Gods' Trail Bologna - Florence

Arrival on your own to Bologna. Stroll under the city's arcades, visit the seven churches of the Santo Stefano basilica and take in the view from Torre degli Asinelli. In the evening, Piazza Maggiore is magical in the evening light. Perhaps you'll start with a classic tagliatelle al ragù.

From Piazza Maggiore you walk via the world's longest arcade, Portico di San Luca, with its 666 arches up to the basilica with its expansive view. Continue through Parco Talon and past the lock in Casalecchio that has regulated the Reno river for 800 years. The day ends in Sasso Marconi, named after Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi.

A short transfer takes you to Badolo. Here begins the ascent towards Monte Adone and the dramatic rock formation Contrafforte Pliocenico, which once rose from an ancient sea. You walk on sandy and rocky paths along steep cliffs and continue towards Monzuno. Don't miss Zivieri's delicatessen – a temple for local delicacies.

Now you reach the first Roman stone blocks from Flaminia Militare, the road that once connected Bologna and Arezzo. At Pian di Balestra you cross the border into Tuscany. The day ends in Bruscoli where you stay at a charming agriturismo on a hill with views over the landscape. Alternative accommodation in Covigliaio may occur and then includes transfer to and from Bruscoli.

At Passo della Futa you pass the large German military cemetery from World War II. The highest point is Monte Gazzaro with its white cross marking and view over Mugello. The descent leads to Sant'Agata and continues through increasingly Tuscan landscape to San Piero a Sieve, where rustic food and local bread await. There is the possibility to shorten the stage by bus from Sant'Agata (not Sundays).

You pass Castello del Trebbio, one of the Medici family's residences, with views over the Mugello valley and Lake Bilancino. Through olive groves and past the abandoned monastery Badia di Bonsollazzo you reach Monte Senario. In the monastery church the relics of the order's founders are preserved. You stay either in Olmo or in Bivigliano (in this case today's hike becomes somewhat shorter and the next day somewhat longer).

You approach Florence and pass Vetta le Croci and Il Pratone before reaching Fiesole, the Etruscan city with archaeological remains and views over Florence. The final stretch leads down to the heart of the city. Celebrate reaching the goal with a classic bistecca alla fiorentina and begin discovering the Duomo, Giotto's bell tower and the Baptistery's golden doors.

The trip ends after breakfast. If you want to stay longer, we're happy to help with extra nights.