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3.5 hours
6/7 stops
12 people max
English
Local food and culture
Award winning
On our Secret Food Tour: Bologna, we'll provide you with an unforgettable taste experience.
We'll take you to a small trattoria to sample the traditional Ragù alla Bolognese (Bolognese sauce), sample and learn why the authentic Parmigiano Reggiano is so special, sip 8-12-24 year-old balsamic vinegar from Modena, enjoy a carefully selected Charcuterie sampler from Emilia-Romagna and enjoy homemade, fresh pasta is created by Bologna's very own sfogline (pasta-makers).
As we end your savory stroll through the city you will get to enjoy the best artisanal gelato in town.
Quality drinks will be served at some stops, however if you would like more, a thoughtfully curated Upgraded Drink Package is available.
- We'll start with a traditional welcoming sweet. Then, we'll visit one of the oldest Salumeria of the city to learn more about the local meat products and the famous pastas.
- You'll enjoy: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella di Bologna and many more regional cold cuts in the oldest Osteria in the world with a glass of our local wine.
- Next we have planned a taste of fresh, handmade pasta made just for us at a local Trattoria, always with a glass of local wine. Then we will visit the main local food market, called Quadrilatero, and we'll enjoy a tasting of different types of balsamic vinegar from Modena (8-12-25 years of aging) to discover how this amazing tradition is still deeply rooted in this region.
- And to end the tour on a sweet note, we will finish our culinary adventure with a traditional artisanal gelato, one of the best ones in the city.
- As with all our tours, there's our delicious Secret Dish.
Please note: Food on the afternoon tour may alter slightly
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When you purchase our Upgraded Drink Package, you'll enjoy the following in addition to what is already served on the tour:
- A choice of an ammazzacaffé Nocino (the traditional walnut based liquor)
- A glass of Lambrusco
*Please note: the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations' availability, weather, and other circumstances.
Book Your Tour
€89/ person
If you have any issues with payment, please email us at [email protected] with the city, date and time of tour, and how many adult and child's tickets you need so we can assist you.
If a tour is fully booked, or you are looking to book a *Group or Private Tour - please email us about Group & Private Tours options.
*Please note - Group & Private Tours are specifically organised for your group and therefore subject to a premium price.
Video of
Secret Food Tour: Bologna
Photos of
Secret Food Tour: Bologna
What you'll taste
THE FOOD
- Local welcoming sweet
- Parmigiano Reggiano
- Two traditional types of homemade pastas
- Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella Bologna and many more regional cold cuts.
- 8-12-25 year old Aged Balsamic vinegar from Modena
- Artisanal gelato
- Our delicious Secret Dish
DRINKS
- A selection of local wines (red and white)
- Water
Due to the nature of creating a well balanced and thoughtful gastronomy experience, many of our tours are unable to accommodate certain dietary restrictions. Please contact us prior to booking your tour to see if we are able to accommodate your dietary needs.
Please note: Food on the afternoon tour may alter slightly
WHY THE QUADRILATERO?
We selected the Quadrilatero area because it is the vibrant heart of Bologna. Built in the Middle Ages, it's nestled inside the oldest set of city walls, right next to the old Roman road connecting the East to the West. This area is the place-to-be for foodies in search of authentic flavours of the city.
Quadrilatero has an ancient tradition of housing most of the craft guilds within its city limits. Jewelers, butchers, delicatessens, greengrocer's, bakeries, and traditional trattoria's are all represented in this historic area.
Next to the Quadrilatero lies an area with hidden canals, historic buildings, towers and statues, we will guide you off the beaten paths, show you unexpected sights and tell you amazing stories about the origins and traditions of the city
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Meeting Spot
We'll meet at Palazzo della Mercanzia, Piazza della Mercanzia 4, 40125, Bologna, Italy. If you have any questions. Please email us.
Monday - Saturday 10:30 am
Monday - Saturday 3:00 pm
Palazzo della Mercanzia, Piazza della Mercanzia 4, 40125, Bologna, Italy
Your guide will be waiting with an orange umbrella so they are easy to spot.
If a tour is fully booked, or you are looking to book a *Group or Private Tour - please email us about Group & Private Tours options.
*Please note - Group & Private Tours are specifically organised for your group and therefore subject to a premium price.
WHY THE QUADRILATERO?
We selected the Quadrilatero area because it is the vibrant heart of Bologna. Built in the Middle Ages, it's nestled inside the oldest set of city walls, right next to the old Roman road connecting the East to the West. This area is the place-to-be for foodies in search of authentic flavours of the city.
