Trekking the Path of the Gods: Bologna to Florence hiking trail

Q: What is the difference between hiking and walking

A hike or Trekking (backpacking) tends to be on trails through mountains or trails through bush or country terrain. Trails are usually visible paths, but terrain and trails are rougher and sometimes rocky. There may be some steep trails and it is important to read the features in each proposal. Hiking generally involves walking up and down rough terrain so you need to be in general in a good shape and fit. A walk tends to be done on defined paths and reasonably smooth surfaces without too many obstacles in the way. Walking tends to not require any special equipment, other than a day pack with the essentials. Walks are shorter and can be enjoyed by any age group with relative fitness.

Choose private day only for you or your friends!

Trekking the Path of the Gods: Bologna to Florence hiking trail

Limited Group Discount Available Available Packages

Wednesday
09/09/2026

Monday
14/09/2026

€1.490

€1.190
20% Off

7
Available

Group Size
2 - 7 people
Maximum Altitude
1000 m
Accomodation
Little hotels, b&B, apartments, bungalow in camping. Depending on the availability
Fitness level
Moderately fit. This is a trek on easy paths and roads but needs to be fit (15 to 20 km per walking day with elevation gain up to 1000 m)
Arrival on
Bologna
Departure from
Florence
Best season
Spring, late summer, Autumn
Tour type
Trekking from village to village
Language
English, Italian, French
Meals
Dinner & breakfast included. Lunch not included
Minimum Age
14
Maximum Age
75

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Mountain Equipment

FAQs

Review

Path of the Gods overview

Path of the Gods trekking: An Hiking Adventure from Bologna to Florence

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy, trekking the historic Path of the Gods (Via degli Dei). This ancient route connects the vibrant cities of Bologna and Florence, winding through the breathtaking Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and tracing sections of the ancient Roman Flaminia Military Road. Our Path of the Gods trekking experience offers a unique blend of walking trail and true trekking. You will immerse in the rich history, stunning nature, vibrant culture, and delectable food and wine that define Italy.

Exploring the Via degli Dei: A Journey Through History and Nature

Each stage of the Via degli Dei hiking trail is a treasure trove of experiences. Your adventure begins in Bologna, leading you past the Sanctuary of San Luca. Our trail then descends along the Reno River, continuing towards the protected area of Monte Adone. This area is renowned for its Pliocene fossils and diverse vegetation. As you walk the Path of the Gods, you’ll journey onward to Monzuno and then to Madonna dei Fornelli. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Apennines unfold before you.

Walking in the Footsteps of Romans and Soldiers

Path of the Gods trekking experience offers the unique opportunity to walk along some stretches of the ancient Roman Flaminia Military Road. This historical immersion is further enriched by a visit to the largest German military cemetery in Italy, where over thirty thousand soldiers rest. The trail continues to the serene convent of Monte Senario, offering spiritual respite amidst the natural beauty.

Reaching Florence: A Triumphant Finale

The final stages of your Bologna to Florence trek lead you to the charming town of Fiesole. Finally ends to the magnificent city of Florence. Arriving in the Piazza della Signoria provides a profound sense of accomplishment and a wealth of memories from your Path of the Gods hike.

Accommodation and Culinary Delights on the Path of the Gods

Throughout your Path of the Gods trekking trail, you’ll find typical and sometime oldfashioned accommodations in B&Bs and small hostels family managed. While the standard proposal focuses on B&Bs and little hotels, private groups can opt for more luxurious or budget-friendly options. Regardless of your choice, you’ll be treated to the region’s mouthwatering local cuisine, a highlight of the Path of the Gods experience.

Preparing for Your Path of the Gods Hike

This Path of the Gods trekking route is classified as medium difficulty. While achievable for many, it requires a spirit of adventure and a reasonable level of fitness, including the ability to carry a backpack throughout the day. Prepare for an enriching and rewarding experience as you discover the beauty and history of the Path of the Gods, a truly unforgettable Bologna to Florence trek.

From Bologna to Florence by foot!

Trekking along the Tosco-Emilian countryside
Little villages
beech forests
regional food experience

Day 0 - Advice arriving one day in advance :

Arrival in Bolonga

It is suitable to arrive in Bologna the day before the trekking start for a little briefing and equipment check. (accommodation not included). You can request as extra service

Day 1 :

From Bologna to Brento

This is the first stage where we will climb from plain to Bolognese hills at the feet of Monte Adone. We will pass by the scenic San Luca Sanctuary with its long porch, the longest in the world. This is a little boring in the middle of the path so we will provide a little transfer by taxi from San Luca to Brento ready to climb the Mount Adone.
Distance: 25 KmDifficulty: medium Altitude gain/loss: 800 m up 400 m down walking hours: 6
Accomodation: B&b, or little hotel or apartments, dinner in a little Locanda or typical restaurant.

