Discover the charm of Bologna through a 2-hour tour that combines history, art, and culinary delights. For just $28 per person, this experience offers an insightful visit to the Clock Tower of Bologna, access to the Municipal Art Collections, and a taste of traditional local products. The tour is suitable for those who enjoy cultural explorations, historic architecture, and delicious food, making it an excellent choice for a compact yet rich discovery of the city center.

With a focus on interactive storytelling via a QR code audio guide, participants get to explore the iconic Palazzo d’Accursio and the clock tower. The tour also includes a food tasting voucher, allowing guests to sample Bologna’s typical products in the lively town center. It’s a well-rounded experience that balances educational content with culinary pleasures, all in a small group setting limiting participation to just 9 people.

Key Points

Price and Duration: $28 per person for 2 hours of guided exploration and tasting.
Location: Starts next to the Neptune fountain in Bologna’s city center.
Main Highlights: Clock Tower visit, Municipal Art Collections, and local food tasting.
Accessibility: Entry requires wearing closed-toe shoes; access to the summit terrace involves a narrow staircase and waiver signing.
Language Options: The audio guide is available in Italian, English, and Spanish.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Bologna’s Clock Tower with an Audio Guide

The tour begins at the Neptune fountain, where the local partner greets participants and provides a QR code for the audio guide. As the exploration unfolds, the guide leads visitors through the interior of the clock tower, revealing how the mechanism works and sharing stories about the tower’s history.

The audio guide is accessible in multiple languages, making it easy for international visitors to engage with Bologna’s history. The experience involves walking through different parts of the tower, culminating in the inner clock mechanism—a highlight for those interested in engineering and historical architecture.

Participants should be prepared for a climb up a narrow staircase to reach the summit terrace—a spot praised for its views of Bologna. The waiver signing is necessary prior to access, and closed-toe shoes are mandatory for safety reasons. The terrace offers a panoramic perspective of the city, making it a worthwhile climb despite the narrow staircase.

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Discovering Bologna’s Municipal Art Collections

Adjacent to the clock tower, visitors gain entry to the Municipal Art Collections housed within Palazzo d’Accursio. These collections contain artistic treasures that tell stories of Bologna’s cultural heritage. The collections include historical artworks and pieces that illustrate the city’s past.

While the art collections are a significant highlight of this tour, the experience also offers anecdotes about how the building has served Bologna over the centuries. The combination of art and history creates a deeper understanding of the city’s legacy.

Guests appreciate the small group size, which allows for more personalized explanations and the opportunity to ask questions about the artworks or the building’s history.

Tasting Bologna’s Local Products in the City Center

The tour concludes with a food tasting in the vibrant city center. Participants receive a voucher that grants them the chance to sample typical Bologna products, offering a culinary glimpse into the local cuisine.

This tasting segment is designed to complement the cultural elements of the tour, giving a flavor of Bologna’s gastronomy. The local eateries provide authentic products that reflect the city’s culinary traditions.

Guests generally find the food experience to be a delightful addition, rounding out the tour with tasty bites and a chance to soak in the lively atmosphere of Bologna’s streets.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Group Size

The tour starts next to the Neptune fountain, marked with a “Torre dell’orologio Tour” sign. The small group size is limited to 9 participants, ensuring an intimate and engaging experience.

The activity ends back at the initial meeting point, making logistics straightforward. Participants should bring comfortable shoes and be prepared for a walk through historic areas. Large luggage or bags are not permitted, and appropriate footwear is necessary for the stair climb.

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Accessibility and Physical Requirements

Access to the summit terrace involves climbing a narrow staircase, which may be challenging for some. The tour not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to this physical element.

Participants must sign a waiver prior to accessing the terrace, and entry is prohibited for children under 8 years old or animals of any size. The tour emphasizes safety and comfort, requiring closed-toe shoes for all participants.

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Booking Options and Cancellation Policy

The tour offers flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing travelers peace of mind. Reserve now and pay later options are available, allowing for easy planning without immediate payment.

This experience is a great value for those interested in combining history, art, and food in a compact, well-organized package.

Comparing Similar Bologna Tours

While this tour emphasizes the Clock Tower visit, art collections, and food tasting, other options include guided visits to the Archiginnasio, city center walks, and historic highlights. Each offers a different focus, but this tour stands out for its interactive audio guide and culinary component.

Visit the provided links for options like Bologna guided tours and digital guides to find other ways to explore the city, but note this tour’s unique blend of history, art, and cuisine in a small-group setting.

Final Thoughts on the Bologna: Clock Tower Audio Guide and Food Tasting

This tour provides a compact yet enriching exploration of Bologna’s Clock Tower and art collections, paired with a delicious local food experience. The small group size and multilingual audio guide ensure a personalized and informative journey through one of Italy’s most charming cities.

While access to the terrace involves a narrow staircase, the panoramic views and insightful stories make it a worthy climb. The food tasting adds a delicious local flavor, perfect for those who want a taste of Bologna’s culinary traditions.

This experience suits visitors who appreciate history, art, and authentic cuisine and are comfortable with basic physical activity. It offers good value for the price of $28, especially given the inclusion of entry, audio guide, and tasting.

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Bologna: Clock Tower Audio Guide and Food Tasting

4.3

(45)

“My experience in visiting Bologna was amazing . I loved the art exhibition, museum, tower clock and bolognese cuisine.”

— IVANETE, January 25, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Entry is prohibited for children under 8 years old, and the climb to the terrace might not be accessible for those with mobility impairments.

What languages are available for the audio guide?
The audio guide is available in Italian, English, and Spanish.

Can I cancel the booking if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended as the tour involves walking and climbing stairs. Luggage or large bags are not allowed during the activity.

What is included in the tour?
The package features entrance to the Clock Tower, Municipal Art Collections, the audio guide, food tasting voucher, and a map of Bologna.