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BOLOGNA

DISCOVER THE FLAVOURS AND STORIES OF BOLOGNA

Step into the heart of Bologna, Italy’s culinary capital, on a five-day sensory journey designed to awaken every sense. Famous for its rich flavours, medieval streets, and welcoming spirit, Bologna offers an experience where food, history, and local life blend beautifully into one unforgettable adventure.

Feel the smooth stone of ancient porticoes beneath your fingers, listen to the lively hum of local markets, and taste your way through Emilia-Romagna’s most iconic dishes – from fresh handmade pasta to creamy gelato. This is a city that rewards curiosity, filled with hidden corners, warm piazzas, and centuries-old traditions brought to life through stories and touch.

With its legendary towers, breathtaking churches, and vibrant university culture, Bologna is bursting with character and charm. Your expert local guide will lead you through the city’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and cuisine – and of course, a few delightful legends along the way.

Whether you come for the food, the art, or the atmosphere, Bologna is a rare gem that welcomes you with open arms – and leaves you wanting more.


Weather in Bologna in May

In May, Bologna enjoys warm and pleasant spring weather, with average temperatures ranging from 13°C to 24°C. Expect mild mornings and comfortably warm afternoons, with plenty of sunshine and the occasional light rain. It’s one of the best times to explore the city’s historic streets, open-air markets, and leafy parks.

DATES & PRICES


COMING SOON

WHAT’S INCLUDED


4 nights / 5 days

3* Superior Hotel with breakfast

Seable UK Tour leader

Seable Trained Local Sighted Guide

All private excursions and activities

All local transfers on public transport

Tour operator liability insurance

ACTIVITIES AND PRIVATE EXCURSIONS


Explore Bologna’s Historic Heart – A Market Full of Sounds and Scents
Step into the bustling Quadrilatero district, where the scent of fresh herbs, aged cheeses, and sizzling street food fills the air. Hear the lively banter of vendors and the rhythm of local life in this ancient market quarter.

Santo Stefano – A Journey Through Echoing Cloisters
Feel cool stone underfoot as you wander through a network of interconnected churches and courtyards. Listen to the shifting acoustics and gentle footsteps echoing off centuries-old walls in this peaceful sanctuary.

Visit the Clock Tower – A Climb Through Time and Sound
Ascend the Torre dell’Orologio, Bologna’s historic Clock Tower, where each level brings new sensations. Feel the ancient steps beneath your feet and rest your hand on the solid stone walls as you climb. Listen for the quiet ticking of the historic clockworks and, at the top, pause to absorb the distant city hum and shifting breezes.

Home Cooking in a Bolognese Kitchen – Hands in the Dough
Roll and shape fresh egg pasta with your hands in a traditional home kitchen. Knead, pinch, and twist dough into tagliatelle, tortellini, or lasagne, guided by local cooks who share stories, aromas, and recipes passed down through generations.

Anteros at the Bologna Institute for the Blind – Touch the Masters
Experience world-renowned paintings through your fingertips at Anteros, a tactile gallery designed specifically for blind visitors. Detailed reproductions invite you to feel every brushstroke and contour, accompanied by evocative storytelling and music.

San Luca Pilgrimage – A Portico Walk of Sound and Stone
Walk beneath the rhythmic arches of the world’s longest portico, stretching nearly 4km from the city to the hilltop sanctuary of San Luca. Hear your footsteps echo on smooth paving stones, feel the cool shade of archways, and sense the incline as you ascend. For a gentler option, take the little train and enjoy the ambient sounds of the city slowly fading into peaceful hilltop breezes.

The World’s Oldest University – Voices and Vibes of a Learning City
Wander through the heart of Europe’s oldest university district, where centuries of learning still pulse in the streets. Hear the murmur of lively debates, music from hidden courtyards, and students sharing stories in café doorways. The rich textures of the buildings and lively community make this a place where history and modern life intertwine.

Tasting Tradition at Osteria del Sole – A Toast to Local Flavours
Step into one of Italy’s oldest taverns, where polished wooden tables and worn stone floors tell stories of centuries past. Sample local cured meats, cheeses, and wine in a no-frills, flavour-first atmosphere. The warmth of conversation and clink of glasses creates a truly authentic Bolognese moment.

Day Trip to Modena – Balsamic & Ferrari: Craft and Passion
Touch the smooth barrels and breathe in the deep, sweet aroma of aged balsamic vinegar as you explore a family-run acetaia. Discover the time-honored process behind this liquid gold, followed by a guided tasting. In the afternoon, feel the sleek lines and hear the roar of Italian engineering at the Ferrari Museum, where sound and touch speak louder than sight.

