
Porticoes of Bologna and Basilica San Luca Guided tour
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 25 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Porticoes of Bologna and Basilica San Luca Guided tour worth booking?
Porticoes of Bologna and Basilica San Luca Guided tour is a 2.5-hour experience in Bologna, Italy, from $177 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 25 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (25)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $177 per person
Discover the famous arcades of Bologna and the Basilica of San Luca with a local guide who will tell you all the anecdotes. You will board the San Luca Express, the little train that connects the center to the famous Basilica and during the journey you will be able to admire the most famous arcades in the world, a Unesco heritage site, listening to the stories of the guide. Once in San Luca you will visit the Basilica and the surrounding area with the guide who will tell you its history while admiring Bologna from above and then you will always return on board the San Luca express together with the guide.
What you get
About this experience
Discover the famous arcades of Bologna and the Basilica of San Luca with a local guide who will tell you all the anecdotes. You will board the San Luca Express, the little train that connects the center to the famous Basilica and during the journey you will be able to admire the most famous arcades in the world, a Unesco heritage site, listening to the stories of the guide. Once in San Luca you will visit the Basilica and the surrounding area with the guide who will tell you its history while admiring Bologna from above and then you will always return on board the San Luca express together with the guide.
What's included
Included
- Welcome by the Bologna Tour staff
- Map of Bologna
- San Luca Express ticket
- Private guide
- Earphones
What you'll see and do
Santuario di Madonna di San Luca
Guided tour of the Sanctuary of San Luca and access to the panoramic dome
60 minutes here · Admission included
Portico di San Luca
On the way with the San Luca express that takes you from the center of Bologna to the Sanctuary of San Luca you can see one of the most famous arcades in the world that connects the city to the Sanctuary
30 minutes here · Admission included
Discover the secrets of the famous arcades of Bologna Unesco Heritage with the local guide
30 minutes here · Admission included
Bologna
See Bologna from a different perspective
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Bologna
The meeting is in Piazza Galvani in Bologna, 10 minutes before departure. Look for a Bologna Tour staff member under the statue in the center of the square.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The meeting is in Piazza Galvani in Bologna, 10 minutes before departure. Look for a Bologna Tour staff member under the statue in the center of the square.
Options you can book
Tours in Italian
Tours in English
Tour en Español
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Bologna Tour & Best Italy Tour
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- To access the Basilica of San Luca you must have appropriate clothing (covered shoulders and long trousers/skirts at least below the knee)
- If the train is not available, it will be replaced by an alternative means.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 25 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
25 verified traveler reviews for Porticoes of Bologna and Basilica San Luca Guided tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Taxi up, walk down is my advice!
Didn't do a tour, went independently. We took a taxi to the Basilica then walked back down through the porticos. It took us an hour and 40 minutes to get down. Advise against walking up unless you're fit as it is uphill almost constantly. Interesting frescoes, great views, would recommend as it's so unusual. Save for a rainy day if you have one as it's all under cover. Loved Bologna!
Response from the operator: We're delighted you enjoyed the historical porticoes and the Basilica of San Luca. We would have loved to welcome you to our tour. We're looking forward to welcoming you again in Bologna!
via Tripadvisor
disastor
The tour guide showed up late. There was no room for us on the trolley. We would have to wait 90 minutes in 95 deg heat for the next departure. Very stupid and unprofessional operation. This has become common on Viatour. Please refund our money.
via Tripadvisor
Porticoes of Bologna
Victoria was fantastic explaining details of bologna and its history. Very good. Very easy connection for beginning tour
Response from the operator: We're delighted that our guide Victoria helped make your Bologna tour such a positive experience. Thank you for sharing!
via Viator
Very enjoyable
The guide, Victoria, was excellent. She provided good descriptions of the area and the sanctuary. The sanctuary was very interesting and we were treated to beautiful singing by visiting priests.
Response from the operator: We're so glad to hear our guide Victoria made your Bologna experience memorable. Thank you for your positive review!
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful basilica
Had a great time! The train is very Thomas the toy train.. cheesy but gets the job done. Much cheaper to book in person fyi than online
Response from the operator: Thanks for your review, we are happy that you enjoyed the tour! We would like to point out that by booking online there is the advantage of securing your place in your preferred time slot. We hope to see you soon!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $177 to $240
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Bologna Tour & Best Italy Tour, who run 87 experiences we rank across 22 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 49.7.
See everything Bologna Tour & Best Italy Tour runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Porticoes of Bologna and Basilica San Luca Guided tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Bologna.
How much does Porticoes of Bologna and Basilica San Luca Guided tour cost?
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Prices start at $177 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 Porticoes of Bologna and Basilica San Luca 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 Porticoes of Bologna and Basilica San Luca Guided tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 25 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 Porticoes of Bologna and Basilica San Luca 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 Porticoes of Bologna and Basilica San Luca 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 Porticoes of Bologna and Basilica San Luca Guided tour?
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Around 9 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 Porticoes of Bologna and Basilica San Luca 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 Porticoes of Bologna and Basilica San Luca Guided tour?
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Included: Welcome by the Bologna Tour staff; Map of Bologna; San Luca Express ticket; Private guide; and Earphones. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Porticoes of Bologna and Basilica San Luca Guided tour?
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The meeting is in Piazza Galvani in Bologna, 10 minutes before departure. Look for a Bologna Tour staff member under the statue in the center of the square. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Porticoes of Bologna and Basilica San Luca Guided tour offered in?
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It is offered in 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 Porticoes of Bologna and Basilica San Luca 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 Porticoes of Bologna and Basilica San Luca 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; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Porticoes of Bologna and Basilica San Luca 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 Porticoes of Bologna and Basilica San Luca Guided tour?
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Across 25 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Porticoes of Bologna and Basilica San Luca Guided tour?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Tours in Italian, Tours in English, Tour en Español. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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