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.

Atlas Mountains | Sahara | Andalusia | Alentejo

Cycling out of the souks of Marrakesh we head first to our luxury desert camp, an essential Moroccan experience. Then to the Atlas Mountains and over the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, descending to spectacular UNESCO listed Ait Benhaddou. Then basing ourselves at two amazing hotels we ride the historic caravan route into the Sahara then the Dades Valley and the Todgha Gorge.

To continue our Odyssey into Europe, we cross (by plane for comfort!) over the Mediterranean. We land in Andalusia and from Granada and its amazing Alhambra we ride the Sierra Nevada and the white washed villages which dot the mountain slopes. We roll to Cordoba for exceptional history and Moorish architecture in La Mezquita and finish with our idyllic Portuguese leg in Alentejo. A region full of castles, monasteries, palaces, Roman and medieval ruins, with its rolling topography and views.

Our 2027 Highlights of Othello format is simple:

• 7 nights in Morocco capturing the best of this amazing country from 3 carefully chosen locations.
• Then fly to Europe and spend 10 nights in 4 carefully chosen locations in Spain and Portugal through Andalusia and Alentejo.
• Daily multiple cycling options for easier and more challenging routes, making this accessible to all rider levels.

Tour highlights

• Mesmerising Marrakesh! A royal city of Morocco with so much to experience
• A magic 5* luxury Desert Camp in the Agafay Desert - a unique Moroccan experience
• Spectacular UNESCO gem Ait Benhaddou which rises out of the desert
• The Berber villages and stunning Atlas Mountains - perfect riding and exploration
• The Tizi-n-Tichka (2,260m) - an awe-inspiring switchback-filled pass into the High Atlas
• The Sahara desert, a unique ride from the Atlas into the dunes - an unforgettable day on the bike
• The souks (markets) in every town and village including Jemaa el-Fnaa - the heart of Marrakesh
• Both the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorge. Very few are lucky enough to ride one of these - we ride both in two genuinely unforgettable days on the bike. This is adventure road riding at its very best.
• The exceptional cuisine! Subtle spices and intriguing flavour combinations make Moroccan food one of the best cuisines in the world
• The exceptional stays - Riads, luxury desert camps and 5* hotels in the rugged Atlas - exotic, luxurious and historic! For example the gorgeous Eden Boutique Hotel or Berber Palace, where actors stayed while filming Gladiator and the more recent The Odyssey!
• The best of Andalusia - from Granada to Cordoba, as well as one of the regions most intriguing attractions is the notion of duende, the elusive spirit that douses much of Spanish art, especially Flamenco. It translates as a moment of heightened emotion that takes you out of yourself, and we will find this on and off the bike in this special region.
• Moorish Heritage in Spain - including the spectacular hilltop fortress of the Alhambra in Granada with its beautiful backdrop of the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the Great Mosque of Córdoba - built in 784!
• Spectacular cycling in the Sierra Nevada (also Cadel Evan's training grounds) with the beautiful white washed villages of the Alpujarras - Capileira, Bubión, Lanjaron and more.
• Tapas Bars and live Flamenco...after all Andalusia is where Flamenco was born!
• The Alentejo region - rolling vine-clad hills, white washed villages, magnificent medieval and Roman villages. The best cycling territory in the country of Portugal.
• Beautiful Evora, a UNESCO Heritage site and one of Portugal’s best preserved medieval towns which also contains some of the country's best Roman ruins, notably the spectacular Temple of Diana.
• Magnificent Monsaraz, the focus of one of our best rides in Europe and a charming hilltop fortress now surrounded by vines which make some of Portugal's best wine.
• The food and wine of Alentejo. It produces half the countries wine and serves its most renowned dishes.

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.

The Vikings tour traces the Viking heartland from Copenhagen to Ålesund, building into the journey against a tide of Danish commuters (half of whom cycle) before reaching UNESCO-listed Roskilde, home of Viking longships and gateway to the Isefjord, where charming villages roll gently down to the water. The route continues to Aarhus, one of Europe's smallest cultural capitals, before crossing the Kattegat into Norway, where flat Danish tempo gives way to hills and gushing waterfalls.

