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Highlights
Walk a part of ‘The Way of Gods’ – a historic route connecting Bologna and Florence.
Discover the fossil shells set into the rocks of Mount Adone
Walk along an ancient Roman paved road in the heart of the Apennines Forest
Visit the military cemetery of La Futa where more than 30,000 German soldiers are buried
Listen to the macabre legends about the burned tavern, ancient inn and crossroads of communication roads
Admire the dome of Brunelleschi and Giotto’s tower on the horizon from the Monastero dei Sette Santi of Mount Senario
The Way of the Gods or Via degli Dei is a stunning walking route that connects two of Italy’s most important art cities: Bologna and Florence. Walk through history, with wonderful views over the Italian countryside, wonderful food and wine in each village, and history everywhere.
The Via degli Deli takes you on ancient Roman road from Piazza Maggiore in the heart of Bologna to Piazza della Signoria, the main square of Florence and literally the Cradle of the Renaissance.
This ancient walking path is steeped in history and legends and owes its suggestive name to the mountains along the route: Mt. Adone, Mt. Giove, Mt. Venere and Mt. Lunario. It connects the town of Felsina (the Etruscan name of Bologna) to Faesulae, the original name of Florence. In Roman times the route was re-baptised as “Flaminia Militare” and paved with large flagstones still visible today that you will walk on.
The area has a surprising variety of natural habitats, allowing for great biodiversity: the Reno River valley is dominated by Pliocene era spurs and a series of rocky sandstone crags. Higher up, huge beechwoods shade your way as you gently ascend to the Piana del Mugello. Small medieval villages and solitary farmhouses dot the hills. Looking down from high up in the Mugello hills you are rewards with your first glimpse of Florence, as you hike down to the city on the last day.
The Way of the Gods or Via degli Dei is a stunning walking route that connects two of Italy’s most important art cities: Bologna and Florence. Walk through history, with wonderful views over the Italian countryside, wonderful food and wine in each village, and history everywhere.
The Via degli Deli takes you on ancient Roman road from Piazza Maggiore in the heart of Bologna to Piazza della Signoria, the main square of Florence and literally the Cradle of the Renaissance.
This ancient walking path is steeped in history and legends and owes its suggestive name to the mountains along the route: Mt. Adone, Mt. Giove, Mt. Venere and Mt. Lunario. It connects the town of Felsina (the Etruscan name of Bologna) to Faesulae, the original name of Florence. In Roman times the route was re-baptised as “Flaminia Militare” and paved with large flagstones still visible today that you will walk on.
The area has a surprising variety of natural habitats, allowing for great biodiversity: the Reno River valley is dominated by Pliocene era spurs and a series of rocky sandstone crags. Higher up, huge beechwoods shade your way as you gently ascend to the Piana del Mugello. Small medieval villages and solitary farmhouses dot the hills. Looking down from high up in the Mugello hills you are rewards with your first glimpse of Florence, as you hike down to the city on the last day.
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Via Degli Dei from Bologna to Florence Walking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Bologna
You start your walk in Bologna, a city with many attractions. You will be able to walk across the 7 chapels of the Santo Stefano Basilica, admire the city from the Torre degli Asinelli (“the Donkeys’ Tower”), and of course taste some tagliatelle al ragù. Do not miss a view of the illuminated Piazza Maggiore or the Piazza Grande, the subject of a famous song by Lucio Dalla, a bolognese songwriter who used to live a few meters away.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bologna
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Walk from Bologna to Sasso Marconi
From Piazza Maggiore, the heart of the city, you will walk to the Portico di San Luca, built in 1674: this is the longest covered street in the world, 4 km dominated by 666 arches as far as the basilica of San Luca, from where you will be able to enjoy the splendid view. The journey continues towards Parco Tolon, where the Casalecchio lock-gate has been managing the flow of waters of the Reno to the city of Bologna for 800 years. From the top of a hill you will see the village of Sasso Marconi, named in honour of the Nobel Prize winning scientist Guglielmo Marconi who was born here.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sasso Marconi
Distance: 6 hours, 20km, 522m of ascent, 504m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Transfer to Badolo and walk to Monzuno
A short private transfer will take you to Badolo. From Badolo you start walking uphill towards Monte Adone. The most important element of this leg of the journey is the Contrafforte Pliocenico, the rocky bastion which rose from the shallow sea during the Pliocene age (2-4 million years ago). Along some sections of the route you will walk on sand, climbing to the edge of the abyss along the spectacular path that climbs up to the top of Mount Adone, with its characteristic stone towers. From here you will continue towards Monzuno, where we recommend you visit Zivieri’s charcuterie shop, the temple of local food and wine thanks to its meat protected by Slow Food.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Monzuno
Distance: 5 hours, 16km, 969m of ascent, 497m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Walk from Monzuno to Bruscoli
In this section of the route you will come across the first Roman paving stones of the “Flaminia Militare”, the ancient Roman road that used to link Bologna to Arezzo. At Pian di Balestra you will cross the border with Tuscany. Along your route you will come to the Bruscoli where you will spend the night in a charming Agriturismo on the hill.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bruscoli
Distance: 6 hours, 20km, 970m of ascent, 575m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Walk from Bruscoli to San Piero a Sieve
