• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

Make your trip a wholesome experience by seeing what other cities outside of Bologna have to offer. On this private day trip, you don’t need to worry about anything! Follow your local host to Modena and be back in Bologna the same day but with more unforgettable experiences than before.

Destination

Bologna, Italy

Category

Day Trips

Duration

4 hours

Transport mode

Car

Available languages

English, Italiano, Español, Français, Română

Included

• Private Guide
• Car Transport
• Driver
• All Withlocals Tours are Carbon Neutral

Excluded

• Food & Snack Costs

What you can expect

Choose your local

Get to know these 4 passionate locals, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Choose your favorite, check their availability, and book to create an unforgettable adventure tailored to you.

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at entrance of NH hotel, Piazza XX Settembre 2 - Bologna to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. More about Italy

   Give yourself the time to not only visit Bologna by also visiting Modena. Italy is such a beautiful country that the more you know about it, the more you’ll fall in love with it. That’s why your host can’t wait to take you to Modena

4. Gems of Modena

   Check out Piazza Grande, Duomo di Modena, Mercato Storico Albinelli, and more must-sees but with a twist...through the eyes of a local. Get to know some of the less walked paths in Modena with some great hidden gems and alternative stories that only a local knows about

5. Cultural Contrasts

   Cities are like snowflakes; each one of them is unique. And as you visit Modena, you’ll be able to see the differences compared to Bologna. Discover how much traditions, architecture, and even language can change from one city to another and how they complement each other

6. Local Knowledge

   To experience the best of Modena, there’s no better way to do so than like a local. Your local host will make this private day trip an enriching experience by sharing knowledge, stories, insights, and answering your questions!

7. Make it yours

   Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

   Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

   Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Lina🇺🇸 United States

(About local Riccardo)

17 October 2024

Riccardo had a lot to say about everything and every place we visited from Bologna to Modena to the Acetaia for a balsamic vinegar tour and back to Bologna! He brought us to the market in Modena, the church and a great restaurant, UVA D’Oro where we had the best Tagliolini with truffles in a butter Parmesan sauce- over the top. He is knowledgeable and full of facts and details- he doesn’t skip a beat. Then we set out for Villa San Donnino where they make and process balsamic vinegar for a tasting. What a great day. If you are going to Bologna, be sure you book Riccardo for any day trip - you will love him!Great Day!

Karen🇺🇸 United States

(About local Riccardo)

22 September 2023

The private tour was magnificent and I feel we got more that what we paid for! We were lucky enough to have Riccardo guide us on a visit to Modena. If you want to get visit and see the real historical and artistic side of Modena I would go with Riccardo. Riccardo has a lot of passion and education about the ER region and he shares it with you. Riccardo picked us up in his private car from Bologna and drove us to Modena and we walked the beautiful city of Modena. We also had an opportunity to visit a monastery and church and went behind the scenes were very few people were allowed. I would highly recommend Riccardo to any history buff and lover of Italy. For the true lovers of art and history!

Jim🇺🇸 United States

(About local Riccardo)

13 August 2022

We had a fabulous time with Riccardo visiting Modena. Riccardo was able to take us to an abbey that produces traditional balsamic vinegar and has done so for centuries. We learned so much about Modena from Riccardo and had the privilege of tasting the balsamic vinegar at the abbey. This was an excellent day trip from Bologna.

Marjolein🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Riccardo)

16 October 2021

Yesterday we did a tour with Riccardo to Modena and a balsamic tasting and we really enjoyed it. Modena has a beautiful cathedral and Riccardo was very knowledgeable of its history. Then we had a lovely lunch and had the best pasta ever (where Riccardo explained the difference between tortellini and tortelloni, amongst other things). We also loved the balsamic tour and tasting, it was very authentic and delicious. Finally we should mention that we were traveling with our six week old daughter and that it was great that Riccardo was willing to take that into account when organizing the trip and made sure we had time to feed her. All in all we had a great day and would definitely recommend Riccardo as a guide!Great Modena tour and balsamic tasting

