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Via degli Dei
Bologna-Sasso Marconi-Monzuno-Bruscoli-San Piero a Sieve-Olmo-Florence
The Way of the Gods (Via degli Dei) is a walking route for trained walkers, crossing the Apennines, connecting Piazza Maggiore in BOLOGNA with Piazza della Signoria in Florence, two enchanting cities steeped in art and history. Bologna with its long history, its churches, its friendly people and its delicious food…nothing better than ending a long day with a good plate of tortellini in brodo. And then Florence, what can I tell you about Florence? Home of great artists, great Art works and refuge of deep souls….
The Via degli Dei, why is it called in that way? Almost always itineraries are named after the places, mountains, and valleys that surround them. In this case, our itinerary of no less than 130 km crosses Monte Adone (Adonis), Monzuno (the mount of Jupiter), Monte Venere (Venus) and Monte Laurio…
Enjoy nature, centuries-old woods, small mountain villages, stunning views and excellent food. Nothing better than after a long walk gain strength with a Lasagna alla Bolognese, Tortelli di Patate and Ribollita. You will be walking on the Apennine ridge, along the remains of a Roman military road, called “Flaminia Militare“, built by the Romans in 187 BC. This road passing through Fiesole, connected Bologna to Arezzo! A unique walking trip, to be made at least once in a lifetime.
The daily program of the 8-day tour
Individual arrival in Bologna and accommodation in hotel. Depending on your arrival time in the city, you can visit the capital of Emilia Romagna, a lively city full of opportunities. The Torre degli Asinelli and the Torre Garisenda are the symbols of the medieval city and these two towers dominate the historical centre from above.
Be sure to sample also all the delicacies this city has to offer: Parmigiano Reggiano, tagliatelle al ragu, mortadella, balsamic vinegar, tortellini and Passatelli in broth and truffle pasta.
Overnight stay and breakfast in Bologna
The Wayof the Gods begins at the iconic statue of Neptune at the square Piazza Maggiore and continues through the longest portico in the world: the portico of San Luca.
You will end your first stop, after walking through the unspoiled nature of the Chiusa Park, at the small town of Sasso Marconi, named after Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi.
Overnight stay and breakfast in Sasso Marconi
Distance: 21 km /13 mi
Elevation gain: +400m -400m
Ascent/ descent: +400m -300m
After breakfast, you will have a private transfer to the starting point of the walk. The Contrafforte Pliocenico Nature Reserve awaits you; following the trails you will arrive on Monte Adone from where you can get a preview from above of the Via degli Dei towards Florence. Today’s destination is Monzuno, where you can visit the Nino Bertocchi – Lea Colliva picture gallery.
Overnight stay and breakfast in Monzuno
Distance: 17 km / 10,6 mi
Elevation gain: +620m -380m
The walk continues to Le Croci, once the border between the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and the Papal States. The route passes through the small village of Madonna dei Fornelli, which developed around the sanctuary of the Madonna della Neve. The village has a centuries-old history, and its name recalls the age-old tradition of producing charcoal from wood in order to withstand the harsh winters in this area (800 meters above sea level).
The day ends at a farmhouse in Bruscoli.
Overnight stay and breakfast in Bruscoli
Distance: 20 km / 12,4 mi
Elevation gain: +840m -560m
A beautiful walk through the forests brings you to the Futa Pass, where you will find the German military cemetery, the final resting place of the German soldiers who fell along the Gothic Line. Today, parts of the Flaminia Militare, the ancient Roman road built in 187 BC, still accompany you at various points along this stage.
A special highlight is the Piana degli Ossi, where the remains of six ancient kilns, probably dating back to the 2nd century BC, can be found. In Sant’Agata, you can take a well-deserved break, and from this village you also have the option to shorten the route by taking the bus to San Piero a Sieve.
Overnight stay and breakfast in San Piero a Sieve
Distance: 30 km / 18,6 mi or 21 km / 13 mi
Elevation gain: +590m -1290m
Completely immersed in nature, you walk through forests of chestnut, hazelnut, and oak trees, interspersed with juniper bushes, wide clearings, and groves of olive trees. Along the way, you will see the village of Trebbio; with a short detour, you can visit the Castle of Trebbio, where Lorenzo the Magnificent (Lorenzo de’ Medici) enjoyed his hunting retreats.
Your route continues to the Monastery of Monte Senario, perched on a hilltop with magnificent views over the Tuscan landscape. Here, you may pause and rest with the friars before heading onward for the final stretch of the walk.
Overnight stay and breakfast in Olmo
Distance: 20 km / 12,4 mi
Elevation gain: +820m -600m
Upon reaching Fiesole, you have the opportunity to visit the archaeological site, which includes thermal baths and a Roman amphitheater, all surrounded by the remains of ancient Etruscan walls. From here, you may choose to continue walking into Florence or take a bus, allowing more time to enjoy this world-renowned city of art.
Among Florence’s most famous monuments is the magnificent Duomo, Santa Maria del Fiore, crowned by its vast red dome, a masterpiece by Filippo Brunelleschi, which dominates the skyline. A stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, time spent at Piazza della Signoria, and visits to celebrated museums such as the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti are not to be missed.
To fully experience the city, you may wish to request an extra overnight stay, giving you the chance to explore Florence’s treasures at a more relaxed pace.
Overnight stay with breakfast in Florence
Distance: 17 km / 10,6 mi or 10 km / 6,2 mi
Elevation gain: +290m -670m
After breakfast, this divine walking tour ends.
Impressions from Bologna to Florence
Bologna-Sasso Marconi-Monzuno-Bruscoli-San Piero a Sieve-Olmo-Florence
LEVEL 3
A tour for experienced, well-trained walkers with good physical condition. Long itineraries with significant elevation gain. Some days there is the possibility of shortening sections (2 times) by public transport.
Total ascent: +4.755 m
total descent: -4.771 m
Minimum height: 48 m
maximum height: 1.200 m
Daily distances: minimum 17 km / 10,6 mil – maximum 30 km / 18,6 mi
Total km: max 125km / 78 mi or min. 109 km / 68 mi
Period:
Every day from 20/03/2026 to 10/11/2026
PARTICIPANTS:
1 or more people
START / FINISH:
Bologna / Florence
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