Via degli Dei, tailor-made in 7 days
Seven days of walking to cross the Apennines at a slow pace, following the trails from Bologna to Florence.
This 7-day itinerary allows you to discover the Via degli Dei at a slower pace, following the entire route from Bologna to Florence through the most representative landscapes of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. A journey that blends the ancient history of Roman paths with the quiet of forests, mountain villages and views opening onto the Mugello and the Florentine hills.
Starting from the historic centre of Bologna, with its porticoes and medieval squares, you will enter the Contrafforte Pliocenico Reserve, where fossil cliffs, seashells and prehistoric outcrops tell of a distant past. Along the way, you will encounter the most evocative sections of the Flaminia Militare, built in 187 BC and still clearly legible in its ancient structure. At the heart of the journey, you will reach the German Military Cemetery of the Futa Pass, the largest in Italy, a place of remembrance that preserves the recent history of the Apennines.
The journey continues towards the Mugello, a land chosen by the Medici for their residences, among villages such as Sant’Agata, Romanesque parish churches and wide valleys that guide you towards the Tuscan hills. Towards the end of the walk, you will encounter the Convent of Monte Senario, a natural balcony offering one of the most striking views of the entire itinerary, before descending among olive trees and cypresses towards Fiesole and finally Florence.
It is an ideal experience to discover the Via degli Dei in its slowest and most unhurried version, allowing you the time to savour each stage calmly. We take care of the organisation: accommodation booked, luggage transport, dedicated assistance. You can enjoy the walk independently, letting the Apennines guide you with their rhythms and stories.
Program
Day 1
The journey starts in Bologna, which is easily reachable by train. After a brief meeting in Piazza XX Settembre with our representative and the luggage drop-off, the trek sets off from the historic centre.
From here, you will head towards the Colle della Guardia, walking through the porticoes that climb up to the Basilica of San Luca, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Once you reach the top, the views over the Bolognese hills will hint at the changing landscape ahead. You will then descend towards Parco Talon, following the course of the Reno River along a peaceful, flat stretch that will lead you to Sasso Marconi, where the first stage comes to an end.
Day 2
The day takes you into the heart of the Contrafforte Pliocenico Reserve, an environment that bears the marks of the ancient sea that once covered this area. First the Prati di Mugnano, then the slopes of Monte del Frate lead to the most iconic climb of the day: Monte Adone, with its rocky pinnacles and visible fossils along the trail. A unique panorama and the feeling of being immersed in a wild and evocative landscape.
The descent is gentler and leads towards the roads approaching the village of Monzuno, a small Apennine town where a sense of calm prevails, among stone houses and old workshops.
Day 3
A shorter but intense stage, allowing for a gradual introduction to the typical landscape of the Alta Via degli Dei. The route climbs through an ancient chestnut grove, then opens up onto the ridge, offering views of the main peaks of the Emilian Apennines.
The arrival in Madonna dei Fornelli, once a holiday resort, marks an important waypoint along the route. The village, now revitalised thanks to hikers, offers a welcoming and genuine atmosphere—perfect for ending the day.
Day 4
In this stage, you will experience some of the most evocative moments of the entire route. You will walk along stretches of the Flaminia Militare, a Roman road dating back to 187 BC, whose stone paving still emerges among the beech forests.
You will then continue towards the Futa Pass, where you will visit Italy’s largest German War Cemetery, a place of deep his
Day 5
You will enter the green Mugello valley, a land chosen by the Medici family for their residences, now recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will cross woodlands and rural villages until reaching Sant’Agata, a small village with a timeless charm.
You will then descend towards San Piero a Sieve, a historic crossroads and gateway to central Tuscany.
Day 6
You will set off leaving San Piero behind and encounter two symbols of the area: the Medici Fortress of San Martino and the Castello del Trebbio, surrounded by vineyards and cypress trees.
The ascent continues up to the Convent of Monte Senario, at 815 m, where a natural balcony overlooks the valley and offers a panorama that allows you to ideally retrace the entire route. From here, you will descend towards Olmo, a small settlement in the Florentine hills.
Day 7
The final stage will take you through olive groves, cypress trees, and panoramic views. You will reach Fiesole, a splendid terrace overlooking Florence, where you can visit its Etruscan-Roman archaeological area.
From there, you will begin the descent that will gradually lead you into the historic centre, arriving at Piazza della Signoria, the symbolic endpoint of the journey.
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 begins in Bologna, easily reachable by train from all major Italian cities. The central 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 travel back 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 one piece of luggage only (max 55 × 40 × 20 cm).
Accommodation
For this journey, we have chosen small, locally run accommodation, managed by families and hosts who have kept the tradition of hospitality in the Apennines alive for generations. Some of these places are simple and basic; precisely for this reason, they allow you to enjoy an authentic, genuine experience, deeply connected to the land.
Notes
To confirm your booking, a deposit of €150.00 per person is required: €50.00 as a booking management fee (non-refundable) and €100.00 as a deposit towards the trip.
To ensure we can meet your requests, we recommend sending your booking at least 15 days in advance, which increases to 30 days in 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.