• 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, Español, Français, Italiano, Română, Dansk

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 5 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

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

Heinz🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Stephanie)

9 January 2025

Stephanie war sehr charmant - gutes Französisch und stark in Geschichtszahlen und kennt die wichtigen Monumente sehr gut. Etwas weniger kann "der Alltag" - wie leben wir heute in Bologna zur Geltung. Werde Stehpanie aber auf jeden Fall weiter empfehlen oder wieder selber buchen. Dank und Gruss aus Bern/Schweiz Gruppe Enzo Gabi

Ron🇺🇸 United States

(About local Frederik)

29 December 2024

Fredrick, is a great guide. He is fun, knowledgeable, organized and connected to the city. Our tour was fantastic. Highly recommend Fredrick. RonFood Tour Bologna

Michelle🇺🇸 United States

(About local Marco)

27 December 2024

Marco is a special character and we thoroughly enjoyed our day with him. He showed us lots of places the locals go, was full of great tips, very knowledgeable, and of course the food samples were spot on. We’d do it again just to peel a layer deeper. Thank you Marco! Great day with Marco

Charles🇺🇸 United States

(About local Frederik)

21 December 2024

Frederick was an enthusiastic and expert on Bologna. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with him. Enthusiastic and expertise

Sean

(About local Isadora)

7 December 2024

Our family took a day trip to Bologna. We were staying in Florence for a week. We took the high speed rail (great experience). To kick-off our time in Bologna, we booked a 3 hour walking tour with Isadora. We're so happy we decided to do this. Isadora was engaging, knowledgeable, and so much fun! Highly recommend! Fantastic time with Isadora!

Vicki🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Marco)

3 December 2024

We thoroughly enjoyed Marcos tour. Took us to places that we would have never found. From the markets where we met him to our final coffee stop each place was so interesting. Our highlight was Osteria del sole…..we have never experienced anything like it. So much history and we loved the concept of taking your own food. The balsamic tastings was a new level for us. Marco was the best. Highly recommend him.Foodies delight

Hilary🇺🇸 United States

(About local Paolo)

2 December 2024

We had an amazing time with Paolo for a food tour of Bologna. He took us to real gems that highlighted the local products and gave us a great overview both of the culinary history of the region and Bologna in general. We learned a lot and left with full bellies and greater appreciation and understanding of the rich cultural and historical heritage of the area. I am still dreaming of the perfect Tigella treats and that ultimate espresso! Grazie Mille, Paolo!Deep knowledge of culinary delights!

Panos🇬🇷 Greece

(About local Frederik)

24 November 2024

Professional and friendly

Molly

(About local Marco)

9 November 2024

Marco was a lot of fun and introduced us to many local off the beaten path places!

Ernst🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Barbara Eletta)

5 November 2024

Freundliche, sympathische und lebendige Führung, bei der wir nicht nur viele historische, kulturelle Aspekte sondern auch interessante Details aus dem gesellschaftlichen und politischen Leben der Stadt kennengelernt haben Ganz einfach genial!

michael🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Marco)

1 November 2024

We thoroughly enjoyed our food walking tour with Marco this week. Marco was an excellent guide providing us with a blend of information about regional produce and the history of Bologna. He is clearly someone who has a deep knowledge and love of local foods and wines. His manner was relaxed but his talk full of insight and humorous anecdotes whilst patiently answering our questions. The three hours of our tour passed quickly, and we particularly enjoyed the visits to the herb market where we tasted samples of balsamic vinegar and local hams, and the atmospheric Osteria Del Sole. This tour was not cheap, but Marco made it good value. Tom Sarah and Michael Tastes of Bologna Oct 24

Nancy🇺🇸 United States

(About local Frederik)

1 November 2024

We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Frederik. He is personable, informed and extremely passionate about Bologna. We learned so much about the history and culture of the city and experienced aspects that we couldn't have done without his guidance. We recommend him highly and will book tours with him when we return! Fantastic tour

Steve🇳🇴 Norway

(About local Marco)

29 October 2024

Marco was a great host, very personable and full of information. We really enjoyed a nice evening with him and a lot of wonderful food. He took us to some great spots that we would not have found as tourists and made us feel very welcome. Great food and wine. It seems everyone in bologna knows Marco too, and that was really nice and added to our experience. Our only regret is that we should have done this tour on our first night here instead of the last. Highly recommend this tour, definitely worth a little extra money to book this instead of via tour. Fantastic evening with Marco

ellen

(About local Isadora)

23 October 2024

We just loved our time with Isadora. We had already spent a few days in Bologna but wanted a better understanding of the history of the city and some of the key landmarks. Isadora was so knowledgeable and explained the history and culture in interesting way satisfying one in our group who was a history major in college as well as the other two who had less knowledge about European history. It was a perfect mix of history and food culture. We highly recommend Isadora and a visit to Bologna which we fell in love with. Isadora is a FANTASTIC tour guide!

Thomas E🇺🇸 United States

(About local Riccardo)

23 October 2024

The depth and breadth of Riccardo's knowledge is remarkable. Combine that with his passion and friendly personality and you've got an amazing introduction to Bologna. If you want to begin to understand the wonders of this city, he's your guy. Astonishingly good guide

Christine🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Barbara Eletta)

23 October 2024

Barbara war eine äußerst kompetente, kunsthistorisch gebildete, sympathische Führerin. Sie hat uns zahlreiche Schätze Bolognas gezeigt, die wir ohne sie nicht entdeckt hätten. Ich kann sie jedem, der sich für Geschichte und Kunst Bolognas interessiert, wärmstens empfehlen.Verborgene Schätze Bolognas

Thomas E🇺🇸 United States

(About local Paolo)

20 October 2024

A terrific intro to Bolgnese cuisine. Personable, knowledgeable, interesting. Got some great restaurant recommendations, too.Worth doung!