Bologna Tours & Trip Packages

Bologna Tours & Trips

36 Bologna trips. Tours from 24 tour companies. 99 reviews.

36 Trips match your criteria (21 - 36 shown)

Bellissima Northern Italy 2021
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4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Bologna, Milan, Venice, Verona

Highlights

  • 'Romancing the senses' is an apt description for the experiences showcased on Bellissima Northern Italy... for the landscapes you’ll see and the lifestyles you’ll sample take you on a love affair with Italy.It starts with fashion and art in Milan when you view da Vinci’s The Last Supper with a local guide (subject to availability). It continues during a private Tauck cruise across Lake Como to Bellagio and a boat ride to Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore. It captures your heart along the cobblestone streets of Verona
  • home to Romeo & Juliet... your taste buds at an agriturismo in the Franciacorta region and a cooking demo in Bologna (whose nickname is La Grassa
  • 'the Fat One')... and all the senses in Venice
  • with visits by boat to some of the Venetian Islands and a Tauck Exclusive
  • after-hours guided visit to St. Mark's Basilica to view its treasures without the daytime crowds. Now that’s amore
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Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"My husband and I booked the Yellowstone tour with Tauck expecting so much more with the accommodations, food, and tour director based on the price point. We were sadly disappointed but still tried to enjoy the experience. Rooms were dirty, food were often buffets and other group dinners with some food inedible. We noticed other tours staying in our hotels and paying much less for their tours. One positive was we never touched our luggage which was nice but my small suitcase was damaged during one transfer. Word to the wise… read their emails thoroughly as the email we received a few weeks before our trip reads like a disclaimer for poor service and accommodations."

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A Taste of Italy
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4.8/5 Excellent
14 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Assisi, Bologna, Florence, Padua, Rome, Siena, Venice

Highlights

  • Gaze upon the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel with Skip-the-Line tickets
  • Explore the medieval cities of Assisi, Siena Bologna and Padua
  • Venture around beautiful Florence, the “Cradle of Renaissance”
  • Have lunch in Piazza Santa Croce, in the heart of Florence
  • Discover the romantic and floating city of Venice with Skip-the-Line tickets
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Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly

What travelers are saying

"We were given the wrong hotel name from Franca in Zagreb. We were also given the wrong hotel name from Franca in Dubrovnik. Very disappointing and we were thoroughly inconvenienced! Your team is not as professional as we would have as expected... They need to be retrained/coached."

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11 Day Food & Wines of Piedmont, Liguria & Veneto with Cinque Terre
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3.6/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bologna, Parma, Portofino , Turin

Highlights

  • Savor a lakeside dinner on Isola dei Pescatori, or Fishermen’s Island, on lovely Lake Maggiore In the Piedmont region, travel through rice plantations and taste local dishes Explore Turin and discover many famous sights of the House of Savoy, Italy's royal family Take a guided tour of the wine cellars followed by tastings in the famous Piedmont region Stay in Santa Margherita Ligure and spend free time in picturesque Portofino Marvel at the cliffside villages of Cinque Terre, “five towns” that seem suspended over the Ligurian Sea Taste authentic Balsamic Vinegar in a family-run estate Participate in a guided city tour of Parma Take a walking tour of historic Bologna, while tasting world-famous products of Emilia Romagna, including Prosciutto & Parmesan cheese Enjoy a Prosecco tasting in its land of origin †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"My wife, her two sisters and I took a 14 day tour of France with Gate 1 on May 8, 2024. Our guide, Jordane, started the tour with a speech about health and safety and how sick people must wear masks and sit in the back of the bus. Anyone who tested positive for covid would have to leave the tour. Two people in our group, Judy and Katy started the tour visibly sick. Jordane did nothing despite what he said in his speech. Within a few days most people were sick. I caught a cold around day 8. On day 9, Jordan asked me to wear a mask. I wore a mask. On day 10, Jordane asked me to move to the back of the bus. I moved to the back of the bus. On day 11, Jordan called my room and told me that I was off the tour due to my cold and that I would have to find my own way home. Several passengers were obviously sick but Jordane did not remove them. He never asked me to get a covid test. He just kicked me off the bus somewhere in France with no help to get home. I immediately called the Gate 1 24 hour emergency assistance line. The line was answered with a recording, “We’re sorry, we are closed right now please call back during business hours.” Before you book with Gate 1, call this number on a weekend night and you’ll get the recording. Now if you are persistent or just desperate and wait on the line, eventually you will hear options. Wait through 8 options and the 9th is for help. I was transferred to a nice man in India who listened to my problem and then told me there was nothing he could do to help. I was dumped on the side of the road in France with no help. Who does this to someone? Gate 1 is the only one I know who would do this. I found Jordane and told him that I should be given the chance to take a covid test. Fortunately, a local Gate 1 guide joined our conversation. She thought this was a good idea and gave me directions to the nearest pharmacy and told me what to do to get tested. I tested negative for covid. I had a common cold, sniffles and cough. I showed the results of my test to everyone on the bus and Jordane. Jordane reluctantly allowed me back on the bus. That wasn’t the only issue we had with our guide. On our second night, my wife tripped and fell while crossing the street. My wife was unconscious and bleeding in the street. While my wife’s sister and I tended to my wife, her other sister called Jordane. He said he was busy and we should do whatever we wanted to. That was the last we heard from him. He never checked back to see how we were doing. The next time we saw him was in the morning when he asked if we would continue the tour. He never showed any concern. We were fortunate that two nurses saw the fall and helped us get my wife off the street and call the local version of 911. It was the help of strangers, not Gate 1 that took care of us. Gate 1 claims that Jordane called us several times to check on my wife. This is not true. Gate 1 claims that many people on the tour were tested for covid. Again, this is not true. We expected there would be support and help on our Gate 1 tour. We got nothing. We definitely didn’t expect to be dumped on the side of the road with no way home."

