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LA VIA DELLA LANA E DELLA SETA
From Bologna to Prato in 6 days
WHAT YOU'LL SEE
The Path of Wool and Silk (Via della Lana e della Seta) is a newfound trekking route connecting the cities of Bologna and Prato through a kaleidoscope of incredibly wild landscapes, rich in medieval architecture and industrial archeology linked to the textile manufacturing.In fact, this itinerary connects the hydraulic works of the Chiusa di Casalecchio (Sluice of Casalecchio) in Bologna with the Cavalciotto in Prato, connecting these two important cities. Water was once essential to power the machinery of the textile industry of Prato and of the silk production of which Bologna was once capital.
A trekking route that allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, filled with excellencies and traditions, and discover the history and culture hidden in this territory.
BASIC DETAILS
Where: from Bologna to Prato
Style: Itinerant
Duration: 6 days and 5 nights - customizable in + or - days
Luggage Transfer:Yes, one piece of luggage per person is allowed (without external bags/ appendixes) maximum dimensions 55x40x20 cm
Period: year round, chance of snow during winter months
Themes: gothic line, villages and food
Accommodations: Small hotels, family run B&B's, farmhouses
Difficulty level: ●●●● | Challenging - The Via della Lana e della Seta is a route approximately 130 km long which does not present any particular technical difficulties, other than distances (all over 20 Km/day) and elevation gains (some challenging sections). The Apennines are a continuous alternation of climbs and descents, therefore adequate preparation is necessary.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
*Extra nights in Bologna and Prato can be added to your package upon request
PRICE:
665,00 € per person (travelling alone, already includes single room surcharge)
470,00 € per person (in 2 or more people);
The price includes:
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Welcome and briefing the morning of departure;
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Overnight stay and breakfast;
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Luggage transport service between accommodations - 1 baggage per person;
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Via degli Della Lana e della Seta Hiking Map&Guide scale 1:25000 (1x);
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Via degli Della Lana e della Seta pilgrims' Credential (1 each);
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Handling Fee;
The price does not include:
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Single room surcharge;
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Lunches, dinners, extra food and drinks or other extras;
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City tax where due (to be paid directly at the accommodation);
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Transfer to Bologna and from Prato;
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Transfers with public transport;
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Possible transfers to skip the stage in case of need;
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Cancellation insurance;
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Handling fees (non-refundable)
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Anything not mentioned in the section "the price includes".
NOTES:
A deposit of 100 euros per person ( of which 50 € for handling fees, non-refundable, and 50 € as a down payment for the trip) is required to confirm the booking. In case your booking is requested within the 30 days prior to your departure we will directly request the whole balance.
For the luggage transfer only one piece of luggage per person is allowed (without external bags/appendixes) maximum dimensions 55x40x20 cm.
In order to satisfy your requests to the best of our ability, booking requests should be sent 15 days in advance, 30 if you intend to travel in the months of June, July, August, and close to national holidays
ACCOMMODATIONS:
We've selected small and simple accommodations, we're sure you'll feel right at home with the warm welcoming typical of the Apennines.
The list of the accommodations booked will be sent once the deposit is paid.