Piazza Maggiore, Bologna

Forget your "standard" food tour. This is a deep dive into the soul of Bologna, a mouth-watering journey through hidden alleys, historic shops, and the rhythmic sound of the rolling pin.

Your adventure begins in the majestic Piazza Maggiore, the beating heart of the city, where you’ll meet your local expert guide. From here, you’ll weave through golden porticos and secret shortcuts where the scents of the city tell stories of ancient traditions.

First stop: Caffeine & Heritage We kick things off the Italian way—with a perfect espresso. Follow the aroma to a tiny, beloved café to enjoy your coffee "al banco" (standing at the counter) like a true local. Just a few steps away, an ancient bakery awaits. You’ll taste the legendary Torta di Riso (Rice Cake), a tender, melt-in-your-mouth dessert made according to a secret Bolognese recipe.

The Quadrilatero & Street Food Bliss Next, we dive into the Quadrilatero, the medieval market district. In this labyrinth of flavors, you’ll tuck into warm, fluffy Tigelle (traditional flatbreads) stuffed with world-class Mortadella, Parma ham, and Salame Felino. It’s savory, irresistible, and pure Emilian comfort.

The Local’s Choice: Mercato delle Erbe We’ll then head to the Mercato delle Erbe, the city’s vibrant indoor market. Inside a historic cheese shop, time stands still. You’ll enjoy a vertical tasting of Parmigiano Reggiano—from buttery and fresh to intense and nutty—drizzled with authentic Balsamic Vinegar and paired with a surprising sip of bergamot liqueur. A quick refresh with seasonal fruit from the colorful stalls, and we’re ready for the grand finale.

The Pasta Lab: Master the Tortellino This is where the magic happens. You’ll enter an authentic pasta laboratory to meet the sfoglina—the guardian of Bologna’s pasta secrets. The wooden board, the rolling pin, the silky dough: everything here speaks of ancient rituals. Watch her hands dance with the rolling pin in a slow, precise sequence of movements—a true culinary ballet. Then, it’s your turn! Under her expert guidance, you’ll learn the precise twist and fold that makes the Tortellino unique. It’s fun, engaging, and surprisingly rewarding to see your creation take shape. Finally, sit down to enjoy the fruits of this tradition: a Bolognese Lunch featuring steaming Tagliatelle al Ragù and Tortellini in Brodo, accompanied by a crisp glass of local Pignoletto wine. It’s warm, seductive, and absolutely unforgettable.

• Expert Local Guide (Food & History specialist)
• Espresso coffee at a historic café
• Traditional Rice Cake tasting
• Tigelle stuffed with premium local cold cuts
• Parmigiano Reggiano tasting with Balsamic Vinegar and Bergamot liqueur
• Seasonal fruit tasting at the market
• Hands-on Pasta Making Session (Tortellini folding)
• Bolognese Lunch: Tagliatelle al Ragù, Tortellini in Brodo, and 1 glass of Pignoletto wine

Comfortable shoes are suggested