Guided Food and Wine Tours of Bologna, Italy

Overview

Discover Bologna: Private Tours, Experiences & Custom Travel

Bologna is the capital city of of the northeastern region of is the food capital of Italy, a thriving business city and a major university town with a red-bricked Historic Centre.

In spite of two leaning towers (outdoing in the region of ) in addition to a wealth of other attractions, Bologna is largely free from tourist crowds and well worth a visit. It is also one of Europe's most important conferences cities.

The city dates back to to over 2,500 years and saw its glory days around the 12th century when students from all over Europe flocked to study here, in what was then a major city in the Papal States.

It is not just the city centre's bricks that are red. Bologna is known for its passionate interest in politics. Socialism and communism have played a major role of Bolognese life, ever since determined partisan resistance in World War II.

Summers are what most would consider hot and humid, with the average temperature around (32°C in Jul/Aug). However, the summer is full of festivities. Seek solace in the shady porticos which stretch for a lengthy 40km along major streets of the Old Town. In winter, the temperature drops to below 10°C (Jan/Feb). The best time to visit is spring and autumn.

Plan Your Experience

Explore Bologna

Our own photographs

Bologna Through Our Eyes

Photographed during our own travels and research, these images follow the journey through Bologna, from the first view of the landscape to the small details that give the place its character.

Experience Guided Tours and Holidays Bologna Italy, with Italy Vacation Specialists

Guided food and wine tours of Bologna, Italy with Italy Vacation Specialists

Check out Bologna Archiginnasio di Bologna and Teatro Anatomico

colors of Bologna Italy

Specialties of Bologna, Italy

Map

Get your bearings before you go

Multi-Day Holidays Tours

Whole journeys, planned end to end

Discover Emilia Romagna West (9 nights/10 days) : All Private tour of Emilia Romagna including Bologna, Modena, Parma, Piacenza, and incredible wine/food experiences plus Ferrari, Parmesan & Prosciutto

Our Emilia Romagna Discovery Experience is a great option for first time visitors or returning visitors to the region who want to feel first hand the local traditions of the food and wine producers while discovering the main towns and cities in the W...

Private

10 Days / 9 Nights

Fast Cars and Fine Food in Emilia Romagna Northern Italy with Optional Pre and Post Tours in Florence and Venice

Explore northern Italy and the land where speed was born on this 8 day epic journey through Emilia Romagna.

Small Group

7 Days / 6 Nights

Northern Italy including Lake Garda, Verona, Bologna & Venice Harvest 2026

Experience the best of northern Italy on a journey of fine food, fast cars, great wine and extraordinary places. From beautiful Lake Garda and romantic Verona to the culinary heartland of Bologna and Modena, the world of Ferrari and the magic of Veni...

Private

10 Days / 9 Nights

Luxury Spas of Italy: Private Tour of Central Italy Winter & Spring Healing Package

Did you know that Italy is home to hundreds of natural hot-springs and makes a wonderful winter destination? These natural springs are located all over Italy, though most particularly in central Italy. In the winter time, not only does submerging y...

Private

8 Days / 7 Nights

Private & Small Group Tours in Bologna

Days out with people who know the way

Hands on Cooking in Bologna

As the sofa in the logo suggests, Il Salotto di Penelope is a place where you can learn to prepare and meet people with various customs, hobbies, and interests. As a result, "Chiacchiere/chatting" frequently replaces "Cucina/cooking"...

Private

2 hours

Private Walking Tour of Bologna

Bologna is one of Italy's most important university towns and gastronomic capitals. This vibrant city is best discovered with a local, English speaking guide who can bring this city's incredible history to life and introduce you to its secret corner...

Private

Photo Gallery

Danza Urbana is an international dance festival held in the streets of Bologna.

Must try the Vine and Food in Bologna, Italy

Traveling appetities bologna italy-833x540

Bagno di Romagna

Bologna

Modena

Parma

Ravenna

Rimini

Find it faster

Tell Us Where You Want to Go

Search our tours, places to stay and the corners of Italy we know best.

Tell Us Where You Want to Go

Getting here

The Road to Bologna

Most of our guests arrive by private car, with a driver who knows these roads and where it is worth stopping along the way. These are the journeys we arrange most often.

Marconi Airport Bologna, Emilia-Romagna Modena Emilia-Romagna Ravenna Emilia-Romagna Florence Tuscany, Peretola Airport Parma Emilia-Romagna Milan Lombardia, Malpensa Airport

Bologna, Italy - The best tours for Foodies in Italy

Beautiful Modena, Emilia Romagna Region Italy

Experience Mosaics of Ravenna with Italy Vacation Specialists

Inside Parma Italy with Italy Vacation Specialists

Where you are going Bologna, Emilia-Romagna

Starting somewhere else? Tell us where, and we will arrange the car.

Plan my transfer

Your Name*

Your Email*

Your Phone Number*

Dates for Travel (MM/DD/YYYY)

Number of Adults

Number of Kids under 12 years

Your request *

In their words

Stories That Stay With You

Here's what our guests share about their unforgettable journeys

“We're home now from the most amazing trip to Italy! I can't thank you enough for your efforts and coordination of what was without question the finest vacations I've been on to date”
Carol Carson Read their story

“In September of 2018 I brought a group of 12 from Venice to Sicily and organized all of my services with the Italy Vacation Specialists. Being a travel agent and in the business, I know how complicated organizing travel arrangements can be in Italy and the IVS…”
Ann Brownell, KHM Travel Group Read their story

“This company really knows their stuff and recommended our family to stay longer in each location. We didn't listen to them, but wished we had in every single place we went. They recommended Sestri Levante over the Cinque Terre which was our favourite destinati…”
Sean & Veet Chapman, CGA Read their story

“As a travel agent, but also a traveler to Italy, thee is no other company I would recommend than the Italy Vacation Specialists. Not only do they really care about what they are doing, they also really know Italy and try to educate many people about ways they…”
Laura Chomiak, Travel Agent Read their story

“Jesse, There are no words to describe the fabulous time we had in Italy. Everything went as you promised. Absolutely no problems! The venues were fabulous. The guides were punctual and helpful. It couldn't have worked out better. You and your staff deserve hig…”
Jo Ann West Read their story

“I traveled with JoAnn West through your services, guided by Giuseppe, in July of this year. What a wonderful experience; your service is really top notch! If I return to Italy for a tour, I will absolutely use your services again and recommend you to my friend…”
Lucretia Brower Read their story