Medieval villages from Bologna: Brisighella & Dozza day tour

Every wall in Dozza is a mural painted by world-renowned artists.

A private day tour from Bologna to two medieval villages: Brisighella, known for its elevated "Donkey Alley" passage and world-class olive oil, and Dozza, an open-air gallery where murals cover the historic center and a 14th-century fortress. The guide is a certified local English speaker, and the day includes olive oil tasting, a three-course lunch with wine, and entry to Dozza's Rocca.

Step-by-step itinerary

Medieval Villages Tour from Bologna

• 9:30 am pick up from Bologna
• Drive 1 hour to Brisighella
• Visit Rocca di Brisighella and Clock Tower
• Walk through Donkey Alley
• Olive oil tasting
• Lunch at typical restaurant with wine
• Drive 30 minutes to Dozza
• Explore Dozza historic center and murals
• Visit 14th century Rocca in Dozza
• 5:30 pm drop off in Bologna

The experience

How do you see the real Italy without spending a week planning the route? This tour picks you up in Bologna at 9:30 am and drives an hour to Brisighella, one of Italy's top ten medieval villages. You'll walk the Via degli Asini (a unique elevated stone passage built centuries ago for donkey traffic), and climb to the Clock Tower for views across the hills. Then comes the olive oil tasting: Brisighello oil is officially recognized as one of the world's finest, and the guide walks you through its history and flavor. Lunch follows at a regional restaurant, three courses with wine included, before the drive to Dozza along the ancient Via Emilia.

Dozza is different. It's a working village where nearly every exterior wall is a canvas: murals by international artists cover the historic center, turning the streets into an open-air gallery. You'll explore on foot and visit the Rocca Sforzesca, a 14th-century fortress that anchors the hilltop. The guide, born and raised in the area, knows the stories behind the art and the village's place in the region. At 5:30 pm you're back in Bologna downtown.

What’s included

• Private transportation with an air-conditioned vehicle and certified English-speaking guide.
• entry to Dozza's Rocca Sforzesca fortress.
• olive oil tasting in Brisighella.
• a three-course lunch with wine at a regional restaurant.
• insurance coverage guaranteed by a certified travel agency.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcome

Operated by The Village Italy

Is this one for you?The full day runs eight hours from pickup to drop-off, which leaves the morning or evening free for Bologna itself but commits most of the daylight to the villages. Choose this tour if you want both medieval villages in one outing and prefer not to navigate the route yourself. The private format means the pace and stops are yours to shape with the guide.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Via degli Asini in Brisighella?

The Via degli Asini is an elevated medieval stone passage that runs through the center of Brisighella. Built centuries ago to move donkeys and goods through the village without blocking street-level traffic, it's now one of the most distinctive features of the town and a key stop on the tour.

Can I taste the olive oil before buying it?

Yes. The tour includes a tasting of Brisighello olive oil, officially recognized as one of the world's finest. The guide explains its history and production as part of the Brisighella experience.

What will I see in Dozza besides the murals?

Dozza's Rocca Sforzesca, a 14th-century fortress, sits at the top of the village and is included in your entry. You'll walk through the historic center where the murals are, and the guide will point out the work of world-renowned artists who have painted the walls.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is it?

Lunch is included at a selected regional restaurant and features three courses with wine. The meal showcases local delicacies and regional specialties of Emilia-Romagna.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation from Bologna?

No. Private transportation is included in the tour. Pickup happens at 9:30 am in Bologna downtown, and you're dropped off there again at 5:30 pm. The vehicle is air-conditioned and the driver is your certified English-speaking guide.