Via degli Dei, tailor-made in 6 days
Six days of walking to discover the Via degli Dei, in its classic version.
In six days, you will be able to walk the entire Via degli Dei, the trail that connects Bologna and Florence along a ridge rich in history, nature and landscapes that change step by step. From the medieval squares of Bologna to the Renaissance rooftops of Florence, you will experience a route that leads you into the heart of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, with the freedom of walking independently and the peace of mind of having everything organised by us.
You will retrace the Contrafforte Pliocenico Reserve, where fossil cliffs and prehistoric shells tell the story of ancient transformations of the landscape, and walk along the most evocative sections of the Flaminia Militare, the Roman road built in 187 BC that still preserves the timeless charm of great historic routes. At the heart of the journey, you will reach the German Military Cemetery of the Futa Pass, a powerful and silent place of memory that bears witness to the wounds of the twentieth century.
The Mugello will welcome you with villages, parish churches and gentle hills linked to the history of the Medici: you will pass through Sant’Agata, walk near the Castello del Trebbio and, climbing towards the Florentine Apennines, reach the Sanctuary of Monte Senario, where ancient monastic traditions blend with sweeping views towards your destination. The final kilometres among olive trees, cypresses and stone terraces will eventually lead you to Fiesole, a natural balcony overlooking Florence, before the descent into the Renaissance city.
This is a journey designed to discover the Via degli Dei in its classic and complete version, with accessible yet demanding days and a route that preserves the true essence of the trail. We take care of the logistics: accommodation, luggage, assistance. You can focus on the rhythm of walking, the landscapes and the stories that make this journe
Program
Day 1
We will meet in Piazza XX Settembre, where we will hand over the materials and guide you through a short briefing before departure. Leaving Bologna, you will cross the historic centre and climb towards the Colle della Guardia, along the portico that leads to the Basilica of San Luca, one of the city’s landmarks.
You will then descend towards Parco Talon, following the banks of the Reno River, which gradually lead you out of the urban area. Arrival in Sasso Marconi marks the first encounter with the Apennine landscape, among forests and quieter slopes.
Day 2
The day will begin with the ascent towards the Contrafforte Pliocenico Nature Reserve, a unique environment shaped by a prehistoric sea.
You will cross the Prati di Mugnano and the slopes of Monte del Frate, before tackling the climb to Monte Adone, one of the most iconic sections of the Via degli Dei, recognisable for its rocky formations and open views over the valley. The descent requires attention, especially along stretches where ancient marine fossils emerge. A final stretch of road will lead you to the village of Monzuno, a peaceful place, perfect for resting.
Day 3
From Monzuno, you will climb again through a charming centuries-old chestnut forest, until you reach Madonna dei Fornelli, a place historically linked to the trail.
It will be an intense stage, enriched by the presence of the most significant sections of the Flaminia Militare, the Roman road paving from 187 BC brought back to light in recent decades. Vast beech forests and the passage near the German Military Cemetery of the Futa Pass will add historical and scenic depth to the day, which will end in Monte di Fo’.
Day 4
The descent towards the Mugello will offer a clear change in landscape: bright woodlands, cultivated fields and ancient villages that tell the story of this valley. Not far from the route lies the village of Sant’Agata, a timeless place home to a thousand-year-old parish church.
Continuing along gentle hills, you will reach San Piero a Sieve, one of the main towns of the Mugello and a historic crossroads on the routes between Bologna and Florence.
Day 5
The Medici Fortress of San Martino and the Castello del Trebbio will frame the first hours of walking. Climbing towards the Florentine hills, you will find yourself immersed in a more open landscape, dotted with cypresses and olive groves.
The most evocative moment of the day will be your arrival at the Convent of Monte Senario, set at an altitude of 815 m: a natural balcony offering wide views over the path you have walked and the valley below. From here, a gentle descent will lead you down to Olmo.
Day 6
The final stage alternates woodland sections with magnificent views over the Florentine hills. A passage through Fiesole, a natural terrace overlooking Florence and home to an important archaeological area, will enrich your approach to the city.
The final descent will lead you into the heart of the Tuscan capital, reaching Piazza della Signoria, the finishing point of the Via degli Dei. From Fiesole, you may also choose to descend by bus if you prefer to shorten the route. Luggage return is scheduled 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 conveniently return by train. Santa Maria Novella station is only 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 one item only (max 55×40×20 cm).
Accommodation
For this journey, we have chosen 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 offer an authentic, genuine experience deeply connected to the territory.
Notes
To confirm your booking, a deposit of €150.00 per person is required: €50.00 as an administrative handling fee (non-refundable) and €100.00 as a deposit towards the trip.
To ensure we can meet your requests, we recommend submitting your booking at least 15 days in advance. This becomes 30 days during June, July and August, as well as for departures close to public holidays and long weekends.
If the booking is made within 30 days prior to departure, full payment will be required immediately.