Via Degli Dei: Bologna to Florence

On arrival in Bologna make your way to your hotel. For the rest of the day you are free to explore this amazing city, visiting the seven chapels of the Santo Stefano Basilica, admire the city from the Torre degli Asinelli (the Donkeys Tower) and of course taste some tagliatelle al ragu. Stroll the city's porticoes, which date from the 12th century and cover a total stretch of 62km. UNESCO World Heritage listed, they are appreciated as sheltered walkways and prime locations for merchant activities. Piazza Maggiore, where the walk sets out from tomorrow, and Piazza Grande are illuminated in the evening.

From Piazza Maggiore, the heart of the city, you will walk to the Portico di San Luca. Built in 1674 this is the longest covered street in the world at nearly 4km, dominated by 666 arches as far as the basilica of San Luca and from where you can enjoy the wonderful view. The journey continues towards Parco Tolon, where the Casalecchio lock-gate has been managing the flow of waters of the Reno to the city of Bologna for 800 years. From the top of the hill you will see the village of Sasso Marconi, named in honour of the Nobel Prize winning scientist Guglielmo Marconi who was born here. Our accommodation is located on the outskirts of the village. Overnight in Sasso Marconi. Distance 20km/12.4mi, +522m/1712ft, -505m/1657ft, Surf/Unsurf 55/45%

A short private transfer will take you to Badolo, the starting point of today's walk. From Badolo you walk uphill towards Monte Adone. The most important element of this leg of the journey is the Contrafforte Pliocenico, the rocky bastion which rose from the shallow sea during the Pliocene age (2-4 million years ago). Along some sections of the route you will walk on sand, climbing the spectacular path to the top of Monte Adone, with its characteristic stone towers. Continue to Monzuno, where you stay overnight. We recommend visiting Zivieri’s macelleria (deli/butcher shop), a temple of local food and wine thanks to its meat protected by Slow Food. Distance 17km/10.5mi, +756m/2480ft, -580m/1903ft, Surf/Unsurf 37/63%

On today's walk you will come across the first Roman paving stones of the “Flaminia Militare”, the ancient Roman road that linked Bologna to Arezzo. At Pian di Balestra you cross the border with Tuscany. Continuing, you will reach Bruscoli, where you will spend the night in a charming agriturismo on the hill. If no availability in Bruscoli you will stay at Il Covigliaio with included transfers to and from the trail head. Distance 19.5km/12.1mi, +970m/3185ft, -670m/2198ft, Surf/Unsurf 26/74%

Along the route you will come to Passo della Futa, which during World War II was part of the Gothic Line. A German military cemetery was built nearby. The highest peak of the leg is Monte Gazzaro with its white cross, from where you can admire the splendid view of the Firenzuola valley and Mugello. A wide downhill path will bring you to Sant’Agata, a typical Tuscan village. We recommend stopping to visit the unusual “Museo del Leprino” before continuing on your way. As you proceed you will notice the scenery changing, taking on typically Tuscan traits. At San Piero a Sieve you can dine on the robust local cuisine of Mugello, or enjoy the typical Ramerino bread. Distance 30km/18.6mi, +740m/2428ft, -1465m/4806ft, Surf/Unsurf 24/76% or 22km/13.7mi taking the bus from Sant’Agata. (No buses on Sundays, you will need to arrange a private transfer at least 1 week prior.)

After leaving San Piero you will continue towards the Castello del Trebbio, one of the residences of the Medici family, now a private property. It offers exceptional views of the Mugello valley and Lake Bilancino. The route continues through large olive groves as far as Tagliaferro and then climbs to the Badia di Bonsollazzo, an enormous abandoned building. You will soon arrive at the Monastero di Monte Senario, founded by seven saints belonging to the order of the Servants of Mary - their skulls are kept inside. Overnight at Olmo. Distance 21km/13mi, +945m/3100ft, -710m/2330ft, Surf/Unsurf 23/77% (If no availability at Olmo you will stay at Bivigliano making this day slightly shorter and the following day a little longer.)

Florence and the end of your journey is getting closer. You will go through Vetta le Croci, where 200,000 Barbarians, killed during the battle of Montereggi in 405AD, are said to be buried. Following this you will tackle the last climb of the trip to Il Pratone, before making your way to hilltop Fiesole, an Etruscan town built on a terrace overlooking the city of Florence. Here you can admire the large archaeological area of the town and the frescoed presbytery of the San Romolo Cathedral, as well as the very scenic view of Florence. From here it is a 20 minute bus ride to Florence's centre. Finally you will arrive in Florence, where you can celebrate with a fine Florentine steak or a glass of Chianti Classico - or both! Florence offers many attractions but we suggest starting from the magnificent Duomo and Gates of Paradise, gilded bronze doors which tell the stories of the Old Testament. A tour of the Duomo's verandahs is well worth it too. Distance 12km/7.5mi, +400m/1312ft, -529m/1725ft, Surf/Unsurf 42/58% Or to walk into Florence (along the asphalt) add 6.5km/4mi, +142m/465ft, -371m/1217ft