Private tour in Bologna Riccardo B

Bologna the hidden gem of Italy

5.0

(7) 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 Last-Minute 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 Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Riccardo B.

5.0

Guide rating

26

Reviews

Tours delivered

4 hrs

Avg. response time

Buongiorno and welcome to the city called "red , the wise and the fat! I was Born in Bologna in the 1983, and I started working as official tour guide and hiking guide in the 2018. Immediately, it was so clear and straghtforward how much underrated this unique red medieval city was. Bologna is an oportunity for anyone who desires to discover a new hidden part of Italy! This hidden gem, sorrounded by green hills, looks like today a New York of the middle ages, with more than 20 towers still up, dominating its skyline. Bologna, oldest university centre of Europe, but also city of 45 kms of PORTICI (today UNESCO world heritage site) always knows how to surprised its travellers. And even for MUSIC lovers there is a huge heritage to discover (the city was designated as creative city of music by UNESCO). It is worldwide known that the city is where the first gorgeous renaissance PIPE ORGANS were built, or the city Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart chose for his studies, and his inspirational activity too, or just the perfect place to taste a great glass of local wine shrouded in the atmosphere of a JAZZ CLUB! Everyday I feel my passion for this city is spurred and kept alive by new discoveries, and it is a great pleasure to take our traverellers by hand and get lost with them in the buzzing narrow medieval streets of the old market, sorrounded by scents of spices, flavours of cheeses, like its majesty the PARMIGIANO REGGIANO, and delicious aged salumi. Explored the old market, gastronomic heart of northern iItaly ? The dicovery continues with unexpected architectures and views, all around us, and our look gets trapped by the red tiles of a medieval abbey, the lapis lazzuli of old painted chapels, or by some original 900 years old wooden houses. Sometimes, when dusk comes, and shadows are cast on the red archways of the colomnades the clay sculptures of a tiny hidden corner, lost in the old town, seem to dare us, targeting our visitors look, as if they knew who is familiar with them or not, who is a foreigner in the city or yet acquainted with their golden beauty. . . Finally do not miss the chance to follow me on a tour of Bologna hills nature culture and GASTRONOMY. Between a Parmigiano Dairy and a medieval castle, between an ACETAIA and a lonsome old abbey, the day will come to an end and leave the evening space for new gastronomic and cultural discoveries. Tour Guide of Emilia Romgnam, license released by Emilia Romagna, act number 12798, March the 6th 2018 Environmental Hiking Guide, license released by CEFAL (Faenza), act number 38/17, March the 29th 2017 Language level C2: English, act number 9276, January 13th 2013 I am not a driver. I can accompany you in your vehicle, by public transports, or I can arrange for a separate car and driver. For tours that require any car arrangement (driver to be provided by the guide) a minum of 7 days in advance is necessary

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Riccardo B.

Overview of your Bologna tour

This tour of Bologna, capital of silk, waters, towers and ancient university is a mix of art masterpieces, history, food stories, legends and secrets, a real immersion into history and time. Piazza Maggiore and its cobbled roofs and medieval towers, white marble statues, the painted rooms of the old Town Hall, will bring us into a parallel world, travelling with the mind. Bramante monumental staircase, the gothic chapels of San Petronio, Jacopo della Quercia magnificent portal, and the many stained glasses of San Petronio are just some of the many masterpieces we will discover, exploring around this area. Accross the old food market, where rich scents float in the air, and the traditional shops gorgeously display their assortment of salumi and cheeses, the church of Santa Maria della Vita towers, with its hidden diamonds. Santo Stefano medieval abbey, Archiginnasio Palace, home to OLDEST UNIVERSITY in Europe, Michelangelo masterpieces will follow, and will simply make us fall in love with it.

Recent Reviews

Peter B.United States
May 2026

Ricardo is very knowledgeable, well prepared, and engaging. He has an extraordinary grasp of history, art, religion, music and food. We had a great tour.

Eduardo B.United States
January 2026

Riccardo was fantastic: very knowledgeable and responsive to our questions and remarks! Highly recommended and a true ‘local’. Very flexible, he helped us negotiate our stay and tour! Pick him!

