Via Romea, the Pilgrims' Way
8 days, Self-Guided for 2 people or more, Seasonal Weekly Departures
From the vine-clad hills near Bologna to the wild Apennine peaks, through varied landscapes and broad valleys, past ruined abbeys and historic churches, this ancient path was the route first used by pilgrims in the eighth century on their way to Rome. Starting from the gastronomic delights of Bologna, you walk through the Samoggia valley and up into the Apennine range.The route rises along the wooded bastions of the lower slopes of Castel d'Aiano and follows the Leo valley to Fanano, where you can see the wonderful natural stone sculptures. The ancient road takes you along the cobbled muletracks of the Ospitale valley, and crosses the watershed at the Calanca pass, surrounded by glacial basins, lakes and windswept peaks.
From here you descend along the Tuscan Lima and Reno valleys, and after leaving the mountains of San Marcello Pistoise you reach Pistoia from where you can continue on to the beautiful city of Florence. The area you walk through prides itself on the quality of its food and wine, and local specialities such as hams, salamis, cheeses and mushrooms can be enjoyed.
- Day 1. Outbound
- Fly to Bologna and spend time in this fascinating gastronomic capital, amidst the mediaeval streets and squares, restaurants and palaces. You can warm up for the walks ahead by strolling around the 40 kms of porticoed streets!
- Day 2. Tole
- Transfer to Tole. Tole is a pretty village, home to many skilled wood-carvers who utilise the trees of the wooded slopes surrounding the area. Commmence your walk climbing higher through the chestnut and oak lined paths up the Apennines, you reach an altitude of 650 metres, enjoying panoramic views over the lush, unspoilt countryside. Past the former Benedictine monastery at Roffeno, then on to Castel d'Aiano, a fortified settlement built on the border of Modena and Bologna, which dates back to 1485. Again, as with most towns and villages of this area, it embraces the pleasure and quality of its food produce, and throughout the year hosts festivals dedicated to the potato, mushroom, cheese and truffles of the region.
- Days 3 and 4. The Aneva valley
- You wind your way towards Rocca Corneta, climbing to a height of approximately 1100 metres, passing through the Aneva valley, and the Monte Castello woods, enjoying the fantastic views and clear air of the Apennines. Walk through meadows along the slopes of the Dardagna and Leo valleys until you reach Fanano, an old pilgrim???s stop with slate-roofed houses, mediaeval buildings, and tiny oratories with their magnificent Baroque gilded wooded altars.
- Day 5. Ospitale
- Now the scenery changes to a more rugged landscape as you reach wilder, mountainous regions. Follow the dry stone walls of the old muletracks as you wend your way across the cobbled paths of the Ospitale valley, in the Alto Apennino Modenese Regional Park, to arrive in the ancient town of Ospitale.
- Day 6. San Marcello Pistoiese
- Crossing the watershed at the Calanca pass, surrounded by glaciated basins, lakes and windswept peaks, you trek through the wooded Verdiana valley and the gentle slopes of Tuscany, to arrive at this delightful mountain resort.
- Days 7 and 8. Florence and Homeward
- Transfer to Pistoia, the end of this section of the Via Romea. Continue to Florence, only 35 minutes away to enjoy the cultural delights of this famous city. Depart for the UK.
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- Tour grade: B/C.
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Cost per person:
May, June, September, October £615 land only.
July, August £630 land only. - Single supplement: £95.
- What is included: 7 nights B&B accommodation, 5 dinners with wine and water, luggage transfer on trek.
- Accommodation: Hotels, farmhouse.
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Departure dates:
Sundays, May to October.