Kathy F.United States
Elena, was a terrific tour guide. It was a great start to our Bologna stay. I highly recommend!
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Private tour in Bologna Elena S
Amazing Bologna Walking Tour
5.0
(23) reviews
-
2 hours
30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
2 hours
30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Elena S.
5.0
Guide rating
52
Reviews
Tours delivered
5 hrs
Avg. response time
Hello everyone! My name is Elena. I was born and I live in Imola, a medium-sized town not far from Bologna. Imola is well-know among Formula One lovers because the F1 Grand Prix of San Marino was held there for many years. I actually live close to the Racetrack, even if I prefer good wine & food rather than races! I've got a foreign language background: in 2000 I got my university degree in interpreting and translating but my passion has always been art and painting. That is why I decided to become a tour guide! This is a very rewarding job as it gives me the opportunity to meet people and to share with them my knowledge about my favourite cities and towns: first of all Bologna, the capital city of Emilia-Romagna region, then Modena, featuring a complex of Romanesque style buildings and internationally renowned for Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale and Parmigiano Reggiano, and finally Ferrara, whose city centre is a nice mix of medieval and Renaissance sites. I've got special ties with a little medieval village, Dozza, offering highlights such as a perfectly-restored castle, about 100 wall paintings and an enchanting hilly landscape. I'm also very fond of food and wine: my brother owns a winery on Imola's hills where he produces red grapes such as Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and white grapes such as Pignoletto, Albana and Chardonnay. In order to know more about the fascinating wine world, I decided to attend the AIS (Italian Sommelier Association) qualifying courses and I became a sommelier. This explains why I also offer a walking gourmet tour in Bologna focused on local specialties matched with local wines. I consider myself an experienced tour guide, I'm responsive and flexible, therefore I would be happy to develop tailor-made art & food experiences for you in Bologna and its surroundings. Get in contact with me and let's build together unforgettable tours in my land. I'm a licensed tour guide in Italy. I'm a licensed tour leader that allows me to manage incoming tours all over Italy and outgoing tours in any country of the world. I qualified as a sommelier attending the Italian Sommelier Association (AIS) courses. In the year 2000 I got a University degree in interpreting and translation. I am not a driver. I can arrange for a separate car and driver.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Elena S.
Explore Bologna, the Colonnaded City, among Art & Gastronomy
Overview of your Bologna tour
Bologna is the very heart of Emilia-Romagna. Maybe you have heard about it as the "Learned city": it is home to the oldest university in the Western world (dating back to late 11th century). That is why I would like to show you the Archiginnasio, a beautiful building featuring thousands of shields of noble families from Italy and Europe. Let's discover together the link between them and old time students! It also contains one of the earlies public operating theatres (Teatro Anatomico). IF YOU WANT TO VISIT TEATRO ANATOMICO PLEASE TELL ME BECAUSE IT MUST BE BOOKED AND PREPAID Another highlight of Bologna is its main church, the Basilica of San Petronio, featuring the longest meridian line (a sort of sunlight dial) in the world! Then, strolling along colonnaded streets - I'll bring you through the colorful and lively marketplace area of Bologna. Don't miss it! It is full of historic shops selling delicious produce and eating places where you can try local and regional food and wine specialties.
Recent Reviews
Susan C.United States
Elena was among the best guides we’ve had. She was easygoing, flexible and she fit a lot of information into a short period of time. She answered all of our questions with confidence and she was very good company. She was prompt and her English was excellent. I would highly recommend Elena for any tour she offers in the Bologna region.
Jill B.United States
Elena was a fantastic tour guide! We enjoyed learning about and seeing/experiencing this beautiful city — from the piazzas and towers to the food markets. Wonderful!
Charles M.United States
Elena is a lovely guide. Very informative about the history and architecture of Bologna. An insightful well spent tour. Highly recommend her to others visiting Bologna for the first time.
Michael M.United States
Elena was great. English was excellent. Tour was thorough. Learned a lot. Highly recommend
Mark S.United States
We would like to visit Bologna again, and for longer. Given our short stay, we were able to learn much about Bologna with Elena. She is quite knowledgable, and we would be pleased to tour with her gain.
Your Bologna tour itinerary
Piazza Maggiore (the main square) Neptune Fountain Church of San Petronio (Meridian Line) Archiginnasio (Anatomical Theatre) Medieval Market Piazza and Palazzo della Mercanzia (the medieval Merchant's building and its square) Two Towers (the very tall Asinelli and the leaning Garisenda) NOTE - I'm available to extend this tour to a full day, including a visit to other interesting sites such as Santo Stefano (a complex of 4 interconnecting churches based on the design of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem) or San Domenico (this church contains a magnificent marble shrine with St Dominic's remains, decorated with several marble statues, 3 of them carved by young Michelangelo)… Please, contact me for a customised tour.
Want to customize this tour?
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
This is a walking tour
What's included
Other: tickets
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Entrance tickets.
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
Piazza del Nettuno, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Neptune Square, near Caffé Vittorio Emanuele
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
City Highlights
Art And Culture
Architecture
Tour reference number
806946
Languages
English
Italian
SpanishActivity 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 and vibrant culture with a local expert. It's ideal for those interested in art, gastronomy, and architecture, as well as families, seniors, and individuals with mobility concerns due to its minimal activity level and wheelchair accessibility. With Elena S. as your guide, you'll gain deeper insights into Bologna's unique charm.
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
-
2 hours
30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
2 hours
30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.