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
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Bologna
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
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
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
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7 breakfasts
Breakfasts are usually continental style inclusive of breads, tea, coffee, and juices.
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7 nights in 3 star hotels and agriturismo
Accommodation on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
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Information pack
Includes a smartphone app with maps, a route book per room booked, and GPS tracks available.
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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.
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Transfer on day 3
Transfer from Sasso Marconi to Badolo.
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Credenziale
Pilgrim's passport provided locally.
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Emergency hotline and SMS alert
Access to an emergency hotline and SMS alert service.
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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.
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Accommodation
Stay in comfortable and welcoming 3-star hotels and charming B&Bs, with ensuite facilities.
What's Not Included
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Travel to Bologna and from Florence
Travel arrangements to Bologna and from Florence are not included.
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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.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Guide
This is a self-guided tour, so a guide is not included.
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Single room supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to museums, galleries, etc., are not included.
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Transfers not listed as included
Any transfers not specifically listed as included are excluded.
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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.
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Excess luggage
A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Tourist tax
Allow EUR1-6 per day, payable directly to the hotel.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
Tour code:
VDD
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
