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

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.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Pass By: Bologna, Bologna, Province of Bologna, Emilia-Romagna

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.

Pass By: Fontana del Nettuno, Piazza del Nettuno, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy

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

Pass By: Piazza Maggiore, 40121, Bologna Italy

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

Pass By: Basilica di San Petronio, Piazza Maggiore, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy

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

Pass By: Roxy Bar, Via Rizzoli, 9, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy

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).

Pass By: The Two Towers, Via Piero Gobetti, 52/3, 40129 Bologna BO, Italy

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.

Pass By: Le Due Torri Torre degli Asinell, Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, 40126, Bologna Italy

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.

Pass By: Garisenda Tower, Torre della Garisenda, P.za di Porta Ravegnana, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy

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.

Pass By: Basilica santuario Santo Stefano - Complesso delle sette chiese, Via Santo Stefano, 24, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy

Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to take in the “Seven Churches” of Santo Stefano.

Pass By: Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita, Via Clavature, 8/10, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy

On this tour, you'll stroll pass Santa Maria della Vita.

Pass By: Portici di Bologna, Via Farini, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy

On this tour, you'll see and learn about the Portici di Bologna.

Pass By: University Library of Bologna, Via Zamboni, 33-35, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy

Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to discover how the world’s oldest university got its start.

Pass By: Piazza Galvani, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy

Finally, you’ll loop past Piazza Galvani to hear about scientific experiments that electrified frogs before heading back where you started.

Pass By: Via d'Azeglio, Bologna BO, Italy

The tour ends back at Via d'Azeglio.



Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Most travelers can participate"
"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."
"This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate"
"Confirmation will be received at time of booking"



Start Time:
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
Italian Tour
7/26/2023 - 5/12/2025

Monday - Sunday :

12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

English Tour
1/23/2023 - 5/12/2025

Monday - Sunday :

12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

Duration: 60 To 90 Minutes
Start location: Fontana del Nettuno, Piazza del Nettuno, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy

Cancellations and refunds: All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

Included

• Lifetime access to this tour in English
• VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
• Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Not Included

• Smartphone and headphones
• Transportation
• Food and drink

Facilities