Via degli Dei, tailor-made in 5 days
Five days of walking, from the medieval heart of Bologna to the Florentine hills.
In five days, you can experience the entire Via degli Dei, a trail that connects Bologna and Florence by crossing some of the most iconic landscapes of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. Starting from the medieval porticoes of Bologna and arriving in the Renaissance heart of Florence, you will follow a route rich in history, nature and atmosphere, elements that have made this trail famous worldwide.
You will cross the Contrafforte Pliocenico Reserve, where fossils and seashells dating back millions of years emerge, and walk along the most fascinating sections of the Flaminia Militare, the ancient Roman road built in 187 BC, which still preserves the evocative power of great historic routes. The trail will also lead you to the German Military Cemetery of the Futa Pass, the largest in Italy: a place of deep remembrance, where the landscape tells the wounds of the twentieth century.
In the Mugello area, you will discover villages, parish churches and hills shaped by the presence of the Medici, reaching the Castello del Trebbio and the Sanctuary of Monte Senario, where friars preserve centuries-old traditions. The final steps among olive trees and cypresses will lead you towards Fiesole, a natural terrace overlooking Florence and a treasure trove of Etruscan and Roman heritage.
This journey offers you the freedom to walk independently, following your own pace and sensations, with the peace of mind of having everything organised: accommodation booked, luggage transport and dedicated assistance. An ideal way to experience the Via degli Dei in its most complete form, across five days that bring together nature and history.
Program
Day 1
We will meet in Piazza XX Settembre, where we will hand over the materials and get ready to set off. From here, you will begin the walk by crossing the city centre and climbing towards the Colle della Guardia, along the monumental portico that leads to the Basilica of San Luca. From the summit, you will descend to Parco Talon, following the Reno River as you gradually leave the city behind.
You will then enter the Contrafforte Pliocenico Reserve, crossing the Prati di Mugnano and walking at the foot of Monte del Frate. The final kilometres will lead you to Brento, a small village surrounded by nature, just below Monte Adone, where you will spend the night.
Day 2
The day will begin with the ascent of Monte Adone, one of the most iconic places along the Via degli Dei: here, the gypsum landscape and distinctive rocky outcrops make the walk truly unique. The descent requires attention, also due to the fossils found along the trail.
Once you reach the paved road, you will continue towards Monzuno, a historic village along the ancient ridge, and from here you will enter a striking chestnut forest that will lead you to Madonna dei Fornelli, a hamlet that in recent years has come back to life thanks to walkers.
Day 3
Today you will enter the historic heart of the trail. You will walk among majestic beech forests and stroll along several original sections of the Flaminia Militare, the Roman road built in 187 BC, one of the most fascinating symbols of the entire itinerary.
Further on, you will reach the German Military Cemetery of the Futa Pass, the largest in Italy, a place of remembrance that invites a moment of reflection. From here you will continue on to Monte di Fo’ or Santa Lucia, where you will spend the night.
Day 4
You will reach the valley of the Mugello, a land chosen by the Medici family for their villas, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, you can visit the timeless small village of Sant’Agata, home to an ancient parish church dating back over a thousand years.
Continuing towards San Piero a Sieve, you will encounter spectacular views of the Medici Fortress and the Castello del Trebbio, before tackling the final kilometres that will lead you to Tagliaferro, a quiet village nestled in the Florentine hills.
Day 5
The final day will lead you towards Florence, crossing one of the most evocative sections of the trail. You will climb to the Badia del Buonsollazzo and then to the Convent of Monte Senario (815 m), a natural balcony offering wide views over the hills and the final destination.
The last kilometres, immersed among olive trees and cypresses, will lead you into Fiesole, a panoramic terrace overlooking Florence and guardian of a precious and surprising archaeological area. From here you will descend towards the historic centre of Florence, reaching Piazza della Signoria, where your journey will come to completion. Luggage return will take place at Santa Maria Novella railway station.
The price includes
- Overnight stay with breakfast
- Welcome and briefing on the day of departure
- Trail Passport
- Map and printed guidebook (1 per group)
- Luggage transport from one accommodation to another – 1 item only, max size 55×40×20 cm
- Administrative handling fee
The price does not include
- Single room supplement (subject to availability – not available in many accommodations and not always with a private bathroom)
- Dinners, lunches, food, drinks and extras not specified
- Tourist tax, where applicable, to be paid on site
- Transfers to/from Bologna and Florence
- Public transportation
- Any transfers to skip a stage
- Cancellation insurance (optional)
- Anything not listed under “The price includes”
How to get there
The journey starts in Bologna, which is easily reachable by train from all major Italian cities. The main railway station is well connected by public transport and is just a few minutes from the meeting point.
At the end of the walk, you will reach Florence, from where you can comfortably return by train. Santa Maria Novella station is just a few minutes’ walk from the final point of the stage, making it easy to continue your journey home.
If you prefer to arrive by car, you can leave your vehicle in long-stay car parks near the station or in areas served by public transport.
Luggage
For luggage transport, we ask you to limit yourself to 1 item only (max 55×40×20 cm).
Accommodation
For this journey, we have selected small, locally run accommodations, managed by families and hosts who for generations have kept the tradition of hospitality in the Apennines alive. Some accommodations are simple and basic: precisely for this reason, they allow you to enjoy an authentic, genuine experience deeply connected to the territory.
Notes
To confirm your booking, a deposit of €100 per person is required: €50 as an administrative fee (non-refundable) and €50 as a deposit for the trip.
To ensure we can meet your requests, we recommend sending your booking at least 15 days in advance, which becomes 30 days in June, July, and August, or for departures close to public holidays and long weekends.
If the booking is made within 30 days of departure, full payment will be required immediately.