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Edible Italy: Culture and Cooking
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5/5 Excellent
8 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bologna, Florence, Tuscany

Highlights

  • 2 cooking classes, preparing our four-course lunches
  • Making your own pizza with an Italian pizzaiolo
  • Guided tasting of PDO and IGP products from Emilia-Romagna
  • Wine lesson and tastings by a sommelier
  • Following in Fellini’s footsteps in the seaside resort of Rimini
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Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have traveled in Italy many times on our own but our 8-day BuonJourney tour was by far our favorite experience. Ramona and her expert team opened the doors to their Emilia-Romagna region for us to meet many amazing artisans of balsamic vinegar, EVOO, fossa cheeses and much more. The culture and the pride that goes into their work and products were palpable. Through Ramona one can enjoy the sights, taste the foods and experience the culture of this spectacular region not as tourists but as native Italians would. We can't wait to return someday. Thank you Ramona, Enrica, Guido, and Federico for making our stay so special (you too Gigi!)."

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Rome to Venice Italy Tour for Seniors
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By Nancy Aiello Tours
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bologna, Florence, Rome, San Gimignano, Venice

Highlights

  • Discover the splendors of Rome
  • Immerse yourself in ancient Roman times
  • Admire the Vatican treasures
  • Enjoy the walled hilltop town of Orvieto
  • Journey to the Renaissance & meet Michelangelo’s David
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Awesome!!! We absolutely loved our tour of ancient Rome. Our guide was fun, extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his subject. This experience was highlight of our stay in Rome. My only regret is that we left in a bit of a hurry - my husband's luggage was lost, he was wearing same clothes from travel & uncomfortably hot & anxious to replenish wardrobe - thus, I neglected to tip our guide. I feel terrible as he was so good with our family & kids have been talking about what they learned. If we had more time in the city, I would have arranged for another guided tour of St. Peter's. Please excuse tardy review, my internet connection has not been dependable during the trip. We return to Rome tomorrow for a night before returning to Chicago with wonderful memories. Best regards, Kathleen M. – Chicago, USA"

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Quintessential Tour of Italy
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Amalfi Coast, Bologna, Colosseum, Florence, Lake Como, Milan, Naples, Positano, Rome, Sistine Chapel, Tuscany, Vatican City

Highlights

  • Admire the contrasts of Italy’s north, from the bustle of Milan to the serenity of Lake Como
  • Prepare Tuscan specialties with the chef of a Michelin-starred property, then enjoy them paired with prime local wines
  • Explore the riches of the Eternal City, from its Roman-era treasures to the gems of the Vatican

