Limited-Time Launch Offer $20 Off Sorrento, Palermo, Verona, Siena & Pisa
CIAO20
Limited-Time Launch Offer
Hidden Gems • 3 hours 5
(55)

Bologna for literature lovers

Join a literature-loving host and explore the world’s oldest university, spectacular libraries, and the most famous literary spots in the city.

There is no such thing as

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Dive into Bologna's vibrant literary culture beyond ordinary tourist paths
  • Browse charming independent bookstores and community book exchanges
  • Discover literary landmarks where famous writers lived and found inspiration
  • Explore tucked-away libraries that reveal Bologna's intellectual character
  • Visit cozy cafés where writers, students and professors gather to discuss ideas
  • Share stories about Bologna's book world over coffee or an afternoon apéritif

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Private and personalized experience
3 hours with a Host
Walking experience
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s not included

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

Meeting point

Your hotel/apartment or any other central location

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
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What travelers think of our Bologna experiences

Anca May 2025

Lorenza was a delightful lady and showed us the less known paths of Bologna along best sightseeing. We’ve spend 3 hours together in a personalized experience as we’ve asked for. Thanks for that .

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Mike May 2025

Alex was great! Very knowledgeable and personable.

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Melissa Nov 2024

I arrived in Bologna a couple of hours before my tour. I was overwhelmed by the city and did not understand or connect with it. Within the first fifteen minutes of being with Paolina that all changed. She was warm and welcoming. Her passion and enthusiasm for her beloved Bologna was infectious. Each new place she guided me to was more beautiful and interesting than the last. Each new secret she revealed to me made me love the city a little bit more. I began to appreciate and understand the character of the city and the people who inhabited it. By the end of my three hour tour I felt like I had only scratched the surface of the most beautiful city I had ever seen. I changed my travel plans so that I could return for two more days. This time, I will stay in the historic city center and explore a city that is already familiar to me. I am excited to return and that is entirely because of Paolina. I was interested in having Paolina because of her many positive reviews and was able to request her as a tour guide through City Unscripted. I highly recommend that you do the same! This tour made me realize that I should be booking tours in every new city I visit. I hope my future guides are half as good as Paolina! She even gifted me a little tortellini magnet because of my passion for pasta.

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Melissa Nov 2024

I arrived in Bologna a couple of hours before my tour. I was overwhelmed by the city and did not understand or connect with it. Within the first fifteen minutes of being with Paolina that all changed. She was warm and welcoming. Her passion and enthusiasm for her beloved Bologna was infectious. Each new place she guided me to was more beautiful and interesting than the last. Each new secret she revealed to me made me love the city a little bit more. I began to appreciate and understand the character of the city and the people who inhabited it. By the end of my three hour tour I felt like I had only scratched the surface of the most beautiful city I had ever seen. I changed my travel plans so that I could return for two more days. This time, I will stay in the historic city center and explore a city that is already familiar to me. I am excited to return and that is entirely because of Paolina. I was interested in having Paolina because of her many positive reviews and was able to request her as a tour guide through City Unscripted. I highly recommend that you do the same! This tour made me realize that I should be booking tours in every new city I visit. I hope my future guides are half as good as Paolina! She even gifted me a little tortellini magnet because of my passion for pasta. A true cultural ambassador for Emilia Romagna and Italy, especially Bologna.

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Tima Sep 2017

Ilaria has made our day in Bologna. Being very communicative, outgoing and knowledgeable she made Bologna accessible so one can feel and understand the spirit of the city and its people. Thank you Ilaria for all.

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Sharon Feb 2017

Ilaria is a wonderful, friendly and intelligent young woman who added a lovely dimension to our visit to Bologna. Her passion for this beautiful city was immediately evident and she communicated this in a very natural and friendly way. Highly recommended!!!

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