Along the route you will come to Passo della Futa which, during the Second World War was held by the Germans: we recommend a visit to the military cemetery, a moving monument to the absurdity of all wars. The highest peak of the leg is Monte Gazzaro with its white cross from which you will be able to admire to splendid view of the Firenzuola valley and Mugello. A wide down-hill path will bring you to Sant’Agata, a typical Tuscan village. We recommend you stop to visit the unusual “Museo del Leprino”, before continuing along your way: as you proceed you will notice the scenery changing again around you, taking on typically Tuscan traits. Optional stop in Sant’Agata and take the bus to shorten the walk. At San Piero to Sieve you can dine on the robust local cuisine of Mugello or enjoy the typical Ramerino bread.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Piero a Sieve
Distance: 6-8 hours, 21-28km, 676m of ascent, 1465m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Walk from San Piero a Sieve to Olmo
After leaving San Piero you will continue towards the Castello del Trebbio, one of the residences of the Medici family, now a private property. It does however offer exceptional views: from here you will dominate the Mugello valley and Lake Bilancino. The route continues through large olive groves as far as Tagliaferro, and then climbs up to the Badia di Bonsollazzo, an enormous completely abandoned building. After a while you will arrive at the Monastero di Monte Senario, founded by 7 saints belonging to the order of the Servants of Mary: their skulls are kept inside the church.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Olmo
Distance: 7 hours, 20km, 1019m of ascent, 803m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Walk from Olmo to Fiesole/Florence
You have now nearly reached Florence: the end of your journey is getting closer, and there is much excitement. You will go through Vetta le Croci, a place where 200,000 barbarians (killed during the battle of Montereggi, 405 A.D.) are said to be buried. Then you will tackle the last climb up to Il Pratone, before descending towards Fiesole, an Etruscan town built on a terrace overlooking the city of Florence. Here you will be able to admire the large archaeological area of the town, staring in amazement at the frescoed presbytery of the San Romolo Cathedral. Finally you will arrive in Florence, where you will be able to celebrate with a fine Florentine steak. Florence offers numerous attractions but we suggest you start from piazza del Duomo: do not miss the Porta del Paradiso of the Battistero di San Giovanni, which tells the stories of the Old Testament on golden tiles of staggering beauty.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Florence
Distance: 4 hours, 10.5km, 381m of ascent, 529m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure from Florence
Tour ends after breakfast.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Via Degli Dei from Bologna to Florence Walking Tour Price and Dates
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:Departure on April 1st – October 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: EUR1324
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1048
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR810
- Sharing a triple room: EUR659
Accommodation on Via Degli Dei from Bologna to Florence Walking Tour
This tour is based in selected 3* and 4* hotels and agriturismo. Some of the accommodations chosen have an internal restaurant.
All rooms in the accommodations have en-suite facilities. Throughout the trip, there are plenty of opportunities to taste both the great local food and a wide array of prestigious wines of the region.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the Via Degli Dei from Bologna to Florence Walking Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Luggage transfers are included, as well as one personal transfer on day 3 (Sasso Marconi to Badolo). Any other transfers are not included.
Also included
- Digital information package
- Emergency phone support
- Pilgrim’s passport
Not included
- Getting to and from the starting / ending point of the tour
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Guide services
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Visas if required
- Tourist taxes
Optional Extras
- Printed travel documents
- Optional extra nights
- Single room upgrades
- How hard is the Via Degli Dei from Bologna to Florence Walking Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
- Are meals included on the Via Degli Dei from Bologna to Florence Walking Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Bologna to start this tour?
- Is the Via Degli Dei from Bologna to Florence Walking Tour in English?
- Where does the Via Degli Dei from Bologna to Florence Walking Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Italy?
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. The route is quite challenging due to elevate differences in height. The whole itinerary is mostly on paths and gravel roads (strade bianche), even if you will find some sections on asphalted road. Some walks are quite long but can be shortened if requested in advance. The whole itinerary is well marked by the Official signs of the Via Degli Dei (white-red markings).
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your travel insurance.
The closest International Airports to get to Bologna are: Florence “A. Vespucci” Airports www.aeroporto.firenze.it/en/ and Bologna “Marconi” (visit the website http://www.bologna-airport.it/en/travellers.aspx?idC=61676&LN=en-US).
From both airports you can take a train to Bologna.
This tour is not guided; however, the digital information package will be in English.
The tour ends in Florence.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
S-Cape Travel is a boutique tour operator focused on sharing the best walking, cycling, cultural and food & wine tours in Europe. Book one of their self-guided tours to live La Dolce Vita for a week or two, as you walk or cycle around Europe, enjoying incredible views and amazing food and wine.
