The Way of the Gods across the Apennines: about 133 kilometers from Bologna to Florence on old Roman roads, through forests and past peaks named after ancient gods.
The Via degli Dei – the "Way of the Gods" – is one of Italy's best-known long-distance trails. It links Bologna and Florence over about 133 kilometers straight across the Apennines. It owes its name to the mountains it crosses: Monte Adone, Monte Venere, Monzuno (from *Mons Iovis*, "mountain of Jupiter").
For long stretches the route follows the Roman Flaminia militare, whose original paving survives in places. It's not a pilgrimage to a tomb but a journey through forest, history and stillness – with two great art cities at the start and finish.
The name refers to the peaks with ancient gods' names that line the route.
Ideal if you want a wild, forested mountain route between two wonderful cities in about a week – with good rail links at both ends. Perfect for a compact walking holiday.
Less suitable if you want a consistently easy, flat route: the Apennines call for fitness and sure-footedness, and it can be hot in high summer and wet and cold in winter.
From Bologna the route climbs over the hills into the Apennines, through oak and beech woods and over quiet ridges. Highlights are the surviving sections of the Roman Flaminia militare and viewpoint peaks such as Monte Adone.
On the Tuscan side the route crosses the Passo della Futa and the Mugello valley down to Florence.
Over about 133 kilometers you gather some 3,550 meters of climb – a proper mountain route, but comfortably done in 5–6 days. Sure-footedness helps on the Roman-paving sections. Waymarking is good (CAI markers and dedicated signs).
Accommodation (agriturismi, B&Bs, rifugi) is well spaced – but book ahead in high season.
The special feature is the Flaminia militare, a Roman road laid in 187 BC whose original stone paving is exposed on some mountain sections – you literally walk on 2,000-year-old stones.
In between are the peaks of the gods: Monte Adone, Monte Venere and Monzuno give the route its mythical name and grand views over the Apennines.
The best time is spring to autumn; high summer can be hot, winter in the Apennines wet and cold. Accommodation is in agriturismi, B&Bs and rifugi – booking ahead is wise. No pilgrim credential is needed, but a "Credenziale della Via degli Dei" with stamps is popular.
Italy is more expensive than Spain. Budget roughly €40–70 per day, depending on accommodation (B&Bs and agriturismi rather than pilgrim hostels), plus food.
The start and finish – Bologna and Florence – are perfectly reachable by high-speed train.
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'RE-Dama Hostel
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25hours Hotel Florence Piazza San Paolino
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4F Boutique Hotel Florence
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A casa di Giotto
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A casa di Rosy
Open season unknownEverything you need for the Via degli Dei, shipped to your door.
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