Via della Lana e della Seta, tailor-made
Among wild ridgelines, ancient villages, and the free-roaming horses of the Calvana.
The Via della Lana e della Seta is one of the wildest long-distance paths in the Apennines, a route that runs from Bologna to Prato across solitary valleys, exposed ridgelines, and forests where the silence feels timeless. Walking independently, you can follow its natural rhythm with the reassurance of an organisation ready to support you: we guarantee carefully selected accommodation at the end of each stage, an initial briefing to help you find your way, dedicated assistance throughout the journey, and luggage transport from one stage to the next.
Stage after stage, you will discover a rugged and authentic landscape, shaped by ever-changing scenery. The memories of Monte Sole intertwine with the ancient stones of Apennine villages, while the path descends into valleys that for centuries have preserved mills, bridges, and traces of the industrial archaeology linked to textile production.
Along the Calvana, you will experience one of the most unexpected moments of the walk: here, on high and luminous grasslands, live the wild horses, a rare presence in Italy and a symbol of the free nature of these mountains.
Walking this route means immersing yourself in an environment where humans are merely passing guests. It is a journey that blends nature and history, leaving space for wonder and stillness. We take care of everything that makes the journey lighter: accommodation bookings, a pre-departure briefing, assistance, and luggage transport. You can focus on the walk itself, letting the Apennines reveal, step by step, their most authentic character.
Program
Day 1
We will meet in the historic centre of Bologna, in Piazza XX Settembre, where you will be welcomed for luggage drop-off and a short briefing before departure. You will leave the city centre following its ancient waterways, walking alongside the Reno Canal as far as the Parco della Chiusa, where you will begin walking along the Reno River.
You will continue towards Palazzo de’ Rossi and pass in fron of the distinctive Ponte di Vizzano, with its almost metropolitan feel. You will pass in proximity of the Enlightenment-era village of Colle Ameno and reach Sasso Marconi, the endpoint of the first day.
Day 2
You will bypass the ascent of Monte Baco with a short train ride to Lama di Reno. You will then continue towards the Romanesque Parish Church of Panico, walking through the DOC and DOCG vineyards of the Bolognese hills until you reach the ridge between the Reno and Setta valleys.
You will immerse yourself in the Monte Sole Historical Park, crossing places of remembrance and reaching the summit of Monte Sole. You will walk among peaks and clearings as far as the renowned Fienili di Campiaro, before continuing on to the village of Grizzana Morandi, where you will end the day.
Day 3
You will continue along the ridge that separates the Reno Valley from the Setta Valley, in one of the most evocative sections of the itinerary. You will pass through medieval villages, stone hamlets, and chestnut woods, crossing streams and small waterways.
You will finally reach Castiglione dei Pepoli, entering its magnificent square surrounded by historic buildings that tell the long Apennine tradition of the area.
Day 4
You will leave the historic centre of Castiglione dei Pepoli, heading into the borderlands between Emilia and Tuscany. You will reach the mountain villages of Rasora and Storaia, walking through woods and clearings until you arrive in Montepiano, a holiday resort already renowned in the 19th century.
You will then descend towards Vernio, in the Val di Bisenzio, an area that still preserves a strong tradition linked to textile production.
Day 5
You will leave Vernio, crossing woods and fir forests before reaching the karst ridge of the Calvana, a harsh and rocky landscape that once held the bed of the ancient Bisenzio River. You will walk along a route historically used by the Etruscans for trade with Marzabotto and Bologna.
You will pass through Sofignano and the ancient Roman-era brick kilns, before descending towards Vaiano, set within the textile valley that will accompany you along the final kilometres of the day.
Day 6
You will set off from Vaiano, walking among vineyards and historic residences, leaving the Calvana behind you. You will reach the Cavalciotto di Santa Lucia, a symbol of Prato’s hydraulic tradition, once the driving force behind the city’s factories.
You will continue towards the historic centre of Prato, entering Piazza del Duomo, where the satisfaction of reaching the finish line will blend with memories of the days spent walking. The journey will end at Prato railway station, from where you can return home by train.
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 Prato
- 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, where luggage drop-off and the initial briefing will take place.
If you prefer to arrive by car, you can park in long-stay car parks near the station or in other areas served by public transport.
The walk ends in Prato, a city well connected to the Italian rail network. Prato Centrale station is located a short distance from the finishing point, allowing for an easy and convenient journey home.
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. Rooms are shared, generally arranged as doubles, triples, quadruples, and in some cases dormitories (separated for men and women). Some accommodations 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 €100.00 per person is required: €50.00 as a booking management fee (non-refundable) and €50.00 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.