Bike Odyssey

This cycling odyssey begins in Northern Greece, tracing the footsteps of Alexander the Great. Starting in Thessaloniki, the journey heads inland to Pella, Alexander's birthplace, and continues through the scenic landscapes of Edessa and Vergina, home to the royal tombs of Macedonian kings. The route then moves south to Mount Olympus, the mythical home of the gods, and into the breathtaking region of Meteora, known for its towering stone pillars and monasteries. The first week concludes at Thermopylae, the site of the legendary stand of the 300 Spartans.

The adventure then shifts to Turkey's Turquoise Coast, accessed via luxury sailboat gulets. Riders will experience the stunning coastline, from the hidden gem of Turunç to the crystal-clear waters of Cliftlik Bay, and the untouched paradise of Sarsala Bay. The journey continues through Göcek, Fethiye, and Kalkan, passing historical sites like the sunken city of Kekova and Demre, home of Saint Nicholas. The Turkish leg ends in Antalya and Sagalassos, one of the best-preserved ancient cities of the Greco-Roman world.

Crossing the Mediterranean, the tour arrives in Alexandria, Egypt, a city founded by Alexander the Great. The final leg follows the Nile south through fertile lands, culminating at the Pyramids of Giza. This monumental cycling finale brings the journey to a close at one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

This tour offers a blend of historical exploration, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural experiences, making it a truly epic adventure.

From the soaring Byzantine dome of the Aya Sofya in Istanbul, across the glittering island studded Mediterranean, to Odysseus´ home Ithaca in the Ionian Islands. 'The Odyssey' is true to its origins (besides its 10 year duration!) and the modern day definition of the word. Stage 1 starts in continent spanning Istanbul. From this city of cities, we depart via the Bosphorus south towards Troy, the historic and legendary starting point for Odysseus' famed journey home. Turkey is heralded for its beautiful coastlines and rugged interior, the The Cycling Tour of Turkey (the rider's favourite UCI World event) is known for the same spectacular scenery. Taking in Gallipoli and Ephesus, castles and ancient temples, our historical journey spans the ages. We finish our Turkish adventure on the stunning Bodrum Peninsula which shows this country off at its most staggeringly beautiful - sweeping sandy beaches hugging a steep rocky coastline, gently caressed by jade waters, backed by forest-blanketed slopes dotted with ancient settlements. Scenery doesn't get much better!

As we step onto our luxury gulets, our homes for the coming week, you will be amazed at their beauty - and their ability to support us on an island hopping adventure taking in the very best of Greek Island living! We finish Stage 1 cruising the Dodecanese islands, Kalymnos, Kos, Symi, Nisiros and Rhodes rolling on our bikes along ancient pathways, never for long without a view of the azure Mediterranean waters, feasting on deck in between swims in the Mediterranean!

Stage 2 begins in the modern and ancient capital of Greece, Athens. After a day of touring and exploring where democracy was born we head deep inland, but don't worry, we will board a boat again as we finish with the irresistible Ionian Islands - famous for their cycling pedigree, history and beauty! Although one of our favourite cities for its amazing history, we are glad to mount our bikes and depart Athens heading west across the Corinthian Canal onto the Peloponnese, with magnificent archaeology at Epidaurus, Mycenae - home of Agamemnon - and Nemea the vine and olive clad hills make for amazing riding as we ride Gulf to Gulf, Argos to Corinth. Crossing the later we pause under the genuinely epic Delphi...but not for long as continue our Odyssey west via Venetian harbour towns and five star hotel. Then, to the Ionian Islands we ride - first Kefalonia, which has its very own Mont Ventoux called Mount Einos! This island is hard to beat for cycling, even considering where we have come from. After circumnavigating our penultimate isle we then head to Odysseus' 3000 year old home Ithaca where we celebrate completing our modern day Odyssey.

Join us for this epic adventure as we soar into the dizzy heights of ‘Los Andes’ and their untamed beauty and explore Che Guevara’s dusty trails set some sixty years before our tentative and excited scouting.

