Five or six days of footsteps, silence, and peace. The Via degli Dei (Path of the Gods) is not just a simple trek, but a true immersion into a suspended world. Setting off from Bologna, you leave the porticoes of San Luca behind and find yourself, almost without realizing it, in a landscape of wind-swept ridges, ancient beech forests, and small villages where time seems to have stood still. Anyone who walks the 130 kilometers of this historic route learns to know their limits and the beauty of shared effort, crossing the wild heart of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and the rolling hills of Mugello.
Every stage has its own story, its scents of earth and pine, and its challenges: from the demanding climbs of Monte Adone to the historic paths of the Flaminia Militare, where you literally walk over stones laid by the ancient Romans. But it is during the final stage that the atmosphere shifts, and a strange, beautiful euphoria begins to rise.
The excitement of the finish line: the descent towards Florence
Once past the last great hill, walkers reach the natural terrace of Fiesole. From here, the destination is finally visible: Brunelleschi’s Dome comes into view, standing proudly above the red roofs of Florence, growing larger and larger with every step. The final kilometers of the journey begin, and luckily, it is all downhill.
Entering the city is an explosion of emotions. As your boots hit the cobblestones of Piazza della Signoria, amidst the curious glances of tourists, the trek is officially complete. You find yourself beneath Palazzo Vecchio, exhausted but proud, stamping the very last box of your credential.
The Via degli Dei changes you from the inside out. You reach the finish line with your mind finally cleared of daily chaos and your heart full of that authentic happiness that only a long journey on foot can give. There is only one minor detail: while your spirit is completely rejuvenated, your legs are absolutely shattered!
After taking the customary photos with your backpack resting on the ground, it is time to indulge in your first treats: an artisanal gelato or an ice-cold drink to quench your thirst. Finally, you unlace your hiking boots—faithful travel companions that have ground out kilometer after kilometer—and begin looking for a corner of peace. After so much dust, hours spent under the sun or rain, and nights spent in shared dorm beds, your body asks for the bill. The feat is accomplished, and it is time to celebrate the milestone by treating yourself to maximum comfort.
After the Via degli Dei: where to rest in Florence
Once you finish the path, the temptation to rush straight to the station to head home is strong, but why not treat yourself to one last moment of well-deserved relaxation? Before you set off on your journey back, you can book a stay at our B&B Marbò Florence.
It will be the perfect opportunity to take a refreshing shower, rest your legs, and enjoy a night of deep, peaceful sleep after all that hard work. You can find us just 100 meters away from Florence Santa Maria Novella train station: reaching us at the end of your trek will be incredibly easy and, the next day, you will be just two steps away from your train home, fully rested and recharged!
We look forward to welcoming you! And if you still have some energy the next day, our one-day itinerary in Florence starts right here; for tired legs, a stop at one of the ice cream shops in Oltrarno is our advice.
