Bologna Day Trip by Train + Italian Cooking Class

For those exploring Tuscany's capital and eager to uncover one of Emilia-Romagna's most enchanting cities, this day trip to Bologna from Florence is an ideal choice. Additionally, the experience features a hands-on Italian cooking class!

Trip Overview

At the scheduled departure time, you will hop on a train from Florence to Bologna, reaching your destination in under an hour. Upon arrival, you will have between 3 and 4 hours of leisure to wander through the city independently. We will provide you with recommendations to ensure you experience the highlights that the capital of Emilia-Romagna has in store.

We suggest beginning your adventure in the vibrant city center, starting at Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno. Here, you can gaze upon the stunning Basilica of San Petronio, one of Europe's largest churches, as well as the iconic Fountain of Neptune, a symbol of Bologna.

A brief stroll will lead you to the Archiginnasio, the historic site of the University of Bologna, where you may explore its hallways lined with numerous noble crests. This is also home to the Anatomical Theatre, where pioneering anatomy lessons were once conducted.

Your journey can then take you to the Two Towers, the Garisenda and Asinelli, which are renowned medieval landmarks of the city. Make sure to visit Via Rizzoli and the quaint streets of the Quadrilatero, Bologna's traditional market area, where the authentic spirit of Italy thrives amid fresh pasta shops, historic delicatessens, and charming trattorias.

If time allows, consider a visit to Via Piella. There, through the famed "Finestrella", you can catch a glimpse of the Canal delle Moline, a romantic hidden gem that offers a unique perspective of Bologna.

Enhancing your day, you will participate in a 3-hour cooking class in Bologna. Here, you’ll delve into the flavors and techniques of the local culinary arts and have the chance to prepare a traditional dish yourself. During the session, you will learn to create 3 distinct types of fresh pasta accompanied by their corresponding sauces. At the conclusion, you will savor the meal you’ve crafted, complete with water or a glass of wine, coffee, and a dessert or fruit.

The overall duration of this excursion spans between 11 and 12 hours.

Guided Information

It is important to note that while in Bologna, there will be no guided tours. The only segment of this experience with a guide is the cooking class.