How to Hike From Bologna to Florence on the Path of Gods Italy

When you think of traveling from Bologna to Florence in Italy, you probably think of taking the train or going by car. Instead, consider hiking the historic Path of Gods Italy trail for an unforgettable journey.

The journey to conquering the path of gods takes an hour by car and it will take you 6 days to hike it but it’s SO worth it! And offers a unique opportunity to explore parts of the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy that most travelers and avid hikers miss.

I highly recommend doing it as either a guided or self-guided tour – details below. I highly recommend the 6-day tour if you have the time but if not, you can still do the most beautiful parts of the trail in 3 days.

What Is the Path of Gods Italy Hiking Trail?

Note: This Path of Gods Italy is NOT to be confused with The Path of Gods near Positano on the Amalfi Coast. That one is just 3 hours long. This one, from Bologna to Florence, takes six days.

Hikers Guide of Where to Stay on the Path of Gods

What Makes the Path of Gods Italy So Special and While You’ll Want to Hike It

 

What I loved most about hiking The Path of Gods Italy is that you explore a part of Italy that most travelers will only see from a train.  You discover villages that you’ve never heard of and get breathtaking views, combined with fascinating cultural stops.

Besides, walking on the cobblestones of an ancient Roman Road, you can visit the sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, a basilica in Bologna that’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, explore a Roman Aqueduct, visit the German Cemetry, and make stops at other churches and monasteries along the way.

There are also opportunities for side trips if you want to try other activities, like visiting historic towns.

Rocchetta Mattei, for example, is a fortress located in the Northern Apennine Mountains. A castle built by a mysterious count. You could also try your hand at orienteering or cool off with water sports at Lake Suviana. There is just so much to do, see and even taste!

Recommended Reading: Alta Via 1 Hiking Tour in Dolomites Italy Entire, North or South Route

 

The route so far is mainly popular with Italians so you also get the chance to meet and connect with locals. It’s also not well-known yet, especially internationally, unlike the very popular Camino de Santiago in Spain.

This is a huge bonus in my books. You’ll meet other hikers, but not be surrounded by them.

And the food! Bologna and its surrounding area have arguably some of the best food in all of Italy. Yes, I know that’s a huge claim but you will eat incredibly well. This was the only multi-day hiking trip that I’ve ever done where I didn’t lose weight!

Italy Travel Tip: When you’re in Bologna, check out my friend Rachelle’s Food Lover’s Guide to Bologna. You’ll quickly see what I mean about the food.

Finally, the Path of Gods Italy is having a positive economic impact on local communities. My guide, Gianluca said that 51 new accommodations have opened in the last five years because of the trail.

The Path of Gods Italy: A Day By Day Itinerary

Note: I hiked ~ 118 km of the 135 km long route. The itinerary below is what I personally did. 

Day 1: Hike from Piazza Maggiore (Bologna) to Sasso Marconi 

I arrived in Bologna, the day before, but would recommend arriving a few days earlier. The Hotel Internazionale is conveniently located and I really enjoyed my stay there.

The first day of hiking is mostly in Bologna. We started by making our way under the longest portico (archway) in the world. It’s an incredible 6 km long to the Sanctuary of San Luca, a basilica that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I loved following the ancient pilgrimage route. We walked alongside locals who walk at all ages to give thanks for something good that’s happened in their lives.

After that, we went back to Bologna and then took a bus to Casalecchio. From there, we walked for about an hour to get to Casalecchio di Reno’s Talon Park. A lush 1.7 km long forested path welcomed us as we journeyed to reach Talon Park.

Here you’ll find the 15th-century palace and gardens of the Marquis Talon Sampieri, a 15th-century palace owned by the Sampieri family

Highlights of Hiking from Bologna to Sasso Marconi

I loved the walk under the 600 porticos to San Luca. It’s a gorgeous way to explore the city and I loved learning about the history of the porticos.

Side Trips from the Path of Gods Italy

For Foodies:

We took a private shuttle to the Cantina Floriano Cinti Vineyard for lunch and a wine tasting.

They serve typical food from Emilia Romagna and we tasted 5 different wines with each course. Foodies will love this excursion.