This volcanic wonderland shaped and fuelled the revolutionary thoughts of Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara, born in 1928. ‘The Man’ himself cuts a fascinating figure—equally revered and reviled around the world. Starting in Santiago, Chile, we follow in his footsteps, along the exceptional Pacific Coast and wine regions of Chile—the Casablanca, Maipu, and Colchagua valleys, criss-crossing over the Andes into the breathtaking lake districts and volcanoes of Patagonia, before finishing in Bariloche, Argentina. As always, exceptional cuisine and unique accommodation is a treat you can’t imagine. Think a five-star treehouse or a glass lodge with the view out of your window of a smoking volcano!

Come and join Max, your tour leader and creator of this epic adventure!

Richard the Lionheart is remembered as an iconic hero of the English-speaking world. It is little known, however, that he didn’t speak English, hated living in England and at one stage said: “I would sell London if I could find a buyer!” Our Lionheart tour promises to provide us with some of the best riding and history yet, adventuring from Italy, into Austria, Germany and finally France.

When defeated fighting in The Crusades in the Middle East, Lionheart was returning home to France when he was shipwrecked just off Venice in 1192. It is in this stunning city where we start to follow in his footsteps. Heading north be ready to hit some serious mountains through the spectacular Dolomites and Austrian Alps. We will ride some of the most famous passes in Europe, and on to Vienna, where Lionheart was captured.

Make your way along the banks of the Danube River, and tough it again through the Austrian Alps and Bavarian Germany. See for yourself the fortresses where Lionheart was held captive and visit a few of Europe's absolute best castles. While being immersed in the culture of these diverse and fantastic regions, work up an appetite to experience the mouth-watering delights they offer. Then take it to another amazing level, when you hit France and ride through the vineyard-clad rolling hills of the Alsace, Burgundy and follow Richard's heart (literally - just his heart was found just north on the Seine!) to Paris.

This tour undeniably encompasses some of the most beautiful riding routes, scrumptious food and wine regions, and spectacular castles of all Europe.

Cycling out of the souks of Marrakesh we head through the Oasis of Ouirgane Valley before climbing over the Atlas Mountains to the Tizi-n-Test pass. Then towards spectacular UNESCO listed Ait Benhaddou, the spectacular setting for many blockbusters including this Odyssey! We then hit the old caravan route between Marrakesh and the unforgettable Draa Valley and roll over with amazing views back towards the snow covered Atlas mountains before descending to Agdz. On to Zagora and then Merzouga where we swap bikes for pacing camels (camels don't trot) and head into the Sahara! We spend a night out in the desert, in a luxurious camp befitting this journey. Then we pedal north through the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorge and riding which is hard to beat - palm groves, rocky villages and spectacular settings. Our Moroccan Stage finishes with a road not less travelled but never travelled as we take a unique pass out of the Atlas and head to UNESCO World Heritage listed Fes. People either fall in love with the Medina (which is also the world's biggest car free urban zone) or recoil in horror at the overload to one's senses! We love it - enthralling, historic, immensely vibrant and a perfect place to end the stage.

To continue our Odyssey into Spain on Stage 2 we shuttle from Fes to the Mediterranean coast and cross by boat, just as the Moorish invaders did just over 1300 years ago into - then - Iberia. We land in Andalucia - the very best region in Spain for history, atmosphere and passion! From Almeria we ride the Sierra Nevada - visiting Las Alpujarras - the white washed villages which dot the lower southern slopes, before taking on (optional of course!) the Pico Veleta - Europe’s highest road! After hitting the hills we roll to Granada then Cordoba for exceptional history and Moorish architecture in the Alhambra and La Mezquita. Then we head North West into Extremadura, the Spaniard's Spain where we roll through olive and orange groves into quiet beautiful ancient villages - ideal cycling! The Portuguese border comes all too soon but more fantastic terrain is still to come...

Our Portuguese journey starts in Alentejo, a region full of castles, monasteries, palaces, Roman and medieval ruins. With its rolling topography and views, every rise is a cyclist's delight. Our first destination in Portugal was one of its first defenses against Spain in medieval times - Monsaraz, a charming hilltop fortress now surrounded by vines which make some of Portugal's best wine! Then we roll to UNESCO listed Evora, the capital of the region with a wealth of history from the stunning Roman Temple of Diana to the Igreja de São Francisco, its splendid Gothic cathedral. Heading north into the Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede where the beauty of medieval Marvao greets us, and where one of the challenges of the tour awaits - Torre, Portugal's highest road and a beautiful 19km climb (@ 6%). Our finale is the Duoro Valley and we roll all the way down it marveling at the views, wineries and climbs! It is refined beauty at its best which contrasts perfectly with the Atlas Mountains and desert where we started our Odyssey 4 weeks ago!

