Bologna Small-Group Food and Market Tour With Tastings
Bologna is known for its excellent cuisine, but only insiders know the best areas of the city to sample traditional specialties. Skip the deep research and head straight to the top bites and sips on this food tour through the heart of the city. Visit gastro hot spots from the Quadrilatero and university district to the landmark Mercato di Mezzo market, stopping along the way to feast on prosciutto and mortadella, tagliatelle tossed with ragù, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese drizzled with real balsamic vinegar.
Highlights
- ✓Skip the tourist-trap eateries in Bologna and discover where the locals eat
- ✓Sample a range of local specialties, from cold cuts to fresh pasta
- ✓A tortellini workshop (morning tour) or tavern visit (afternoon tour) included
- ✓A small-group experience for a more relaxed vibe and personal attention
What you'll see & do
- ✓Piazza Maggiore, the heart of Bologna since 1200, is surrounded by historic landmarks like the Basilica of San Petronio and the Neptune Fountain. Once a hub for trade and civic life, it remains the city's main gathering place.
- ✓We'll visit a traditional delicatessen, a local institution known for its top-quality cured meats, where you'll try different types of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese with Balsamic Vinegar.
- ✓Nearby, we’ll see skilled ladies, the 'sfogline', making pasta by hand, and you'll also try it yourself! Note: this stop is only included in morning tours.
- ✓Step inside a historic Bolognese deli rooted in family tradition and craftsmanship. Discover high-quality local products and enjoy a tasting of classic mortadella paired with homemade local focaccia.
- ✓Mercato di Mezzo has been a hub of flavors and trade since medieval times. Transformed into Bologna’s first covered market after Italian unification, it was revitalized in 2014 and now offers local food and wine specialties.
- ✓One of Bologna’s oldest bakeries, family-run since the late 19th century and still preserving its original charm. Discover a long tradition of artisanal baking and enjoy a tasting of their classic rice cake, a beloved local specialty.
- ✓The Two Towers are iconic symbols of Bologna, marking the ancient Via Emilia’s entrance. Built in the 12th century, they reflect Bologna’s past power and prestige, with one offering panoramic views and the other famed for its dramatic tilt.
- ✓At a neighborhood pillar for three decades, we'll taste true local flavors. Savor a tasting of rich Friggione and traditional tigella (or crescentina) topped with delicate prosciutto, along with Lambrusco wine.
- ✓Soak in the rich past of Centro Storico, from papal births to student confraternities, and from ancient frescos to the lively spirit of Bologna. Enjoy a tasting of tagliatelle with Bolognese sauce, tortelloni in sage and butter, with Pignoletto wine and finish with an espresso and a chocolate tortellino.
- ✓Visit the 600-year-old traditional Bolognese tavern, the oldest in the city. Enjoy a relaxing drink while experiencing the social heart of Bologna Note: this stop is only included in afternoon tours.
- ✓Since the 18th century, this area of Bologna has become a cultural hub, with the University of Bologna moving its Dean's offices to Palazzo Poggi in 1803. Today, it's the city's student district, blending historic buildings with contemporary street art and graffiti.
What's included
- ✓Local English-speaking guide
- ✓Aged Parmigiano Reggiano tasting (24 and 36 months) paired with precious balsamic vinegar
- ✓Make your very own tortellino (AM) or visit the 600-year-old traditional Bolognese tavern (PM)
- ✓Dig into a classic pasta from Bologna, tagliatelle al ragù
- ✓Stroll through the medieval food market, and try street food: tigella with prosciutto and mortadella
- ✓‘Food & the City’ Insider Tips
What's not included
- ✓Gratuities / Tips for the guide
- ✓Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- ✓Extra drinks
Good to know
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This activity requires a minimum of 2 guests. Should this not be met, we will contact you directly to help you get rescheduled or reimbursed.
Children under 4 years old do not need a ticket and can join the tour for free. However, food is not included. Paid tickets with food included are available for ages 4 and up.
Please note that the tastings mentioned are a selection of the delicious foods we often feature. Both offerings and tour stops may vary by day or season, but you're sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!
Have dietary requirements? Simply email us or add a note at booking, and we’ll do our best to accommodate vegetarians, gluten-free guests or other dietary needs where we can. For guest safety, this experience isn’t suitable for those with severe or life-threatening food allergies to ingredients found on the tour, and the company cannot take responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances.
