Bologna, Italy: 3-Day Relaxed Itinerary

16th-century hall used for anatomy lectures & dissections, with intricate wood sculptures.

Piazza Galvani

Open now

Evening • 1.5h

Evening Stroll under the Portici di Bologna

Enjoy a leisurely evening walk under Bologna's famous porticoes, soaking in the city's atmosphere.

City Center

Breakfast

Enjoy a traditional Italian breakfast at a local 'pasticceria'.

Lunch

Sfoglia Rina (for fresh, artisanal pasta)

Dinner

Osteria dell'Orsa (for a lively, traditional Bolognese experience)

Local tip: Always try the local specialty, 'tagliatelle al ragù', for an authentic taste of Bologna.

Commute: All activities for today are within easy walking distance in the city center.

Day 2: Art, Architecture, and Hidden Gems

4.6

Morning • 2.5h

Bologna National Art Gallery

Museum featuring Italian art from the 13th century to the 1700s, including the Renaissance.

Via delle Belle Arti

Open now

Afternoon • 2h

Finestrella - Canale di Reno & Portici di Bologna

Seek out the famous 'little window' that offers a picturesque view of Bologna's hidden canal. Afterwards, enjoy a stroll along more of the Portici di Bologna.

Via Piella & City Center

4.7

Evening • 1.5h

Basilica of San Domenico

Prominent historic basilica with a Romanesque facade, many paintings & Saint Dominic's remains.

Piazza San Domenico

Open now

Breakfast

Grab a coffee and pastry at a local cafe near your accommodation.

Lunch

La Prosciutteria (for delicious cured meats and local specialties)

Dinner

Trattoria dal Biassanot (for traditional Bolognese cuisine in a cozy setting)

Local tip: Look up to appreciate the intricate details of the porticoes and the historical buildings as you walk.

Commute: These locations are centrally located and easily reachable by foot. The art gallery is a bit north of the core center but still walkable.

Day 3: Panoramic Views and Renaissance Splendor

Cupola e Cripta di San Luca - San Luca Experience

4.6

Morning • 3h

Cupola e Cripta di San Luca - San Luca Experience

Journey to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, either by walking under the longest Portici di Bologna or taking the San Luca Express, for breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

Via di San Luca

Open now

4.6

Afternoon • 1.5h

Palazzo Magnani

This ornate, art-filled Renaissance palace is now home to a Unicredit office that offers tours.

Via Zamboni

Open now

Evening • 2h

Relaxed Farewell Dinner

Enjoy a final, memorable dinner in Bologna, savoring its renowned culinary offerings.

City Center

Breakfast

Find a quiet spot for breakfast and coffee before heading out.

Lunch

Mò Mortadella Lab (for a quick, authentic mortadella sandwich or platter)

Dinner

Ristorante L'Arcimboldo (for an upscale and refined Italian dining experience)

Local tip: Embrace the tradition of 'aperitivo' before dinner for drinks and small bites, a perfect way to unwind.

Commute: For San Luca, consider the San Luca Express tourist train from Piazza Maggiore or local bus service. Other locations are walkable.

Booking Priorities

1. San Luca Express tickets or local bus for San Luca Sanctuary
2. Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio e Teatro Anatomico (check opening hours for guided tours)
3. Dinner reservation at Ristorante L'Arcimboldo for Day 3

Ready-to-Book Experiences

Tiqets (Skip-the-Line Tickets)

Ferrari Museum Maranello: Entry Ticket

Visit the Ferrari Museum in Maranello to see an extensive collection of Ferrari cars and memorabilia. Explore interactive exhibits that showcase the history of the brand and its impact on motorsport. View iconic models and learn about the engineering behind these high-performance vehicles. Participate in simulations that replicate the driving experience of a Ferrari.

From EUR32

★ 4.6

Lamborghini and Ferrari Museum Entry Ticket

Get ready for a journey through automotive history with a combo ticket. Start at the Maranello Ferrari Museum to explore Ferrari's history and innovations. See the famous cars that made Ferrari a top brand. Next, visit the Lamborghini Museum in Bologna. Check out iconic Lamborghini models and tour the production lines. Enjoy the interactive driving simulator at the Lamborghini Museum to feel the thrill of driving. Admire the visionary creations of Ferruccio Lamborghini, such as the Miura and Countach, alongside recent supercars like the Huracán Performante, Aventador SVJ, and exclusive models like the Centenario, Sesto Elemento, and Veneno. The museum also features Lamborghini's first hybrid cars, including the Sian and Countach LPI 800-4.

From EUR44

★ 4.5

Enzo Ferrari Museums Modena: Entry Ticket

Start your engines and prepare for a breakneck tour through the life and work of maverick racing driver and entrepreneur Enzo Ferrari, father of the Ferrari empire. Inside the sleekly designed building, you'll see some of the most beautiful performance cars ever made, and learn all about the man who made his dreams into a high-speed reality.

