Andy S.United States
Elena is wonderful, and also added more information about the history of the town, not just the food. Very accomodating.
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Private tour in Bologna Elena S
Gourmet Bologna
5.0
(22) reviews
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3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-5 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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3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-5 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
Elena S.
5.0
Guide rating
50
Reviews
Tours delivered
7 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.
A Walking City Tour Especially Designed for Food Lovers
Overview of your Bologna tour
After an overview of the Piazza Maggiore, the medieval main city square of Bologna, surrounded by beautiful public buildings such as the City Hall, we'll plunge into the colourful old market area, brimming with fruit and vegetable stalls and historic gourmet shops, selling all sorts of regional and Bolognese specialties: handmade tortellini, tortelloni and tagliatelle, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Traditional Balsamic Vinegar and meat products such as Mortadella di Bologna, Prosciutto di Parma, Culatello di Zibello. . . Being a sommelier, I would also like to let you know some wines such as red Sangiovese and white Pignoletto. Lastly, some sweet notes: Bologna's sweet rice cake, the famous "certosino", made with candied and dried fruit, chocolate-based delicacies (cremino FIAT, chocolate tortellini, the so-called "scorza" etc. ) and a rich gelato in one of the best shops in Bologna. I'll be also glad to bring you to a renowned cafeteria to enjoy the Italian ritual of having an espresso coffee or cappuccino.
Recent Reviews
Kerry M.Canada
We had a fantastic (and filling) walking food tour with Elena! We visited many of the sites around the main square, and stopped into the local shops that specialize in the foods that are enjoyed in Bologna. Great tastes, great settings, and a great sampling of local food and wine that Bologna is famous for! A wonderful way to explore and experience this beautiful city!
Sarah J.United States
We enjoyed our tour with Elena very much! We not only got to learn about and taste regional cuisine, we also were educated on key architecture across the city of Bologna. She took us to delicious restaurants and bakeries and gave excellent recommend for the rest of our stay in the city. She is a gracious and knowledgeable guide and I would highly recommend!
James L.United States
If you want a true food tasting tour, likely best to consider a small group instead of booking a private guide. A private guide’s options are extremely limited food-wise. But with a private guide, you can have a lot of walking and history, without worrying about calories.
Jo M.
Elena is very knowledgeable and pleasant. She was patient with our family group of 13 that included children from 1 to 14. The food stops were excellent. Wonderful Bologna tour and food tasting provided by Elena.
Lisa J.Australia
Elena gave us the perfect introduction to Bologna. Not only did she introduce us to the gourmet food and wine of the region, particularly the cold cuts and chocolates (while accommodating for our food intolerances), Elena also managed to fit in a fascinating walk through and explanation of some of the cultural highlights of Bologna for us. We would highly recommend Elena unreservedly.
Your Bologna tour itinerary
Piazza Maggiore (main square) Medieval food market (where most tastings will take place) Piazza and Palazzo della Mercanzia (the Merchants' square and building) Two Towers NOTE -Depending on your own interests, this tour can be extended to include other highlights of Bologna, such as the church of San Petronio and/or the first unified seat of the university (Archiginnasio) and I can arrange a full-day with a short pasta-making lesson (to be quoted separately).
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 tour
What's included
Other: Tastings
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Food Tastings.
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
Piazza del Nettuno, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Food And Drink
Tour reference number
806956
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 food lovers who want to explore the city's rich culinary heritage. It's also ideal for those who enjoy walking tours and wish to experience the local culture through its markets and gourmet shops. With Elena S. as your guide, you'll gain deeper insights into Bologna's food scene, making it a great choice for travellers looking to connect with a local expert.
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
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-5 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
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-5 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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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 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.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.