For Adventure Lovers:

After lunch, we also explored the Roman Aqueducts which date back to B.C. This is a unique adventure where you will actually walk, sometimes crouch down through the narrow aqueducts. It’s available with a guided tour only and needs to be arranged in advance.

The tours can last several hours but we were there for ~ an hour which was fine for me. I found it a bit claustrophobic after a while. You’ll be provided with a jumpsuit to put on over your clothes but you will still get dirty so keep this in mind.

Where to Stay in Sasso Marconi

I stayed at Hotel Ca’ Vecchia. I loved the wooden beams on the ceiling and the huge park. It was very peaceful.

See more accommodations in Sasso Marconi.

Recommended Reading: Best Walking Holidays in Italy

 

 

———-

Day 2: Hike from Sasso Marconi to Prunara (7 km)

 

We cheated a bit and took a transfer to Prati di Mugnano where we started hiking with fantastic views of the Bologna Hills. Then, we hiked our way up to Monte Adone (Mont Adonis), a dramatic sandstone cliff and the highest mountain in the Bologna Hills.

We enjoyed our packed lunches on Mont Adonis before hiking down to Brento and going off the Path of Gods Italy to visit a castle. More on that to follow.

Related Reading: Courmayeur, Italy: The 12 Best Things To Do In This Mountain Paradise

Highlights of Hiking from Sasso Marconi to Monzuno

 

I don’t know what I expected from hiking in the Bologna Hills, but it certainly wasn’t the spectacular wind-swept dramatic cliffs of Mont Adonis.

It was also comforting that you could still see San Luca. Somehow, it provided a sense of peace when I would spot it from various points along the trail.

I also loved the visit to Rochhetta Mattei. See below.

It was a fantastic day!

Related Reading: Best Things to Do in the Aosta Valley (Valle d’Aosta)

Side Trips from the Path of Gods Italy

For Culture Lovers:

Visit Rocchetta Mattei.  It’s a castle built by Count Cesare Mattei in a Moorish style. Located near Riola, ~45 km from Bologna. We drove but it’s also possible to reach it by public transport.

It’s one of the most unique castles I’ve ever visited. Perhaps that’s fitting since Count Cesare Mattei was considered rather mysterious, and eccentric. So what was so mysterious about this count?

He would treat poor people with homeopathic medicine for free.  The Count would also eat with servants when there were no guests visiting. It was considered very unorthodox at this time.

Note: It’s only open on weekends and tickets are often sold out a month in advance so plan your visit early. Alternatively, if you’re traveling with a group, you can also arrange a private tour during the week by arrangement.

Recommended Reading: Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

Where to Stay in Monzuno

 

I stayed at Farmstay Agriturismo Prunara and loved the stone farmhouse. The dinner was delicious. It’s family-run and you’ll meet the kids for a very authentic stay that you wouldn’t find at a regular hotel.

See more accommodations in Monzuno.

———-

Day 3: Hike from Monzuno to Madonna dei Fornelli 

 

Today we hiked up to reach a chestnut forest until we reached the top of Le Croci. There’s also Visione Trittica, a natural art gallery right on the path.

Then, the route follows a ridge with gorgeous far-stretching views of fields and hills before hiking down to the town of Madonna dei Fornelli.

Highlights of Hiking from Monzuno to Madonna dei Fornelli

I loved the natural art gallery, especially the eye-catching Visione Trittica. The picnic area pictured above was also special. I had the entire place to myself!

Side Trips from the Path of Gods Italy

For Adventure Lovers:

Test your sense of direction with orienteering offered by Polisportiva Masi near Pian di Balestra, ~ 7 km from Madonna dei Fornelli. It was my first time orienteering and I really enjoyed it.

Where to Stay in Madonna dei Fornelli

 

I stayed at the B&B Romani. The rooms are simple but the garden area is lovely and the owner, Elisa is warm and welcoming (pictured above) and an excellent cook!

See more accommodations in Madonna dei Fornelli.

Recommended Reading: Where to Taste Wine in Europe: The Best Wine Tours in the Continent

Day 4: Suviana Lake for Water Sports 

 

This isn’t on the Path of Gods but we wanted to see what else the area had to offer, so we took a break from hiking to try some water sports at Suviana Lake. Besides swimming, the Centro Velico de Suviana (Sailing Centre) offers you a choice of SUP, canoeing, sailing or windsurfing.