From EUR32

★ 4.6

Ducati Museum: Entry Ticket

Visit the Ducati Museum in Bologna, showcasing one of the world's well-known motorcycle brands. Located in Italy’s motor valley, the museum covers Ducati’s history, innovation, and focus on speed. See a collection of motorcycles, from vintage models to modern racing bikes – each exhibit highlights craftsmanship and technology in motorcycle design. You'll also learn about the history of racing and famous riders through the interactive displays.

From EUR19

★ 4.3

Archiginnasio of Bologna: Audio Guide + Typical Food Tasting

Founded way-back-when in 1088 and still going strong today, the University Bologna is the world's oldest continuously operating university. It was the first institution to award degrees, and is also where we got the word *university* itself. It's a pretty big deal! The original university building was housed in the astounding Archiginnasio of Bologna, where this audio-guided tour will take you on a journey through time, after you skip the line. Located in the historic center of Bologna, it's one of the city's most important buildings and a cultural must-see. This tour focuses on the interesting history of the University of Bologna, as you explore the magnificent Municipal Library and the 16th-century Anatomical Theater, once used for anatomy lessons. Almost entirely destroyed by bombs in WWII, it was restored using all of the original rubble. At the end of the tour, you'll get a tasting platter of delicious local cold cuts in the nearby Quadrilatero market.

From EUR24

★ 4.3

Ferrari Museum Maranello: Entry Ticket + F1 Simulator

Visit the Ferrari Museum in Maranello to see legendary cars that have played a significant role in motoring history. Look at a wide range of vehicles, from Formula 1 single-seaters to historic models and prototypes, which showcase Ferrari's evolution. Check out the Hall of Legends to learn about the victories of Scuderia Ferrari and the stories of the drivers who achieved them. Just 100 meters away at Via Terra delle Rosse 10, try the F1 EVOTEK simulator. This professional setup mimics real car movements on a track. Pick a circuit, aim for the best lap time, and test your driving skills. Make sure to handle acceleration and braking efficiently to avoid penalties.

From EUR52.5

Bologna Clock Tower and Art Collections + Tasting

This unique experience will let you discover Palazzo d'Accursio, one of the most iconic and impressive places in Bologna, as well as the imposing Clock Tower. The Clock Towers acts as the beating heart of the city, and you'll explore it using a handy audio guide. While listening to facts and stories on your smartphone, you'll make your way through the various parts of the tower until you finally reach the inner mechanism that makes the clock work. You'll also be able to access the Municipal Art Collections, housed in the rooms that were once used as the residences of the Cardinal Legates, discovering paintings, art objects, furniture, porcelain and fabrics ranging from the Middle Ages to today. Finish your day with a tasting of local products to get the full Bologna experience!

From EUR26

★ 4.5

Ferrari Test Drive – Ferrari Portofino

Ready to feel the power of a luxury sports car as you take the wheel of a Ferrari Portofino and glide through the Italian countryside? Buckle up and test-drive the red blur of awesomeness that is the Ferrari Portofino! Zoom along the roads of Maranello in a high-powered drop-top supercar, and remind yourself that life is good, sometimes! There are two test-drive options; a tiny taster (10 minutes) or a whole half hour. The choice is yours (and so are the car keys)!

From EUR120

★ 4.6

Viator (Guided Tours & Activities)

Bologna Food Tour and Enogastronomia Experience with Local Chef

Ciao! I’m a local chef, pasta maker, and licensed Guida Enogastronomica, featured in Forbes Magazine as one of Bologna’s top culinary experts. I hold a Certificato di Specializzazione IFTS in Gastronomia in IGP and DOP products and study Gastronomy at the Università di Bologna. I’ve cooked in some of Emilia-Romagna’s finest kitchens, including a Michelin-starred restaurant. We’ll begin beneath the arches of Palazzo della Mercanzia with a macchiato and historic torta at a family-run pasticceria, then explore the Quadrilatero as I reveal the secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, Prosciutto di Parma DOP, Mortadella IGP, and Aceto Balsamico DOP. Taste the region’s best salumi, cheeses, breads, and Pignoletto wine — plus a 25-year Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale DOP — inside Italy’s oldest tavern (1465). We’ll proceed with tagliatelle al ragù paired with a glass of Sangiovese di Romagna at a beloved trattoria, and say arrivederci! over one of the city’s best artisanal gelato.

