Via Degli Dei: Bologna to Florence

Via Degli Dei: Bologna to Florence

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8 Days From

$1199

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Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the historic Via Degli Dei, from Bologna to Florence, tracing the footsteps of ancient pilgrims. This self-guided walking tour takes you through the heart of the Apennines, along ancient Roman roads, and past fossil-laden rocks on Mount Adone. Explore the seven chapels of the Santo Stefano Basilica and admire the view from Bologna's Torre degli Asinelli. Visit the Castello del Trebbio, a former Medici residence, and enjoy the scenic vistas of Florence from the hilltop town of Fiesole. Stay in charming 3-star hotels and B&Bs, with luggage transfers and daily breakfasts included, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Following in the footsteps of pilgrims past

  • Walking along an ancient Roman paved road in the heart of the Apennines forest

  • Discovering the fossil shells set into the rocks of Mount Adone

  • Exploring the seven chapels of the Santo Stefano Basilica in Bologna

  • Admiring the view from the Torre degli Asinelli in Bologna

  • Visiting the Castello del Trebbio, a former home of the Medici family

  • Enjoying the scenic view of Florence from the hilltop town of Fiesole

Places You'll See

Outdoor dining in Bologna, known for its gastonomy

Outdoor dining in Bologna, known for its gastonomy

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy

Aerial View of Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Florence, Italy

Aerial View of Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Florence, Italy

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive Bologna

The medieval city of Bologna in Emilia Romagna, Italy
Market stalls offering fresh local fruits and vegetables in Bologna, Italy
Outdoor dining in Bologna, known for its gastonomy

Location: Bologna

Accommodation Name: Hotel

On arrival in Bologna make your way to your hotel. For the rest of the day you are free to explore this amazing city, visiting the seven chapels of the Santo Stefano Basilica, admire the city from the Torre degli Asinelli (the Donkeys Tower) and of course taste some tagliatelle al ragu. Stroll the city's porticoes, which date from the 12th century and cover a total stretch of 62km. UNESCO World Heritage listed, they are appreciated as sheltered walkways and prime locations for merchant activities. Piazza Maggiore, where the walk sets out from tomorrow) and Piazza Grande are illuminated in the evening. ...more ...less

Day 2 : Walk to Sasso Marconi via the magnificent covered road, Portico di San Luca (6hrs)

Location: Sasso Marconi

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 at nearly 4km, dominated by 666 arches as far as the basilica of San Luca and from where you can enjoy the wonderful 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 the hill you will see the village of Sasso Marconi, named in honour of the Nobel Prize winning scientist Guglielmo Marconi who was born here. Our accommodation is located on the outskirts of the village. Overnight in Sasso Marconi.
Distance 20km/12.4mi, +460m/1509ft, -430m/1410ft

Day 3 : Transfer to Badolo, ascend Monte Adone and continue to Monzuno (5hrs)

Location: Monzuno

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

A short private transfer will take you to Badolo, the starting point of today's walk. From Badolo you walk 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 the spectacular path to the top of Monte Adone, with its characteristic stone towers. Continue to Monzuno, where you stay overnight. We recommend visiting Zivieri’s macelleria (deli/butcher shop), a temple of local food and wine thanks to its meat protected by Slow Food.
Distance 16km/10mi, +696m/2283ft, -497m/1630ft

Day 4 : Follow the 'Flaminia Militaire' ancient Roman road en route to Bruscoli (6hrs)

Location: Bruscoli

Accommodation Name: Agriturismo

Meals Included: Breakfast

On today's walk you will come across the first Roman paving stones of the “Flaminia Militare”, the ancient Roman road that linked Bologna to Arezzo. At Pian di Balestra you cross the border with Tuscany. Continuing, you will reach Bruscoli, where you will spend the night in a charming agriturismo on the hill.
Distance 20km/12.5mi, +970m/3185ft, -575m/1886ft

Day 5 : To San Piero a Sieve via the Passo della Futa and military cemetery (6 or 8hrs)

Location: San Piero a Sieve

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Along the route you will come to Passo della Futa, which during World War II was part of the Gothic Line. A German military cemetery was built nearby. The highest peak of the leg is Monte Gazzaro with its white cross, from where you can admire the splendid view of the Firenzuola valley and Mugello. A wide downhill path will bring you to Sant’Agata, a typical Tuscan village. We recommend stopping to visit the unusual “Museo del Leprino” before continuing on your way. As you proceed you will notice the scenery changing, taking on typically Tuscan traits. At San Piero a Sieve you can dine on the robust local cuisine of Mugello, or enjoy the typical Ramerino bread.
Distance 29km/18.1mi, +676m/2217ft, -1465m/4806ft or 21km/13mi taking the bus from Sant’Agata.

