cause inconvenience in the warm weather.

Wintertime (December to March) is the second most popular time to visit the beautiful city. Weather can become harsh with heavy snowfall but if you can handle the cold you will enjoy the magical effect it has over the area. The temperature rarely rises above 14°C and can fall to -2°C.

Weather impacts the Bologna Italy tours a lot, but every season has something to offer like various festivals, attraction points, etc. and most importantly Bologna food. Hence, no matter what time you choose to visit the magnificent capital, you will not be disappointed.

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