Character
A shorter mountain trek across the Apennine ridges linking Bologna with Florence along an ancient Roman road.
Beginner Treks
VDD Via degli Dei
A forest route along the Apennine ridges from Bologna to Florence — an ideal shorter trek with historical depth.
Overview
Via degli Dei (Way of the Gods) is named after the summits Monte Venere and Monte Adone. It passes through chestnut and beech forests of the Apennines with views over Tuscany. An excellent introduction to Italian trekking, accessible by train from both ends.
- Distance
- 130 km
- Time
- 5-7 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Total elevation gain
- 3,800 m
Route & profile
Quick orientation of the route line, start, end and elevation profile.
Elevation profileHighest 900 m a.s.l. · Vaglia (Pratolino)
Itálie
130 km · 5 stages · ↑ 3,800 m
Map data: OpenStreetMap contributors, displayed via Waymarked Trails.
Planning
Agriturismo and hotels at €50–90/night. Italy is not a cheap destination.
April–June and September–October are ideal. Summer is hot but passable. Winter is not recommended.
What to expect
Who it's for
Beginners, weekend hikers and those who want to sample Italian trekking without a long commitment.
Suggested pace
The route can comfortably be walked in 5 days (stages of ~26 km) or extended to 7 days.
Logistics
Train to Bologna from Milan or Rome in 1–3 hours. The finish is directly in Florence — no car logistics.
Resupply & permits
Resupply
Excellent — agriturismo and small shops in every village.
Permits & regulations
No permits. The route mostly follows forest tracks and marked paths.
Why go
- Train at both ends — no car logistics.
- Views from the Apennine ridges over Tuscany.
- Authentic Italian food at agriturismo.
- A short route ideal as a first Italian trek.
Watch out for
- Slopes can be slippery after rain.
- Agriturismo must be booked — the route is popular.
Sources
Maps & GPX
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for Via degli Dei?
April–June and September–October are ideal. Summer is hot but passable. Winter is not recommended.
How hard is Via degli Dei?
Via degli Dei is rated as Moderate. A shorter mountain trek across the Apennine ridges linking Bologna with Florence along an ancient Roman road.
How many days does Via degli Dei take?
Via degli Dei usually takes 5–7 days. The route can comfortably be walked in 5 days (stages of ~26 km) or extended to 7 days.
Do I need a permit for Via degli Dei?
No permits. The route mostly follows forest tracks and marked paths.
What about resupply on Via degli Dei?
Excellent — agriturismo and small shops in every village.
Similar treks
Photos from trekkers
Real shots from the trail by people who walked it — coming soon.