Day 2 :

From Brento to Madonna dei Fornelli

The first beauty, or we should say God, is the Monte Adone climb which will impress with its rocks and panoramic views. We will descent from the marvellous peak to follow the main road that will lead us to Monzuno, where a short break for buying some good food is a “don’t miss”. We will then climb again to reach the top of the hills where a panoramic trail we will lead us to the little village of Madonna dei Fornelli in the heart of Bolognese Appenines.
Distance: 25 Km
Difficulty: medium
Altitude gain/loss: 1.000 m up 800 m down
walking hours: 7
Accomodation: B&b, or little hotel or apartments, dinner in a little Locanda or typical restaurant.

Day 3 :

From Madonna dei Fornelli to Monte di Fo’

This is a pure trekking stretch, we will walk trought beautiful forests passing from Emilia to Tuscany, you will notice that the local dialect will change. We will reach some little hills top and we will enjoy wide praires and in the distance, the panorama over the highest moutains of Appennines close to Parma and Reggio Emilia. Before reaching Monte dei Fo, we will have the chance to visit the II World War German Cemetery in Passo della Futa.
Distance: 20 Km
Difficulty: medium
Altitude gain/loss: 800 m up 800 m down
walking hours: 5
Accomodation: B&b or bungalow in camping, dinner in a little Locanda or typical restaurant.

Day 4 :

From Monte di Fo’ to Tagliaferro

The first part is in a nice forest passing by the Osteria Bruciata Pass, with its legend, then after descendig we will reach Sant’Agata a cosy village in the middle of Mugello Apennines. From this small village we will have a little private transfer to San Piero a Sieve in order to avoid a long strech on the main road.
From San Piero we will reach the little Trubio Castel where we will descend to Tagliaferro.
Distance: 20 Km
Difficulty: medium
Altitude gain/loss: 600 m up 1.000 m down
walking hours: 5
Accomodation: B&b, dinner in a little Locanda or typical restaurant.

Day 5 :

From Tagliaferro to Fiesole

From Tagliaferro we will climb to the hills where on the top of them is on sight the city of Florence in the distance. We will reach the Monte Senario convent, where a short visit is recommended. Then, with a long walk with little climb and descent we will reach the top of Poggio Pratone where the view toward Fiesole and Florence will be magnificent. From the top of the hill to Fiesole is a nice walk in the woods.
Distance: 20 Km
Difficulty: medium
Altitude gain/loss: 600 m up 1.000 m down
walking hours: 5
Accomodation: B&b, dinner in a little Locanda or typical restaurant.

Day 6 :

From Fiesole to Florence.

This is the shortest stretch of our trekking, so that we can arrive in Florence within lunch our. First we climb the Monte Ceceri where we can admire Florence in a splendind and panoramic spot. From where Leonardo da Vinci is supposed to have tested its Flying Man machine! Then with a little street we will descent to Florence reaching Piazza della Signoria.
Distance: 10 Km
Difficulty: medium
Altitude gain/loss: 100 m up 350 m down
walking hours: 3
Accomodation: not included and on request.

FAQs

Expand all

How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

This trek requires a moderate level of fitness. It’s important to be active and not sedentary before embarking on it. Regular aerobic exercise, such as running, cycling, or swimming, is excellent preparation. If you’re not currently active, we recommend starting a training regimen at least six months prior to the trek. This could include running and cycling twice a week, combined with strength training exercises like squats and lunges (e.g., 10 squats and 20 lunges) to build muscle strength. Crucially, you should also incorporate regular hikes in your local area, aiming for a minimum elevation gain of 600 meters. This pre-trek training is essential for a successful and enjoyable experience. We’re happy to provide personalized training suggestions if you’d like!

How long do we walk every day?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. You should consider that the estimated walking time don’t consider stops or lunch break

What does Elevation Gain mean

Let’s talk about elevation gain in hiking. This is simply the total vertical distance you climb over the course of your hike. Think of it as the sum of all the uphill sections.

To give you a sense of scale, 100 meters of elevation gain is roughly equivalent to climbing 25 flights of stairs. Now, that might sound intimidating, but don’t worry! Hiking trails are rarely as steep and consistent as a stairwell. The elevation gain is spread out over the distance you hike, usually over the course of a day.

So, while the total elevation gain is important, how it’s distributed over the trail is key. For example, 600 meters of elevation gain over a 10-kilometer hike is generally considered manageable for most people. It’s a gradual climb. On the other hand, 1,000 meters of elevation gain packed into just 4 or 5 kilometers makes for a very steep and challenging hike that requires a good level of fitness.

What is the difference between hiking and walking

A hike or Trekking (backpacking) tends to be on trails through mountains or trails through bush or country terrain. Trails are usually visible paths, but terrain and trails are rougher and sometimes rocky. There may be some steep trails and it is important to read the features in each proposal. Hiking generally involves walking up and down rough terrain so you need to be in general in a good shape and fit.

A walk tends to be done on defined paths and reasonably smooth surfaces without too many obstacles in the way. Walking tends to not require any special equipment, other than a day pack with the essentials. Walks are shorter and can be enjoyed by any age group with relative fitness.

Trekking the Path of the Gods: Bologna to Florence hiking trail

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Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Mountain Equipment

FAQs

Review

Path of the Gods overview

Path of the Gods trekking: An Hiking Adventure from Bologna to Florence

Exploring the Via degli Dei: A Journey Through History and Nature