Discover Bologna with an Expert Local Guide
A history journey from Middle Ages to Renaissance and beyond
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The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is the oldest in the Western world, and it has given to the city its distinctive atmosphere. The long “portici” (arcades), which has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage, preserve charming places and stories to be heard.
The city amazes because of its buildings, such as the highest two preserved medieval towers, its artistic excitement, because of the number of intellectuals and artists, who worked in the city and took their inspiration from it. The museums, churches, alleys, markets, buildings, libraries and the masterpieces it preserves, represent its plot, history and substance.Join me on a journey through Bologna and you will discover its more authentic side! You will learn about the history of the magnificent Neptune Fountain; why the city is known as "the Learned, the Fat, the Red"; why the massive St. Petronio Church is the most beloved by locals, and much more. We will take a stroll through the narrow streets of the very popular food district, including a view of the history and culture of Bologna, vividly told by its towers, monuments and artworks.
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GUESTBOOK
"Luana's tour was honestly one of the best I have ever done. Ravenna itself was a delight; but really made it come alive was her storytelling and in-depth subject knowledge. This wasn't just some student showing you their favourite sites, but a genuine expert imparting thoughtful reflections. Heartily recommended! (especially as a private tour!)"
Adam from U.K.
5 stars are not enough to measure Luana. She deserves more. She is very knowledgeable and articulate and her explanations are easily understood. Luana has a warm and engaging personality - you'd love to have her as a friend. We wish we could have had more time with her but we feel we experienced a great deal of this magical city. We highly, highly recommend Luana for your next tour.
Kit A. from U.S.A.
We did a version of this tour with Luana and thought it was great. We have done quite a few guided tours and this was a very strong one. The UNESCO-designated sites in Ravenna are really interesting and Luana is quite knowledgeable about them. In addition to providing expert guidance on the history and art, she also arranged lunch for us at an outstanding restaurant—the food was very good and the proprietor was extremely friendly. It was a delightful day.
David from U.S.A.
Our exceptional tour of five UNESCO World Heritage sites with Luana was the perfect start to our week in Ravenna and the knowledge we gained served us well throughout our explorations. Luana has excellent English and was equally well informed about the historical context and the artistic expressions. I loved learning how the historical periods when the mosaics were created influenced changes in iconography and symbolism. She is delightful company and the time simply flew. In fact, I suspect we ran over the time limit without realizing it. Our highest recommendation!
Will from U.S.A.
Luana is the best tour guide I've had in 40 years of traveling. She has boundless energy, a profound knowledge of the subject matter, including the religious iconology, is generous with her time and obviously cares about her clients. I will return to the region and have her guide me to the rest of the towns in the area.
Jacqueline Sum from U.S.A.
"This tour was amazing! First, Luana was very receptive to my inquiries. We quickly settled on an agenda and Luana even arranged for transportation back and forth from Venezia. The actual tour was really great. Luana was extremely knowledgeable about the monuments in Ravenna, which really made them come alive. Luana was friendly and personable, everything you want in a guide. Our driver, Raffaelle, was right on time and effieciently moved us back and forth. Luana gets 5 stars for this tour. Grazie mille!"
John Saccardi from U.S.A.
"A wonderful way to be introduced to the World Heritage sites. Personal interactions are best. Thoroughly enjoyable tour. The time was perfect, 2 1/2 hrs. Luana has an extensive knowledge of the sites & excellent English sense of humour".
Chris Griifhts from Australia
"Luana was such a lovely guide. Luana gave a great historical account of the evocative buildings, the historical Anatomical theatre & university amazing! Catching a train to Ravenna, despite the rain, Luana continued to provide excellent commentary on the monuments, in particular Basilica of San Vitale, walking along we passed Dante Alighieri's tomb. We ended the tour with a treat to a local mosaic artist, the heart of the history and identity of the community of Ravenna. Highly recommend this tour!"
Simona Calleri from Australia