Via Degli Dei: Bologna to Florence

4.8Based on

Carbon neutral

8 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

15 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Challenging

Demands good physical fitness and stamina for more intense or extended activities.

Starts

Bologna, Italy

Ends

Florence, Italy

Highlights

Following in the footsteps of pilgrims past

Walking along an ancient Roman paved road in the heart of the Apennines forest

Discovering the fossil shells set into the rocks of Mount Adone

Staying in comfortable and welcoming hotels and charming B&Bs

Feasting on culinary delights and tasting superb Chianti wines

Itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of the ancients on the Via Degli Dei, a self-guided walking tour connecting Bologna and Florence over eight days. This moderate trek is ideal for experienced travelers and seniors seeking a blend of history, nature, and Italian charm. Traverse the legendary 'Way of the Gods,' passing through historic villages, lush beechwoods, and rolling valleys, all while uncovering Roman-era relics and dramatic mountain vistas.

Highlights include walking atop flagstone-paved routes, ascending scenic peaks like Mt. Adone and Mt. Giove, and savoring the first breathtaking glimpse of Florence from the Mugello hills. The unique selling point of this trip is its seamless fusion of ancient history with diverse natural beauty, offering a self-paced exploration of two of Italy's greatest art cities.

day 1 - Arrive Bologna

On arrival in Bologna make your way to your hotel. For the rest of the day you are free to explore this amazing city, visiting the seven chapels of the Santo Stefano Basilica, admire the city from the Torre degli Asinelli (the Donkeys Tower) and of course taste some tagliatelle al ragu. Stroll the city's porticoes, which date from the 12th century and cover a total stretch of 62km. UNESCO World Heritage listed, they are appreciated as sheltered walkways and prime locations for merchant activities. Piazza Maggiore, where the walk sets out from tomorrow) and Piazza Grande are illuminated in the evening.

day 2 - Walk to Sasso Marconi via the magnificent covered road, Portico di San Luca (6hrs)

From Piazza Maggiore, the heart of the city, you will walk to the Portico di San Luca. Built in 1674 this is the longest covered street in the world at nearly 4km, dominated by 666 arches as far as the basilica of San Luca and from where you can enjoy the wonderful view. The journey continues towards Parco Tolon, where the Casalecchio lock-gate has been managing the flow of waters of the Reno to the city of Bologna for 800 years. From the top of the hill you will see the village of Sasso Marconi, named in honour of the Nobel Prize winning scientist Guglielmo Marconi who was born here. Our accommodation is located on the outskirts of the village. Overnight in Sasso Marconi.

Distance 20km/12.4mi, +522m/1712ft, -430m/1653ft

Meals:Breakfast

day 3 - Transfer to Badolo, ascend Monte Adone and continue to Monzuno (5hrs)

A short private transfer will take you to Badolo, the starting point of today's walk. From Badolo you walk uphill towards Monte Adone. The most important element of this leg of the journey is the Contrafforte Pliocenico, the rocky bastion which rose from the shallow sea during the Pliocene age (2-4 million years ago). Along some sections of the route you will walk on sand, climbing the spectacular path to the top of Monte Adone, with its characteristic stone towers. Continue to Monzuno, where you stay overnight. We recommend visiting Zivieri’s macelleria (deli/butcher shop), a temple of local food and wine thanks to its meat protected by Slow Food.

Distance 16km/10mi, +696m/2283ft, -497m/1630ft

Meals:Breakfast

day 4 - Follow the 'Flaminia Militaire' ancient Roman road en route to Bruscoli (6hrs)

On today's walk you will come across the first Roman paving stones of the “Flaminia Militare”, the ancient Roman road that linked Bologna to Arezzo. At Pian di Balestra you cross the border with Tuscany. Continuing, you will reach Bruscoli, where you will spend the night in a charming agriturismo on the hill. If no availability in Bruscoli you will stay at Il Covigliaio with included transfers to and from the trail head.

Distance 20km/12.5mi, +970m/3185ft, -575m/1886ft

Meals:Breakfast

day 5 - To San Piero a Sieve via the Passo della Futa and military cemetery (6 or 8hrs)

Along the route you will come to Passo della Futa, which during World War II was part of the Gothic Line. A German military cemetery was built nearby. The highest peak of the leg is Monte Gazzaro with its white cross, from where you can admire the splendid view of the Firenzuola valley and Mugello. A wide downhill path will bring you to Sant’Agata, a typical Tuscan village. We recommend stopping to visit the unusual “Museo del Leprino” before continuing on your way. As you proceed you will notice the scenery changing, taking on typically Tuscan traits. At San Piero a Sieve you can dine on the robust local cuisine of Mugello, or enjoy the typical Ramerino bread.

Distance 28km/17.4mi, +676m/2217ft, -1465m/4806ft or 21km/13mi taking the bus from Sant’Agata. (No buses on Sundays, you will need to arrange a private transfer at least 1 week prior.)

Meals:Breakfast

day 6 - Pass by the Castello del Trebbio, a former home of the Medici family, to Olmo (7hrs)

After leaving San Piero you will continue towards the Castello del Trebbio, one of the residences of the Medici family, now a private property. It offers exceptional views of the Mugello valley and Lake Bilancino. The route continues through large olive groves as far as Tagliaferro and then climbs to the Badia di Bonsollazzo, an enormous abandoned building. You will soon arrive at the Monastero di Monte Senario, founded by seven saints belonging to the order of the Servants of Mary - their skulls are kept inside. Overnight at Olmo.

Distance 20km/12.4mi, +1019m/3340ft, -803m/2635ft

(If no availability at Olmo you will stay at Bivigliano making this day slightly shorter and the following day a little longer.)

Meals:Breakfast

day 7 - Walk to Fiesole, overlooking Florence (4hrs) continue to Florence by bus

Florence and the end of your journey is getting closer. You will go through Vetta le Croci, where 200,000 Barbarians, killed during the battle of Montereggi in 405AD, are said to be buried. Following this you will tackle the last climb of the trip to Il Pratone, before making your way to hilltop Fiesole, an Etruscan town built on a terrace overlooking the city of Florence. Here you can admire the large archaeological area of the town and the frescoed presbytery of the San Romolo Cathedral, as well as the very scenic view of Florence. From here it is a 20 minute bus ride to Florence's centre.

Finally you will arrive in Florence, where you can celebrate with a fine Florentine steak or a glass of Chianti Classico - or both! Florence offers many attractions but we suggest starting from the magnificent Duomo and Gates of Paradise, gilded bronze doors which tell the stories of the Old Testament. A tour of the Duomo's verandahs is well worth it too.

Distance 10.5km/6.5mi, +380m/1245ft, -529m/1725ft

Or to walk into Florence (along the asphalt) add 6.5km/4mi, +142m/465ft, -371m/1217ft

Meals:Breakfast

day 8 - Trip concludes Florence

Trip concludes this morning after breakfast.

We can book extra nights if you'd like to stay longer, please ask for our rates.

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

7 nights in 3 star hotels and agriturismo on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities

Meals

7 breakfasts - Breakfasts are usually continental style inclusive of breads, tea, coffee & juices.

Transport

Transfer on day 3 Sasso Marconi to Badolo

Others

Information pack including smartphone app with maps and route book, GPS Tracks available on requestLuggage transfer (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 65 x 40 x 30 cm per person). Supplement applies for excessCredenziale - pilgrim's passport (provided locally)Emergency hotline and SMS alert

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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4.8

based on 6 reviews

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