Bologna: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour)
Bologna, Italy

Bologna: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour)

Outty Ranking 64 4.8 · 19 traveler reviews4 hoursFrom $286
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Outty Ranking

64/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 19 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Bologna: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour) worth booking?

Bologna: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour) is a 4-hour experience in Bologna, Italy, from $286 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 19 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
64 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (19)
Duration
4 hours
From
$286 per person

The perfect tour to get deep into the tastes and the flavours of the heart of Bologna and Modena. Emilia Romagna history and art, explained from a culinary point of view, From the gothic frescoes to the medieval inns, canals and towers, our guests will bite some history and some local delicacies at the same time. More in details, it is a tasting tour to discover real authotenic flavors of Bologna's: Parmigiano Reggiano, Tagliatelle, Lasagne, Tortelloni, and the ACETO TRADIZIONALE BALSAMICO DI MODENA. The seven churches of Bologna and the renaissance / gothic chapels will complete this trip into history, art, and tastes.

What you get

    About this experience

    The perfect tour to get deep into the tastes and the flavours of the heart of Bologna and Modena. Emilia Romagna history and art, explained from a culinary point of view, From the gothic frescoes to the medieval inns, canals and towers, our guests will bite some history and some local delicacies at the same time. More in details, it is a tasting tour to discover real authotenic flavors of Bologna's: Parmigiano Reggiano, Tagliatelle, Lasagne, Tortelloni, and the ACETO TRADIZIONALE BALSAMICO DI MODENA. The seven churches of Bologna and the renaissance / gothic chapels will complete this trip into history, art, and tastes.

    What's included

    Included

    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Lunch
    • Tastings of local delicacies
    • Entrance to Bolognini Chapel (San Petronio Basilica)

    What you'll see and do

    1. Quadrilatero

      Experiencing the early morning life in the old food market (QUADRILATERO) Visiting the shop and groucery ACETAIA GIUSTI (tasting of ACETO TRADIZIONALE BALSAMICO DI MODENA). Discover stories and art masterpieces of middle age and renaissance depicting the world of local tastes hundreds of years ago Visiting the special shops and inns of this ancient neighborood. Tasting different kinds of Parmigiano Reggiano, and plenty of other home made salumi, cheeses and other foodies.

      60 minutes here

    2. Acetaia Giusti - Boutique Bologna

      Old Acetaia, homemade production of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena

      20 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Piazza Santo Stefano

      old Medieval Abbey, its cloisters, roman and byzantin ruins, middle age mosaics and sculptures, its rich museum and the basin of the Longobards, the old medieval square, the coil staires by Vignola a unique example of 12 th century house view of Bologna and the towers from a terrace

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Chiesa di San Giacomo Maggiore

      gothic church, renaissance gorgeous paitnings and frescoes describing food and daily life in the 15th century

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    5. Salumeria Simoni

      100 local tastes and flavours: Inside a historical delicassy shop (salumeria / drogheria) we will discover 100 different tastings of delicious Mortadella, Salame, Coppa, Parmigiano Reggiano, Rice Cake (Torta di Riso Bolognese)

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    6. Basilica Di San Petronio

      visit the famous medieval gothic Chapel Bolognini, much information about the SILK WAY, and Bologna 14th century daily life, the old inns and food. Outside the church some witnesses of the roman celtic city, explaining the story of MORTADELLA....

      40 minutes here · Admission included

    7. Osteria Del Sole

      Tasting a local glass of wine (Cabernet Sauvignon - Rosso Bologna, Bianco Bologna, Pignoletto, Sangiovese) in a 15th century original Inn (Osteria del Sole) Smell the porfumes of the old market

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Bologna

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, it
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Riccardo Bacchi

    Know before you go

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Bologna: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour), photo 2Bologna: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour), photo 3Tagliatelle and Cabernet Sauvignon (Rosso Bologna DOCG wine), Bologna: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour)Bologna: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour), photo 5Bologna: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour), photo 6Bologna: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour), photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 19 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    10 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    8 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    19 verified traveler reviews for Bologna: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    17
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    823karie · May 2025

