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What you’ll do

Ssshh! Your local host is whispering some of Bologna’s best-kept secrets in your ear, because this city has more sides than your guidebook knows exist. You may have heard of the historic canals of Bologna, but did you know that one of the few remaining sections - Canale delle Moline, hidden by colored terraced houses - can be seen through a small, secret window on via Piella? You’ll explore the gritty, urban streets of Bolognina, a multi-cultural district with impressive street art, relaxed restaurants, and alternative rock music scene. Back in the city center, the famous Fountain of Neptune statue is a popular attraction – but can you spot the piece that inspired the Maserati logo (and a rather, er, risqué optical illusion)?

  • Private experience, tailored to you

  • 3 hours

  • Matched to your ideal host

  • Walking tour (may use public transport)

  • Hosted in English (On request: Arabic, Catalan, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish)

  • Your hotel/apartment or any other central location

Experience outline

  • Join a local host and discover the Bologna you definitely won’t find in a guidebook
  • Explore the off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods of Bolognina and Cirenaica, and the unique venues they house
  • See a famous local landmark that has a couple of hidden secrets of its own
  • See your host’s favorite haunts – the ones only locals would know about
  • Over a glass of wine, get tips from your local insider for other unique places to visit in the city

Things to know

What’s included

  • Private and personalized experience
  • 3 hours with a host
  • Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
  • Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

Meeting point

Your hotel/apartment or any other central location

What’s not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Tickets to any attractions
  • Transportation costs
  • Gratuities (optional)

Cancellation

  • Cancel 7 days before the experience for a full refund
  • Worry-free cancellation terms: book with peace of mind knowing that you can cancel for free up to a day before the experience and receive a full refund.

Photos taken by our hosts and guests

Travelers having fun right now!

Travelers having fun right now!

Reviews

    Claudio was absolutely wonderful! There aren't enough adjectives to describe him! He's knowledgeable, friendly, considerate, attentive, helpful, fun to be with, and we learned so much about the history and culture of this amazing city.

    March 2024

    Greta W

    Many thanks to Claudio! We thoroughly enjoyed our time with him as he introduced us to Bologna's history and culture. He has an easy and accommodating manner, and we enthusiastically recommend him for any English speaking tour. He's knowledgable and informative; and his love for Bologna and all it has to offer is evident.

    March 2024

    Greta W

    Only had a short time in Bologna so we booked this personalized tour and our guide Claudio was fantastic. The tour was 2 hours and we saw all the main sights and he took us off the beaten track as well. The tour wasn't rushed and we would recommend this tour if you haven't got a lot of time I'm Bologna and you want to see this amazing city .

    December 2023

    Davina M

    Claudio was the absolute best! Decided to book a last-minute two hour get to know bologna tour and we were lucky enough to get Claudio. He was great showing us around, giving us the highlights in and around bologna. Super knowledgeable super friendly highly recommended requesting Claudio.

    December 2023

    Tracy V

See more reviews

Meet our local hosts in Bologna. One of them will tailor this experience to your wishes!

We’ll expertly match you to your best suited host based on your interests, personality and the experience vibe you’re after.

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