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Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca

Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Bologna: Roundtrip San Luca Train Ticket & Food Tasting

1. From Bologna: Roundtrip San Luca Train Ticket & Food Tasting

The Basilica of San Luca is one of the symbols of the city of Bologna. Situated on the Monte Guardia, the Sanctuary connects to the city center through the longest continuous portico in the world, made up of 666 arcades. At the meeting point, you'll receive a map and a timetable of the return train, which is available every 45 minutes. You’ll also receive a voucher for the food tasting.  This tour departs every day and will help you discover the city from aboard the San Luca Express train, where the audio guides, available in 8 languages, will tell you about the city until your arrival at the Basilica of San Luca. Here, you can visit the Basilica at your own pace and decide what time to return by consulting the schedules on the map. On board, you will find a member of staff who'll welcome you and provide any information you may require. When you return, you will get to taste typical products in one of the historical markets.

Bologna: Unesco Porticos and San Luca Guided Minibus Tour

2. Bologna: Unesco Porticos and San Luca Guided Minibus Tour

The arcades of Bologna represent an important architectural and cultural heritage for the city and are its symbol together with the numerous towers. There is no other city in the world that has as many arcades as Bologna: all together the arcades measure almost 40 kilometers in length in the historic center alone. Every Saturday you can set off to discover the most beautiful arcades of Bologna, climbing up to the Sanctuary of San Luca. Comfortably seated on the minibus and accompanied by a professional guide, you will pass through the most beautiful sections of the arcades of Bologna, such as that of Via Farini and Piazza Cavour, up to the Stadium and the Monumental Cemetery of Certosa and San Luca, going up next to the longest portico of the world, with unique views over the city.

Vespa Tour in the Hills of Bologna

3. Vespa Tour in the Hills of Bologna

The rolling hills of Bologna are a popular destination for locals, who enjoy spending their free time in the parks, hiking and tasting local specialities at the restaurant. The starting point of the guided tour is at our agency in the heart of Bologna. Get on a Vespa 50 special or a 125 and follow us to the hills! During this 2½-hour-tour you will first stop at San Michele in Bosco, Bologna's belvedere, boasting a wonderful panoramic view of the old town. You will then drive to the Sacrario di Sabbiuno memorial, erected in memory of the Nazi-Fascist massacre that took place here in 1944. Your Vespa tour in the hills will end at the famous Sanctuary of Madonna di San Luca on top of the Colle della Guardia, connected to the city by the longest portico in the world. You must be confident in driving motorbike (at least 21 years old) The tour will start with a minimum of 2 partecipants.

Sanctuary of S. Luca with Train and Private Guide

4. Sanctuary of S. Luca with Train and Private Guide

The arcade that connects Porta Saragozza to the Sanctuary of San Luca is the longest in the world. Within its 3.5 kilometers there are 666 arches, each marked by a number: the first 306 connect Porta Saragozza to Meloncello Arch, while the last 360 are located in the hilly area from Meloncello to Colle della Guardia. These are spaced out by 15 chapels illustrating the mystery of the rosary. The tour starts from Piazza Maggiore with a little train ride to Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. Begin the guided tour with the Sanctuary of San Luca and its panoramic forecourt with an optional visit to the Dome of the Sanctuary to admire the panorama of the city. Enjoy the descent with a little train ride along the arcade that leads to Meloncello's Arch and then along via Saragozza. Passing through Porta Saragozza, arrive at the Collegio di Spagna and de'Carbonesi, continuing via Massimo d'Azeglio you’ll return to Piazza Maggiore.

Bologna: Inside city tour, San Luca Express, & Tastings

5. Bologna: Inside city tour, San Luca Express, & Tastings

Visit the city of Bologna and San Luca with this tour that in one day will let you discover the city comfortably without walking too much. You will meet in Piazza del Nettuno with our welcome staff who will explain all the details and will accompany you to the start of the new Inside city tour aboard the electric minibus where you will be able to see the most hidden sides of the center by listening to the audio guides. Afterwards you will be able to enjoy tastings of typical local products and then board the San Luca express train which will let you discover the famous arcades of San Luca on the way that takes you to visit the famous basilica while listening to the audio guides.

Bologna: Porticoes and Basilica San Luca Guided Tour

6. Bologna: Porticoes and Basilica San Luca Guided Tour

Discover the famous arcades of Bologna and the Basilica of San Luca with a local guide who will tell you all the anecdotes. You will board the San Luca Express, the little train that connects the center to the famous Basilica and during the journey you will be able to admire the most famous arcades in the world, a Unesco heritage site, listening to the stories of the guide. Once in San Luca you will visit the Basilica and the surrounding area with the guide who will tell you its history while admiring Bologna from above and then you will always return on board the San Luca express together with the guide.

Bologna: Guided E-Bike Tour to Sasso Marconi with Aperitivo

7. Bologna: Guided E-Bike Tour to Sasso Marconi with Aperitivo

Cycle from the center of Bologna into the historic hills on a guided E-bike tour. Ride through the peaceful parks of the city and ascend into the villages of Mongardino Grotta and Sasso Marconi. See Parco Talon and experience the tastes of an Italian aperitivo. Make your way to the bike rental store and get ready for an adventure into Bologna and its picturesque surroundings. Cycle on your E-bike around the center of the city, admiring the architecture. Follow your guide into the beautiful, stretching parks and climb up into the hills. Take in stunning views as you pass through the little villages of Mongardino Grotta and Sasso Marconi. Ride through the serene Parco Talon, once owned by a marquis, before celebrating your tour and effort by indulging in an exquisite cheese and wine tasting experience.

Other Sightseeing Options in Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca

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What people are saying about Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 131 reviews

I boarded the San Luca express at 4.10pm and we were provided with headphones so to listen to the tour on the way. We arrived at the Basilica of St Luca about 30 mins later - it took us along the road adjacent to the Portici where people can walk all the way to the Basilica - it is used as a place to exercise also for sportspeople. When we arrived, we had about 50 mins till the next San Luca Express. We could take photos from the outside visit the Basilica inside and pay our respects (it was a pilgrimage place that many believers would visit). It was a most glorious evening and a view of the mountains on the outskirts of Bologna was visible.

A little chaotic getting on the train on a busy day but once you’re off it’s magical and fun. The basilica is really beautiful and the views are astounding on a good day. If it’s clear it’s 100% worth it to pay extra at the top to climb to the dome viewing deck. The free lunch tickets are great but they may not fill you up too much! Relax, enjoy and have a laugh at the buffoons who ran all the way up the portico.

Super nice and uncomplicated pickup. Passing the line, I got my ticket and vouchers straight away. The journey was very relaxed and the Basilica of San Luca is definitely worth a visit. It was easy to get back from the same exit point to my entry point on Piazza Maggiore, from where I could easily walk to the pizzeria and ice cream parlor to redeem the vouchers. All-round successful action :)

A nice cute train ride to the basilica where you also had a beautiful view of the city. The train also runs every half hour, so you don't have to wait long if you want to go back

We had a great time with Marco. One of the highlights of our time in bologna. Highly recommend.