
Bologna City & Europe Oldest University Private Guided Tour
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Bologna City & Europe Oldest University Private Guided Tour worth booking?
Bologna City & Europe Oldest University Private Guided Tour is a 2.5-hour experience in Bologna, Italy, from $148 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (7)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $148 per person
Take part in a unique experience and discover one of Italy's most enchanting cities. In the course of the tour, you'll get to uncover the history of Bologna, where the first university of Europe was built in the 11th century. In Piazza San Domenico you'll get to admire the monuments of the most illustrious professors of the Middle ages and inside the Museo Medievale, you'll learn all about with the vivid bas-reliefs that show the professors teaching an audience of students, all thanks to the engaging narration of your dedicated expert guide. Also, you'll get to walk to the Archiginnasio Palace, home to city's schools from the 16th to the 19th century, and its 17th Century Anatomy Theater decorated with wooden sculptures related to Medicine. In the course of just 2.5 hours you'll learn all there is to know about the enthralling history of this charming city.
What you get
About this experience
Take part in a unique experience and discover one of Italy's most enchanting cities. In the course of the tour, you'll get to uncover the history of Bologna, where the first university of Europe was built in the 11th century. In Piazza San Domenico you'll get to admire the monuments of the most illustrious professors of the Middle ages and inside the Museo Medievale, you'll learn all about with the vivid bas-reliefs that show the professors teaching an audience of students, all thanks to the engaging narration of your dedicated expert guide. Also, you'll get to walk to the Archiginnasio Palace, home to city's schools from the 16th to the 19th century, and its 17th Century Anatomy Theater decorated with wooden sculptures related to Medicine. In the course of just 2.5 hours you'll learn all there is to know about the enthralling history of this charming city.
What's included
Included
- Private tour
- Expert professional guide
Not included
- Food & drinks
- Tickets for museums and other sites which require an entrance fee
What you'll see and do
In Piazza San Domenico you'll get to admire the monuments of the most illustrious professors of the Middle ages .
30 minutes here
Museo Civico Medievale
Inside the Museo Medievale, you'll learn all about with the vivid bas-reliefs that show the professors teaching an audience of students, all thanks to the engaging narration of your dedicated expert guide. Museum is closed on Mondays.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Archiginnasio Di Bologna
Also, you'll get to walk to the Archiginnasio Palace, home to city's schools from the 16th to the 19th century, and its 17th Century Anatomy Theater decorated with wooden sculptures related to Medicine. Visit to Teatro Anatomico is optional and ticket price is not included.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Bologna
Meet your guide in front of Biblioteca Salaborsa. Your guide will hold a TUI sign/flag.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet your guide in front of Biblioteca Salaborsa. Your guide will hold a TUI sign/flag.
Options you can book
Standard Thursday
Standard
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- TUI Musement
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
- Please note that this tour does not include entrance to sites which require an entrance fee
- The Museo Medievale is open from Tuesday to Friday (9am to 3pm). On Saturday and Sunday the museum is open from 10am to 6.30pm. Closed on Monday.
- The tour will take place even when it's raining. In the event of heavy rain, the tour may be cancelled and you will be given a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
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What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Bologna City & Europe Oldest University Private Guided Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
10/10 recommend !! Take this tour when you first get there so you can learn about the city and where you want to go!
It was a little tricky to find our guide. She was standing at the door but no sign, you just need to ask the people that have the lanyards on. You’ll eventually find your guide. Everyone is friendly and helpful. Our tour was amazing. We had Laura and you was WONDERFUL!! She knew so much about the history of the city and was able to answer every random question we had. It was worth every penny. We stopped into the oldest Pub, the oldest candy store, learned about balsamic vinegar, the works. She was exactly the kind of guide you want. We loved having a private tour so we could go at our own pace.
