Small Group Bologna Walking Food Tour in Historic Center
Savor tagliatelle, tortellini, mortadella, and gelato across 4 stops
Trying to navigate Bologna's maze of trattorias without ending up at a tourist trap takes serious local knowledge. This walking food tour hands you that insider access, guiding you to at least four authentic spots where regulars actually eat. Taste tortellini in broth or tagliatelle with hours-long ragù, bite into warm mortadella cones, savor cheese-smothered cotoletta, and finish with creamy gelato in a medieval square. Your guide handles the logistics; you handle the eating.
What You Get With This Tour
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Expert English-speaking food guide
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At least 4 authentic food stops
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Traditional pasta, mortadella, cotoletta, espresso, and gelato
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Wine, beer, or soft drink
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Guide tips
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Extra food or drinks
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide at Piazza di Porta Ravegnana
Your tour begins beneath Bologna's iconic Two Towers, where brick giants from the medieval skyline mark the entrance to the city's culinary heart. Your guide greets you in front of Feltrinelli bookstore, ready to lead you through a full meal spread across Bologna's ancient porticoed streets. -
2
Taste fresh pasta at a local trattoria
Dig into silky tagliatelle ribbons draped in the original ragù alla bolognese, a sauce that's been simmering for hours with meat, wine, and vegetables. You might instead savor tiny tortellini floating in fragrant capon broth, each one hand-folded by local sfogline using recipes their grandmothers taught them. -
3
Sample tigelle or mortadella at a traditional spot
Warm tigelle flatbreads arrive next, straight from the Emilia hills and stacked with artisanal cured meats and creamy local cheeses. Alternatively, taste mortadella served in a playful cone, the way locals grab it on the go. -
4
Savor cotoletta alla bolognese
A tender veal cutlet follows, lightly fried and simmered in broth before being baked under a blanket of melted Parmigiano and smoked ham. Rich, satisfying, and a little indulgent, this dish comes straight from Bologna's historic taverns. -
5
Enjoy espresso at a historic café
Pause at a favorite neighborhood bar for a quick, intense espresso pulled fresh and sipped standing at the counter. This is how Bolognese locals fuel their day, several times over, and now it's your turn to join the ritual. -
6
End with artisanal gelato in Piazza Santo Stefano
Your final stop brings you to one of Bologna's most enchanting squares, where master gelato makers serve seasonal flavors crafted from fresh local milk, cream, and regional fruits. As you taste your way through creamy scoops, your guide wraps up the stories of the day and offers tips for where to wander next beneath Bologna's endless porticoes.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Accessibility: This tour involves walking on cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces through Bologna's historic center. It is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible, though strollers can navigate most areas.
Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian options are available at all stops with advance notice. Please contact us with any special dietary restrictions or allergies, so we can do our best to accommodate you.
Alcohol Consumption: This tour includes one alcoholic beverage (wine or other local drink); participants should be of legal drinking age in Italy (18). A soft drink can be substituted upon request. Please bring a government-issued ID if you plan to consume alcohol.
Tour Minimum: If we haven't reached our 2-person minimum, we'll get in touch to offer alternative dates or a full refund.
Please Note: The specific dishes and stops may vary based on season and availability, but you'll always experience authentic Bolognese recipes at local establishments.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can depart on time.
Your 3.5-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking food guide
Full meal experience across at least 4 authentic food stops
Traditional Bolognese pasta, cured meats, and cotoletta alla bolognese
Espresso and gelato
One alcoholic beverage or soft drink
Walking tour through the historic center of Bologna
Maximum group size of 12 guests
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Government-issued ID
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the tour?
The tour is approximately 3.5 hours long.
When will I receive my booking confirmation?
You’ll get your confirmation instantly at the time of booking, so you can start dreaming about all the Bolognese bites coming your way.
Is the tour accessible for everyone?
This tour is stroller-friendly and allows service animals, but it’s not wheelchair accessible. Travelers should have a moderate fitness level for walking around the historic center.
Can children join the tour?
Absolutely! Children are welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Expect tiny taste-testers to be delighted.
What about dietary restrictions?
Vegetarian options are available, just let us know when booking. If you have other dietary needs, please advise us in advance so we can plan accordingly.
Is alcohol served on the tour?
Yes, you may sample local wine, but remember, the minimum drinking age in Italy is 18 years. Cheers responsibly!
What languages will the guide speak?
Your guide may speak both English and Italian, adding a touch of local flavor to the storytelling.
How many people are on the tour?
This is a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring plenty of attention and conversation with your guide.
