Bologna
Day trip to Modena
Day Trips & Local Escapes • 8 hours
5.0
(6)
Day trip to Modena
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, 11th-century frescoes and a splash of balsamic.
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- Take a train with your host from Bologna to Modena, where you’ll spend the day exploring the ancient town and all its wonders
- Amble through the medieval town center, discovering its famous landmarks, highlights, and hidden gems
- Visit the top attractions like the Piazza Grande, Palazzo Comunale, and Mercato Albinelli
- Taste produce that the town is famous for, like balsamic vinegar and Lambrusco wine
- Chat to your host and find out more about the heritage of Modena, as well as the famous people who have lived there
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
8 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
Private and personalized experience
A full day with a host
Return train tickets from Bologna to Modena
Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
What’s not included
Food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs (apart from return train tickets)
Gratuities (optional)
Meeting point
Your hotel/apartment or any other central locationCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat to bring
- We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
- Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.
How your day could unfold
A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you mostWhat you’ll do
The compact little town of Modena is packed with a historic punch, hauntingly beautiful architecture, and a legacy of food culture that make it the ideal destination for a day trip!
After a quick 30-minute train ride from Bologna, you will follow your local Bologna host through its quaint, cobbled streets, starting your day in the ancient city center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site, no less).
From there you’ll find the Piazza Grande, the 12th-century Modena Cathedral, and Torre Civica. Marvel at the masterful frescoes along the way (your host will point out some from the 11th century), and perhaps stop for espresso under the elegant medieval porticos.
Modena is notable as the birthplace of Ferrari and balsamic vinegar (not that they have much to do with one another), but you’ll see signs of this proud heritage everywhere!
See famous landmarks like the Palazzo Comunale, or maybe, visit the Palazzo dei Musei Gallery, browse the Mercato Albinelli, and perhaps finish off your day at a traditional trattoria for a primo. Exploring is hungry work, after all.
1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?
Real Stories, Real Connections
See our hosts and guests creating memories
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What travelers think of this experience
Katrina,
Mar 2019
My father and I had a wonderful day trip to Modena, Italy on 31 March 2019 arranged through City Unscripted. We had the most wonderful local guide - Sofia. The day couldn't have been better! Sofia knew so much about the area and was so lovely. We will remember it forever. City Unscripted did a wonderful job matching us with a suitable guide based on our interests. Thank you Sofia and City Unscripted! If you would like to go on a walking tour of Bologna or Modena, ask for Sofia. You wont be dissapointed :-)
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Corinne,
Jan 2019
Gabriele was fantastic in not only taking us around Modena and Bologna but also ensuring the rest of our stay in the area was easy to navigate from trains to restaurants to shopping. Could not be more pleased to start our trip with him.
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Graham,
Nov 2018
We had a lovely day with Gabriele. His English was excellent and he had a friendly and engaging manner and concentrated on what we wanted to see and know rather than just going through a set agenda. We finished a little early and, on return to Bologna, he showed us some of the highlights. Would recommend him to anyone.
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David,
Feb 2025
Giulia was a friendly, knowledgeable guide. She contacted us before the tour to ask us about our interests and what we would like to do in Bologna. She then sent us a brief itinerary and arranged to meet us at our hotel. This personal tour gave us a real insight into the city, we learnt so much about its history and also gained great information on local places to eat! We thoroughly enjoyed our 3 hour tour with Giulia and would recommend booking either a city or food tour with her.
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Sally,
Jan 2025
Nicola was very informative and flexible with our interests, we didn’t know much about Bologna when we arrived and now feel like we have a good background into the history and buildings and know how to spend the remainder of our time here. He gave done great recommendations. Many thanks.
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Joren Mark,
Jan 2025
Lively Conversation with the guide (Claudio) open and gave clear and concise info about places visited and i appreciate the detailed links of recommendations ( restaurants, activities, events etc). Structured tour but not overdone...overall a tour with value - worth what you paid for.
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