Hallie🇺🇸 United States

(About local Riccardo)

25 July 2025

Riccardo knows so much about Bolognese art and history. We left our tour wanting to spend more time in Bologna. This tour gave us a great starting point to the city and gave us ideas of museums and areas to explore Incredibly knowledgeable

Darren & Nicola🇳🇿 New Zealand

(About local Riccardo)

13 July 2025

We had the pleasure of touring Bologna with Riccardo. He was absolutely superb, both in terms of his manner, what we saw and really explaining the detail and history behind what you are seeing, all capped of with a sensational restaurant recommendation to finish the tour with. We would happily book his services again. A superb tour with highly attentive guide

James🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Paolo)

10 July 2025

Our food tour with Paolo was fabulous. His passion for food and Bologna itself is clearly evident and infectious. The tour itself was well thought out and perfectly paced, providing an experience that is only possibly with the help of a guide. Thanks Paolo!Bologna Bites are Better

jay🇺🇸 United States

(About local Marco)

4 July 2025

Marco was great. Took my family to local places that were very fun. We were tired of standard Italy (pasta) and he took us on a fun food tour of other things. Amazing foodie tour

john

(About local Riccardo)

4 July 2025

I had 5 guests with me on a very hot day in Bologna, a city we had all visited many times. Riccardo read our group very well and provided us with a tour of great interest and variation, backed up with detailed knowledge on the history, architecture and food of Bologna. All delivered with a sense of humour, and we enjoyed his company during our time with himGreat Tour with Riccardo

Robert🇺🇸 United States

(About local Marco)

2 July 2025

Really enjoyed our two hour tour with Marco. He was super knowledgeable and helpful, yet very easy-going. Nice change from the usual hyper tour guide energy that I think is more typical. He was also very helpful when I had questions regarding other things like transportation to the airport etc. Highly recommend. Great tour.

Logan

(About local Riccardo)

26 June 2025

Riccardo did a wonderful Bologna food tour with us. Even with our 4 and 6 year old in tow he did a great job!Riccardo was wonderful!

Janis

(About local Marco)

25 June 2025

Marco went above and beyond when giving our tour. The weather wasn’t ideal and we were a small party of three but he followed through with the commitment and we had a fantastic time. I highly recommend this tour and ask for Marco if you get the chance!Above and beyond!

Daniel 🇺🇸 United States

(About local Marco)

19 June 2025

Marco provided us with local flavors, bites and sights. He knew the local vendors and was very informative. We especially enjoyed the parmesan cheese tasting, cannelli making, and balsamic vinegar tasting. Marco was a wealth of info and stories, and very at ease. But, I have to say Marco looked rather unkempt. He gave the appearance that he slept in the clothes he had on and just rolled out of bed. Overall, I would recommend the private tour.Local knowledge and flair

Aileen🇵🇭 Philippines

(About local Barbara Eletta)

17 June 2025

We had an amazing time exploring Bologna with our guide, Barbara. She was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the city’s history come alive with her storytelling. The tour was perfectly balanced — we visited major landmarks and also got to taste delicious local specialties like handmade pasta, cheese, sausages, balsamic vinegar, and pastries. Barbara curated everything with care and passion. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Bologna!Our Curated Tour of Bologna

Unknown

(About local Marco)

14 June 2025

Delightful guide who listened to what we expected out of the day and adjusted accordingly. He was very knowledgeable and hospitable and we would definitely use him again. Cheese amd vinegar tour with Marco

Emily🇺🇸 United States

(About local Frederik)

14 June 2025

We spent a lovely two hours with Frederik. He knows so much about the history of Bologna and how the culture weaves into the cuisine. We tasted classic Bolognese bites and toured the Medieval markets while learning about hidden historic gems along the way. We would highly recommend spending time with Frederik to get your bearings in Bologna. He helped us plan our time in the city and gave great recommendations. Great mix of food & history

Steve & Sarah🇺🇸 United States

(About local Frederik)

