Before leaving
The right approach to trekking
Below you will find some useful information to walk the Via degli Dei with tranquility, with a correct approach to the environment that you cross:
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Don't underestimate this path. They are not the Alps but the total altitude difference is around 5,000 meters and so before leaving, train, train, train. If possible, do tests even several days in a row (for example on Saturdays and Sundays) to understand your recovery times.
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Organize your trip before leaving, book the facilities (especially in the covid era it is necessary but in summer and on bridges / holidays it is essential). LIST OF STRUCTURES
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It is essential to have the hiking map and / or guide with you.
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If necessary, you can download the APP or request the GPX tracks from the reference offices. However, keep in mind that it is better to view the tracks with a GPS device, because the mobile phone does not always pick up and the batteries run out quickly.
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You can receive further information by contacting InfoSasso (051 6758409 - info@infosasso.it) or eXtraBO in Piazza Nettuno 1 / ab in Bologna (346 115 9222)
FOR THE TRIP
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If possible, start the journey early in the morning. Free time in the afternoon allows you to metabolize the experience, to reflect, to rest and better prepare for the next day.
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Clothing must be essential and always suitable for the season.
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It is advisable to wear non-bulky and breathable clothing, dressing in layers to better adapt to the climatic conditions.
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We recommend good quality hiking shoes and socks.
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On long walks it is advisable to use Nordic walking poles because they help to distribute the weight better, straining the legs less.
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The Via degli Dei is well signposted but you need to know what to look for, then know the CAI signs (white and red). If this is your first trek, find out how they are organized, it will make it easier for you to understand where to look for them. You can study them here: LINK
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Seeing the weather forecast is essential in planning your trip. It is important to have in tow and to know how to consult the hiking map, compass and altimeter.
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It is useful to keep friends or family informed of our path.
Infopoints along the route
For all the information, you can contact the 11 tourist offices along the way. Before and during the trip, the operators will be happy to clarify all your doubts and provide you with all the advice you need. Here's the list:
InfoSasso
Via Porrettana, 314 - Sasso Marconi (BO)
From Tuesday to Friday from 09.30 to 14.00 and from 15.00 to 19.00 / Saturday from 09.30 to 14.00. Sunday at events. Monday closed.
Tel. 0516758409
ExtraBO
Piazza del Nettuno, 1/ab – Bologna (BO)
From Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 19:00 / Sunday and holidays from 10:00 to 17:00
Tel. 051 658 3109
Infopoint It only happens in Bologna
Corte De' Galluzzi, 13a – Bologna (BO)
Every day from 09.30 to 13.00 and from 15.00 to 19.30
Tel. 0512840436
Uit Colli Bolognesi - Villa Edvige Garagnani
Via Masini, 11 - Zola Predosa (BO)
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 14.30 to 19.00 / Saturday from 9.00 to 13.00 and from 15.00 to 18.00. Tuesday and Sunday closed.
Tel. 3668982707
Foiatonda - infopoint Municipality of San Benedetto Val di Sambro
Piazza Madonna della Neve, 15 - Madonna dei Fornelli (BO)
Tel. 389 6409004 /351 6487521
Phew. Tourist information
Via Palmiro Togliatti, 45 - Borgo San Lorenzo (FI)
Saturday and Sunday from 09:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 19:00
Tel. 05584527185
Pro Loco San Piero a Sieve
Via Pietro Cipriani, 8 - Scarperia and San Piero (FI)
From Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 12:00. Saturday and Sunday closed.
Tel. 0558487241
Municipal Tourist Desk
c/o Circolo Arci di Bivigliano via della Vecchia Scuola 48 – Bivigliano (FI)
From Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 12:00. Saturday and Sunday closed.
Tel. 0550355051
Tourist Information Office
Via Portigiani 3 - Fiesole (FI)
From Friday to Monday from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 18:00. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday closed.
Tel. 0555961311
Feel Florence - Tourist Information Municipality of Florence
Station Square, 4 - Florence (FI)
From Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 19:00 / Sunday from 09:00 to 14:00.
Tel. 055212245
Tourist information point
Via Camillo Cavour, 1/r - Florence (FI)
Tel. 055290832
What do we put in the backpack?
To optimize your backpack to the maximum so that you do not miss the bare essentials and that it does not contain anything superfluous, here is a list of what should never be missing:
• At least 2L of water (3 in the warm months / hot drink in the winter);
• Hiking map, credential, guide, sunglasses, pocket knife, flashlight, battery charger, powerbank, camera, smartphone, insect repellent;
• Rain cover or poncho;
• Airtight bag for valuables and clothing to keep dry in case of rain.
Clothing
In general we recommend breathable materials. Dress in layers to better fit
weather conditions.
• Windbreaker and waterproof jacket;
• Neck protector, bandana, hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun;
• Cap, thermal hat, gloves.
Footwear
We always recommend ankle-length boots with a molded sole.
Flip flops, sandals or tennis shoes only for when we are not on the way.
Do not underestimate the socks and invest some of your budget to buy good ones: take the breathable ones, in technical material and not in cotton that take time to dry and could make you blister.
Personal hygiene
Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, bandages and plasters, arnica gel, disinfectant gel,
tick forceps, personal medicines.
Food
Nuts, bars, chocolate, candies, honey (for an energy snack).
Pack up your lunch in advance or make sure you go to a built-up area
in case you need supplies.
Good practice
When moving in a natural environment it is a must to have careful behavior
and respectful of everything around us:
We do not damage plants, fossils and products of the undergrowth. Let us remember that we travel through protected environments.
We don't light fires.
We keep dogs on a leash or with a harness: in parks it is mandatory.
We do not abandon waste. Let's take a bag with us to keep them in our backpack until the evening
We prevent any risk of fire.
We also take into account that some paths can be particularly challenging in case of unfavorable weather conditions.
We always follow the official paths and when in doubt we go back to the last signpost indicated.
In the Apennines, free camping is forbidden, let us rely on the structures that can accommodate you in exchange for services.
Let us abandon the rush to arrive and enjoy the journey: it will be our best memory.
Useful numbers
Fire Brigade 115
Medical Assistance 118
Emilia Romagna Alpine Rescue 118. In case of lack of signal coverage: 112.
State Forestry Corps 1515
CAI Italian Alpine Club - Bologna Section 051 234856
CAI Italian Alpine Club - Florence Section 055 6120467
GEV - Volunteer Ecological Guards of Bologna 051 6347464