Among those who have visited Bologna, few would argue that it is small-town Italy at its very best and is a well-kept secret (although likely not for much longer). This popular city is located in the Emilia-Romagna region and has a sophisticated elegance that makes it equally as gorgeous as Rome or Venice, but infinitely less crowded. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport offers access to a city that prides itself on its slow-paced lifestyle, sophisticated tastes, and luxury experiences. The portico-lined streets and world-renowned cuisine make Bologna a destination fit for seriously authentic Italian excellence for luxury travelers.
Booking unique boutique hotels or villa estates in the countryside affords a personalized guest experience in deluxe accommodations that are very much like a home-away-from-home. Culture vultures on private tours can explore hidden Renaissance artworks and other majestic medieval structures, including the ancient University of Bologna, the oldest university in Western history. All of this takes place against the backdrop of wandering through the historic Piazza Maggiore with a private guide and climbing the Asinelli Tower for amazing views of red rooftops on medieval streets. Take a chauffeured day trip out of the city to either visit the Lamborghini or Ducati museums, and you’ll discover the birthplaces of luxury automotive history.
A pilgrimage to Bologna should always include a taste of its culinary delights, as this historic city gifted the world tagliatelle al ragù (Bolognese), mortadella, old Parmigiano Reggiano, etc. Join a local master chef in a villa kitchen for a private cooking class, or take a curated truffle tasting and wine-pairing experience in the hills nearby. Fine dining ranges from Michelin-starred eateries that blend small-scale venues with modern interpretations of regional cuisine, set to high-quality Italian wine pairings.
From art to food, Bologna invites travelers on a sensory experience that is seemingly made for the discerning traveler. With its old-world elegance and Italian luxury, Bologna offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Savvy travelers enjoy a bespoke journey from start to finish that caters to the refined tastes of adventurous globetrotters.
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Experiences in Bologna
Michelin-Trained Chef Hosted Cooking Classes
Discover Bologna’s rich culinary heritage during a hands-on cooking lesson in a luxury Italian kitchen. Prepare handmade pasta and traditional sauces from some of the best local ingredients under the tutelage of a Michelin-trained chef. The unforgettable session is followed by a gourmet lunch with expertly paired wines, which participants can partake in together.
Helicopter Tours with Winery Landings
Take a private helicopter tour over medieval castles and verdant vineyards to see Bologna and its beautiful landscape from above. Dine privately at premium wineries, where tastings of some rare wines and artisan cheeses await. This is a poetic, sophisticated itinerary through Italy’s most famous food region.
After-Hours Art & History Tours
Get exclusive access to historic sights in Bologna with after-hours entry to the Archiginnasio Library, as well as visits to select galleries at both the Pinacoteca Nazionale. Your private tour introduces the legend behind each work of art. This peak cultural experience offers a deeper personal connection to the intellectual past in Bologna.