Eating Bologna Food and Wine Tour

4.9 (194 reviews) Bologna, Italy
  1. Home
  2. Activities
  3. Bologna
Duration3h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 12 travelers

Overview

Welcome to Bologna, where medieval streets lead to bustling markets, and every meal tells a story. With its rich history and world-famous cuisine, this city is a dream for food lovers.

On this three-hour food tour, you’ll explore the Quadrilatero, Mercato di Mezzo, and the lively University District. Taste fresh pasta with rich Bolognese sauce at family-run trattorias, enjoy aged Parmigiano Reggiano, artisanal cured meats, and exquisite balsamic vinegar—each bite packed with tradition. Pair it all with local sparkling wines, and you’ll see why Bologna is called “La Grassa” (The Fat).

Depending on your departure time, your experience will feature a unique highlight: morning tours offer a visit to a pasta workshop for a tortellino-making class, while afternoon tours stop at a 600-year-old tavern (the oldest in the city) for drinks and a bite to eat.

Join us for 10 delicious tastings, great wine, and the fascinating stories behind Bologna’s incredible food scene.

Options

Private Food Tour Upgrade

Enjoy a more intimate, personalised food experience, shared exclusively with your group.
Duration: 3 hours

Small-Group Food Tour (12 max)

Duration: 3 hours

What's included

  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Aged Parmigiano Reggiano tasting (24 and 36 months) paired with precious balsamic vinegar
  • Make your very own tortellino (AM) or visit the 600-year-old traditional Bolognese tavern (PM)
  • Dig into a classic pasta from Bologna, tagliatelle al ragù
  • Stroll through the medieval food market, and try street food: tigella with prosciutto and mortadella
  • ‘Food & the City’ Insider Tips
  • Gratuities / Tips for the guide
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Extra drinks

What to expect

  1. Piazza Maggiore
    Pass by
    Piazza Maggiore, the heart of Bologna since 1200, is surrounded by historic landmarks like the Basilica of San Petronio and the Neptune Fountain. Once a hub for trade and civic life, it remains the city's main gathering place.
  2. 20m
    We'll visit a traditional delicatessen, a local institution known for its top-quality cured meats, where you'll try different types of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese with Balsamic Vinegar.
  3. 25m
    Nearby, we’ll see skilled ladies, the 'sfogline', making pasta by hand, and you'll also try it yourself! 

    Note: this stop is only included in morning tours.
  4. 25m
    Step inside a historic Bolognese deli rooted in family tradition and craftsmanship. Discover high-quality local products and enjoy a tasting of classic mortadella paired with homemade local focaccia.
  5. Pass by
    Mercato di Mezzo has been a hub of flavors and trade since medieval times. Transformed into Bologna’s first covered market after Italian unification, it was revitalized in 2014 and now offers local food and wine specialties.
  6. 20m
    One of Bologna’s oldest bakeries, family-run since the late 19th century and still preserving its original charm. Discover a long tradition of artisanal baking and enjoy a tasting of their classic rice cake, a beloved local specialty.
  7. Le Due Torri Torre degli Asinell
    Pass by
    The Two Towers are iconic symbols of Bologna, marking the ancient Via Emilia’s entrance. Built in the 12th century, they reflect Bologna’s past power and prestige, with one offering panoramic views and the other famed for its dramatic tilt.
  8. 30m
    At a neighborhood pillar for three decades, we'll taste true local flavors. Savor a tasting of rich Friggione and traditional tigella (or crescentina) topped with delicate prosciutto, along with Lambrusco wine.
  9. 35m
    Soak in the rich past of Centro Storico, from papal births to student confraternities, and from ancient frescos to the lively spirit of Bologna. Enjoy a tasting of tagliatelle with Bolognese sauce, tortelloni in sage and butter, with Pignoletto wine and finish with an espresso and a chocolate tortellino.
  10. 25m
    Visit the 600-year-old traditional Bolognese tavern, the oldest in the city. Enjoy a relaxing drink while experiencing the social heart of Bologna

    Note: this stop is only included in afternoon tours.
  11. Pass by
    Since the 18th century, this area of Bologna has become a cultural hub, with the University of Bologna moving its Dean's offices to Palazzo Poggi in 1803. Today, it's the city's student district, blending historic buildings with contemporary street art and graffiti.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Your guide will be waiting for you in front of the Desigual store and wearing our purple Eating Europe bag!

End point

For tours starting at 10:30 and afternoon tours

End point

For tours starting at 10:00 AM

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This activity requires a minimum of 2 guests. Should this not be met, we will contact you directly to help you get rescheduled or reimbursed.
  • Children under 4 years old do not need a ticket and can join the tour for free. However, food is not included. Paid tickets with food included are available for ages 4 and up.
  • Please note that the tastings mentioned are a selection of the delicious foods we often feature. Both offerings and tour stops may vary by day or season, but you're sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!
  • Have dietary requirements? Simply email us or add a note at booking, and we’ll do our best to accommodate vegetarians, gluten-free guests or other dietary needs where we can. For guest safety, this experience isn’t suitable for those with severe or life-threatening food allergies to ingredients found on the tour, and the company cannot take responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.9 (194)
From
€79.00 per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Eating Europe Food Tours Rome · Booked through Viator
More activities in Bologna
From
€79.00 per person
Check availability