from
$102
Bologna Authentic Eats Food Tour with Sit Down Tastings and Local Wine
Indulge in typical tortellini and tagliatelle pasta paired with regional drinks, gelato and more
What's included
Group size of 12
English-speaking guide
Cold cuts and cheeses, handmade pasta, gelato and more
Aperitivo
Sit-down meal
Guide gratuities
Itinerary
Meet your guide in Piazza del Nettuno
Gather near Neptune's statue in Piazza del Nettuno, where your culinary journey through Bologna's Old Town begins.
Aperitivo
Start your tour with an aperitivo at a local bar, sampling cold cuts and cheeses while learning about the significance of this pre-meal ritual in Italian culture.
Local cafè
Start your tour with an aperitivo at a local bar, sampling cold cuts and cheeses while learning about the significance of this pre-meal ritual in Italian culture.
Old Town
Embark on a guided stroll through the cobblestone streets of Bologna's Old Town, admiring Renaissance art and architecture along the way.
Local bakery
Immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine of Emilia-Romagna as you engage with local traditions and flavors.
Traditional restaurant
Enjoy a traditional meal with fellow food enthusiasts.
Pasta tasting
Immerse yourself in the rich tradition of fresh egg pasta as you learn about tortellini and tagliatelle, two iconic dishes of Emilian cuisine.
Local cafè
End your tour in style with a traditional dessert in a local cafè of the city.
End at the Two Towers
Your culinary journey through Bologna's Old Town ends in one of the city's most iconic locations.
For Reference Only. Itineraries are subject to change
Select participants and date
Start times are in the product’s local time
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance!
Mon, 07 Sep 2026
Meeting and drop-off point
Important Details
After meeting your local guide near Neptune’s statue in Piazza del Nettuno, your culinary adventure kicks off with a delightful aperitivo. Enjoy the company of your fellow food enthusiasts while learning about Emilian cuisine, and tuck into cold cuts and cheese that perfectly complement your beverage of choice.
Next, a guided stroll through Bologna city center’s cobblestone streets brings you to an authentic eatery often overlooked by visitors. Sit down and enjoy a feast of handmade pasta, including world-famous tortellini and tagliatelle, paired with local wines before wrapping up your tour at arguably the best gelateria (ice cream shop) in Bologna.
Locals’ Favorites Food Tour in Bologna Description
Your 3-hour tour includes:
Guided exploration of Bologna's Old Town
Tastings at 5 different authentic locations
A wide variety of local foods and wines
Personalized recommendations for your stay
Small group size for a personalized experience
Insight into Emilian culture and cuisine
Welcome to Bologna Old Town!
Your foodie adventure through Bologna begins in the charming Piazza del Nettuno, and although this square is always buzzing with locals and visitors, finding your guide is easy—just look for the mighty statue of Neptune. Here, surrounded by magnificent Renaissance art and architecture, your guide will provide an overview of the adventure ahead, which is all about uncovering authentic eateries tucked off the beaten path.
Start with an Aperitivo
Aperitivos are an essential part of Italian culture. So, it only makes sense to kick off this tour with a sampling of your own. Head to a local bar and learn how this pre-meal drink has become a staple in Italian culture and experience for yourself how it's the perfect catalyst to get conversations flowing and spirits soaring. Aperitivos are also meant to stir your appetite, and right on time, you’ll be treated to a delectable array of cold cuts and cheeses.
Authentic Pasta
Buzzing from your aperitivo, it’s time for a delightful stroll through the Old Town’s narrow streets. Tune in as your guide highlights the historical and architectural gems that have made Bologna a must-visit destination, and pause to admire imposing red-bricked buildings and medieval towers. Then, after about 10 minutes of walking, it’s time to tuck into a local restaurant for delectable handmade pasta. Dishes change with the season, but you can look forward to specialties like tortellini and tagliatelle al ragù paired perfectly with regional wines.
Bologna, the cradle of Italian pasta all’uovo
Tortellini and tagliatelle are both traditional types of pasta originating from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, where Bologna is located, and which is renowned for its fresh egg pasta tradition.
Tortellini are small, ring-shaped pasta filled typically with a mixture of meat, cheese, and more. Legend has it that tortellini were inspired by the shape of Venus's navel, with each fold representing the bellybutton. Making tortellini involves rolling out thin pasta dough, cutting it into small squares, placing a small amount of filling in the center of each square, and then folding them into the distinctive ring shape.
Tagliatelle are long, flat ribbons of pasta, similar to fettuccine but narrower. Traditionally, tagliatelle are made by rolling out pasta dough into thin sheets and then cutting them into strips. The width of tagliatelle is typically around 6-8 millimeters. In Emilia-Romagna, both tortellini and tagliatelle are often served with rich, hearty meat-based sauces like ragù alla bolognese, a slow-cooked meat sauce made with tomatoes, minced meat, onions, carrots, celery, and wine.
You certainly heard about "bolognese sauce". This term refers specifically to the sauce from the city of Bologna!
A sweet finale
Last but certainly not least, continue to a local gelateria. Choose your favorite from a range of delightful flavors and learn how to distinguish authentic gelato by its texture, color, and presentation—a skill that will serve you well on future Italian adventures. Also, be sure to ask your guide for recommendations on where to explore next, as with a happily full stomach, it’s time to bid farewell and enjoy the rest of your stay in Bologna. Ciao!