Bologna
Bologna for literature lovers
Traditions & Heritage • 3 hours
5.0
(6)
Bologna for literature lovers
Join a literature-loving host and explore the world’s oldest university, spectacular libraries, and the most famous literary spots in the city.
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- Immerse yourself in Bologna’s rich culture and literary life
- Browse unique independent bookstores and local book exchanges
- Discover the most famous literary spots in the city where famous writers once lived, or see the places that inspired them
- Explore the hidden libraries that most tourists miss
- Visit cafes that are loved by locals; where writers, students and lecturers all gather
- Chat to your host about the magical world of books in Bologna, perhaps even over a coffee or apéritif
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
Private and personalized experience
3 hours with a host
Walking experience
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)
What’s not included
Food and drink
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
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
Calling all book-lovers to the city which encloses the oldest university in the world (1088, which, according to our calculations, is quite some time ago). Join one of our book-mad local Bologna hosts and discover why the city’s nickname, la dotta (the learned one), extends far beyond its academic past.
Among the locals, you will also find many writers, lecturers, musicians, filmmakers, and artists, all of whom are dedicated to and passionate about their city’s culture. Follow your host as you explore the independent bookstores and spectacular libraries together, truly immersing yourself in a world of words, knowledge, and intrigue.
The city’s main library is built on an archaeological site - ask them to fill you in on all the details as you sleuth into the past. Your host will take you past a store where you can not only buy books but trade them in for one of your own.
Ah, there really is something to be found in the hushed world of books, archives, and remembrance, isn’t there?
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
Tima,
Sep 2017
Ilaria has made our day in Bologna. Being very communicative, outgoing and knowledgeable she made Bologna accessible so one can feel and understand the spirit of the city and its people. Thank you Ilaria for all.
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Sharon,
Feb 2017
Ilaria is a wonderful, friendly and intelligent young woman who added a lovely dimension to our visit to Bologna. Her passion for this beautiful city was immediately evident and she communicated this in a very natural and friendly way. Highly recommended!!!
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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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Joren Mark,
Jan 2025
Great in a sense that i saw value on the tour and exceeded my expectations. For a short period knowing Bologna can really be overwhelming but Claudio did great in bringing clear and concise info about each places we have visited in a lively manner, (Good English commskills), structured tour but not overdone; open and willingly answered my questions on the spot and had effort of bringing 2 way conversation forward not a walking lecture. I appreciate the links of detailed recommendations (restaurants, activities, events etc). Higly Recommended.
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