Itinerary to Fiesole ( ) Via degli Dei (The walk of the Gods) Walking 4th-10th September

Via degli Dei (Way of the Gods) retraces an ancient historical road built during the Roman period to join Bologna with Fiesole (Florence). It is a 130 km route characterised by roman paved roads, as well as trails passing through stunning woodlands, rolling fields and impressive vistas in the . We stay in quiet Mountain villages on the trek and enjoy the 2 stunning historical cities of Bologna and Florence at each end of the journey.

Tuesday 4th September Bologna-Sasso Marconi 22km Meet Piazza Maggiore Bologna 0900 From the heart of Bologna city, you will soon reach the Amazing Portico of San Luca (666 arches and almost 4 km long). Built in 1674 it connects the city to San Luca from where you will enjoy a splendid panorama before continuing through wooded glades and taking a little detour to the splendid Palazzo Rossi

Wednesday 5th September Sasso Marconi-Monzuno 24km Perhaps the most important element of this stage is the Pliocene Contrafforte, a bastion of rock that rose from a shallow sea during the Pliocene (2-4 million years ago) it is very easy to see fossils and shells along the path. In some places actually walk right in the sand. The challenging climb to the top of Monte Adone, with its characteristic stone towers affords spectacular views,it is well worth the climb

Thursday 6th Septmeber Monzuno -Madonna Dei Fornelli 11km Chestnut woods and wide open spaces characterize this stage. Wide panoramic views and Art in the open are fabulous additions on the route to Madonna Dei Fornelli. Optional walk through the woods down to the river and perhaps a pre prandial beer at the local bar.

Friday 7th September MadonnaDei Fornelli-MonteDi Fo 18km In this stretch of the route you will find the first Roman cobblestones of this roman road that went from Bologna to Arezzo "la Flamiania Militare". Shortly after Pian di Balestra, we cross into . Here the landscape is very varied, we continue along the ridge up to the Futa Pass, and experience the majestic but soulful German Futa Cemetery marking the historic of World War 2.

Saturday 8th September MonteDi Fo-San Piero a Sieve 23km The highest peak of this itinerary is Monte Gazzaro with its white cross from which you can see a beautiful view of the basin and . With a wide path downhill, you reachSant'Agata, a typical Tuscan village, a not to miss gem, where an afternoon cafe visit a must before heading off to San Piero.

Sunday 9th September San Piero a Sieve -Fielsole 28.5km Departing from San Piero we climb towards the Castello del Trebbio, a Medici residence, now privately owned, the castle dominates the Mugello plain and the Bilancino lake. The route continues through am ple olive grovesand reaches the stunning Monastery of Monte Senario. From here on clear days you catch your first glimpse of Florence with its characteristic Catherdral Dome and Giotto's bell tower. Monday 10th September Fiesole- Florence 7km Day in Florence (optional) The short route Fiesole to Florence takes you into one of the Worlds most beautiful and artistically important cities in the world . You can choose to stay for the whole day and evening in Florence (we will take your poles). The local transport between Florence and Fieole takes 30 -40 mins and is frequent and plentiful ,also plenty of taxis 15-20 Euro. approx

Tuesday 11th September Return UK

• Fully Guided StunningCity, Mountain, Woodland and Village Walks • 7 Nights B&B in specially selected Hotels and B&B* • Nordic walking Poles provided • Welcome drinks • Water Bottle and Paw Bag • Italian Speaker • Baggage transfer • Restaurant guide

The cuisine of the part of italy is of particular Note and we have carfully selected places where local fesh produce is transformed into memorable artisan plates of flavour and loveliness. Eating with the group is optional and we can advise on other places should you wish to explore. Please note in some of the more remote areas the choices of hotel , B&B and restautrants are restricted Cost Per Person Deposit £275 (Ridgeway Nordic walking Members £250) Plus 7 B&B nights 4th-10th September Twin or Double Room £350 Single £475 Prices quoted based on .88 Euro exchange and may vary slightly according to Euro rate at point of payment.

Additional costs to consider Flights, Lunch,Dinner, Drinks, Insurance, Airport transfers.

Flights Book early to avoid disappointment Leaders flight Monday 3rd September Ryannair FR194 September 0845 Stanstead -Bologna Tuesday 11th September Vueling VY6236 1125 Florence - Luton

Which ever flights you choose the trip begins officially Sept 4th 2018 0900 Piazza Maggiore Bologna and ends Fiesole (Florence) late afternoon Sunday 9th September. We can advise on reaching aiports for those who want to return at an earlier date.

Hotels We can arrange Hotel for you on Monday 3rd September in Bologna and Monday 11th September to enjoy a full day in Fiesole (Florence ).

Walks All distances are apporximate but please ensure you come and walk with us www.ridgewaynordicwalking.co.uk(or in your own group) for a few months before to ensure you enjoy the stunning routes. We do have arrangements for those who may need help on the walks in emergencies.