Bologna food tour: a culinary journey through “La Grassa”

Experience Bologna’s rich culinary heritage with this exclusive guided food tour through the city nicknamed “La Grassa” (The Fat). Begin with an authentic Italian breakfast at a historic coffee shop before exploring iconic landmarks like the Two Towers and Piazza Maggiore. Dive into the vibrant Quadrilatero food market to sample Bologna’s famous Mortadella paired with regional wines. Visit a balsamic vinegar museum-shop showcasing Modena’s prized DOP product, and finish with a sweet surprise chocolate Tortellini at a historic chocolatier. This half-day experience perfectly balances cultural discovery with gastronomic delights in Italy’s celebrated food capital

Length

  • 3 hours

Highlights

  • Authentic Italian Breakfast Experience
  • View the medieval landmarks while learning about their significance to the city
  • The Vibrant “Quadrilatero” Food Market – Explore colorful stalls and shops in Bologna’s historic culinary district
  • Mortadella Tasting and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar  with Local Wine

Perfect for

  • History and Culture Enthusiasts
  • Travelers seeking authentic experiences
  • Art and music lovers
  • Small private groups
  • Religious and spiritual travelers

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Description

Savoring the Essence of Bologna: Coffee, Towers, and Historic Squares 
Begin your culinary adventure meeting a private licensed tour guide in Bologna, affectionately known as “La Grassa” (The Fat) for its renowned gastronomic heritage. Your experience starts with an authentic Italian breakfast at a historic coffee-grinding institution, where you’ll sample distinctive coffee blends paired with delicious pastries and brioches. As you stroll beneath Bologna’s iconic Two Towers, the medieval landmarks that define the city’s skyline, your guide will lead you to Piazza Grande (Piazza Maggiore), where impressive religious and civic buildings showcase Bologna’s architectural splendor. This immersive walking tour combines cultural exploration with the first taste of Bologna’s celebrated food scene, setting the stage for a day of sensory delights.

The “Quadrilateral” of Taste: Mortadella, Local Wines, and Market Treasures
Journey into the heart of Bologna’s culinary identity as you explore the vibrant “Quadrilatero”, the city’s historic food market district. This gastronomic paradise comes alive with colorful fruit and vegetable stalls, artisanal fish vendors, and specialty food shops that have defined Bologna’s food culture for centuries. The enticing aroma of Mortadella, Bologna’s signature cold cut, will guide you through narrow medieval lanes to a tasting experience featuring a selection of local salumi accompanied by a glass of regional wine. This half-day snack represents the authentic flavors of Emilia-Romagna, allowing you to experience firsthand why Bologna holds its prestigious culinary reputation. After your tasting, enjoy a digestive walk through the charming streets, absorbing the lively atmosphere of this food lover’s paradise.

Balsamic Treasures and Sweet Conclusions: DOP Products and Chocolate Tortellini
Complete your food tour with an exploration of Italy’s protected culinary treasures and sweet specialties. Visit a fascinating shop-museum dedicated to traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena – a prized DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) product – where you’ll learn about the meticulous aging process and sample this “black gold” of Italian cuisine. Your final destination is a historic chocolatier shop for a uniquely Bolognese sweet treat: chocolate Tortellini, a sweet interpretation shaped like Venus’s navel and the “raviola with mostarda alla Bolognese”. Throughout the tour, you’ll have opportunities for shopping at specialized food stores, allowing you to bring home authentic tastes of Bologna. This immersive experience perfectly blends cultural discovery with gastronomic pleasure in one of Italy’s most beloved food destinations.

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Inclusions

  • A private tourist licensed guide at your disposal (3 hours maximum)
  • Tastings as to the programme

Meeting point and notes

In the lobby of the Client’s hotel if it is in Bologna downtown. Please, let us know the name of your hotel, otherwise at the feet of the two towers. The trip is always confirmed, in case of rain too (only in case of dangerous conditions our company will contact you). Comfortable dress and shoes are recommended

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