Themes

Culinary & Wine, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We were very happy with the trip and how we worked together with you to plan everything. All of the places we went were amazing. Rome had amazing ancient history, art, and architecture as did Pompeii, and Florence had amazing Renaissance history, art, and architecture, while Milan had a little of both but also with the feel of a modern city. The Amalfi Coast and Lake Como were beautiful. We loved Positano (where we stayed) and Ravello best of the places of the places we visited in The Amalfi Coast because they had the most charm and beauty and the least people. In Lake Como, we stayed in Bellagio, but everyplace we visited in Lake Como was beautiful and charming. However, Bellagio, drinking wine and watching the sunset in Varenna, and the boat tour of the lake stood out as our favorite activities. The food was also amazing everywhere, from local places to fine dining the food was fantastic and memorable. We loved Italy. It’s beautiful, and we’ll definitely come back. All of the travel arrangements were excellent and everything was easy. The drivers were friendly and spoke good to excellent English as well as Italian. And having the extra phone was a nice convenience. We didn’t have any stress or difficulties during the trip about the details as they were all taken care of with excellent results. Our favorite drivers: Naples to Positano and back (and Pompeii) Salvatore was excellent. Driving with him was like being with a friend or family member. He was very concerned with our comfort and always suggested places to stop for pictures or a view and had great knowledge of the Naples and The Amalfi Coast. He was also a gentle driver and never made us uncomfortable. Florence Day Trip – I apologize but his name escapes me (maybe Giorgio?), but he was excellent for all the same reasons we liked Salvatore. He even took us to his favorite Gelato shop near his home town and it was so much better than most of what we tried, and since he grew up there he had lots of really interesting local history Milan to Bellagio – I apologize I also forgot this gentleman’s name, but he was a good driver especially around all the curves to and from Bellagio. Not as talkative as the other two, but very friendly and a gentle driver Our favorite guides: Vatican / Franchesca – Interesting personality and very different that the usual guide experience, but we enjoyed her character. She did what we were interested in doing and never let anyone forget that we (and she) were VIP! Pompeii – I apologize I forget her name, but she was very nice and attentive and very interested in what we wanted to know and see and learn more about. It felt tailored to us and what we wanted, which is why you hire a private guide! All of the other guides and drivers were good but the ones above were the best and most memorable. Thanks again for the great trip! We would definitely recommend you to friends, and in fact we already did recommend our friends Derrick and Lorena to you."

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Classic Italy Tour
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4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bologna, Florence, Lake Garda, Pisa, Rome, Vatican City, Venice

Highlights

  • Visit Rome, the “Eternal City," Florence and Venice, Italy’s three most spectacular and romantic cities, all with included sightseeing
  • See the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo frescoes in the Vatican City
  • Enjoy an included lake cruise on magnificent Lake Maggiore
  • See for yourself and marvel at the angle of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Additional included sightseeing in Bologna, Orvieto, Verona and Milan

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Tour is advertised as an "active" tour. However, YMT sold the tours to seniors and others who were unable to walk more than 1/8 mile, unable to navigate stairs or had to walk with the aid of walkers. As a result, 80 percent of the "explorations" were to visitor centers, look out points, stores or washrooms, that were within 100 feet or less of the bus. This tour should be categorized as "relaxed". A big disappointment! The bus driver was friendly and accommodating and drove us safely from one site to another. He sold water to the guests in small bottles for $1 each. I think YMT should be more conscientious of the environment and at least offer bottle refills, especially since the guide practically demanded that each person drink one gallon of water per day. The tour guide was marginally knowledgeable about the area and spent too much time telling us about her private life and friends. She led one hike, but talked mostly about how the rains had changed the landscape. One day she left two guests at the hotel and wanted the people on the bus to take responsibility for not letting her know that people were missing. We were encouraged to find hikes to take on our own, which I felt compromised safety, especially when we had an hour or so to "explore" - there was no safety or backup plan, especially if something untoward happened on a hike. She opted out of taking us to the sunset tour of the Grand Canyon telling us that it was raining and we wouldn't be able to see anything. So a couple of us went to the site on our own and it was possibly one of the best experiences I had on the entire tour (and not a drop of rain!). I often felt bullied into purchasing lunches or meals "offered" by the guide, who made it sound like there were no other options. It was difficult to listen to her brag about how well she was doing and how happy everyone was, when many people were complaining that the tour was not what they expected - mostly because it was too active!!! The accommodations were mostly good - a couple of anomalies (one with a plugged sink and no hot water for a shower, another with a pervasive bad odor). The excursions offered at the time of booking were mostly unavailable later (except for the over-priced meals). Another disappointment because I booked the tour partly because of one of the excursions offered at the time of booking. I would not recommend this tour, because I don't think it is advertised correctly."

