Bologna's Ancient and Recent History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Are you looking for a way to explore Bologna without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour.
- 2 hours
- Mobile voucher
Are you looking for a way to explore Bologna without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour.
• Stroll through the ancient – and more recent – past of Bologna, a place that art critic John Berger once called “an improbable city.”
• Hear from producer Frank Bures, an award-winning author who spent time in Bologna as an exchange student in the 1990s,
• Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home
Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.
The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.
Tickets will be delivered post-booking by email or physically delivered to your hotel
VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.
This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.
DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
- Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
- Create an account
- Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
- Enter your code then select Download Now
PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.
SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me
Guide options
- Audio guide (English, Italian)
Prices
Included
- Lifetime access to this tour in English or Italian (3)
Not included
- Smartphone and headphones (3)
Tips
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note: You won't be guided through any museums or other attractions mentioned en route. If you choose to enter and visit such places, you'll need to pay for it independently of this tour.
Route
- 1
Bologna
Bologna is home to some of the best food, the most sublime beauty, and the richest history in all of Italy. Yet it’s rarely on the tourist radar. On this walking tour, award-winning author Frank Bures will give you a taste of authentic Italian culture, show you the city’s many historical sites, and tell you the stories most travelers don’t hear.
- 2
Neptune's Fountain
Starting at the Neptune Fountain, you’ll walk through Piazza Maggiore to San Petronio Basilica where you’ll see the world’s largest sundial.
- 3
Piazza Maggiore
Starting at the Neptune Fountain, you’ll walk through Piazza Maggiore to San Petronio Basilica where you’ll see the world’s largest sundial.
- 4
Basilica di San Petronio
Starting at the Neptune Fountain, you’ll walk through Piazza Maggiore to San Petronio Basilica where you’ll see the world’s largest sundial.
- 5
Roxy Bar
Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to see the Roxy Bar, which was featured in the Italian superstar Vasco Rossi’s song Vita Spericolata (The Reckless Life).
- 6
The Two Towers
You’ll then make your way to the Two Towers, one of which garnered a mention in Dante’s Inferno, and stroll beneath the famous porticos that became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2021.
- 7
Le Due Torri Torre degli Asinell
You’ll then make your way to the Two Towers, one of which garnered a mention in Dante’s Inferno, and stroll beneath the famous porticos that became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2021.
- 8
Garisenda Tower
You’ll then make your way to the Two Towers, one of which garnered a mention in Dante’s Inferno, and stroll beneath the famous porticos that became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2021.
- 9
Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano - Complesso delle Sette Chiese
Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to take in the “Seven Churches” of Santo Stefano.
- 10
Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita
On this tour, you'll stroll pass Santa Maria della Vita.
- 11
Portici di Bologna
On this tour, you'll see and learn about the Portici di Bologna.
- 12
University Library of Bologna
Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to discover how the world’s oldest university got its start.
- 13
Piazza Galvani
Finally, you’ll loop past Piazza Galvani to hear about scientific experiments that electrified frogs before heading back where you started.
- 14
Via d'Azeglio
The tour ends back at Via d'Azeglio.
Location
Start point
Meeting point
You must make your own way to the start point
Start points:
- Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading. - Neptune's Fountain