Quadrilatero has an ancient tradition of housing most of the craft guilds within its city limits. Jewelers, butchers, delicatessens, greengrocer's, bakeries, and traditional trattoria's are all represented in this historic area.
Next to the Quadrilatero lies an area with hidden canals, historic buildings, towers and statues, we will guide you off the beaten paths, show you unexpected sights and tell you amazing stories about the origins and traditions of the city
Load More
See Our Other Secret Tours
in Bologna
Help Center
Frequently asked Questions
How do I order?
That is very easy! Go to our "Book Now" page, where we detail our tours. Select your tour and the time of your tour and book it! Are you looking for something special or are you organizing an event? Just email us at Group & Private Tours and we will do our best to arrange something that suits you. After your booking is made, we will send you an automatic e-mail confirmation. If you have any questions before booking, feel free to contact us via email.
*Please note if you are using a special promo code then enter it in the "Voucher Code" section before you select the amount of tickets you would like to purchase*
What is included in the food tour?
The foods and stops may have some variations during the different seasons, but do not worry, no matter the season, you will always end the tour happy and full. If you want more alcohol (and who doesn't?) We offer a upgraded drinks package that gives you 2 drinks.
Where is the meeting spot?
You can find the meeting spot here and if it's not clear you can always contact us.
We will meet between the 2 Towers in Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, 40126 Bologna, by the statue. Our guide will welcome you with an orange umbrella and a big smile!
»»CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS««
»»CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS««
Where the tour will end?
Our Bologna food tour will end in Piazza Santo Stefano (St Stephen Square). If you need any route/directions advice, feel free to ask your guide at the end of the tour.
Is your food tour suitable for a vegetarian or someone with other dietary requirements?
Please note that we are not able to offer any gluten-free or vegan option yet. Please inform us in advance of any other food allergies or special dietary requirements in order to give us time to adapt the menu and make you enjoy the tour! If you have any doubt or concerns, feel free to email us at [email protected] before booking.
I am traveling with my family, is the tour ok for infants/children?
Children are more than welcome to our tour and it's free for any child 2 years or under, but their presence MUST BE NOTIFIED UPON BOOKING OF THE TOUR at [email protected]! We have had many families attend from all over the world and everyone enjoyed the tour.
I don't drink alcohol. Can I book your tour?
This is not a problem. Just inform our guide before the tour starts. During the tasting you can select another beverage you like!
Is there enough food during your tour?
We give enough food to all our customers. Trust us, you will not need to go to any restaurant after the food tour!
Where do I add my discount voucher?
I would like to take your tour but it is already fully booked. Is there a way I can do the tour?
Our tours are often sold out very quickly. If the date you requested is not available, please do not hesitate to email us and we can see if there is anything we can do. We cannot promise but we will try our best to sort something out for you.
Is there a lot of walking?
To join our Food Tour, you must wear comfortable shoes. There will be around 40 minutes and that 2 stops have some stairs but it's not too difficult. If you walk slowly, then our guide will walk slowly as well.
How many people max are on this tour?
We take 12 people max. If you are more than 12 people, please do not hesitate to email us and will try to see if we can accommodate.
I cannot find a way to print the confirmation. Is it OK if I have it on my phone?
You do not have to print your voucher. A confirmation on your phone will be fine!
If I purchase a voucher as a gift, or am given a voucher how long is it valid for?
All of our vouchers expire one year from the date of purchase.
Can I choose my own cheese and meat?
Our guide will take care of everything. Should you wish to try something special, please inform our guide and he will do his best to make you happy.
What if it rains or I change my plans?
Unfortunately, the weather is unpredictable in Bologna. Bring an umbrella and we will try to be more indoors than out. We do not issue refunds as per our terms and conditions. We also inform you that we never cancel a booking even if we have only 2 people! However we do reserve the right to cancel the tour if we feel the weather is extreme, and we cannot run the tour due to this for more info see our Terms and Conditions: https://www.secretfoodtours.com/terms-and-conditions/
Can I pay the tour in cash?
You must book directly on our website. We do not accept cash payments. Our online payment is safe, secured and SSL protected.
Why do we need to pay for booking fee?
The booking fee that you have to pay is up to our ticket provider and we can't change it. All our clients need to pay for it upon booking. The booking fee charged contributes to the cost of the ticketing system to provide an excellent service to our customers.
Foreign Transaction Fees
A few banks have charged their customer an extra fee while booking with us (this isn't the booking fee but another fee added by the bank). We think this is unfair, if this happens let us know by showing us in your bank statement and we will refund this fee as a gesture of good will.