DATES AND PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO FLIGHT AVAILABILITY AND EXCHANGE RATE FLUCTUATIONS AT THE TIME OF THE BOOKING

ITINERARY

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DAY 1: ARRIVAL DAY

Buongiorno, welcome to Bologna!

Touch down in Bologna and be warmly welcomed by your local guide, Marta, who will meet you at arrivals. From there, we’ll head to your accommodation together as a group. The adventure begins the moment you arrive!

Once we reach the hotel, you’ll be guided through check-in and helped to settle into your room with a personalised orientation. There’ll be time to relax, freshen up, and enjoy a preview of the sensory-rich experiences to come.

Next, enjoy your first taste of Bologna’s famous culinary scene with a casual and delicious local lunch.

In the afternoon, set out on a tactile exploration of the historic heart of Bologna. As you wander through the grand Piazza Maggiore, Marta will bring the space to life through stories, sounds, and hands-on experiences. Feel the vast open square beneath your feet, run your hands along the stonework of San Petronio Basilica, and take in the historic atmosphere of this iconic gathering place.

Continue your journey through time with a visit to the Archiginnasio, the former seat of the University of Bologna,  the oldest university in the Western world. Marta will guide you through its corridors, where centuries of academic life echo in the architecture and atmosphere.

Finish your first day with a warm welcome dinner at a traditional local restaurant. Enjoy bold Bolognese flavours, homemade pasta, and good company, a perfect introduction to Italy’s rich culinary and cultural heritage.

 

Journey time: pick up from Bologna airport, driving time 20 minutes (10 km)

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DAY 2: FLAVOURS OF MODENA & THE SPIRIT OF SPEED

Start the day with a hearty breakfast, enjoying the comforting warmth of fresh bread, strong Italian coffee, and local flavours — the perfect fuel for the day ahead.

Head out for a full-day trip to Modena, a region famous for its culinary and automotive excellence. Your first stop is Acetaia Marchi, a family-run balsamic vinegar vineyard. Feel the wooden barrels where the vinegar slowly matures, learn about the centuries-old production methods, and enjoy a guided tasting that reveals the deep, rich complexity of traditional balsamic vinegar, a true Emilian treasure.

Lunch follows at La Contea del Monte, a local favourite known for its authentic Emilian dishes. Enjoy rich sauces, handmade pasta, and warm, relaxed hospitality that makes you feel right at home.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the energy and innovation of the Ferrari Museum. Hear the powerful roar of engines, explore tactile models of classic cars, and feel the sleek curves and materials that define Italy’s most iconic car brand. With interactive exhibits and guided storytelling, this visit brings the world of Ferrari to life through sound, touch, and motion.

Return to the hotel in the early evening, with time to rest, reflect, or freshen up before dinner.

End the day with a relaxed meal at a nearby pizzeria, where the scent of fresh dough, bubbling cheese, and herbs fills the air, a comforting and satisfying close to a day filled with flavour, craftsmanship, and speed.

 

Journey time: Full-day walking activity

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DAY 3: ART, LEARNING & THE JOY OF PASTA

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast to start the day, with fresh pastries, ripe fruit, and the comforting aroma of coffee or tea to energise you for a day full of discovery.

Begin the morning with a gentle walk through Bologna’s lively streets, moving under the shelter of its famous porticoes and across bustling piazzas. The rhythm of footsteps, distant music, and the soft murmur of morning conversation set the tone for a calm and immersive start.

Next, explore the historic University of Bologna, the world’s oldest, and feel the heartbeat of the vibrant student neighbourhood surrounding it. Then, visit the Anteros Museum, a one-of-a-kind gallery dedicated to tactile art. With guided description and hands-on exploration, you’ll experience world-renowned painting masterpieces through touch, discovering the shapes, textures, and emotions captured by history’s great artists.

Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant where traditional Bolognese flavours take centre stage. Following your meal, take a leisurely walk back to the hotel for a restful break.

In the evening, step into the kitchen for a hands-on pasta-making workshop. Learn the craft of creating Bologna’s iconic egg pasta, from rolling and shaping silky tagliatelle and tortellini to layering rich lasagne. Feel the textures of the dough and listen as expert chefs share time-honoured techniques and stories.

Finally, sit down together to enjoy the fruits of your labour, a shared dinner made with your own hands. It’s the perfect, heartfelt way to close a day full of learning, flavour, and connection. Afterwards, return to the hotel to begin packing for your journey home.

 

Journey time: Full-day walking activity

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DAY 4: A FINAL TASTE OF BOLOGNA

Begin your day with a nourishing breakfast, fresh bread, seasonal fruit, and a hot drink to ease you into the morning with warmth and comfort.