    The only way to see the real magical history and depth of Bologna

    If you want to see just how rich in history, art, architecture, and culture Bologna is going off the beaten path, seeing places you can’t find on a map or typical guide you have to go with Ricardo. He is THE history professor of Bologna. Magical experience. Fantastic food and fun. Thank you Ricardo none of us will forget the amazing time we had because of your passion to share your endless knowledge and love for the City of Bologna.

    via Tripadvisor

    saragA3052DZ · May 2025

    Discovering Bologna

    Ricardo was a great guide, super knowledgeable, took us many places out of the beaten path, I fell in love with Bologna and of course the food was great.

    via Tripadvisor

    Ninart_W · November 2024

    Unmissable crash course in everything Bologna

    Wow, where to begin? This is our first time in Bologna but Riccardo gave us such a fantastic tour and introduction of what the city has to offer that we only regret not having more time to explore its splendours. Brimming with knowledge and enthusiasm for the history of the region, art, music and food, this is such a unique tour that I would highly recommend to anyone whether it is their first time to the city or a repeat visitor wanting to delve deeper below the surface. Riccardo shared with us hidden gems and treasures that only locals know to enjoy. We can’t wait to be back for more.

    via Viator

    Margaret_J · June 2024

    This is not a food tour

    Great at history but not a food tour. Didn't learn anything about mortadella or the history or differences of Parmesan Reggiano or Romano. Why did they choose to focus differently? Lots of art but no food. We tasted 3 chocolates at one shop and one rice cake and some Parmesan with a touch of 15yo balsamic vinegar. There was no history for the food. The guide took us to a restaurant that was closed for lunch and then had to take us to another one which was another 15 minute walk. He tried to ask us if we were ok with the tour but at this time it was just a little too late. To be fair it was a great tour about the art or the history of Bologna it was just not a a real food tour.

    Response from the operator: Dear travellers , I understand your point, but exactly as you wrote this Is a tour that provides a fully comprehending view of the city, with food history and art , at the same time. Almost all we visited (frescoes and art ) were strictly related to food history and Daily Life in the past (from the Roman mosaics related to the public acqueduct to food innovations and spices in middle ages and baroque). The chocolate tastings at Magnani 's, the Rice Cake at Atti 's, The Parmigiano and Balsamico at Gilberto 's and A REAL LUNCH WITH FRESH HOME MADE PASTA IN A TRATTORIA is probably the best quality the city has to offer. I am pretty sure this kind of historical food tour Is pretty different from the standard ones (including the High quality of tastings and the historical part of it.)

    via Viator

    401sherrym · May 2024

    A wealth of information. An authentic old European city and authentic Bologna food.

    What an amazing wealth of information and passion for Bologna. The guide gave an extensive history of the city and we sampled truly local specialties. I highly recommend.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    4 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $286 to $360
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    7
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Riccardo Bacchi, who run 5 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.2.

    See everything Riccardo Bacchi runs

    Why this scores 64

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)82
    Review evidence (18% weight)44
    Booking momentum (14% weight)36
    Value for money (12% weight)47
    Listing quality (10% weight)80
    Local standing (8% weight)57
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Bologna: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour): questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Bologna.

    How much does Bologna: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour) cost?

    +

    Prices start at $286 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: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour) take?

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    Plan for about 4 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: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour) worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 19 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: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour)?

    +

    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: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour) suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Bologna: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour)?

    +

    Around 7 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?

    +

    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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Bologna: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour)?

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    Included: Alcoholic beverages; Lunch; Tastings of local delicacies; and Entrance to Bolognini Chapel (San Petronio Basilica). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    What languages is Bologna: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour) offered in?

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    It is offered in English and Italian. 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: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour)?

    +

    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: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour) wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Bologna: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour) if the weather is bad?

    +

    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: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour)?

    +

    Across 19 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, food and drink, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

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