13 June 2025

Frederik is a terrific guide! He is friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable about his home city. Pride of place came through clearly as he took us on a most wonderful wander through the center of Bologna. When Frederik found out that we were interested in music, art and architecture, he made sure to point out beautiful details about the people and places important to the cultural life of the city. We walked miles with him, seeing the medieval towers and the markets full of meats and cheeses; fruits and vegetables; pastas and trattorias. He highlighted for us the intersection and interplay of history and architecture. By the end of the tour, we knew that one visit to Bologna would not be enough and already want to come back. And, at the end of the tour, he found a table for us in one of his favorite trattorias and helped us order lunch and gave us some great tips of other neighborhoods through which to wander before heading back to our hotel to rest our weary feet.Companionable Guide to the Best of Bologna

TC🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Marco)

13 June 2025

We had a wonderful time with Marco discovering the delights of Emilia Romania. Marco was extremely knowledgeable and extremely accommodating. We were never rushed. I would certainly recommend Marko to others and would definitely ask Marko to guide us when next back in Bologna. A most enjoyable and rewarding experience. Exploring with Marco

Mark🇺🇸 United States

(About local Marco)

9 June 2025

We had a great time touring around Bologna, sampling many different types of local cuisine will discussing everything under the sun. Thanks Marco, you got our trip off to a great start! Great time with Marco!

kdkiehn

(About local Riccardo)

8 June 2025

Riccardo is a very enthusiastic and energetic guide who loves Bologna and was a favorite on our trip. He took us to little known spots, including one of the most impactful art pieces we saw on our 2.5 week travels through Italy. Wealth of Information

Willemijn

(About local Stephanie)

8 June 2025

Thanks to Stephanie for sharing Bologna’s history with us. She is a great guide and a very pleasant person to be with. I would approach her again on my next visit to Bologna. I was really sorry to find out that the organsation takes almost 40% of the paid price. Stephanie is a great guide

Greg🇺🇸 United States

(About local Riccardo)

4 June 2025

My wife and I had a fantastic experience with Riccardo. He met us at the train station and for the next 3 hours we discovered the history and beauty of Bologna. It truly is a 'sleeper' city in Italy. As a former history professor at the local university, Riccardo possesses an incredible level of historical knowledge and passion for the city of Bologna. His tour is one of the best we have ever done. Bologna Day Trip

Tim🇺🇸 United States

(About local Marco)

4 June 2025

We have a nice two hour tour with Marco - very knowledgeable and colorful fellow who helped us find some excellent local spots, including date some great foods and answered our questions and did a great job showing us around. We even got to try rolling tortellini which is a bit tricky ! We recommend Marco. Marco was great

Kristopher🇺🇸 United States

(About local Stephanie)

31 May 2025

1

Stephanie provided our small group of four a wonderful, informative and lovely tour of the historic center of Bologna. She provided a wealth of information on the history of the city and gave us time to absorb the culture and beauty of the buildings and life of Bologna. We experienced the beauty of the churches , the experience of the university and history of the rooms including the classroom for the autopsies and study of the cadavers, the art and architecture. Stephanie was engaging, kind and informative. We would highly recmommend her tour. A memorable time in Bologna

Ernie🇺🇸 United States

(About local Frederik)

30 May 2025

Fredrik was prompt, friendly, and well informed. We were there on a Sunday which was challenging, but he exceeded expectations. The history, food, and traditions were well explained. We were a last minute booking and he was accompanied and gracious. We are now hooked on Parmesan and balsamic vinegar. Life changing. When asked for a dinner recommendation, he not only offered a suggestion, he made the reservation. It was a delightful, memorable dinner that made our time in Bologna. Highly recommend, Fredrik. Delicious, Informative and Friendly

Nicola🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Margherita )

30 May 2025

Margherita is great! She’s very knowledgeable and was everything we could have hoped for in a guide. She tailored the morning to our interests but also took us to places we would never have thought of! It makes a big difference to be able to spend time with a local and talk about what it’s really like to live in a place. Thanks Margherita.Fantastic

