PROGRAMMA:

Day 1:  Km 20 (Elevation gain/loss +/-: +230 m/ - 200 m)

from Bologna to Sasso Marconi

Arrival in Bologna, briefing in Piazza XX Settembre with one of our team members where you'll be given the map of the Path and your pilgrim credentials, handover of your luggage. Urban trekking towards Casalecchio di Reno retracing the old waterways, following the Reno canal you'll arrive at Parco della Chiusa. You’ll soon arrive at Palazzo de Rossi, from here you can stop at Borgo di Colle Ameno and then head into town.

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Day 2:  Km 25  (Elevation gain/loss +/-: +1100 m/ - 700 m)

from Sasso Marconi to Grizzana Morandi

From Sasso Marconi you’ll catch the train to Lama di Reno to avoid to avoid walking alongside a busy road.

Passing by the Romanesque parish church of Panico (12th century) and the DOC and DOCG Colli Bolognesi vineyards, you will reach the ridge between the Reno and Setta valleys, immersing yourself into the Historic Park of Monte Sole. Keep your eyes out for the observatories, posts, shelters and foxholes from both Germans and allies during WWII. You then continue the trail down the mountain passing by Morandi's (painter) famous subject: the Campiaro barns.

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Day 3:  Km 22 (Elevation gain/loss +/-: +900 m/ - 850 m)

from Grizzana Morandito Castiglione dei Pepoli

You'll begin the day passing through Etruscan testimonies and Medieval villages the path continues along the ridge between the Reno and Setta valleys, where ancient and modern alternate in one of the most sensational stretches of the Path! You’ll pass through chestnut woods, canals and streams until you reach the main square of Castiglione dei Pepoli which is overlooked by fascinating historic buildings. 

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Day 4: Km 21 (Elevation gain/loss +/-: +900 m/ - 1000 m)

from Castiglione dei Pepoli to Vernio

A stage between two lands which will lead you to the border between Emilia and Tuscany, in the direction of Vernio, in the Bisenzio Valley which still preserves a flourishing textile production. You will pass through typical villages with a 'mountainous' flavor such as Rasora and Storaia, and Montepiano one of the most famous and most popular tourist resorts in Tuscany at the end of the 19th century.

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Day 5: Km 20 (Elevation gain/loss +/-: +900 m/ - 950 m)

from Vernio to Vaiano

We leave behind woods and fir forests for the typically karst Calvana ridge path: rough and rocky, which once housed the riverbed of the Bisenzio. Ancient place of transit and transhumance since the Neolithic, the ridge was used by the Etruscans for trade with Marzabotto (Kainua), Bologna (Felsina). Short transfer from Vaiano to arrive at the accommodation.

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Day 6: Km 22 (Elevation gain/loss +/-: +800 m/ - 900 m)

from Vaiano to Prato

Last day of walking and, before the reaching the destination, you will admire the historical and artistic evidences of the valley merging with the surrounding landscapes between vineyards and ancient buildings. Once we get off the Calvana we will pass through the Cavalciotto di Santa Lucia, a symbolic place of the journey and the driving force of the ancient city factories. Then the arrival in Piazza del Duomo, and the emotion will turn into memory! You'll retrieve your luggage at the train station in Prato.

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*Extra nights in Bologna and Prato can be added to your package upon request