Day 6 : Pass by the Castello del Trebbio, a former home of the Medici family, to Olmo (7hrs)

Location: Olmo

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 offers exceptional views of the Mugello valley and Lake Bilancino. The route continues through large olive groves as far as Tagliaferro and then climbs to the Badia di Bonsollazzo, an enormous abandoned building. You will soon arrive at the Monastero di Monte Senario, founded by seven saints belonging to the order of the Servants of Mary - their skulls are kept inside. Overnight at Olmo.
Distance 20km/12.4mi, +1019m/3340ft, -803m/2635ft

Day 7 : Walk to Fiesole, overlooking Florence (4hrs) continue to Florence by bus

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy
A beautiful view of Florence and the basilica, Italy
Aerial View of Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Florence, Italy

Location: Florence

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Florence and the end of your journey is getting closer. You will go through Vetta le Croci, where 200,000 Barbarians, killed during the battle of Montereggi in 405AD, are said to be buried. Following this you will tackle the last climb of the trip to Il Pratone, before making your way to hilltop Fiesole, an Etruscan town built on a terrace overlooking the city of Florence. Here you can admire the large archaeological area of the town and the frescoed presbytery of the San Romolo Cathedral, as well as the very scenic view of Florence. From here it is a 20 minute bus ride to Florence's centre.
Finally you will arrive in Florence, where you can celebrate with a fine Florentine steak or a glass of Chianti Classico - or both! Florence offers many attractions but we suggest starting from the magnificent Duomo and Gates of Paradise, gilded bronze doors which tell the stories of the Old Testament. A tour of the Duomo's verandahs is well worth it too.
Distance 10.5km/6.5mi, +380m/1245ft, -529m/1725ft
Or to walk into Florence (along the asphalt) add 6.5km/4mi, +142m/465ft, -371m/1217ft

Day 8 : Trip concludes Florence

Aerial View of Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Florence, Italy
A beautiful view of Florence and the basilica, Italy
The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy

Location: Florence

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip concludes this morning after breakfast.
We can book extra nights if you'd like to stay longer, please ask for our rates.

What's Included

  • 7 breakfasts

    Breakfasts are usually continental style inclusive of breads, tea, coffee, and juices.

  • 7 nights in 3 star hotels and agriturismo

    Accommodation on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.

  • Information pack

    Includes a smartphone app with maps, a route book per room booked, and GPS tracks available.

  • Luggage transfer

    One piece of luggage per person with a maximum weight of 20kg and size of 60 x 50 x 40 cm. Supplement applies for excess.

  • Transfer on day 3

    Transfer from Sasso Marconi to Badolo.

  • Credenziale

    Pilgrim's passport provided locally.

  • Emergency hotline and SMS alert

    Access to an emergency hotline and SMS alert service.

  • Private transfer and bus ride

    The tour includes a private transfer on day 3 from Sasso Marconi to Badolo, and a bus ride from Fiesole to Florence on the final day.

  • Accommodation

    Stay in comfortable and welcoming 3-star hotels and charming B&Bs, with ensuite facilities.

What's Not Included

  • Travel to Bologna and from Florence

    Travel arrangements to Bologna and from Florence are not included.

  • Meals not listed as included

    Meals such as lunches and dinners are not included. Allow EUR5-8 for a picnic lunch and EUR15-20 for each dinner.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • Guide

    This is a self-guided tour, so a guide is not included.

  • Single room supplement

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees to museums, galleries, etc., are not included.

  • Transfers not listed as included

    Any transfers not specifically listed as included are excluded.

  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage

    Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.

  • Excess luggage

    A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • Tourist tax

    Allow EUR1-6 per day, payable directly to the hotel.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Items such as drinks, souvenirs, phone calls, internet, and laundry are not included.

What You Carry

As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc.

Grading

The route can be challenging at times due to varying ascents and descents. The whole itinerary is mostly on paths and gravel road, with some sections on asphalt. Some days are 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). ...more ...less

Mode of Transport

The tour includes a private transfer on day 3 from Sasso Marconi to Badolo, and a bus ride from Fiesole to Florence on the final day. Luggage transfer is also provided.

Accommodation

Stay in comfortable and welcoming 3-star hotels and charming B&Bs, with ensuite facilities, ensuring a cozy and pleasant experience throughout your journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes stays in comfortable and welcoming 3-star hotels and charming B&Bs, all with ensuite facilities, ensuring a cozy and pleasant experience throughout your journey.