We can confidently say that no-one has ever done a bike tour of Tasmania like this before.

Australia’s island state of Tasmania is full of contrasts; from white deserted beaches to rugged mountains and rainforests, wild rivers and historic villages. More than 42% of the state is National Park and much of that is World Heritage listed. We will explore Tasmania’s unique flora and fauna and breathtaking natural beauty: Also delve into its European settlement history - plentiful for such a short period and unfortunately, remarkably bloody. We learn about the indigenous people of Tasmania from their descendants - hear their stories of the Dreamtime and see Tasmania through their eyes as it was pre white-settlement.

We will also visit the state’s oldest and newest man-made attractions. The sinister, atmospheric ruins of Port Arthur prison and Sarah Island are intriguing and the recently opened Museum of old and new art - MONA - is a sensational collection as well as architecturally fascinating. Some have suggested it could be the best museum in the world!

We have made 2 major improvements to the tour incorporating the option to climb Jacob's Ladder (see gallery below), Tasmania's epic and rugged switchback climb and a sea cruise to World Heritage listed Gordon River and convict island prison Sarah Island.

Come make the most of a year where overseas travel has been impossible, support Australian tourism and ride in Australia's premier cycling location.

Invaders, predators, barbarians – the Vikings are often portrayed as one-dimensional warriors whose achievements include little more than plundering and raiding. But from where did the Vikings originate? In 793, terror descended on the coast of Northumbria as armed raiders attacked the defenceless monastery of St Cuthbert on Lindisfarne. The terrified monks watched helplessly as the invaders made off with a haul of treasure and a clutch of captives. It was the first recorded raid by the Vikings, seaborne pirates from Scandinavia who would prey on coastal communities in north-western Europe for more than two centuries and create for themselves a reputation as fierce and pitiless warriors. We will journey into their heartland.

Building into the Odyssey we roll out of Copenhagen, against the flow of commuters of which 50% travel by bike. Leaving the Michelin Star capital of the world (which of course we will experience) we ride towards UNESCO Roskilde, home of Viking longships and gateway to the Isefjord where charming villages dot meadows that gently roll down to the lake. Crossing to one of Europe's cultural hubs Aarhus, we continue our journey which grows each day in ambition - Denmark is the flat cycling king of Europe and we will enjoy this tempo - knowing that ahead, once we cross the Kattegat (North Sea) the terrain will change. The Vikings raided all of Europe from these lands and their remnants are everywhere to be seen from shipyards to burial grounds, to Viking villages - we will travel with history as we board our own vessel to cross to Norway!

Landing in Kristiansand we know we have changed land formations as the hills grow and the waterfalls gush around us. We skirt the North Sea, via the amazing Under - a restaurant literally under the sea! Heading north we descend the 27 switchbacks of Lysebotn - this is a road that needs to be seen to be believed. Hitting the Lysefjord we take the breathtaking hike to Preikestolen - a rock lookout hanging out above the fjord - a terrifying sight, especially when tourists line the edges! We end our Stage 1 journey sailing into Bergen - as Vikings did centuries ago - it makes the perfect changeover point with its smorgasbord of restaurants, museums and heritage waterfront.

