Palazzo della Mercanzia Tours and Tickets

Ciao! I’m a local chef, pasta maker, and licensed Guida Enogastronomica, featured in Forbes Magazine as one of Bologna’s top culinary experts. I hold a Certificato di Specializzazione IFTS in Gastronomia in IGP and DOP products and study Gastronomy at the Università di Bologna. I’ve cooked in some of Emilia-Romagna’s finest kitchens, including a Michelin-starred restaurant. We’ll begin beneath the arches of Palazzo della Mercanzia with a macchiato and historic torta at a family-run pasticceria, then explore the Quadrilatero as I reveal the secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, Prosciutto di Parma DOP, Mortadella IGP, and Aceto Balsamico DOP. Taste the region’s best salumi, cheeses, breads, and Pignoletto wine — plus a 25-year Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale DOP — inside Italy’s oldest tavern (1465). We’ll proceed with tagliatelle al ragù paired with a glass of Sangiovese di Romagna at a beloved trattoria, and say arrivederci! over one of the city’s best artisanal gelato.

Delve deep into the culinary wonders of Bologna, a city renowned for its gastronomic delights. Experience an exclusive journey through hidden culinary gems, where you'll tantalize your taste buds with the finest offerings. Delight in the artistry of fresh pasta, savor the rich flavors of aged Parmigiano Reggiano, and explore the complexity of authentic balsamic vinegar. Your adventure will lead you through the vibrant Quadrilatero market, where the sights and aromas of local produce enchant the senses. Visit the magnificent Basilica di San Petronio, a symbol of Bologna's cultural heritage, and discover its fascinating history. Continue your exploration to the historic Palazzo della Mercanzia, where centuries-old traditions come to life amidst stunning architecture. Experience the essence of Bologna's gastronomic heritage as you uncover hidden treasures and indulge in a culinary journey like no other.

The city of Bologna is a rich tapestry of art, culture, cuisine, and music—a UNESCO–listed gem in the heart of Italy. On this morning or afternoon walking tour, follow your guide through Bologna’s medieval streets and find out what makes the city special. Hear the stories behind top attractions including Piazza Maggiore, the Quadrilatero, and the 14th-century San Petronio Basilica, and gain insight into Bologna’s colorful past.

Discover the enchanting medieval charm of Bologna on this exclusive 3-hour private tour from Venice + water taxi. Led by an experienced guide, this tour is perfect for first-time visitors or returning travelers seeking deeper insights into Bologna's rich history, culture, and architecture. Explore ancient piazzas, iconic porticoes, medieval towers, and vibrant local markets while uncovering hidden gems and fascinating stories that bring the city’s past to life.

Of all the cities in Emilia Romagna, Bologna is perhaps the most open and convivial. It’s hard not to fall in love with its porticoes, its main square and alleys dense with trattorias and restaurants. Strolling through the center with your guide, you’ll discover why Bologna has deserved recognition as a "fat" city as well as a "learned" one since the Middle Ages. You’ll see some of Bologna's most important historical buildings. You’ll discover the history and legends of the Bolognese tortellino, the versions of the broth, the variants of the filling. There will be plenty of curiosities and anecdotes about local street food, tigelle, fried crescentine, mortadella, cured meats and traditional desserts. After a delicious tasting of the finest chocolate produced by the oldest Italian chocolate house and artisanal gelato, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what has made Bologna a gastronomic capital, a motherly and welcoming city, a crossroads of excellently elaborated experiences.

Join me on this full-day tour to discover the stunning wonders of Bologna and Ravenna, two cities that have played significant roles in Italy's history. With its ancient university—the oldest in the Western world—Bologna is a cultural hub of extraordinary importance. We'll explore its most evocative monuments and landmarks in the city center. Ravenna, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its magnificent early Christian mosaics, offers you the chance to see remarkably well-preserved monuments from the 5th and 6th centuries. We'll meet in Bologna in the morning to begin our exploration of the city's highlights. Afterwards, we'll catch the train together to Ravenna.