Bologna's Ancient and Recent History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

3.8 (5 reviews) Bologna, Italy
Duration1h - 1h 30m
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Italian
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Are you looking for a way to explore Bologna without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour.

• Stroll through the ancient – and more recent – past of Bologna, a place that art critic John Berger once called “an improbable city.”
• Hear from producer Frank Bures, an award-winning author who spent time in Bologna as an exchange student in the 1990s,
• Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Options

Italian Tour
English Tour

What's included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English or Italian
  • VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Transportation
  • Food and drink

What to expect

  1. Bologna
    Pass by
    Bologna is home to some of the best food, the most sublime beauty, and the richest history in all of Italy. Yet it’s rarely on the tourist radar. On this walking tour, award-winning author Frank Bures will give you a taste of authentic Italian culture, show you the city’s many historical sites, and tell you the stories most travelers don’t hear.
  2. Pass by
    Starting at the Neptune Fountain, you’ll walk through Piazza Maggiore to San Petronio Basilica where you’ll see the world’s largest sundial.
  3. Piazza Maggiore
    Pass by
    Starting at the Neptune Fountain, you’ll walk through Piazza Maggiore to San Petronio Basilica where you’ll see the world’s largest sundial.
  4. Pass by
    Starting at the Neptune Fountain, you’ll walk through Piazza Maggiore to San Petronio Basilica where you’ll see the world’s largest sundial.
  5. Pass by
    Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to see the Roxy Bar, which was featured in the Italian superstar Vasco Rossi’s song Vita Spericolata (The Reckless Life).
  6. Pass by
    You’ll then make your way to the Two Towers, one of which garnered a mention in Dante’s Inferno, and stroll beneath the famous porticos that became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2021.
  7. Le Due Torri Torre degli Asinell
    Pass by
    You’ll then make your way to the Two Towers, one of which garnered a mention in Dante’s Inferno, and stroll beneath the famous porticos that became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2021.
  8. Pass by
    You’ll then make your way to the Two Towers, one of which garnered a mention in Dante’s Inferno, and stroll beneath the famous porticos that became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2021.
  9. Pass by
    Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to take in the “Seven Churches” of Santo Stefano.
  10. Pass by
    On this tour, you'll stroll pass Santa Maria della Vita.
  11. Pass by
    On this tour, you'll see and learn about the Portici di Bologna.
  12. Pass by
    Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to discover how the world’s oldest university got its start.
  13. Pass by
    Finally, you’ll loop past Piazza Galvani to hear about scientific experiments that electrified frogs before heading back where you started.
  14. Pass by
    The tour ends back at Via d'Azeglio.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Additional information

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please note: You won't be guided through any museums or other attractions mentioned en route. If you choose to enter and visit such places, you'll need to pay for it independently of this tour.

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

3.8 (5)
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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