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
Bologna Small-Group Food and Market Tour With Tastings
Bologna is known for its excellent cuisine, but only insiders know the best areas of the city to sample traditional specialties. Skip the deep research and head straight to the top bites and sips on this food tour through the heart of the city. Visit gastro hot spots from the Quadrilatero and university district to the landmark Mercato di Mezzo market, stopping along the way to feast on prosciutto and mortadella, tagliatelle tossed with ragù, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese drizzled with real balsamic vinegar.
Highlights
- ✓Skip the tourist-trap eateries in Bologna and discover where the locals eat
- ✓Sample a range of local specialties, from cold cuts to fresh pasta
- ✓A tortellini workshop (morning tour) or tavern visit (afternoon tour) included
- ✓A small-group experience for a more relaxed vibe and personal attention
What you'll see & do
- ✓Piazza Maggiore, the heart of Bologna since 1200, is surrounded by historic landmarks like the Basilica of San Petronio and the Neptune Fountain. Once a hub for trade and civic life, it remains the city's main gathering place.
- ✓We'll visit a traditional delicatessen, a local institution known for its top-quality cured meats, where you'll try different types of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese with Balsamic Vinegar.
- ✓Nearby, we’ll see skilled ladies, the 'sfogline', making pasta by hand, and you'll also try it yourself! Note: this stop is only included in morning tours.
- ✓Step inside a historic Bolognese deli rooted in family tradition and craftsmanship. Discover high-quality local products and enjoy a tasting of classic mortadella paired with homemade local focaccia.
- ✓Mercato di Mezzo has been a hub of flavors and trade since medieval times. Transformed into Bologna’s first covered market after Italian unification, it was revitalized in 2014 and now offers local food and wine specialties.
- ✓One of Bologna’s oldest bakeries, family-run since the late 19th century and still preserving its original charm. Discover a long tradition of artisanal baking and enjoy a tasting of their classic rice cake, a beloved local specialty.
- ✓The Two Towers are iconic symbols of Bologna, marking the ancient Via Emilia’s entrance. Built in the 12th century, they reflect Bologna’s past power and prestige, with one offering panoramic views and the other famed for its dramatic tilt.
- ✓At a neighborhood pillar for three decades, we'll taste true local flavors. Savor a tasting of rich Friggione and traditional tigella (or crescentina) topped with delicate prosciutto, along with Lambrusco wine.
- ✓Soak in the rich past of Centro Storico, from papal births to student confraternities, and from ancient frescos to the lively spirit of Bologna. Enjoy a tasting of tagliatelle with Bolognese sauce, tortelloni in sage and butter, with Pignoletto wine and finish with an espresso and a chocolate tortellino.
- ✓Visit the 600-year-old traditional Bolognese tavern, the oldest in the city. Enjoy a relaxing drink while experiencing the social heart of Bologna Note: this stop is only included in afternoon tours.
- ✓Since the 18th century, this area of Bologna has become a cultural hub, with the University of Bologna moving its Dean's offices to Palazzo Poggi in 1803. Today, it's the city's student district, blending historic buildings with contemporary street art and graffiti.
What's included
- ✓Local English-speaking guide
- ✓Aged Parmigiano Reggiano tasting (24 and 36 months) paired with precious balsamic vinegar
- ✓Make your very own tortellino (AM) or visit the 600-year-old traditional Bolognese tavern (PM)
- ✓Dig into a classic pasta from Bologna, tagliatelle al ragù
- ✓Stroll through the medieval food market, and try street food: tigella with prosciutto and mortadella
- ✓‘Food & the City’ Insider Tips
What's not included
- ✓Gratuities / Tips for the guide
- ✓Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- ✓Extra drinks
Good to know
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This activity requires a minimum of 2 guests. Should this not be met, we will contact you directly to help you get rescheduled or reimbursed.
Children under 4 years old do not need a ticket and can join the tour for free. However, food is not included. Paid tickets with food included are available for ages 4 and up.
Please note that the tastings mentioned are a selection of the delicious foods we often feature. Both offerings and tour stops may vary by day or season, but you're sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!
Have dietary requirements? Simply email us or add a note at booking, and we’ll do our best to accommodate vegetarians, gluten-free guests or other dietary needs where we can. For guest safety, this experience isn’t suitable for those with severe or life-threatening food allergies to ingredients found on the tour, and the company cannot take responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances.
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.