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Quintessential Tour of Italy - With Autentico Hotels
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Amalfi Coast, Bologna, Colosseum, Florence, Isle of Capri, Lake Como, Milan, Naples, Rome, Sistine Chapel, Vatican City

Highlights

  • Admire the contrasts of Italy’s north, from the bustle of Milan to the serenity of Lake Como
  • Prepare Tuscan specialties with the chef of a Michelin-starred property, then enjoy them paired with prime local wines
  • Explore the riches of the Eternal City, from its Roman-era treasures to the gems of the Vatican

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We were very happy with the trip and how we worked together with you to plan everything. All of the places we went were amazing. Rome had amazing ancient history, art, and architecture as did Pompeii, and Florence had amazing Renaissance history, art, and architecture, while Milan had a little of both but also with the feel of a modern city. The Amalfi Coast and Lake Como were beautiful. We loved Positano (where we stayed) and Ravello best of the places of the places we visited in The Amalfi Coast because they had the most charm and beauty and the least people. In Lake Como, we stayed in Bellagio, but everyplace we visited in Lake Como was beautiful and charming. However, Bellagio, drinking wine and watching the sunset in Varenna, and the boat tour of the lake stood out as our favorite activities. The food was also amazing everywhere, from local places to fine dining the food was fantastic and memorable. We loved Italy. It’s beautiful, and we’ll definitely come back. All of the travel arrangements were excellent and everything was easy. The drivers were friendly and spoke good to excellent English as well as Italian. And having the extra phone was a nice convenience. We didn’t have any stress or difficulties during the trip about the details as they were all taken care of with excellent results. Our favorite drivers: Naples to Positano and back (and Pompeii) Salvatore was excellent. Driving with him was like being with a friend or family member. He was very concerned with our comfort and always suggested places to stop for pictures or a view and had great knowledge of the Naples and The Amalfi Coast. He was also a gentle driver and never made us uncomfortable. Florence Day Trip – I apologize but his name escapes me (maybe Giorgio?), but he was excellent for all the same reasons we liked Salvatore. He even took us to his favorite Gelato shop near his home town and it was so much better than most of what we tried, and since he grew up there he had lots of really interesting local history Milan to Bellagio – I apologize I also forgot this gentleman’s name, but he was a good driver especially around all the curves to and from Bellagio. Not as talkative as the other two, but very friendly and a gentle driver Our favorite guides: Vatican / Franchesca – Interesting personality and very different that the usual guide experience, but we enjoyed her character. She did what we were interested in doing and never let anyone forget that we (and she) were VIP! Pompeii – I apologize I forget her name, but she was very nice and attentive and very interested in what we wanted to know and see and learn more about. It felt tailored to us and what we wanted, which is why you hire a private guide! All of the other guides and drivers were good but the ones above were the best and most memorable. Thanks again for the great trip! We would definitely recommend you to friends, and in fact we already did recommend our friends Derrick and Lorena to you."

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Bologna Reviews

R

Ronald

May 2024

Written on

Venice to Rome

Very good tour. Whilst we enjoyed the pasta making lesson in Bologna we thought we would have preferred to miss Bologna and add more days to one of the other cities....

T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Venice to Rome

Great trip, well organised. Could have done without the stay over in Bologna and had another day in Rome, but the pasta making experience in Bologna was very good. G...

T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Venice to Rome

Busy but excellent trip with a varied itinerary. Particularly enjoyed the pas...

J

John

May 2024

Written on

Venice to Rome

Always wanted to visit North Italy, we had been to Venice and Rome previously. The centre of Bologna was very interesting initially I had my doubts about the "pasta...

T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Venice to Rome

A fascinating tour, made all the more enjoyable by an excellent tour guide. Very full on.