In Norway, riders head into Telemark's ancient churches and historic hotels, complete with fjord-side saunas, before descending the famed 27 switchbacks of Lysebotn and ferrying down the Lysefjord to Stavanger and on to Bergen, the changeover point between the tour's two stages.

Stage 2 is a dedicated fjord expedition beginning out of Bergen, threading along the Hardangerfjord past Viking-built churches and the Skjervsfossen waterfalls, then boating across the kilometre-deep Sognefjord into the Sognefjellet Mountains. From adventure-capital Voss to Grotli, Dalsnibba and the Geirangerfjord, the route builds toward Trollstigen, "Norway's Alpe d'Huez," before a final flat coastal stretch along the Atlantic Ocean Road into Ålesund.

Highlights: Viking Ship Museum at Roskilde and Viking burial mounds near Aalborg Denmark's flat, highly rated cycling through North Jutland and Aarhus Lysebotn's switchbacked descent and fjord boat transfer to Stavanger Norway's top fjords, including Hardangerfjord, Sognefjord and Geirangerfjord Trollstigen ("Troll's Path"), one of the world's great climbs, and the Atlantic Ocean Road Traditional Norwegian saunas and stave churches at Undredal, Urnes and Lom

Surface and terrain:
Road quality is rated very high across Denmark and Norway. Stage 1 (Copenhagen–Bergen) averages 77km and 900m of climbing per day; Stage 2 (Bergen–Ålesund) averages 87km and 1,750m per day through mountainous fjord country with switchbacked passes.

Suitable for:
Experienced, fit cyclists. Graded 3 bananas (Stage 1) to 4.5 bananas (Stage 2) on the operator's own scale, reflecting substantial daily climbing in Stage 2. E-bikes are used by some riders per past guest feedback.

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

Highlights of Hannibal is Bike Odyssey's condensed take on their original, 33-day Hannibal Odyssey, first ridden by founder Sam Wood in 2009 while filming a BBC documentary tracing Hannibal's march from Spain to Rome. Rather than changing hotels daily, this format bases riders in five carefully chosen locations for three nights each, riding out and back from a single luxury hotel in each region.

The five bases are Girona in Catalonia (a genuine cycling mecca, home to pro teams and the Rocacorba climb), a 16th-century chateau below Mont Ventoux in Provence, a mountain retreat in La Grave in the Alps (with access to climbs including Col du Galibier and Alpe d'Huez), a five-star retreat among the Barolo vineyards of Piedmont, and a former 13th-century convent in Pienza, Tuscany.

Each location offers three days of riding with multiple route options daily, from easier loops to serious climbing, making the tour accessible to a wide range of abilities, and private luxury vans shuttle the group between regions with a lunch stop en route. Accommodation averages four-star across the trip. Guided throughout by a permanent, highly experienced team, the tour blends serious cycling with fine regional food and wine, and non-riding partners are well catered for with hiking, wine tasting and cooking classes.

Highlights:

• Ride from cycling mecca Girona, past pro teams training and up the climb of Rocacorba
• Stay at a 16th-century chateau below Mont Ventoux and ride the Gorges de la Nesque and Luberon
• Tackle iconic Alpine climbs from a mountain retreat in La Grave, including Col du Galibier and Alpe d'Huez
• Cycle the vineyard ridgelines of Piedmont's Barolo region from a five-star wine-country retreat
• Explore Tuscany's Val d'Orcia and medieval hill towns from a former convent in Pienza
• Daily multiple route options, from easy to challenging, plus a flexible 3-5 banana grading

Surface and terrain:
Mixed terrain across five distinct regions, from rolling Catalan coast and Provençal countryside to serious Alpine mountain climbs and vineyard hills in Piedmont and Tuscany. Daily route options allow easier or harder distances; support is always available for a lift or break.

Suitable for:
A wide range of abilities thanks to daily route options and flexible 3-5 banana grading; suits both serious climbers chasing Alpine cols and less experienced riders (including e-bike users) wanting shorter, easier days. Non-riding partners are also catered for.