Riccardo

The timeline's traveller

  • I live in Bologna
  • I speak English, Română, Italiano
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 19 hours

Hi there! Nice to meet you

Bologna: the learned, the fat, the red, but...to me: also the musical, the mysterious, the hidden, the hilly.

I know so much in deep this amazing city that I cannot limit myself offering to you a general predictable and classical description of it.

In fact, I did a deep research about it in order to discover all most hidden secrets and disclose them to you.

By means of my tour guide and hiking environmental licenses, I will take your hands and lead you accross the discovery of witnesses and traces of the oldest European University, the dark side of the Saint Inquisition Tribunal, the hidden canals, the special sites of classical and ancient music, re-evoking W.A.Mozart and some corners inspiring several jazz and contemporary composers,

Finally we will reach together the sweet hills beloved by Stendhal and their forgotten monastries. What about food? We have got a lot of other things and surprises to pull out of the hat!

  • I live in Bologna
  • I speak English, Română, Italiano
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 19 hours

My Bologna in pictures

Book one of my offers in Bologna

Let's explore Bologna together! As your local guide, I'll show you the best of Bologna on a private & personalized tour for you.

Did you know that I can personalize your experience?

All Withlocals tours are completely customisable to your needs. Just let me know your preferences for a private and personalized experience!

Reviews

Greg
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
Laura
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
Greg
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
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!
Mikaela
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
Shane
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!
Edward
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
Thomas E
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
MarieAnne
19 October 2024
I have worked with many guides over the years and Riccardo was one of the very best. His knowledge is expansive and he drew so many sociocultural connections for my group in such an engaging way. Few guides are so knowledgeable about both history and art history. My group absolutely adored him.Superb guide
Lina
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!

This is Withlocals

Play now

Connect with locals whenever and wherever!

Get the app to become part of the fastest growing local travel community. Ask your local guide to personalize your experience to your needs. Keep all your bookings at hand. Sounds cool, right?

  1. Italy›
  2. Bologna›
  3. Riccardo, The timeline's traveller