Stage 2 and the fjord expedition begins in earnest! With, of course, the best of rewards - epic roads, views and scenery, great hotels, restaurants and experiences. The Fjords of Norway are some of the most dramatic landforms on earth which makes this region a genuine marvel for road cyclists. Many are World Heritage listed and we ride along the best of them springboarding from one sparkling waterway to the next over amazing switchbacked roads past roaring waterfalls and pretty villages. Our journey begins as we boat along our first stage 2 fjord out of Bergen, heading east along the Hardangerfjord where we jump on our bikes. You'll have to concentrate hard as the views are spectacular! From Viking-built churches to cycling under the Skjervsfossen waterfalls, these are great riding days. At adventure capital Voss, we turn north boarding a boat to bridge the kilometre-deep spectacular Sognefjord heading into the Sognefjellet Mountains. The snowy peaks grow as we head to Grotti (which is very much not!) where we take you on a little diversion into our favourite local corner of this epic cycling region - see highlights below. Then back on the road the Dalsnibba and Geirangerfjord await - amazing scenery and must-sees in Norway - one of many on just this day on the bike as the Trollstigen 'Troll's path' lies ahead! Known as Norway's Alpe d'Huez we will ride down it (and back up if you are super keen!) before finishing our epic journey along the Atlantic Ocean road to beautiful Alesund.

Shōgun. The supreme commander of all Japan. The reins of power rested firmly in their hands for over 700 years. They traversed the country warring, ruling and dominating this spectacular landscape and culture.

Kaidō...these were the roads established in the Edo period under the Shōgun's reign. Our Odyssey takes in parts of the Nakasendō and Kōshū Kaidō which connect Edo (Ancient Tokyo) and Kyoto as well as the ancient trails of the Kumano Kaidō south of Nara and Osaka.

The samurai, whom the Shōgun ruled, are often depicted as stoic warriors whose legacy rarely extended beyond the battlefield. Yet their period of feudal history is remarkably recent and therefore intimately linked to all things modern and Japanese. Only 150 years ago, Japan was in a state of transition as foreigners were first let into the country and the feudal system dominated by the Shōgun collapsed (comparatively feudal Europe ended roughly 500 years ago). How did it all start?

In the 12th century, a transformative era dawned on the islands of Japan as warriors, loyal to their respective clans as they clashed... forever altering the course of Japanese history. The Shōgun emerged, at the summit of a feudal system, stacked with samurai elite reigning over the peasants and merchants. These elite warriors with a profound sense of honor and duty, as well as an unwavering commitment to their lords, established themselves as protectors and administrators in a society deeply rooted in feudalism. Their guiding principles were the codes of Bushido, that emphasized loyalty, courage, and ethical conduct.

As we embark on a journey traversing the land of the rising sun, we'll follow ancient kaidos (historic routes) across the land - walked and ridden - for centuries. They will guide us to explore the historic landscapes where these warriors ruled, conquered and honed their skills. From ancient castles to sacred shrines, our exploration will unveil the multifaceted legacy, showcasing their contributions to art, philosophy, governance and, of course, the way of Bushido.

Mixing traditional Ryokan Inns and their inimitable authentic experience with Onsen hot springs and luxury unique accommodation, this Odyssey has accommodation covered like no other. Post-ride there is nothing better than luxuriating in the hotsprings - Japan does this well!

We begin in Fukuoka, with a culinary bang! But soon to be exploring this lovely rural island of Kyushu, where smoldering volcanoes, cascading waterfalls and steaming onsen baths await! Nature rules supreme here but there is a spectacular underlying history of Shōgun and strongholds! From Oita to Beppu, Fukuoka to Mt Aso, this beautiful start in rural Japan is at its finest. This is an amazing little lesser-known corner of Japan.

From the Kii Peninsula - rolling matcha tea fields merge into remote, rugged and mountainous ancient pathways - which has long been considered sacred ground - and the Kumano Kaido, we will venture into the mystical realm of Buddhist pilgrims, exploring time-honoured temples, unravelling the secrets of the ancient Nara region. This is where the first Japanese Emperors established their capital, leaving behind a tapestry of ancient shrines, temples, tombs and monuments dotted across green rolling hills.

Looping into Ehime's hinterland for picture-perfect Japan, captured all in one prefecture - sacred mountains, Mount Ishizuchi, castle towns, Ozu, villages frozen in time, Uchiko - all spotted with Onsen baths, temples, shrines and hyper modern hotels too! From there to our island hopping adventure on the Shimanami Kaido - this bike path from Honshu to Shikoku stretches across the islands of the Setouchi Sea and is genuinely considered one of the highlights of any cycling in Japan. Then we enter our half way mark by speeding across on Shinkasen - a must-do experience in Japan!

