Via degli Dei, tailor-made in 8 days
Eight days of walking to experience the Via degli Dei at a slow pace, crossing the Apennines.
Over eight days, you can take your time walking the Via degli Dei, following the historic route that connects Bologna and Florence along the Apennine ridge. From the city of porticoes, you will gradually enter the natural landscape of the Pliocene Contrafforte, where fossils and shells emerge, revealing the ancient origins of these mountains.
The walk continues towards the woods and ridges of the Emilian Apennines, until you encounter the Flaminia Militare, the Roman road built in 187 BC, which still preserves perfectly readable stretches beneath your feet. A little further on, you will reach the German Military Cemetery of the Futa Pass, a powerful and silent place of remembrance marking one of the most intense passages of the route.
Descending towards the Mugello, you will discover villages, parish churches, and hills shaped over the centuries by the presence of the Medici, with views that accompany you as you move into Tuscany. Between Sant’Agata, the Medici castles, and the forests of the upper Florentine Apennines, the climb to the Convent of Monte Senario offers a privileged viewpoint over the path already travelled and the final stages ahead.
The final kilometres, among olive groves, stone walls, and Etruscan profiles, will lead you to Fiesole, the gateway to the city of Florence, before the descent into the historic centre.
This 8-day version allows you to experience the Via degli Dei at a relaxed pace, ideal if you prefer shorter stages and more time to observe, pause, and breathe in the landscape. We take care of the organisation: pre-booked accommodation, luggage transport, dedicated support. You can enjoy the walk independently, letting the Apennines guide you with their rhythms and stories.
Program
Day 1
The journey begins in Bologna, easily reachable by train. After a brief meeting in Piazza XX Settembre with our representative and the handover of your luggage, the trek sets off from the historic city centre. From here, you will cross the city and climb up to the Colle della Guardia along the monumental portico leading to the Basilica of San Luca, a natural balcony overlooking the plain.
From here, you will descend towards the Parco Talon, walking alongside the Reno River and gradually leaving the city behind as you enter the first hilly landscapes. You will be welcomed in Sasso Marconi, the gateway to the Bolognese Apennines.
Day 2
You will set off by entering the Contrafforte Pliocene Reserve, among the Prati di Mugnano, the slopes of Monte del Frate, and the rocky outcrops that tell the area’s ancient geological history.
You will then climb towards Monte Adone, one of the symbols of the Via degli Dei: the view from the ridge and the wind-shaped landscape will make this ascent unforgettable. The descent will lead you to the village of Monzuno, where you will rediscover the authentic atmosphere of the Apennines.
Day 3
You will set off by entering the Contrafforte Pliocene Reserve, among the Prati di Mugnano, the slopes of Monte del Frate, and the rocky outcrops that reveal the area’s ancient geological history.
You will then climb towards Monte Adone, one of the symbols of the Via degli Dei: the view from the ridge and the wind-shaped landscape will make this ascent unforgettable. The descent will lead you to the village of Monzuno, where you will rediscover the authentic atmosphere of the Apennines. The village, now revitalised thanks to hikers, offers a welcoming and genuine atmosphere, perfect for ending the day.
Day 4
Today you will walk along some of the most moving sections of the Flaminia Militare, the ancient Roman road built in 187 BC and brought back to light in the 1970s.
The beech forests will grow denser and, step by step, you will reach the German Military Cemetery of the Futa Pass, a place of remembrance suspended between silence and the mountains. You will then continue on towards Monte di Fo’ or Santa Lucia.
Day 5
You will enter the Mugello valley, a land chosen by the Medici for their residences, now recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will cross bright landscapes, cultivated fields, and small rural hamlets. Shortly before arrival, the village of Sant’Agata awaits you, a treasure trove of history and traditions, before reaching Gabbiano for the overnight stay.
Day 6
A more relaxed stage, ideal for a gentle start or a detour to the Convent of Bosco ai Frati, one of the oldest in Tuscany. You will then resume the walk, passing through San Piero a Sieve, the heart of the Mugello, and climbing towards Tagliaferro, with views of the Medici Fortress and the Castello del Trebbio.
Day 7
The walk will continue through woods and ancient mule tracks to the Badia del Buonsollazzo and the Convent of Monte Senario, at an altitude of 815 m. From the sanctuary’s terrace, you will admire a panorama that allows you to mentally retrace all the stages already completed. A gentle descent will then lead you to Olmo.
Day 8
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 the next – 1 piece only, max size 55 × 40 × 20 cm
- Booking management 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
- Travel by public transport
- Any transfers to skip a stage
- Cancellation insurance (optional)
- Anything not listed under “What’s included”
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 conveniently 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 offer an authentic, genuine experience deeply connected to the land.
Notes
To confirm the 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 submitting your booking at least 15 days in advance. This 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.