We stayed in the same accommodation as the previous night.

———-

Day 5: Hike from Madonna dei Fornelli to Santa Lucia

 

Today is filled with both hiking in forests and cultural highlights. You’ll walk sections of a thousand-year-old Roman Road and Futa Pass.

Here you can visit the German War Cemetry where 30, 683 German soldiers are laid to rest.

Highlights of Hiking from Madonna dei Fornelli to Santa Lucia

 

I really enjoyed the scenery today and following in the footsteps of the Romans. It was sobering to learn more about the battles that took place in the Apennines.

Despite significant losses on both sides, I found it incredibly admirable that Italy allowed a former enemy graveyard in the 1950s so soon after the war was over.

Today’s accommodation is also a highlight and the best on the trip. After a day of hiking, I looked forward to cooling off with a dip in the pool with sweeping views over the Tuscan countryside.

Related Reading: 11 Best Cinque Terre Tours

Where to Stay in Santa Lucia

 

I stayed at the Podere Belvedere. This accommodation is gorgeous and the owners are lovely. It will also be some of the best food that you’ll eat on the entire trip. For a memorable evening, consider dining under the stars.

This was my favorite meal and dining experience on the trail.

———-

Day 6: Hike from Santa Lucia to San Piero a Sieve

 

We hiked on a forest path before reaching a road. Here we stopped at Bacciotti to sample some local cheeses, which I highly recommend.

Further down the road is the Convento di Bosco ai Frati. It was rebuilt at the request of the powerful de Medici family. They donated many priceless gifts. The convent is also home to the only naked Jesus recognized by the Catholic Church. You can’t make this stuff up :).

Highlights of Hiking from Monte Gazzaro to San Peiro a Sieve

 

Although my highlights usually involve hiking, today it was the stop at Bacciotti. I love cheese.

And the chance to sample it from a family-run place that takes great pride in their cheese-making skills was unforgettable.

Where to Stay in San Peiro a Sieve

I stayed at the B&B La Pieve located in the heart of San Peiro a Sieve. The owners were friendly and the rooms were filled with personal items that gave the rooms a cozy feeling.

See more accommodations in San Peiro a Sieve.

Day 7: Hike from San Piero a Sieve to Olmo 

 

Today is a long but beautiful day of hiking filled with interesting stops along the way on the Path of Gods Italy.

We hiked past the ruins of the Badia del Buonsollazzo. It’s a Benedictine monastery founded in the 10th century by Count Ugo di Toscana.

A little further on we came across Montesenario Sanctuary (Monte Senario). It’s one of the most important hermitages in the area and dates back to 1233.

Just a few minutes past the Montesenario Sanctuary is the greatest icehouse in Europe.

Highlights of Hiking from San Piero a Sieve to Olmo

 

I loved the Montesenario Sanctuary which makes for a great picnic spot. Check the opening hours first though as I was there around 12:00 and it was closed until the mid-afternoon.

I also really enjoyed the first part of the hike through the olive groves and farmhouses. You get to experience a different side of Italy that most tourists miss.

Where to Stay in Olmo

 

I stayed at Hotel Dino. The large terrace offers sweeping views of Tuscany which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Related Reading: Where to Stay in Courmayeur: The Best Accommodations for Hikers and Skiiers

Day 8: Hike from Olmo to Either Fiesole or Florence

 

While the hike officially ends in Florence, many hikers choose to end their hike in Fiesole. It’s a town just 5 km outside of Florence with views over the city including the cathedral.

If you’re continuing on, be sure to take some time to enjoy the views over Florence. From Fiesole, the hiking is uninspiring. You’re hiking along roads that soon turn into the busy streets of Florence. I knew this in advance but still did it as I wanted to complete the route.

The official ending spot is Piazza Della Signoria in Florence. It’s absolute mayhem.  I felt completely overwhelmed by all the tourists after hiking in mostly silence for the past week.

Still, I was glad that I had hiked to the finish point since I’m a bit of a purist when it comes to hiking. It also made me really appreciate the peacefulness I had experienced the past week hiking the Path of Gods Italy.

