Hike the Way of the Gods – from Bologna to Florence on your own

The Way of the Gods is a 130 km hiking trail connecting Bologna to Florence through the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.
With a total elevation gain of almost 5,000 metres, about 80% of the route runs along easily accessible trails and unpaved roads, surrounded by nature.

The name “ Way of the Gods ” derives from some of the mountains encountered along the route, such as Monte Adone (Adonis), Monzuno (Mons Iovis -Jupiter) and Monte Venere (Venus), which all carry the names of ancient deities. Walking along the Way of the Gods means discovering a land rich in ancient traditions, made up of woods, hills and mountains, enchanted villages and authentic Italian culture. It is a route that combines the tranquillity of walking with the warmth of encounters and the pleasure of genuine cuisine.

This journey is ideal for those who want to rediscover serenity on a peaceful excursion, but also for those who want to share a stretch of road in the company of other walkers, immersing themselves deeply in Italian culture and lifestyle.

The route is suitable for experienced hikers in good physical condition who are searching for an authentic experience in nature and Italian hospitality.

Among the most interesting highlights on the Way of the Gods are the starting point in Bologna with Piazza Maggiore, the famous porticoes leading to the Sanctuary of San Luca and the historic lock at Casalecchio.
Along the route, it is possible to admire Monte Adone with its panoramic view, the remains of the ancient Roman road Flaminia Militare, the charming village of Madonna dei Fornelli, the fortress of San Martino, the German military cemetery of Futa, and the Castello del Trebbio.
Other points of interest include the picturesque Pieve di Sant'Agata, the Sieve River, and the Roman-Etruscan ruins of Fiesole just before the finish line.

The route ends in Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, in the heart of Florence, with the Duomo, the Baptistery, and the world-famous Renaissance palaces.

1st day

Arrival on your own in Bologna and check in at a 3-star hotel in a central location (e.g. Hotel University or Accademia). Upon arrival, you will receive your pilgrim’s credentials, a detailed map of the trails, and a roadbook with accurate descriptions of the next few days' stages. QR codes are also available, allowing you to follow the route precisely via an app.
The afternoon is at your leisure, ideal for visiting Bologna. Dinner is also on your own, and you can choose your favourite restaurant from the wide range available in the city.

Overnight stay in the 3-star Hotel Maristella or similar.

2nd day

The first day of hiking begins after breakfast in the heart of Bologna, in the charming Piazza Maggiore.
The route initially leads along the famous 4 km long Portico di San Luca, which, being the longest portico in the world, connects the city centre to the imposing Sanctuary of San Luca. The route then continues through the green Parco Talon to the River Reno with the San Gherardo nature reserve, which captivates visitors with its vast riparian forests, varied flora and fauna and peaceful banks, ideal for observing nature and taking a
first break.
This is followed by the climb up the Apennines: the landscape becomes more hilly, the trail winds through unspoilt woods, passing breathtaking views, until it reaches the destination of the stage, Brento.
Overnight accommodation is provided in a charming farmhouse close to Brento (e.g. Piccola Raieda) and the day ends with a home-cooked dinner (not included in the price).
(Distance 26 km. Elevation gain + 800 m/- 350 m)

3rd day

After a tasty breakfast, the path sets off again. The second stage begins with the breathtaking view of Mount Adone, which, with its bizarre rock formations and sweeping views, is considered the symbol of this route and one of the most beautiful spots to photograph during the entire excursion. The trail continues along ancient forest paths and old cart tracks through the Pliocene Spur, a veritable open-air geological museum with fossils and fossilised shells dating back millions of years, originating from the ancient primordial sea. The trail then continues with small climbs and through chestnut woods, passing through the quiet mountain village of Monzuno. Here you can take a break in a bar or trattoria to refresh yourself. The last stretch offers wide views of the Apennine landscape once again. Through woods, you reach the picturesque Madonna dei Fornelli, a typical Apennine village known for its warm hospitality and considered a classic meeting point for many hikers on the Via degli Dei. Overnight stay with dinner (not included in the price) and breakfast (e.g. at the Dai Romani B&B)
(Distance 25 km, elevation gain + 950 m/- 670 m).

4th day

The third day of hiking begins in the idyllic mountain village of Madonna dei Fornelli and leads to one of the most picturesque stages of the Via degli Dei. Immediately after setting off, you will walk through shady
chestnut and beech forests and follow sections of the ancient Roman road Flaminia Militare, whose original stones are still visible under your feet.
One of the most evocative places is the highest point of the entire hike: the ‘Le Banditacce’ highland at an altitude of about 1,200 metres, with its sweeping views and small archaeological sites. This is also where the
border between Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany passes: not only does the landscape change, but also the light and character of the region. At the Futa Pass, you finally reach the German military cemetery, considered the largest in Italy. A visit offers opportunities for moments of silence and reflection on the history of the area.
After the visit, a comfortable transfer takes you to the wonderful Agriturismo Il Passeggere: here you will find delightful accommodation surrounded by nature and an exquisite dinner (not included in the price), the perfect way to end a long day full of emotions. We have specifically chosen this tour so as to have time to visit the cemetery and go on the excursion. Alternatively, the stage can also end at the farmhouse after about 10 km. In this way, the following day will be extended accordingly.
(Distance 15 km, elevation gain + 600 m/- 500 m)

