Porticoes of Bologna and Basilica San Luca Guided Tour: Uncover UNESCO Heritage Arcades

14 Ratings

Bologna

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Uncover the UNESCO Heritage arcades of Bologna and explore the Basilica of San Luca on a guided tour. Board the San Luca Express and listen to fascinating anecdotes from a local guide.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Cancellation: 24 hours

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Highlights

Santuario di Madonna di San Luca - Guided tour of the Sanctuary of San Luca and access to the panoramic dome
Portico di San Luca - On the way with the San Luca express that takes you from the center of Bologna to the Sanctuary of San Luca you can see one of the most famous arcades in the world that connects the city to the Sanctuary
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What's Included

Greeting by Bologna Tour staff
Complimentary map of Bologna
San Luca Express ticket included
Personalized experience with a private guide
Earphones provided for the tour

What's Not Included

tip
Dome of San Luca entrance ticket € 5

Additional Information

Experience Bologna’s notable arcades and the San Luca Basilica under the guidance of a local expert narrating engaging tales. You’ll take a trip on the San Luca Express - a convenient train service linking the city center to the renowned Basilica. As you commute, you’ll have the opportunity to gaze upon the world’s most distinguished arcades, a unique…

Location

Neptune square

The meeting point is in Piazza Nettuno in Bologna 10 minutes before departure

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

4.5

(14 Ratings)

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Dkla

Oct 7, 2023

Beautiful basilica - Had a great time! The train is very Thomas the toy train.. cheesy but gets the job done. Much cheaper to book in person fyi than online

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Juliann_c

Jun 15, 2023

Beautiful views - Elena was a great tour guide. The site was beautiful, and the views of the city were gorgeous. She provided so really great insights into the history.

Review provided by Viator

Nancy_r

Jun 7, 2023

Wonderful, quirky experience ! - Wonderful experience. Train ride was unique! Our guide was very knowledgeable, and really nice to spend time with.

Review provided by Viator

Mjbrockster

Oct 19, 2022

San Luca Guided Tour well worth your time! - Here's what made this tour awesome: 1. Private: It was just my wife and I and our guide. 2. Our guide was fantastic. She was interesting, funny, incredibly knowledgeable and very accommodating (see below). 3. The ride on the train was fun. The windows are open so you can get fresh air and be able to see the view. 4. San Luca itself is an incredible church. The view is spectacular. The church is very unusual and unique in its exterior appearance. The interior is beautiful and opulent. 5. My one complaint is you don't get to stay at San Luca for very long (about 20 mins). However, our guide graciously offered to spend more time with us at San Luca and to catch the next train down. For a modest fee ($5 per person), we were allowed to climb the stairs all the way to the top of San Luca. It was WELL worth it. The view was incredible. We were the only people up there, so we got to really enjoy the view. Would definitely recommend this tour!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Arquitleilamarques

Oct 3, 2024

Intriguing - Those who like architecture will babble with the city (medieval part) with its 40km of pavements covered in arches, which end up on top of a hill in the basilica of San Jorge... Spectacle.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

192wernerb

Aug 26, 2024

Walking center Bologna up to the Basilica of San Luca - We did the whole route under the arcades from Piazza Maggiore city center to the Basilica of San Luca on foot (and in high heat). It was definitely worth it - the arcades are both shady and very interesting. The final climb to the basilica already requires some fitness and is only recommended to people who have appropriate physical requirements.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Lomaca28

Aug 1, 2023

Go up on the train so you don't die of heat... - We went on the classic children's train that leaves in front of the Basilica of S. Petronio. Furthermore, with a total of 12 euros per person (return), the route includes a real city tour, up to San Luca. Generally it leaves every half hour. With the atrocious heat of July (it was 42 degrees...) we strongly recommend using it for the climb and avoiding the slog on foot. On the hill you can enjoy an excellent view and fresh air. I expected something more than the religious building. Of course, it is an interesting stage from the point of view of faith, but artistically it didn't excite me at all. Outside, however, it is rather "let go", except for the beautiful flowerbeds. In any case, it is an obligatory stop if you happen to be in the city.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Bronwyn

Jul 3, 2023

Great tour of Bologna - Amazing experience! Our guide Bernadette was very lovely and great at sharing information about Bologna! The tour was private which was a surprise to us but we thoroughly enjoyed the personal tour! Great information about San Luca and the porticoes! Only suggestion I would have is potentially to be able to choose whether to walk to the top of the hill and meet the guide there rather than taking the train! Overall great experience

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Kelly_r

May 17, 2023

Plan B - Wonderful private tour guide Elena; extremely knowledgeable and willing to give me time at places I was more interested in!

Review provided by Viator

Sp0004

Jun 4, 2022

Nice way to see San Luca - A good way to see San Luca after a week of walking! Worth a visit but was a shame there was a mass going on when we visited. Felt guilty going into the church to be honest. Our guide and many others did not see it as an issue. The church in the main square was very interesting too.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Check Availability

From $105

up to 15 guests

1 Adult