Tours/Bologna/Bologna City & Europe Oldest University Private Guided Tour
Viator · Private tour

Bologna City & Europe Oldest University Private Guided Tour

4.4(7)Bologna1 hour
VIATOR4.0(4)TRIPADVISOR5.0(3)

Description

Take part in a unique experience and discover one of Italy's most enchanting cities. In the course of the tour, you'll get to uncover the history of Bologna, where the first university of Europe was built in the 11th century. In Piazza San Domenico you'll get to admire the monuments of the most illustrious professors of the Middle ages and inside the Museo Medievale, you'll learn all about with the vivid bas-reliefs that show the professors teaching an audience of students, all thanks to the engaging narration of your dedicated expert guide. Also, you'll get to walk to the Archiginnasio Palace, home to city's schools from the 16th to the 19th century, and its 17th Century Anatomy Theater decorated with wooden sculptures related to Medicine. In the course of just 2.5 hours you'll learn all there is to know about the enthralling history of this charming city.

Tour Options

Standard
Standard Thursday

Itinerary

30 min

In Piazza San Domenico you'll get to admire the monuments of the most illustrious professors of the Middle ages .

Admission not included60 min

Inside the Museo Medievale, you'll learn all about with the vivid bas-reliefs that show the professors teaching an audience of students, all thanks to the engaging narration of your dedicated expert guide. Museum is closed on Mondays.

Admission not included60 min

Also, you'll get to walk to the Archiginnasio Palace, home to city's schools from the 16th to the 19th century, and its 17th Century Anatomy Theater decorated with wooden sculptures related to Medicine. Visit to Teatro Anatomico is optional and ticket price is not included.

Highlights

Private tour
Expert professional guide

What's included

Included
Private tour
Expert professional guide
Not included
Food & drinks
Tickets for museums and other sites which require an entrance fee

Traveller Ratings

4.4
7 reviews
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Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
  • Please note that this tour does not include entrance to sites which require an entrance fee
  • The Museo Medievale is open from Tuesday to Friday (9am to 3pm). On Saturday and Sunday the museum is open from 10am to 6.30pm. Closed on Monday.
  • The tour will take place even when it's raining. In the event of heavy rain, the tour may be cancelled and you will be given a full refund
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
  • You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

Reviews(7)

S
Sherpa623078
May 7, 2026
10/10 recommend !! Take this tour when you first get there so you can learn about the city and where you want to go!

It was a little tricky to find our guide. She was standing at the door but no sign, you just need to ask the people that have the lanyards on. You’ll eventually find your guide. Everyone is friendly and helpful. Our tour was amazing. We had Laura and you was WONDERFUL!! She knew so much about the history of the city and was able to answer every random question we had. It was worth every penny. We stopped into the oldest Pub, the oldest candy store, learned about balsamic vinegar, the works. She was exactly the kind of guide you want. We loved having a private tour so we could go at our own pace.

Operator response

Dear Guest, thank you very much for taking the time to share such a detailed and positive review! We’re glad to hear that, despite the initial difficulty in locating the guide, our team’s friendliness and support helped get everything on track quickly. Your feedback is very helpful, and we’ll certainly take note of your suggestion regarding clearer identification at the meeting point. It’s wonderful to know that your tour with Laura was such a highlight. Her deep knowledge of the city, passion for its history, and ability to answer even the most spontaneous questions are exactly what we aim to offer. We’re delighted that you enjoyed the variety of stops and the flexibility of a private tour, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Thank you again for your kind words and for confirming that the experience was worth it. We hope to welcome you again for another memorable visit! Kind regards, Customer Service Team

E
E4839UVwilliamk
May 3, 2025
Explanation of how University Bologna began

This was a 2.5 hour walking tour with a local educated in art and history. Valeria did an excellent job of explaining how the University began, and evolved. We viewed the first official building (and teatro anatomico, not included, but a highlight), and walked the streets while she pointed out various things.

Operator response

Dear Customer, Thank you for your very positive feedback. Your comments are crucial for us to improve our services and I am glad you had a lovely experience with us. We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations. Kind regards, Customer Service team

A
Anupam_K
July 5, 2023
No show, no call

The tour was canceled by the local operator without any advance notice. We waited for 15 min after the start time, sent 3 messages via app, before notification of cancellation. No alternative tours offered the same day either. Wasted our precious vacation day.. Just offer of full refund doesn’t make up for wasted day. Very disappointed with Viator

Operator response

Dear Valued guest, Thank you for your feedback and the time you dedicated to write it. We are really sorry to hear that this service did not meet your expectations and needs. Nevertheless, your comments really matter to our local team to improve the quality's standard service by applying the appropriate corrective actions. Kind regards, Customer Service Team

M
Mary_d
October 12, 2022
The guide was very...

The guide was very excellent and was able to adapt to our needs. Flexibility was appreciated. Viator’s communication was not so great

1 people found this helpful
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Dianne_L
October 12, 2022
Unique, interesting tour

Very interesting tour with an extremely knowledgeable tour guide. She could not be stumped. A great experience for those interested in digging a little deeper into Bologna’s history as the oldest university town in Europe. Hands down the best tour we’ve taken.

N
Nimal D
April 13, 2019
University = City, City = University

No one can differentiate the university from the city and city from the university. They claim that this is the first European University and no wonder that is demonstrated by their university museum. Nice people, simple life but smokes a lot and in the afternoon the narrow streets (VIA) are of cigarette smell. Walk is the best in the city and i guess it is 2 x 2 km city. The European history is there.

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