From EUR94.5

Felsina Culinaria - Personalised Private Cooking Course

Please book directly via felsinaculinaria . com for a discount. Upon arrival at Villa degli Olmi nestled atop rolling hills, your private experience unfolds as follows: - We begin by organising all the necessary ingredients for your selected dish(es). - Next, we skillfully fry, boil, and bake every component to perfection. - Once everything is prepared, we arrange the dishes and capture memorable photographs. - Finally, you savour the delightful results of your cooking while gazing over the picturesque Po Valley. Embark on this journey with us and immerse yourself in the rich flavours of Bologna.

From EUR280

Best of Bologna in one day : Food, architecture, art and history

This is an extremely comprehensive tour to discover the marvelous city of Bologna. A day of culture, art, and gastronomy among the city's main attractions. The program has been carefully designed to combine the great potential of Bologna's gastronomy (tortellini, mortadella, delicious cured hams, rice cake, tagliatelle, tortelloni, PARMIGIANO REGGIANO, MOodena Dop TRADITIONAL BALSAMIC VINEGAR)... with that of its rich architectural and artistic heritage, including its splendid churches, palaces, ancient university, canals, and towers, and finally, a tunning museum rich in ancient art, the Pinacoteca Nazionale. Regarding its great famous gastronomy : most of its preparations do not need any poresentation (balsamic, parmesan cheese, pasta bolognese, lasagna, tortellini, parma ham, mortadella), but some of these delicacies are actual hidden gems for most of Italian travellers too! We ll visit also a TRADITIONAL PASTA LABORATORY for a qiuick and efficient LITTLE COOKING CLASS!

From EUR145

Pasta Class in Bologna in a 15th-Century Estate Home with Chiara

Join your local host Chiara at her professional, stainless steel kitchen to learn to cook a creative inspired local and regional Italian meal from Monte San Pietro recipes passed down from her grandmother. Inspired by innovation in the cooking world, she is keen on assembling dishes with regional ingredients but changing their form to make them more exciting. Your hands-on cooking will last about two hours. You will learn to cook three dishes from scratch; a pasta such as tagliatelle with prosciutto di Parma and lemon zest, a seasonal vegetable side such as cavolo nero from the garden with garlic and olive oil or a fennel and root vegetable gratinato, and a bread made from ancient wheat or dessert. Enjoy learning about creative ways to recreate regional Bolognese cooking before you sit down at the table to share the meal you helped prepare with your wonderful host. Don't miss out on this opportunity to get a glimpse into an authentic Italian kitchen!

From EUR170.02

Welcome to Bologna! Private Walking Tour

This is the ideal tour of Bologna if you want to get to know the best of the city on a half-day walk in the historic center. You will discover the history and culture behind each building and you will also receive further information to make unique and unforgettable your stay. We will end up in the medieval market area where you can receive some suggestions for your lunch and dinner based on typical local products. The tour is carried out by a local expert and certified local guide. I'm a freelance tour guide and often collaborate with many different organizations during the season, so my calendar may not be fully updated. For every eventuality I recommend sending me a direct message so I can respond promptly and best organize your tour.

From EUR160

Parmigiano, Prosciutto and Traditional balsamic Tour from Bologna

See how they make the cheese, from the milk to the big wheels. Taste freshly made ricotta and 3 different ages of parmigiano. Sometimes we go to Parma, sometimes we go to Modena to taste the best prosciutto. Taste a hearty, traditional lunch, with homemade specialties, typical products and cakes. Understand the astonishing difference between the traditional balsamic and the industrial one. Learn more about Emilia Romagna traditions. I can't run the tour for only one person

From EUR290

Parmigiano Reggiano & Aceto Balsamico tour with lunch

A journey to discover secrets and most authentic flavors of our land. We will start from the King of Cheeses, the Parmigiano Reggiano, visiting a family-run farm, where this excellence was born ten hundred years ago and it is still made with the same ingredients and techniques. It is a result of hand-made experience of one man: the “casaro” (the cheese maker) who creates the “wheel” of Parmigiano Reggiano, in a full-artisanal way. We will continue our gourmet experience visiting one of the best producers of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia. Here, we will discover the secrets beyond this unique and sophisticated product. At the end of both visits you'll taste both products. At the end, tasting lunch in a local restaurant or agritourism based on typical products.

From EUR105

Gelato Crawl Tour Bologna: See Italy's Food Capital in a New Way

Think you know gelato? Think again. This Gelato Crawl is more than tasting—it’s about discovering what makes real Italian gelato special. You’ll learn how to spot authentic, clean-label gelato made only with natural ingredients—no artificial flavors, no shortcuts. Along the way, you’ll uncover its cultural importance in Bologna and see how simple, honest ingredients define Italian cuisine. You won’t just taste the difference—you’ll understand it. Perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers, this small-group tour supports local gelaterias and raises awareness about mindful tourism in historic cities. Vegan and lactose-free options available.

From EUR75