Eating Bologna Food & Wine Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Savor Bologna’s signature flavors with 24 and 36-month Parmigiano Reggiano and 15 and 24-year aged balsamic vinegar, each crafted with generations of expertise
- Try your hand at making your very own tortellino
- Stroll through Bologna’s medieval food market, where ancient recipes and gourmet secrets are waiting to be discovered
- Try traditional tigella with prosciutto, a mortadella sandwich, and the city’s famous rice cake, all prepared by Bologna’s culinary masters
- Take in iconic landmarks like the Two Towers, Piazza Maggiore, and Santo Stefano Basilica, while uncovering their fascinating ties to Bologna’s food culture
- Experience the lively University District, where students and locals gather in historic osterias for great food and good company
- Dig into classic pasta dishes like tagliatelle al ragù, made the authentic Bolognese way, and finish with a sweet surprise – chocolate tortellino
Full description
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 handmade tortellini, 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).
Join us for 10 delicious tastings, great wine, and the fascinating stories behind Bologna’s incredible food scene.
Included / Excluded
- 24 and 36 month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano with 15 and 24-year aged balsamic vinegar
- Your own piece of handmade tortellino
- Handmade tortelloni
- Tagliatelle with bolognese sauce
- Tigella with prosciutto
- Friggione (traditional Bolognese dish made with slow-cooked onions and tomatoes)
- Mortadella sandwich
- Torta di Riso (almond-flavored rice cake dessert)
- Chocolate tortellino
- Pignoletto (sparking white wine), Lambrusco (sparkling red wine), Traditional espresso & Water
- Local English-speaking guide
- ‘Food & the City’ Insider Tips
- Gratuities / Tips for the guide
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Extra drinks
Meeting point
Start Location
Piazza Re Enzo, 1, 40125 Bologna, BO, Italy
Your guide will be waiting for you in front of the Desigual store and wearing our purple Eating Europe bag! Please aim to arrive 15 minutes early, so the tour can start on time. You do not need to print out a page to join the tour - showing us the confirmation email you will receive on your phone is fine!
Important information
Know before you book
- 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.
- 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.
Know before you go
- Wear flat shoes – it is, after all, a walking tour, so be comfortable.
- Please bring a bottle of water – although we do have drinks stops throughout the tour, walking can be thirsty work.
- Come hungry. You’ll be tasting lots of food!
- 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!
Cancellation policy
A public tour can be cancelled with a full refund up to 24 hours before tour departure. A private tour can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure
Accessibility
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
Reviews
So glad I booked this. The guide was great, the stops felt genuinely local, and the food was delicious from start to finish. Do this on your first day and come hungry!
One of the best Venice city food tour experiences we have ever done. The guide took us to authentic local spots, and every dish was fresh and flavorful. We especially enjoyed the cicchetti, the spritz pairings, and the delicious prosecco served with the polenta and polpetta di carne.
The best way to get to know a culture is to taste and learn about its food. My nephew and I had a great time on this tour, and I felt the expense was worth the experience. There was plenty of yummy food and drink, too.
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Additional information
- Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
- Not wheelchair accessible.
- Not stroller accessible.
- Near public transportation.
- This tour operates rain or shine