Sentiero dei Ducati

From Reggio Emilia, after crossing the historic city centre, the route follows the Crostolo stream cycling and pedestrian path — also known as Via Matildica dal Volto Santo (CAI path 646) — to Rivalta, from where paths lead via Puianello and Roncolo to Quattro Castella. An alternative follows Via Menozzi to Montecavolo and the ridge path, avoiding most elevation change.

Grand panoramas unfold as the hiker gains altitude through the Parco di Roncolo, leaving the great plain and its Alpine backdrop visible to the north on clear days. The route climbs past Monte Biliano — with its first sweeping view of Quattro Castella's four castle mounds below — before a steep final descent into the village.

An extraordinary stage that introduces the real essence of the Sentiero dei Ducati: ancient hamlets, tower-houses and castles, rough gullies and shady ravines. The route traverses the Emilian hills and Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, starting at Quattro Castella (162 m) and concluding at Canossa Castle (600 m).

Key waypoints include Castello di Bianello, Madonna della Battaglia, Rossena Castle, Grassano (local trattoria), and Riverzana before the final approach to Canossa. Conditions can be muddy and slippery after rain, particularly in the Bianello Oasis and between Cà Reverbera and Grassano.

A stage characterised by wonderful views over the whole Reggio Emilia section of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and the Pietra di Bismantova. The route passes through Ceredolo dei Coppi (restaurant and bar) and the village of Vercallo, with the Church of Pianzo available for guided visits.

Monte Staffola is perhaps the most panoramic place in the mid-Reggio Emilia hills. Note that the route has been modified: the original climb to Monte Barazzone has been removed and the final stretch altered. Up-to-date maps are essential.

A stage not excessively long but, perhaps more than others, very rich in natural and historical sites: waterways with mills, geological features and sites with excavations still in progress. The route passes through Borzano, Crognolo, and Lesignola before reaching Vetto.

Notable stops include the Mulino di Chichino (operating mill), Crovara (Church of San Giorgio, Rocca ruins, La Rupe di San Giorgio Hostel), the Protected Site of Rio Tassaro and Riolco stream, and Monte Lulseto. Note: access to the Rio Tassaro waterfall is no longer possible due to rockfall. Vetto has shops, restaurants, bank and pharmacy.

A long stage with a significant difference in height, winding through a series of splendid and characteristic villages. There are no refreshment points along the way except for the inn at Montedello and the inn and lodge at Castagneto.

Key locations include Sole di Sopra and Sole di Sotto, Gottano di Sopra, the Santuario della Beata Vergine delle Formiche, and Cereggio. The Pizzoni rock formations are accessible via the Via dei Pizzoni variant from Cereggio (trail 640A, rated EE — the CAI's most demanding non-alpine grade). This variant is currently affected by landslide damage and should not be attempted without current trail conditions confirmed locally.

A comfortable stage both in terms of duration and variations in gradient, perfect for recovering from the efforts of the previous days. The route passes Lugolo, Mulino Adani, Ponte Andrella (650 m; bar and restaurant 100 m on SP 15), Fornolo (810 m), and Succiso Superiore (970 m) before arriving at Succiso Nuovo.

Potable water is available at fountains in Fornolo and Succiso Superiore. The Pieve di San Vincenzo — an ancient Romanesque church with original capital fragments and baptismal font, likely built around 1090 by Countess Matilda — is a 30-minute detour from Fornolo. Succiso Nuovo was established after an earthquake in 1920 and a landslide in 1954 struck the original Succiso settlement.

A splendid alpine stage that leads the wayfarer into the typical upper Apennines landscape, near the Lagastrello pass (1,198 m), through beech woods and clearings with views of the upper Val d'Enza. The route starts at Succiso Nuovo (930 m) and passes through Miscoso (915 m; bar, restaurant and water fountain).

From Miscoso the trail continues to the Costalta ridges (1,172 m) and Lake Paduli (Lagastrello, 1,152 m), an artificial reservoir at the high point of this stage, surrounded by beech forest on the slopes of Monte Acuto and Monte Malpasso. Warning: the Liocca stream ford at the start of the stage can be difficult or impassable in high water. Potable water is also available at the Lagastrello dam access road.

