Via degli Dei: Bologna to Florence

The Via degli Dei is the long-distance path from Bologna to Florence across the Apennines, in the Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany regions of Italy. It follows an old Roman military road discovered in the 1970s. The traditional start is Piazza Maggiore in Bologna, and the route covers about 125-130 km, usually in 5-6 walking days, although some walkers take 4 or add rest days. Reaching the start needs no transport beyond the city centre, and no permit is required. The finish is in Florence; Bologna Centrale and Firenze Santa Maria Novella connect by high-speed train in about 35-40 minutes (trenitalia.com or italotreno.com), which makes the return simple. The path is waymarked with CAI signs, and waypoints include Casalecchio di Reno, Sasso Marconi, Badolo, Monzuno, Madonna dei Fornelli, Monte Adone, Passo della Futa, Monte di Fo, Sant'Agata, San Piero a Sieve, Fiesole and Florence. The highest point is Cima delle Banditacce at about 1,200 m, and the route climbs and descends repeatedly, so total effort is high even though each day stays within normal hiking limits. Surfaces range from city pavement and farm tracks to forest paths, ridge trails and stretches of old paving. Shade is plentiful in woods but open ridges are exposed to sun and wind. Technical difficulty is low, but the multi-day length and cumulative climbing make the overall grade hard. Accommodation and food are available at villages along each stage, but rooms in peak season should be booked ahead, and cash is useful for rural cafes and refuges. Water at 1.5-2 L per person is advised between villages. A printed stage map or GPS track with offline maps helps where signs are missed. Broken-in boots, a rain jacket with pack cover and a blister kit are the essential gear. Walkers can end the trip at Fiesole before descending into Florence.