Private tour in Bologna Manuela R

Bologna three-hour City Centre Classic Guided Tour

5.0

(70) reviews

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Manuela R.

5.0

Guide rating

268

Reviews

Tours delivered

8 hrs

Avg. response time

Hello! My name is Manuela, I was born in the middle of the Po Valley on the border between Lombardy and Emilia Romagna regions, and it was natural for me to become a licensed guide in both regions. I'm a mix of the two cultures I get along with the Lombard pragmatism and the Emilian jovial and open minded lifestyle. But from both cultures, above anything else, I have taken the best: culture, history, art and …why not … good food and wines! What more can I ask for? How did I become a guide? By pure chance, I was working in a big international company and I was asked to organize a week-end tour in the area for some customers. I was panic-stricken I didn't know how to manage it. Luckily somebody gave me a hint "Why not to get in touch with a licensed guide who can organize a wonderful art and gourmet tour?" The guide made such a wonderful impression on me that I felt really … in love with her job. It was love at first sight, I knew this was my custom-made job! Exactly in that moment I decided I wanted to become a guide. Why not? Even if I had a very good art and history school background I knew that I had to work and study hard but I plucked up my courage and at last I succeeded! I became a licensed guide for Mantua in 2002, for Ferrara 2003, for Modena 2005 and now I'm a licensed Guide for the whole Emilia Romagna Region. Years have gone by since my first guiding tour experience but nothing has changed since then. I still go on guiding with enthusiasm, competence and passion, I like looking at people's faces and see their surprising eyes or hear their exciting comments like "No, I don't believe!" "Really?" "Are you joking?" "Wow!" "Amazing!"… I'm used to propose and organize tours together with the groups even if I have learnt that the choice of the tour depends on time mainly, I usually suggest classical tours with the most important monuments for those people who are going to spend little time in a place, or special tours for those who want not only to visit classical sites but also elaborate further some topics such as music, theatres, different art styles, Jewish communities, typical food and wines, boat excursions, gardens and so on. Last but not least I'm a versatile person ready to plan tours as per people's needs. Write me what you need and I'll do my best to make it true! I have been working as a Local Qualified Guide since 2002. As a Local Licensed Guide I have access to any landmarks. Degree in Modern Languages, Cultural Mediator and International Relations at the Universities of Bologna and Florence. I worked as marketing responsible in international companies in Italy and abroad. I am a Licensed Tourist Guide/Tour Guide and have access to any landmark

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Manuela R.

Overview of your Bologna tour

I always thought I knew Bologna very well but only when I became a tour guide I discovered the city and fell in love with it. Bologna, chief town of Emilia-Romagna Region, is known worldwide as "La Dotta", "The Learned" because it was home to the first university in Europe founded in 1088, even Dante and Petrarch can be numbered among its former students and the 100, 000 students enrolled nowadays make it a lively and cosmopolitan place. Commonly known as "La Grassa", "The Fat" thanks to reputedly the best cuisine in Italy. "La Rossa", "The Red" referring to both the colour of its brick buildings and "La Turrita", "The Towered" for the presence of 24 towers of the 100 built in the city around the XII century. During this tour I will explain the reasons why Bologna is known in Italy and abroad as dotta, rossa, turrita and grassa. From art and culture tradition up to gastronomic excellence. Do not miss this opportunity to explore Bologna with me, your local guide

Recent Reviews

Rick G.United States
2 weeks ago

Manuela was prompt and very efficient with our time. She was attentive to the fact that we had small children and the weather was unusually hot. She was very knowledgeable and passionate about the city and its history.

Mary Catherine G.United States
June 2026

Manuela was incredibly knowledgeable about Bologna and its architecture. What a treat! Very interesting tour. It provided an excellent entrance into Bologna history for us tourists who were only thinking about Bologna food. Good catch.

John S.United States
June 2026

Our tour guide was absolutely amazing! She was punctual, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable about the history of Bologna. Throughout the tour, she made sure we had time for breaks while continuing to share fascinating stories and insights about the city's rich and extensive past. My wife and I came away with wonderful memories. Not only did we have a great time exploring Bologna, but we also enjoyed getting to know our guide. As a true local, her passion and pride for her city were evident in every part of the tour. A helpful bonus: she happily shares recommendations on where to eat, shop, and how to navigate the train station—tips that made our visit even more enjoyable. This was truly an outstanding experience from start to finish. Grazie! John & Tammy

Raymond C.United States
February 2026

Manuela is an excellent tour guide; she knows the city well and has lots of interesting stories. She is very accommodating and personable. There is much to see in Bologna and Manuela was able to navigate through the city and focus on highlights.

Jack F.United States
September 2025

Manuela was excellent. Highly knowledgeable about Bologna (and other cities in Italy as well) Very enthusiastic about what she was sharing with us. Has a passion for the city and the history. Also was very flexible to go as deep as we wanted on some topics and as light as we want it on others. Also provided us with a great restaurant recommendation for after our tour ended.

Ricardo R.United States
April 2025

Manuela is an excellent guide. Great knowledge of history but even better she loves her city and it shows. She saw we were tired from the our trip earlier in the day and allowed time to rest and discuss other topics of interest to our group. Highly recommended.

Your Bologna tour itinerary

Piazza Maggiore, meet up location of the tour Streets around Piazza Maggiore like Via Ugo Bassi, Via dell'Indipendenza and Via Rizzoli Neptune's Fountain King Enzo's Palace Sala Borsa (closed on Sundays and Monday mornings) Palazzo dei Banchi Palazzo dei notai Accursio's Palace Basilica of Saint Petronio (visit inside according to opening hours and services - church dress code is required) with the longest sundial in the World. Piazza Galvani Archiginnasio, the first seat of the University of Bologna Mercato di Mezzo (medieval Food Market) Saint Steven street Saint Steven square wih its porticos and beautiful palaces Saint Steven Churches Complex (visit inside according to opening hours and services, closed on Monday mornings). Two Leaning Towers of Asinelli and Garisenda. Contact me for customization.

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Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

walking tour

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Private Transportation
Private Transportation With Driver
Food Drinks Snacks
Tastings
Equipment
Classes Workshop
Services
Accommodation
Public Transportation
Meeting location

Piazza Maggiore, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, 40124, Italy

Piazza Maggiore 1/e near the entrance door of the tourist office called "Bologna Welcome". Meeting poin details are really important expecially on high tourist season

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Food And Drink
Tour reference number
131026
Languages
English
German
Italian
Spanish
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Bologna best suited for?

This private tour in Bologna is perfect for travellers who want to explore the city's rich history, culture, and gastronomy with a local guide. It's suitable for families, including kids, as well as seniors and those with mobility concerns, thanks to its minimal activity level and wheelchair accessibility. If you're interested in connecting with a local for deeper insights into Bologna's unique character, this tour is ideal.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Bologna be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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