A demanding stage that opens at Lake Squincio (1,230 m) — the highest point of the entire Sentiero dei Ducati, set in a glacial cirque that straddles the Emilia–Tuscany regional boundary — before a long descent through mountain passes. No intermediate refreshment points or shops. The route follows paths 703 and 00 through forests and streams inside the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park.

The route passes the medieval village of Torsana with its 12th-century Church of San Giacomo, then Camporaghena (Church of Saints Peter and Paul; small B&B available — verify in advance), before descending to Sassalbo. Navigation difficulties exist in the Passo del Giogo to Torsana section due to minimal signage. Stream crossings may be hazardous during heavy rainfall.

The second stage in Tuscany, offering wide and spectacular views — especially from the Prati di Massicciano — of the ever-closer chain of the Apuan Alps. A lengthy and demanding stage with no intermediate refreshment points or shops. Water sources are available at Prati di Massicciano, Regnano, and Pieve di Offiano.

Key locations: Giogo di Vendaso, Prati di Massicciano (views of Apuan Alps; water), Regnano (castle and villa; water), and Pieve di Offiano (renowned ancient religious site; water). Casola di Lunigiana has a pharmacy, bars, shops, and a small Museum of the Territory. Warning: orientation difficulties in some clearings north of Giogo di Vendaso.

One of the most rewarding days on the Sentiero dei Ducati, tracing the western flanks of the Apuan Alps beneath the great limestone wedge of Pizzo d'Uccello. From Casola the trail climbs gently among olive groves and cultivated fields before dropping to Pieve San Lorenzo, whose station on the Aulla–Lucca railway makes a convenient safety valve: if the day runs long, you can shorten it by train to Equi Terme or Ponte di Monzone.

Beyond Argigliano an old mule track climbs steadily through olive terraces and increasingly wild chestnut woods to Ugliancaldo, a remote stone village perched on its ridge with sweeping views over the Lucido valley. This is the roughest stretch of the stage — there is no water between Argigliano and Ugliancaldo, and vegetation can crowd the path in places — so fill your bottles before setting out. The reward comes on the far side: a steep descent among centuries-old chestnut trees on an ancient cobbled mule track, ending at the valley floor where warm pools in the stream — the local 'bozzetti' — invite a restorative soak just short of Equi Terme.

Equi Terme is the highlight of the day: a spa hamlet wedged beneath sheer limestone cliffs, home to the celebrated Equi caves and the Tecchia prehistoric site, all within the Apuan Alps UNESCO Global Geopark. A short detour leads into the Solco di Equi, a deep natural canyon where golden eagles nest on the walls. From the old village the trail crosses an eighteenth-century humpback stone bridge and climbs to the tiny hamlet of Aiola, then descends past a second — the Ponte di Santa Lucia — beneath the rock-perched houses of Monzone Alto to finish at Ponte di Monzone, which has a railway station, bar and restaurant, pharmacy, and grocery shops.

A long stage that leads from the slopes of the Apuan Alps, through one of the wildest corners of Lunigiana, to the view of the sea near the castle of Fosdinovo. Very limited intermediate stops and refreshment opportunities; few grocery stores along the route.

The route passes through Isolano, Terma, Pieve di Viano (church with fountain), Viano, Cecina, Bardine, Marciaso (bar trattoria), Pulica (bar/restaurant, advance reservation required), and concludes at Fosdinovo with its Castello Malaspina. Some sections between Terma/Pieve di Viano and Cecina/Bardine feature dense vegetation. Fosdinovo has restaurant, pharmacy, post office and shops.

The final stage descends from Fosdinovo to Sarzana through changing landscapes: from chestnut forests to Mediterranean olive groves and vineyards. Mostly downhill; frequent water supply options are available. High summer temperatures at low altitude.

The path descends through Peschiera (CAI 294), Gignago, Caprognano, and Caniparola, then follows the Via Francigena (in reverse) via the Lunense Canal cycle-pedestrian path and Luparello path to reach Sarzanello Fortress. After the fortress, the route descends into Sarzana's historic centre, concluding at Piazza Matteotti. An optional detour from Caniparola leads to the ancient Roman site of Luni, from where public transport connects to the coast at Fiumaretta. B&B accommodation (B&B Luna Nuova) and a restaurant at the Arco di Caniparola are available in the area.