  • Is luggage transfer included in the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfer is included. One piece of luggage per person with a maximum weight of 20kg and size of 60 x 50 x 40 cm is allowed. A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 7 breakfasts, which are usually continental style inclusive of breads, tea, coffee, and juices. Other meals such as lunches and dinners are not included.

  • Is there any transportation provided during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a private transfer on day 3 from Sasso Marconi to Badolo, and a bus ride from Fiesole to Florence on the final day. Additionally, luggage transfer is provided.

  • What should I carry during the walks?

    As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and phone.

  • Is this tour self-guided or guided?

    This is a self-guided tour, so a guide is not included. However, an information pack with a smartphone app, maps, a route book, and GPS tracks is provided.

  • What is the difficulty level of the tour?

    The route can be challenging at times due to varying ascents and descents. The whole itinerary is mostly on paths and gravel roads, with some sections on asphalt. Some days are long but can be shortened if requested in advance.

  • Are there any emergency services available during the tour?

    Yes, you will have access to an emergency hotline and SMS alert service during the tour.

  • What historical sites will I visit during the tour?

    During the tour, you will visit several historical sites including the seven chapels of the Santo Stefano Basilica in Bologna, the Torre degli Asinelli in Bologna, the ancient Roman road 'Flaminia Militare', the Castello del Trebbio, and the Monastero di Monte Senario.

  • What are the main highlights of the tour?

    The main highlights of the tour include following in the footsteps of pilgrims, walking along an ancient Roman paved road in the Apennines forest, discovering fossil shells on Mount Adone, exploring the Santo Stefano Basilica in Bologna, admiring the view from the Torre degli Asinelli, visiting the Castello del Trebbio, and enjoying the scenic view of Florence from Fiesole.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

K. Reid(Warwick, United Kingdom)  

Via Degli Dei: Bologna to Florence

7 May 2024

Challenging, satisfying and enjoyable in equal measure.

M. Nicolson(Melbourne, Australia)  

Via Degli Dei: Bologna to Florence

3 Oct 2023

The Via is a beautiful, varied and at times challenging walk in a part of Italy that is not visited by many tourists. We mostly met other Italians on the walk. We also loved the ancient history of the walk, going back to the Etruscans and Romans and being able to walk on part of the Flaminia Militare.The variety of accommodation was wonderful from agriturismo to small hotels all with excellent facilities and great food. Would love to do it again but there are so many other Italian walks I'd like to do. ...more ...less

E. Fitzpatrick(Durango, United States)  

Via Degli Dei: Bologna to Florence

10 Oct 2023

This self-guided trip offered the perfect balance of support and independence for me. The accommodations were fantastic and the baggage transport went seamlessly, and allowed me to bring a lot of “nice to haves” that I couldn’t have included otherwise.

C. Graham(United Kingdom)  

Via Degli Dei: Bologna to Florence

8 Oct 2024

The Via Degli Dei was a stunning walk. We were blessed with great weather and excellent accommodation and all luggage transportes smoothly. Our only comment would be-the first hotel in Sasso Marconi did not have the kitchen working so only food available was a takeaway pizza. And the hotel bar abd communal areas all shut up at 7.30 so we were confined to our rooms! ...more ...less

O. McKinnon(Sydney, Australia)  

Via Degli Dei: Bologna to Florence

5 Oct 2023

Walking the Via Degli Dei was a wonderful experience. All major organisational matters were effectively taken care of and there were only minor navigational issues with some discrepancies between track notes and the Navigation App. We had excellent weather and accommodation was as expected for three star establishments. I will be making some suggestions for fine tuning the experience which they will hopefully implement. The walk itself was an immersive experience into the diverse and ever changing landscapes of two special regions of Italy. ...more ...less

P. Hill(East Fremantle, Australia)  

Via Degli Dei: Bologna to Florence

8 May 2024

A very satisfying hike with some challenging aspects owing to the steepness, and the slipperiness of the path when wet. We had one whole magical day of snow, so do be prepared for the elements! Hiking poles will be your friends. Some long days can be shortened. ...more ...less

Read all 6 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Via Degli Dei: Bologna to Florence

8 Days Starting in Bologna, Italy and ending in Florence, Italy

Visiting: Bologna, Sasso Marconi, Monzuno, Bruscoli, San Piero a Sieve, Olmo, Florence

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

VDD

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate to challenging

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $1199 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 17-Mar-2025 but subject to change.