Laura🇺🇸 United States

(About local Riccardo)

29 May 2025

Riccardo is a fantastic tour guide. He knows so much about medieval history and the mosaics at Ravenna. I have a PhD in history and I walked away with so much new knowledge! He also structured the tour perfectly, showing me the most impressive mosaics last so they are still in my mind. We had a lovely lunch with lively conversation. Wonderful person, great guide, HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!Very friendly and knowledgeable

njlondon

(About local Paolo)

26 May 2025

Excellent mixture of food experiences with history and humour from Paolo in his beautiful city. We will never make the mistake of mixing spaghetti with meat again!! One of several food “monstrosities” Highly recommended Fantastic food tour with Paolo

James

(About local Paolo)

18 May 2025

we had a disastrous time with our 2 bookings with this organisation and were mucked around so much we finished up cancelling one of the planned tours. But finally and after much correspondence we got Paolo and all the problems were forgotten. He was great and showed us a side of the Bolognaise food we had never seen before. His knowledge and clarity of explanation were both very good.Finally someone good

Alex🇺🇸 United States

(About local Paolo)

16 May 2025

Truly our favorite part of our Bologna trip. Paolo was incredible from his knowledge of history and cuisine to his friendliness with all those we met at each shop as well as his general, fun demeanor. We learned, we ate, we laughed. I couldn’t have asked for a better food tour or guide. Grazie, Paolo! You’ve got to book your tour with Paolo

Jann🇪🇸 Spain

(About local Paolo)

14 May 2025

We spent a lovely morning with Paolo. He was both knowledgeable and entertaining. He was also very patient with our questions and at the times we took a little longer than necessary - balsamic vinegar tasting for example, this was great fun! I think though rather than a food tour I would recommend a historical walking tour of Bologna as you can get the food everywhere, at your own pace. Charismatic and informative

Greg🇺🇸 United States

(About local Riccardo)

13 May 2025

This is my favorite Riccardo moment—entering a nondescript residential building and showing us a 16th century circular staircase designed in the mannerist style—then walking us to the top of the steps to take in a breathtaking view of the city. We were the only people there. Riccardo’s story to tell is that Bologna is one of the most well-preserved cities in Europe, and that one didn’t need to go to a museum to see these wonders—they were everywhere, on the streets, in the buildings where people live and work. Medieval houses with original wood frames? Medieval towers? Look around you. Want to see a painting by Fillipino Lippi, not on a museum wall, but hanging in the exact location where it was painted for? Here you go. He knows his history, art history, and had boundless energy. Bologna really came alive with his tour—a living city with a rich history. Highly recmmend. Bringing Bologna to Life

Alison🇺🇸 United States

(About local Riccardo)

11 May 2025

Riccardo was one of the most passionate and knowledgeable guides we've had. Having been a professor, his level of expertise was unmatched, and he was very diligent about taking good care of his customers. We had a lovely day learning about the beautiful art, architecture, and history of Bologna.Highly recommend!

Esther🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Marco)

9 May 2025

Tolle geführte Tour. Tall Guy Marco hat uns ein paar schöne Ecken gezeigt :) War alles sehr schmackhaft, wenn auch der Preis etwas hoch. Vielen Dank Lecker

Mikaela🇫🇮 Finland

(About local Riccardo)

7 May 2025

We had a fantastic 3,5 hour tour, with focus on art and history according to our wish. And saw many hidden gems/art treasures. I could not imagine a better guide. Wish the tour would have lasted 2 more hours. Bologna tour with Riccardo

Andreas

(About local Frederik)

27 April 2025

The Tour was valuable and informative. The food was varied and delicious. Interesting tour with great insights

Madalene 🇿🇦 South Africa

(About local Marco)

22 April 2025

We enjoyed the food tour with Marco, it was very interesting to learn about different foods in Bologna. Food was really good and more than enough, topped with the best gelato. Marco spend time with us and very willing to answer questions Excellent foodtour with Marco