Highlights of Hiking from Olmo to Florence

 

This was my favourite cappuccino stop which was rare on the trip. I loved every sip of it and soaked in the views.

 

Although I felt overwhelmed by the hoards of tourists at the end, I was also pleased that I’d finished the Path of Gods from Bologna to Florence.

Where to Stay in Florence

I didn’t stay in Florence but returned back to Bologna where I spent some time exploring. Check out these free 10 things to do.

There are no shortage of places to stay in Florence but if you’re looking for something quieter, consider staying in the ancient town of Fiesole.

Related Reading: How to Get to Cinque Terre

Booking the Path of Gods Hike

You can book through Bologna Welcome.

What Else You Need to Know About the Path of Gods Italy

 

Guided or Self-Guided Tour?

You can do the Path of Gods on either a self-guided or guided trip (see above sections for details on the 6-day/5 night and 3-day/2 night tours) in which luggage transfer is included.  In that case, you just need to bring your day hiking gear.

It’s also possible to organize it on your own.  The path is well-marked and I’ve included the names of the accommodations above. if you do it on your own you’ll need a map which you can get at the Bologna Welcome Tourism Information Office.

However, I think the self-guided tours offer exceptional value. All your accommodations are booked for you, you get an in-person briefing to ask any questions you have and you get luggage transfer.

I’d highly recommend this option or your own private guided tour if your budget allows for it.

What are the Accommodations on the Path of Gods Italy Like?

Most of the accommodations are small simple family-run establishments in rural areas or small towns. The exception is Podere Belvedere which offers more upscale, but still reasonably priced accommodation. I loved this place.

You should book your accommodations in advance since they are limited.

In addition, your stay has a positive impact on the local communities that are along the Path of Gods Italy. Tourists do not flock to these places in the masses. These communities rely on hikers from the Path of Gods Italy for a good portion of their income.

As a result, the hosts are some of the most welcoming that you’ll find anywhere in Italy.

Lunch and Snacks on the Path of Gods Italy

I recommend bringing a packed lunch. You can either buy one from a grocery store on the nights that you’re staying in a town or ask your accommodation the night before to prepare one for you. This is what we did and it worked out great. Most days there won’t be any place to buy one so you need to plan in advance.

We also brought local snacks from Alce Nero (which also has some gluten-free products) and chocolate from Majani, a Bologna chocolaterie in business since 1796.

I also loved 24 Bottles, another local company, which produces lightweight bottles and keeps your water cool for 24 hours.

Who Will Enjoy Hiking the Path of Gods Italy?

If you want to see a side of Italy that most travelers miss you’ll enjoy this hike. It’s also a great fit for travelers wanting to combine an active vacation with seeing some of the lesser visited but still impressive sights that Emilia Romagna and Tuscany have to offer.

How Difficult Is It?

Anyone who is reasonably fit can hike the Path of Gods Italy. There are a lot of ups and downs but it’s never too steep. Having said that, there are some long days so be sure that you’re comfortable hiking up to 30 km in a day.

While it’s possible to hike it in 5 days, I highly recommend doing it in 6 days. Otherwise, the last day is almost 35 km of hiking which takes ~ 11 hours.

When Is the Best Time to Hike the Path of Gods Italy?

The best months are April, May, June and September, followed by October and November although it can be rainy in October and November. From December to March, there will likely be snow on the trail so while it’s possible, it does make it more difficult.

It’s also possible to hike it in July and August but it will be very hot. So if you do it then, you’ll want to get an early start each day to avoid hiking in the hottest part of the day.

Final Thoughts on Hiking the Path of Gods Italy

I thoroughly enjoyed this hike and also love the fact that as of yet it hasn’t attracted tons of hikers yet. It remains largely unknown except for a few of the lucky ones in the know.

I also loved seeing a part of Italy that most travelers miss. You’ll be constantly entertained by the ever-changing landscape and cultural stops along the way.

If you’re looking for an easy-moderate six-day hike, I highly recommend the Path of Gods Italy from Bologna to Florence.

Note: Thank you to Bologna Welcome for making my trip to hike The Path of Gods Italy possible. As always, all opinions expressed are my own. 

This post has been updated and republished.