Tour guide in Parma, Modena, Bologna

We have always had good luck with “tours by locals”; however, most guides increase their prices by 20-30% to compensate what “tours by local” compensates them We try to find more independent sources if we can. We spent about a week touring the area you are interested in last fall. We used https://artemilia.it/en/about-us/
for tours in Modena/parma/full day tour of parm cheese/winery/balsamic vinegar producer/prosciutto factory. We used “City unscripted” in bologna but was not an impressed with the guide quality. artemia guides/drivers were very professional/licensed and sincerely interested in ensuring your objectives are accomplished. They will customize their tours to suit your needs.

I've had good luck with walking tours of the historic districts of quite a few European cities (including Bologna) arranged by the local tourist office. I figure the tourist office is going to insist on accuracy. Such tours are not private, and they tend to last roughly two hours rather than four, but in case you are not able to find what you're looking for, they are an option. They are, naturally, extremely inexpensive compared to a private tour--typically 15 or 20 euros per person.

We've taken tours offered by the local tourism offices in both Bologna and Parma. Both tours were excellent.

We were in Bologna about 10 days ago and took several 3 - 4 hour private walking tours with Nathalie Zaveroni. She also does tours in Parma, Modena, Ravenna and Ferrara. Highly recommended as we had a great experience with Nathalie. She is very knowledgeable and also offered recommendations for the rest of our trip. See the itineraries on her website. Google search her name and “Guide in Bologna”.

@KFrog - I had a look at her website - thank you for posting. How much was that 4 hour tour? Was her English pretty good and easy to hear/understand?