Mary

(About local Paolo)

17 April 2025

Paolo knew all the best spots to hit. He introduced us to local cuisine we did not know existed. He was attentive to my limitations and we walked at my pace. There was never any pressure to buy. I loved the old indoor market and could have strolled there longer! I highly recommend him as a guide with excellent English.A great day in Bologna

Jean

(About local Paolo)

12 April 2025

We had a great time with Paolo on a food tour with just the two of us. We learned alot and enjoyed all the samplings along the route. Thanks Paolo for being such a fabulous guide!Fun and friendly foodie tour

Eric🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Stephanie)

5 April 2025

Stephanie knows her Bologna inside & out. Any questions were met with informative & concise answers. Highly recommended!A highly informed guide!

Jamie🇺🇸 United States

(About local Paolo)

5 April 2025

Paolo was wonderful to tour with, showcasing not only a vast knowledge of the city, but also history of the food and restaurants he showed us! Arrive hungry because these are not tiny tastings and you will end the day very happy and full! Special thanks to Paolo for working around my mobility issues and our dietary restraints. He was very accommodating and understanding! Grazie Mille, Paolo! Sono felice incontrarti!Knowledge to share and very flexible!

Shane🇺🇸 United States

(About local Riccardo)

17 March 2025

What a great tour we had with Riccardo! He is very passionate and knowledgeable about Bologna and on any historical topic we were interested in. He took us all over the city. If you are an art and history lover, Riccardo is your man! We highly recommend him! Do yourself a favor and book a tour with him. The tour was One of the highlights of our trip and a new understanding of this beautiful city of Bologna.Fantastic tour of Bologna with Riccardo!

Erika🇺🇸 United States

(About local Marco)

14 March 2025

Marco is a true insider who deftly handled any good related questions we threw at him. We navigated Bologna with several bonus stops. Highly recommend.Thereof no substitute for experience

Liam

(About local Frederik)

18 February 2025

The perfect guide. Great insider knowledge of Bologna, flexible and great fun. Highly recommended. Fantastic!

Edward🇺🇸 United States

(About local Riccardo)

16 February 2025

Riccardo's academic knowledge of the architecture, history and art of Bologna was astounding. I hardly felt worthy being tutored by him with his profound breadth of expertise in all things cultural in magnificent Bologna. He is a professor and personally helped to identify hundreds of things that are now protected as a world heritage items. His enthusiasm and love of his city is infectious and it deepened our appreciation of it profoundly. We are so thankful to have had Riccardo make our visit so educational and unforgettable.Incredible Ambassador of Bologna

Unknown

(About local Isadora)

31 January 2025

Isadora was an excellent guide very informative. Would highly recommend! She also has great taste in restaurants!! Claudio Fasulo Amazing

Tony

(About local Isadora)

31 January 2025

What a great 3 hours spent with Isadora. A great story teller , personable and so interesting. We learned so many amazing facts about Bologna. Which we never would have without this tour. To top it off Isadora gave us 2 amazing recommendations for restaurants. We did them both and they were beyond amazing!!! Thank youAmazing must do!

Sally

(About local Paolo)

19 January 2025

Paola was wonderful! He was so knowledgeable & very friendly. We enjoyed our tour with him very much! Highly recommend! Paolo was a fantastic tour guide!

John

(About local Marco)

12 January 2025

Marco is larger then life, both in personality and stature. His knowledge of the food scence in Bologna and surrounding areas is matched with his love and passion for it. Lucky this is a walking tour, because we needed. Each meal was amazing. Marco was also adaptive with his itinerary, as we told him we had already done a city walking tour, so he took as to other locations in the city, which we didn't explore previously.I'm still full!!!

John

(About local Barbara Eletta)

12 January 2025

Barbara's love for her city becomes evident very quickly and you get absorbed in her passion and respect for Bologna. The secrets and the history this city holds blew my mind and it was great to have Barbara with us to narrate and navigate the city streets and past.Knowledge and Passion