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Bologna Tour Selection Trips

  • Language could be a major problem in Bologna as most locals do not understand English. It is better to learn a few Italian words or phrases that would help you to communicate if you are going to spend some time there. Or you can bring and English-to-Italian dictionary to solve the problem.
  • The city has a very well-maintained bus system. You can get all the routes and timings online and can get your tickets in advance. You can also get tickets on the bus through an automated machine but that will cost you more than regular. Get your tickets validated from the machine at the front or rear of the bus. The validation is valid for only one hour on any bus or route.
  • If you plan to ride a taxi, make sure you negotiate the fare before sitting. It is a custom to leave small cash for the driver and the total ride fare is rounded up to a convenient amount.
  • The best way to explore the beauty and charm of Bologna is on foot. Take advantage of the walkability of the area and do sightseeing on foot, while taking time to explore each and every point on the way.
  • Mostly local shops and shopping centers open early, around 8:00 a.m. and work till 8:00 p.m. However, the local markets close by the afternoon. Banks also open early and remain closed for some time in the afternoon before reopening, like 12:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. mostly
  •  The lively city is great to have fun but when you want to sleep the noises at 3 a.m. do not sound so good. Therefore, try to get accommodation at some distance where you can take rest peacefully. In the small and walkable city of Bologna even if you are staying at some distance from the center it will never be too far from major interest points.
  •  Pickpockets are very common in this region and work in groups. They can be disguised as anything, especially beggars. While one person distracts you as a beggar, by holding your hand or something like that, meanwhile the other member of the group takes out your wallet.
  • Make sure to keep your cash safe in the inside pocket of your handbag or if in your wallet be attentive towards it, especially in crowded places. Try not to take out cash or wallet from your pocket in public or you are telling the thieves where to find your money.
  • Always keep change with you. There are certain shops or points where you might need it. Some local shopkeepers do not accept international cards so you need cash there. Another place is the paid toilets where you need to insert the exact amount of cash to go inside. No cash might mean no access to the restrooms.
  • Call 118 in case of an emergency. You will find various pharmacies throughout the city and two hospitals. This city has a wonderful health system and Emilia-Romagna is even recognized at the European level for its well-maintained and efficient health system.
  • Overall Bologna is a safe city but unknown to you so avoid straying alone in the streets at night. It is better to be cautious than getting hurt for nothing.

Additional details

Where is Bologna

This beautiful and lively place is the largest city as well as the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy and is located on the Florence-Venice route. The city lies between the Savena and Reno rivers, to the north of Florence, and at Apennines northern foot.

Getting to Bologna

Bologna has a prime geographical location in northern Italy that makes is easily accessible through various modes.

By Air

The closest airport to Bologna is Guglielmo Marconi International Airport that is about six kilometers from the city. Many airlines approach here, including the low-budget European flights. You can hire a taxi or utilize the special bus line service, the Aerobus, to reach the city center.

The taxi may cost about €15 while Aerobus will take you in €6 and drops at Bologna Train Station. You can purchase the tickets onboard or from the machine just outside the terminal. The validated Aerobus ticket is also valid for one hour to be used on other buses as well.

By Rail

The geography and central location of Bologna have made it the main hub of rail transport in northern Italy, through its well-connected railway system.

The high-speed train line between various major cities has made the journey fast and easy. The travel time between Bologna and Florence is about 37 minutes, to and from Rome is 2 hours and 20 minutes, 1 hour for Ferrara, and so on.

By Car

Bologna is situated at the junction of three highways; A1, A13 and A14, therefore, it can be easily accessed by road from any place in the country. Beware of the rush hours if you plan to travel by road as these routes, especially A1, get horrendously packed during rush hours.

Best Time to Visit Bologna

Bologna witnesses all four-seasons, and every season has its pros and cons. The best time to visit is during spring (April to June) or fall (September to November). The temperature is between 6 to 18 °C and in this pleasant weather, you can enjoy most of the activities in the region.

During the summer months (July and August) there is a huge tourist crowd in Bologna but this might not be the best time to visit. The temperature can rise to 30°C and you might also face some accommodation problems. Prices are high and many of the hotels do not have an air conditioning facility that can cause inconvenience in the warm weather.

Wintertime (December to March) is the second most popular time to visit the beautiful city. Weather can become harsh with heavy snowfall but if you can handle the cold you will enjoy the magical effect it has over the area. The temperature rarely rises above 14°C and can fall to -2°C.

Weather impacts the Bologna Italy tours a lot, but every season has something to offer like various festivals, attraction points, etc. and most importantly Bologna food. Hence, no matter what time you choose to visit the magnificent capital, you will not be disappointed.

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