Trekking on the Via dei Gessi and Calanchi for free spirits
Trekking on the Via dei Gessi and Calanchi for free spirits
A hiking itinerary that connects Bologna to Brisighella and Faenza crossing the Regional Park of Gessi Bolognesi and Calanchi dell’Abbadessa and that of the Vena del Gesso Romagnola, whose gaseous karst formations have been recognized as a World Heritage Site.
Program of the offer
Meeting with the hiking guide. Start of the walking route towards Bologna Central Station to take the train to Castel San Pietro Terme (Bologna).
1st STOP: Castel San Pietro Terme – Dozza
Arrival in Castel San Pietro Terme, a location renowned for its spa whose thermal treatments date back to 1337, the 18-hole Le Fonti golf course and its attitude to promoting a lifestyle dedicated to well-being.
Going along Viale delle Terme and the Sillaro riverside, you reach San Martino in Pedriolo until you reach the village with the painted walls of Dozza.
Along the way you can admire orchards, rolling hills and low-traffic asphalt roads.
The small medieval village of Dozza, known for the Painted Wall Art Biennial, also includes the Rocca Sforzesca and the Regional Enoteca of Emilia-Romagna.
Dinner and overnight stay in Dozza.
2nd STOP Dozza – Borgo Tossignano
Not a demanding stage, but fascinating from a landscape point of view because you can admire the long ravine cliffs until you reach the area of the Vena del Gesso Romagnola Regional Park.
Dinner and overnight stay in Borgo Tossignano.
3rd STOP Borgo Tossignano – Borgo Rivola
Short but demanding stage due to the difference in altitude and concentration required, a short stop to visit the remains of the Tossignano castle and then up, along the ramparts of the Riva di San Biagio, among sparkling chalk crystals.
Dinner and overnight stay in Riolo Terme or Borgo Rivola.
4th STOP Borgo Rivola – Zattaglia
The visit to the abandoned village of Crivellari begins this stage with considerable differences in altitude and breathtaking views, in the heart of the Vena del Gesso Romagnola, between the highest peak of the route (Monte Mauro, 515 meters above sea level).
Dinner and overnight stay in Zattaglia or Brisighella.
5th STOP Zattaglia – Brisighella
This stage is the least tiring, despite the presence of some climbs along the route. The trek develops along the valley of the Sintria stream, crossing a hilly agricultural landscape that leads to the suggestive Carnè Park. Finally, you reach Brisighella, a charming village that boasts the title of one of the most beautiful villages in Italy: a town surrounded by three hills dominated by the majestic Clock Tower which stands on the characteristic Scoglio del Gesso.
Dinner and overnight stay in Brisighella.
6th STOP Brisighella – Faenza
The last stage of the Via dei Gessi e dei Calanchi will be a compelling and fascinating experience. The route features some challenging climbs and narrow passages on the gullies, but also breathtaking views and evocative landscapes. In particular, the main emergencies are Monte Nosadella, the route along the crest of the gullies and Monte Rinaldo characterized by its particular natural beauty. Once these sections are over, a visit and tasting stop at the farm.
Finally we reach Faenza, a city famous for its ceramic tradition and Etruscan-Roman origins.
Arrival at the Faenza train station for departure.
Duration: 6 days
Period: March-June and September and October, excluding the periods: 19-21 April and 12-19 May 2025
Price: from €598.00
Meeting point: ExtraBo information office (piazza del Nettuno, 1) Bologna
The fee includes:
- GAE hiking guide in Italian;
- civil liability insurance coverage;
- credentials;
- overnight stay with breakfast and dinner in a double room in a farmhouse, inn, B&B;
- tasting in a winery;
The fee does not include:
- round trip to and from the departure/arrival point;
- lunches;
- public transport tickets;
- any transfers to skip the stage if necessary;
- luggage transport;
- tourist tax where applicable (to be paid on site);
- entrances to museums;
- everything not specified under “the price includes”.
Booking deadline: 20 working days before
Useful information:
- The guide reserves the right to change the program and the route depending on the group and the weather.
- It is possible to have a GAE guide in French, English and German with the payment of a supplement.
- For services, personalized needs and further information you can request our contacts.
- Trekking equipment and clothing suitable for the season are required.
Minimum number of participants: 6
Maximum number of participants: 12