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, thank you very much for taking the time to share such a detailed and positive review! We’re glad to hear that, despite the initial difficulty in locating the guide, our team’s friendliness and support helped get everything on track quickly. Your feedback is very helpful, and we’ll certainly take note of your suggestion regarding clearer identification at the meeting point. It’s wonderful to know that your tour with Laura was such a highlight. Her deep knowledge of the city, passion for its history, and ability to answer even the most spontaneous questions are exactly what we aim to offer. We’re delighted that you enjoyed the variety of stops and the flexibility of a private tour, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Thank you again for your kind words and for confirming that the experience was worth it. We hope to welcome you again for another memorable visit! Kind regards, Customer Service Team
via Tripadvisor
Explanation of how University Bologna began
This was a 2.5 hour walking tour with a local educated in art and history. Valeria did an excellent job of explaining how the University began, and evolved. We viewed the first official building (and teatro anatomico, not included, but a highlight), and walked the streets while she pointed out various things.
Response from the operator: Dear Customer, Thank you for your very positive feedback. Your comments are crucial for us to improve our services and I am glad you had a lovely experience with us. We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations. Kind regards, Customer Service team
via Tripadvisor
No show, no call
The tour was canceled by the local operator without any advance notice. We waited for 15 min after the start time, sent 3 messages via app, before notification of cancellation. No alternative tours offered the same day either. Wasted our precious vacation day.. Just offer of full refund doesn’t make up for wasted day. Very disappointed with Viator
Response from the operator: Dear Valued guest, Thank you for your feedback and the time you dedicated to write it. We are really sorry to hear that this service did not meet your expectations and needs. Nevertheless, your comments really matter to our local team to improve the quality's standard service by applying the appropriate corrective actions. Kind regards, Customer Service Team
via Viator
The guide was very...
The guide was very excellent and was able to adapt to our needs. Flexibility was appreciated. Viator’s communication was not so great
via Viator
Unique, interesting tour
Very interesting tour with an extremely knowledgeable tour guide. She could not be stumped. A great experience for those interested in digging a little deeper into Bologna’s history as the oldest university town in Europe. Hands down the best tour we’ve taken.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Price range
- $148 to $250
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by TUI Musement, who run 51 experiences we rank across 24 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.0 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything TUI Musement runsWhy this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Bologna City & Europe Oldest University Private Guided Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Bologna.
How much does Bologna City & Europe Oldest University Private Guided Tour cost?
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Prices start at $148 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Bologna usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Bologna City & Europe Oldest University Private Guided Tour take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Bologna is not rushed.
Is Bologna City & Europe Oldest University Private Guided Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Bologna, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Bologna City & Europe Oldest University Private Guided Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Bologna City & Europe Oldest University Private Guided Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Bologna City & Europe Oldest University Private Guided Tour?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Bologna can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Bologna and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Bologna City & Europe Oldest University Private Guided Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Bologna within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Bologna?
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On Outty we rank every Bologna experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Bologna Local Pasta Cooking Class, Ragu, Spritz, Wine & Gelato, Bologna Food Experience: Factory tours & Lunch By Italian Days, Small Group Bologna Food Tour – Local Food & Market Experience. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Bologna?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Bologna?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Bologna City & Europe Oldest University Private Guided Tour?
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Included: Private tour; and Expert professional guide. Not included: Food & drinks; and Tickets for museums and other sites which require an entrance fee. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Bologna City & Europe Oldest University Private Guided Tour?
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Meet your guide in front of Biblioteca Salaborsa. Your guide will hold a TUI sign/flag. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Bologna City & Europe Oldest University Private Guided Tour offered in?
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It is offered in German, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Bologna City & Europe Oldest University Private Guided Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Bologna City & Europe Oldest University Private Guided Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Bologna City & Europe Oldest University Private Guided Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Bologna. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Bologna City & Europe Oldest University Private Guided Tour?
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Across 7 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Bologna City & Europe Oldest University Private Guided Tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Standard Thursday, Standard. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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