Christopher G.United States
September 2025

We had a wonderful day exploring the heart of Bologna with Riccardo. His enthusiasm for his hometown's art, architecture, history, and food complemented his vast knowledge on these subjects brilliantly. We recommend touring with Riccardo without reservation.

Jan D.Belgium
April 2025

Very pasionate guide with great knowlidge of Bologna history!

Serrie M.United Kingdom
October 2023

Riccardo's knowledge and enthusiasm was unbounded. He was a quite brilliant guide to the city and seemed to know everything about everything! He conveyed his knowledge in a very entertaining and accessible manner. In addition, he was an extremely likeable man. We very much enjoyed our morning with him.

David D.United States
August 2023

Experiencing Bologna with the help of Riccardo was priceless! Smart, Energetic, Kind and an encyclopedic brain is how I would describe Riccardo. He is a wealth of knowledge and can speak in depth on MANY topics. He will make you appreciate the very rich history of Bologna. I would highly recommend his services and would absolutely use his services again. Thank you, Riccardo!

Your Bologna tour itinerary

Piazza Maggiore The Neptune Fountain The old Town Hall interiors and hidden gems San Petronio church (painted chapels, music, and science), the logest Sundial, Bolognini gothic chapel The old Archiginnasio (Palace of the University) and its Anatomical Wooden Theatre Santo Stefano Abbey (the seven churches) The towers The QUADRILATERO (ancient food market), old shops and medieval inns Santa Maria della Vita and its clay Compianto San Domenique (Michelangelo masterpieces, Mozart musical instruments, the biggest wooden renaissance choir in the world)

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

walking

What's included
Other
Private Guide
Tickets
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Piazza Maggiore, Bar Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza Maggiore, 1, 40124 Bologna BO

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Art And Culture
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1082518
Languages
English
Italian
Activity level
Moderate
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 immerse themselves in the rich history, art, and culinary delights of the city. It's ideal for those who appreciate architecture, historical sites, and local food markets. The tour is also suitable for families with kids and travellers with mobility concerns, as it is wheelchair accessible.

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?

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 Last-Minute 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 Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
More tours in Bologna by Riccardo B.
Similar tours in Bologna
Explore more of Bologna
Tastes and castles of Emilia Romagna - Private TransportationBologna City Centre Walking TourBologna to Rimini & San Marino - Full Day TourParmigiano Reggiano, Balsamic Vinegar & Italian Ham - Modena Food Tasting TourTraditional Balsamic Vinegar and Parmigiano-Reggiano in Pavarotti's land (Tailor-made Tour)Bologna Market Walking Tour for the Discerning EpicureanThe Real Bologna Food TourA Marriage Made in Heaven: Parmigiano & Traditional Balsamic VinegarArt and Food Tour of Bologna!Bologna city centre walking guided tour for first-time visitorsGourmet BolognaBologna Highlights TourBologna three-hour City Centre Classic Guided TourDay Trip from Bologna to Ravenna, the world's Mosaics Capital Best of Bologna - Half Day Walking TourBologna "Eat & Art" - Private Walking TourAmazing Bologna Walking TourParmigiano, Balsamic & Lambrusco ExperienceDiscover Bologna and its historyChianti Countryside Full Day Tour From BolognaRavenna, Day Trip from BolognaAround Bologna- Full day TourBologna the hidden gem of ItalyEnjoy Food, Wine Tasting and Art in Bologna with your local guideThe Jewish Heritage in BolognaArt in Bologna - Express Walking TourThe Best of Bologna - Private Walking TourThe best of Bologna HD tourPrivate Food Tour of BolognaDiscover and Taste Bologna Walking TourFerrara Culture & Food Tour from BolognaBologna Wine Tavern Private TourBologna City Highlights - Express Walking TourDozza, A "Painted" Medieval Village - day trip from BolognaPrivate tour of Bologna by carTortellini and Tagliatelle Cooking ClassBologna Private Food TourFoodie historical tour of Bologna in company of a local guideMotor Valley from Bologna to Modena Full Day Private TourModena Highlights tour: Food and Wine