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Bologna's Ancient and Recent History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

5 Reviews 3.80 out of 5 stars Based on 5 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Bologna, Italy
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.

60 to 90 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Italian
Instant confirmation

Overview

Are you looking for a way to explore Bologna without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour.

• Stroll through the ancient – and more recent – past of Bologna, a place that art critic John Berger once called “an improbable city.”
• Hear from producer Frank Bures, an award-winning author who spent time in Bologna as an exchange student in the 1990s,
• Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

What's Included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English or Italian
  • VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Transportation
  • Food and drink
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Piazza del Nettuno
40124 Bologna BO, Italy

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Bologna (pass by)

Bologna is home to some of the best food, the most sublime beauty, and the richest history in all of Italy. Yet it’s rarely on the tourist radar. On this walking tour, award-winning author Frank Bures will give you a taste of authentic Italian culture, show you the city’s many historical sites, and tell you the stories most travelers don’t hear.
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Fontana del Nettuno (pass by)

Starting at the Neptune Fountain, you’ll walk through Piazza Maggiore to San Petronio Basilica where you’ll see the world’s largest sundial.
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Piazza Maggiore (pass by)

Starting at the Neptune Fountain, you’ll walk through Piazza Maggiore to San Petronio Basilica where you’ll see the world’s largest sundial.
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Basilica di San Petronio (pass by)

Starting at the Neptune Fountain, you’ll walk through Piazza Maggiore to San Petronio Basilica where you’ll see the world’s largest sundial.
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Roxy Bar (pass by)

Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to see the Roxy Bar, which was featured in the Italian superstar Vasco Rossi’s song Vita Spericolata (The Reckless Life).
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The Two Towers (pass by)

You’ll then make your way to the Two Towers, one of which garnered a mention in Dante’s Inferno, and stroll beneath the famous porticos that became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2021.
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Le Due Torri Torre degli Asinell (pass by)

You’ll then make your way to the Two Towers, one of which garnered a mention in Dante’s Inferno, and stroll beneath the famous porticos that became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2021.
Read more

Garisenda Tower (pass by)

You’ll then make your way to the Two Towers, one of which garnered a mention in Dante’s Inferno, and stroll beneath the famous porticos that became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2021.
Read more

Basilica santuario Santo Stefano - Complesso delle sette chiese (pass by)

Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to take in the “Seven Churches” of Santo Stefano.
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Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita (pass by)

On this tour, you'll stroll pass Santa Maria della Vita.
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Portici di Bologna (pass by)

On this tour, you'll see and learn about the Portici di Bologna.
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University Library of Bologna (pass by)

Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to discover how the world’s oldest university got its start.
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Piazza Galvani (pass by)

Finally, you’ll loop past Piazza Galvani to hear about scientific experiments that electrified frogs before heading back where you started.
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Via d'Azeglio (pass by)

The tour ends back at Via d'Azeglio.
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Show 13 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please note: You won't be guided through any museums or other attractions mentioned en route. If you choose to enter and visit such places, you'll need to pay for it independently of this tour.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Bologna’s Ancient and Recent History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-110804P566

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Reviews

3.80
5 reviews

Average 3.80 out of 5 stars based on 5 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English or Italian
  • VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Transportation
  • Food and drink

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please note: You won't be guided through any museums or other attractions mentioned en route. If you choose to enter and visit such places, you'll need to pay for it independently of this tour.

Report Product Issue

Activity name