The Way of Gods -La Via Degli Dei

BOLOGNA-FLORENCE

I took a train and reached Bologna. But I know there are lots of international flights to Bologna or Milano (In this case you will easily find the train to Bologna).

The first morning we took our time to admire Bologna in its best spot Piazza Maggiore which is located right in the centre of the city and serves as an important historical place. We had a taste of the fantastic architecture, visited the palaces and basilica and eventually sat to enjoy a fine Italian meal at one of the typical little restaurants which gives you the real Italian atmosphere.

Day 1. Bologna- Sasso Marconi

In the afternoon a friend, my dog Tom and I started our “cammino” walk to Florence.

We walked 21.6 km until Sasso Marconi and we slept in a very cosy and characteristic “agriturismo” which waited for us with a small table placed outside, some delicious food and we could enjoy our dinner under the stars.

For all the trip we stayed in private rooms because of the dog. But you can easily find very cheap dorms where you can meet a lot of others pilgrims.

Day 2. Sasso Marconi-Monzuno

During this second day we climbed the mount Adone. The hike isn’t difficult,  about 190 m of level difference from where you can admire the beautiful Apennines.

In fact, with the Way of gods, we were crossing the country from east to west, and admiring the fantastic climb up and down of the suggestive landscapes that are the Tuscan Emilian Apennines.

Day 3. Monzuno-Madonna dei Fornelli

Km 15.1 walked. We kept walking in the very hot weather of the Italian summer, it was august, the feet started to hurt a bit but the scenario was encouraging and satisfying. Green hills, woods, little taverns in remote places.

Day 4. Madonna dei Fornelli monte Fo’

Km 20 and we finally get in Tuscany region!

Day 5 Monte di Fo’-San Pietro a Sieve km 29.1

The landscape started to change a bit. It became more and more suggestive. Olive plantations and the most amazing thing that I remember in the middle of nowhere was a rest of a rout built from Romans!

In San Pietro a Sieve there are many apartments used as a dorms, so we got also the chance to meet other people and enjoy together a local festival.

Day 6 San Pietro a Sieve-Firenze 35 km

Finally, we reached Florence!

The walk was exhausting, we were tired and most part of the body hurt. But in the last part we found lots of motivational signs. We reached Florence in the night and we stayed in a nice camping place with the swimming pool, the restaurant located on the top of the hill above the city. Just stunning. The place’s name is “Camping Village Panoramico Fiesole”.

Florence does not need descriptions. It is the most popular destination in Italy. Fortunately, Florence's centro storico (historic center) is compact, flat, and walkable. Few days are enough. We visited the Duomo, the Campanile Tower, Explored Piazza della signoria and crossed the famous Ponte Vecchio. Visited David at the Galleria dell' Academia and the gallery of Uffizi. With the last little energy we had, we went to Piazzale Michelangelo, which is on the top of the hill and we enjoyed the view of this ancient city.

Bologna and even more Florence are expensive, but you can save money sleeping in the dorms and also in tent outside the dorms if you like.

My tip is to make sure you get a good backpack (obviously shoes as well) because too much weight on the shoulders is painful. We also booked accommodations day by day because I wasn’t sure how long I could walk every day. But if you feel safer you can plan all in advance.

Downside, there is not enough water fountain on the way, not even shops to sell it. You will find some restaurant but remember that water isn’t free in Italy. This means that you have to carry way more weight just because of the water.

Beside of this, super recommended!