Then for our neon city stage break we arrive in ancient Kyoto, filled with temples, shrines, Geisha and history. From there our route takes us briefly along the Sea of Japan for a coastal rest, before rolling through UNESCO site, Shirakawa. Breath-taking, serene, and charming, this is immense riding country.

And where better to end this Odyssey than along Kaidos through ancient forested roads and villages trapped in time, in Kiso and the Japanese Alps and ending at Fujisan! (Mount Fuji) The symbol of purity, perseverance and eternity, sacred throughout Japanese history. Its steep slopes and snowy peak inspire respect and contemplation, something we will imbue as we reflect on our month-long Shōgun Odyssey.

Venice, one of the most romantic cities in the world with its unique architecture, bustling canals and magical feel. The Venetian Empire lasted just over 1100 years: 697 - 1797. The location of Venice spurred creativity, imagination and exploration, and was also home to one of the most famous explorers, Marco Polo.

Marco Polo was not the first European to travel to Asia, but he was the first to chronicle his adventures and share it with the rest of the world. In the spirit of adventure, we will also explore the former Venetian Empire through food, wine, and travel. Our journey will have us circumnavigate the Adriatic Sea heading north out of Venice, with its series of islands, marshy lagoons and intriguing architecture. See for yourself why people claim this to be the most scenic coastline in the world.

We will experience the charm of the Istria Peninsula, the amazing sunsets of the Dalmatian Islands, and the unique cities of Venice, Split, and Dubrovnik. This odyssey encompasses scenic cycling routes, exquisite local food, wine, cheese and olive oils, along with amazing UNESCO cities. Get the real feel from the saddle, and experience why the Venetian Empire lasted for 1100 years.

Tour highlights

• Start in Venice, Europe's most famous city of canals
• Head to Slovenia's most beautiful city - Piran
• Immerse yourself in the Istria Peninsula with its ancient history and towns of marble stone streets...
• Roll through the gorgeous Dalmatian Islands of Cres, Losinj and Ugljan
• Enjoy Diocletian’s Palace - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Croatia's stunning city of Split
• Explore the ancient theatre in Hvar, along with its storied bay
• Cruise through the Adriatic on a boat exploring the topaz colour of the sea
• Spend time on Korcula Island, which some Venetians claim to be the birthplace of Marco Polo
• Walk the walls of Ston - a spectacular 13th century defensive wall - the 6th largest building in the world
• Try the unique and delicious tastes of Dalmatia from Peka to olive oil and wine
• Finish your journey in Ragusa, or now known as Dubrovnik, and witness for yourself why this is one of the most beautiful cities in the world

Ever wanted to ride the best roads in Europe on the Hannibal Odyssey, but feel it is too long or too hard? Or maybe you just like the sound of multiple night stays in Europe's best cycling regions at great cycling hotels? This Odyssey is for you!

Way back in 2009, we rode Hannibal for the BBC making a documentary about the history and amazing cycling in Spain, France and Italy. It has also been our most popular Odyssey with over 200 people having cycled 2700km and 45,000m of elevation each on their way across Europe over the Pyrenees and Alps.

In 2026, we have a new format for Hannibal. Highlights of Hannibal is our 'best of' adaptation. We have selected our favourite parts of the Hannibal Odyssey to explore in depth, with less hotel changes and more cycling options.

Our Highlights of Hannibal format is simple:

• 5 carefully chosen locations - Catalonia, Provence, Alps, Piedmont and Tuscany.
• 3 nights in one great hotel in each location - total 5 hotels all below.
• 3 days of riding per location for an in-depth exploration of our favourite spots both on Hannibal and in Europe.
• Daily multiple cycling options for easier and more challenging routes, making this accessible to all rider levels.
• Total - 15 nights / 16 days.

Hannibal Barca is one of the greatest military commanders of all time. As a leader of the ancient superpower, Carthage, he waged a lifelong war against the Romans and nearly destroyed them. And yet, today we know very little about Hannibal or his people: the Carthaginians. What we do remember is one of his amazing feats: to fight the Romans on their own turf, leading an army that included nearly forty elephants over the frozen mountain tops of the Alps and into Italy.