5th day

The fourth stage begins with a comfortable transfer to the Futa Pass, where we resume our hike.
From here, the route continues south along narrow ridge paths, passing in front of the imposing summit cross on Monte Gazzaro with a wonderful view: an ideal place or a short break. This is followed by the descent to Passo dell'Osteria Bruciata, a place steeped in history and shrouded in ancient legend. The route passes through lush woods and finally reaches the medieval village of Sant'Agata, the perfect place for a break, where a small museum and the ancient parish church are well worth a visit. Those who have the time and inclination can make a detour to the monastery of Bosco ai Frati, which houses a unique wooden Christ attributed to Donatello. When the weather is hot, there is a small bathing spot on the river outside the village.
The route then winds its way through Tuscany: the last few kilometres lead through open fields and chestnut groves to San Piero a Sieve, nestled in the vast landscape of Mugello. Overnight accommodation is provided in a charming hotel in the village (e.g. La Felicina), near which you can dine in a typical trattoria..
(Distance 23 km, elevation gain + 300 m/- 1,000 m)

6th day

The fifth stage from San Piero a Sieve to Casa Palmira is one of the most varied in terms of landscape and one of the most culturally interesting on the Way of the Gods. Shortly after setting off, it is worth making a detour to visit the imposing Medici fortress of San Martino, which dominates the Mugello landscape and offers breathtaking views. The route continues to Castello del Trebbio, a magnificent private castle that can be admired from the outside. Next, the route enters the lush Tuscan woods and passes the
picturesque Badia del Buonsollazzo, an ancient abbey with wonderful panoramic views. The subsequent uphill hike to Monte Senario is one of the highlights: it is worth taking a break at the famous monastery to enjoy the panoramic view of the Tuscan hills.
Finally, the route leads through wooded paths and ridges to Casa Palmira, a charming country lodge known for its warm hospitality, the perfect place to relax after a busy day of hiking. Here, in summer, a refreshing swimming pool and cool drinks await you. For dinner (not included in the price), the property offers several options: you can be accompanied to a nearby restaurant and then brought back, or you can have the food you have chosen à la carte brought to you.
(Distance 21 km, elevation gain + 850 m/- 560 m)

7th day

On the penultimate (or last) stage, hikers have two interesting options: they can either finish the stage in the Etruscan town of Fiesole, where they will spend the night in a comfortable hotel. This will give them time in the afternoon to discover the famous sights of this historic town, such as the Roman theatre, the archaeological museum, the cathedral of San Romolo or the convent of San Francesco, which offers a splendid panoramic view of the whole of Florence.
Alternatively, on this day a final stretch across the scenic Monte Ceceri and past Tuscan estates to the heart of Florence. After the ceremonial entrance to Piazza della Signoria, the symbolic end point of the Way of the Gods, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of the city before returning comfortably to Fiesole by public bus.
Both options crown the route with cultural attractions, sweeping views and the special charm of the last day
of an unforgettable hiking trip. Dinner (not included in the price) in a good trattoria in the square in Fiesole.
(Distance to Fiesole: 11 km, elevation gain + 260 m/- 450 m)

8th day

Today you can sleep in, or tackle the last leg of the hike to Florence. From Fiesole, you climb through pine and cypress woods to Monte Ceceri, a hill steeped in history, on whose slopes Leonardo da Vinci conducted his flight experiments. From the viewpoint on the hill, you can enjoy a sweeping view of the rolling Tuscan hills and Florence with its famous skyline. The descent to Florence takes you through unspoilt cultural landscapes, past old farms and olive groves, accompanied by the ever-changing light and the boundless sky.
With every step you take, you get closer to the city, until the first Renaissance villas appear and finally the sea of houses of Florence.
The route ends solemnly in Piazza della Signoria, in the heart of the city and at the end of a very special excursion that wonderfully combines landscape, history and culture. Here you will also receive your hiker's certification. Your luggage will be conveniently transported to a storage facility close to the railway station.
The journey ends here. Alternatively, it is of course possible to arrange an extension to your stay in Florence.
(Distance: 11 km, elevation gain + 140 m/- 360 m)

Prices

BREAKFAST ONLY
Package – Low season (January, February, August, December):
• Price per person in a double room: € 893,00
• Price per person in a double room for single use: € 1.148,00
• Price per person (in a room for 3 or 4 people): on request
• Price per person (in a room with 3 or 4 people): on request

Package – High season (March, April, May, June, July, September, October, November):
• Price per person in a double room: € 910,00
• Price per person in a double room for single use: € 1.205,00
• Price per person (in a room with 3 or 4 people): on request

Minimum number of participants: 2 people
The prices shown include Italian VAT.

Included services

• 7 nights in a double room with private bathroom in farmhouses, B&Bs or 3* hotels with breakfast.
• Daily luggage transfer to the next accommodation.
• Maps, pilgrim’s credential, QR-Tracks (to beused with an app) and roadbook with trail descriptions.

Not included

Local taxes, snacks, drinking water, drinks during dinners, lunches, gratuities and anything not mentioned under "Included services".

City tax: almost all locations have a city tax. This varies depending on the municipality and must be paid in cash at the hotel.
It is usually around € 2,00 per person per day.

Notes

Prices are net and include Italian VAT.
Availability is generally on request and not automatically guaranteed. If a particular accommodation is not available, we will search for suitable alternatives. These can, however, lead to a change in prices and/or the route. We hope our offer is of interest to you. We can gladly customize it according to your wishes.

Availability

Availability on request.
Rates may vary during trade fairs, conferences or festivities

Cancellation policy:

In case of withdrawal by the customer, the cancellation costs are composed as follows, unless they are listed separately on the booking confirmation:

• Up to 60 days before the start of the trip: 5% of the total travel price is due as cancellation fees;

• Up to 30 days before the start of the trip: 20% of the total travel price is due as cancellation fees;

• Up to 22 days before the start of the trip: 35% of the total travel price is due as cancellation fees;

• Up to 15 days before the start of the trip: 50% of the total travel price is due as cancellation fees;

• Up to 7 days before the start of the trip: 75% of the total travel price is due as cancellation fees;

• From 6 days before the start of the trip, or in case of a no show: 100% of the total travel price is due as cancellation fees.