Set off for a guided climb up the historic Clock Tower (Torre dell’Orologio). With your guide’s support, feel each ancient step beneath your feet and the curve of the stone staircase guiding your ascent. At the top, pause and absorb the atmosphere of the city from above. Your guide will share the sounds, stories, and history of the rooftops and domes that stretch out in every direction.

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a nearby local restaurant. Savour more of Bologna’s signature flavours as you share reflections and stories from the morning’s adventure.

In the afternoon, take a gentle stroll through the city centre, including the historic Jewish Ghetto. As you walk through narrow alleyways and past centuries-old buildings, your guide will paint vivid pictures of the area’s layered history and cultural legacy. Soak in the sounds of everyday life and explore lively local markets and artisan shops, where you’ll have the opportunity to pick up unique, meaningful souvenirs.

Return to the hotel for a well-deserved rest. This is your time to freshen up, finish packing, or simply pause and relax before the evening.

Gather together one last time for a farewell dinner at a welcoming trattoria. Enjoy a final taste of traditional dishes, heartfelt conversation, and a warm celebration of the shared memories, flavours, and discoveries that have made your journey unforgettable.

Journey time: Full-day walking activity

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DAY 5: DEPARTURE DAY

Enjoy your last breakfast together, savouring familiar tastes and the comforting sounds of the morning gathering, clinking cups, friendly voices, and the gentle hum of a new day beginning.

Your guide will assist with a thorough room check to ensure nothing is left behind and help with the check-out process. Your luggage will be safely stored at reception so you can enjoy the final excursion of the trip hands-free and worry-free.

Visit Saint Stephen’s Seven Churches (Sette Chiese), a remarkable complex of interconnected sacred spaces. Walk through centuries of spiritual history as you touch the worn stone columns, feel the shift in air from one chapel to the next, and absorb the quiet reverence that fills the space. Your guide will share stories, details, and insights that bring the layered history of this unique site vividly to life.

At midday, it’s time to say goodbye. Your journey through Bologna may be ending, but the sounds, scents, and stories of this beautiful city will stay with you, a rich tapestry of experiences to remember. Thank you for sharing these memorable days with us. We wish you safe travels and hope the warmth and connection of this trip carry with you always. Bis bald! Until we meet again.

You’ll transfer to Bologna Airport, where special assistance will be waiting to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey home.

 

Journey time: Drive to Bologna airport, driving time 20 minutes (10 km)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

GROUP SIZE

This trip cannot take place unless there are 4 participants booked 60 days prior to departure.

FLIGHTS

Flights are not included in the price.  The price range is between £130 and £180 per person.

We advise you to fly to Bologna airport between 10 am and 11 am to be met by a Seable staff member.

If you arrive/depart at a different time, a transfer will be pre-booked for a fee, and you will meet the Seable staff member at the accommodation.

The return flight time is suggested at 4 pm.

BOOKING FORM & DEPOSIT

If needed, we can complete the booking form for you over the phone or email.

Upon booking, we require a 30% nonrefundable and nontransferable commitment deposit, which is fully refundable and transferable only if the trip does not go ahead.

CONFIRMATION & BALANCE

You will receive the holiday confirmation and final invoice 3 months before departure.

4 weeks prior to departure you will receive the itinerary, packing list and final details.

PASSPORT & VISA

We provide all the visa information upon booking.

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Each participant must have their own travel insurance.

ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY OUR TRAINED SIGHTED GUIDES

At Seable, our specially trained sighted guides are here to support you throughout your entire trip, making sure everything runs smoothly and comfortably.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Hotel Orientation: A full introduction to your hotel and its facilities.
  • Hotel Assistance: Support with checking in and out of your hotel.
  • Daily Guidance: Help around the hotel and transport to and from your activities each day.
  • Activity Support: Assistance during all planned activities.
  • 24-Hour Emergency Contact: A phone number you can call anytime for urgent help.
  • Airport Departure: Help to the special assistance desk at the airport on your final day.

Your Seable guide will be with you every step of the way, giving you expert support and peace of mind for a truly enjoyable and immersive holiday.

PRE-DEPARTURE ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY SEABLE HOLIDAYS

To ensure a smooth and stress-free journey, Seable Holidays offers the following pre-departure assistance:

  • Flight Consultation: Advice on optimal flight options tailored to your needs.
  • Pre-Departure Information: Detailed itinerary and suggested packing list provided one month prior to departure.

Our pre-departure services are designed to help you prepare thoroughly for your holiday, ensuring every detail is taken care of in advance.