Bike Odyssey

Italy's most renown regions - Piedmont, Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio.
Sleep through history with castles, monasteries and borgo’s among our accommodation choices.
Fiesole and the capital of Renaissance Italy Florence for our stage interlude.
Tuscan and Umbrian hilltown gems - UNESCO recognised Siena, exceptional Cortona, Idyllic Pienza and Umbrian's best - Todi.
Compare the finest of Italy’s wine – Barolo or Brunello?
Italian's finest gastronomy through its most famous foodie regions.
Atmospheric Lake Trasimene explored with local experts where Hannibal's superior tactics destroyed a complete Roman army.
Cycle into the heart of Rome along the banks of the River Tiber.

We created this route for the BBC back in 2009 and have run this tour since 2012 - it is an amazing journey. However, it was time for an update so we have reviewed, re-shaped, revamped and rescouted every section of the journey - routes, restaurants, sites and experience. There are better locations to visit, better roads to ride, better rest day, more optional cycling challenges and lastly, better history - in consultation with the L'Association HANNIBAL BARCA we have adjusted our route - we now ride ever closer to Hannibal's route - our Apennine crossing now reflects this and as ever you will have archaeologist Sam Wood's Hannibalic story telling to accompany your journey.

In 2023 after running Hannibal Odysseys for over a decade we will be running a different version of this tour of tours. What started as a custom tour request we are now offering to the public. Hannibal 'Barebones' will have the same epic cycling experience but with a simpler support package. What this means is cheaper hotels, less meals included and less staff. This version of the Odyssey is for the cycling focused!

We created this route for the BBC back in 2009 and have run this tour since 2012 - it is an amazing journey. However, it was time for an update so we have reviewed, re-shaped, revamped and rescouted every section of the journey - routes, restaurants, sites and experience. There are better locations to visit, better roads to ride, better rest day, more optional cycling challenges and lastly, better history - in consultation with the L'Association HANNIBAL BARCA we have adjusted our route - we now ride ever closer to Hannibal's route - our Apennine crossing now reflects this and as ever you will have archaeologist Sam Wood's Hannibalic story telling to accompany your journey.

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.

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!

Highlights

• Istanbul - built on two continents, divided by the Bosphorus, a melting pot of many civilisations both Eastern and Western and certainly one of the greatest cities in the world
• UNESCO World Heritage Ruins. From Troy where it all began both with its physical remains and for its Homeric literary links to Ephesus, one of the greatest classical cities of the ancient world. Beyond these well known sites we also roll through ruins of once great cities at every turn from Miletus to Priene, Didim to Alexander Troas.
• Turkey - a succession of historical figures and empires – including the Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have all left their indelible mark on this ancient country
• Delightful people - from picnics made by local villagers, ready for us as we roll in to our local crew. The Turkish people are amazing hosts.
• The Turkish delights of the Turquoise Coast. The water is a surreal electric blue, teal and green, the beaches white and underpopulated. It will be hard to board the boat for Rhodes (not really!)
• Bodrum is a lively and friendly city and also the site of the ancient city of Halicarnassus which houses one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus (built circa 353 BCE)
• Island hopping on our very own luxury yacht through the Dodecanese Islands. For 5 nights we will call the yacht home. We will sail from port to port, riding on and off and exploring one of the most beautiful archipelagoes in the world
• Spectacular Kos, rolling through pine forests with idyllic views and brilliant local tavernas to enjoy before reboarding our Gulet to sail on.
• Nisiros and Symi, two lesser known Greek islands with Venetian influence and stunning harbours. Beyond these two challenging rides is some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the world.
• The largest and historically most fascinating of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes abounds in both beaches and wooded valleys and is perfect for cycling and ancient history

Cycle from Spain to France and into Italy in the footsteps of Hannibal, one of history’s greatest military commanders. From Barcelona to Rome, experience some of Europe’s most beautiful and breathtaking routes and infamous climbs. Dive into the diverse gastronomy of Spain, France and Italy, cultures famous for their cuisine. Sommeliers, picnics sourced from local fromageries, boulangeries and boucheries, and hand-picked restaurants will excite your taste buds daily.

Immerse yourself in the landscape, history and culture of the places we visit as we ride this inspirational trail. The terrain is best seen from the small roads we hand pick, maximising cycling pleasure and safety. Staying in monasteries, castles and agriturismi you will relax and refresh each evening in unique and exceptionally interesting places with a masseuse on hand.

We created this route for the BBC back in 2009 and have run this tour since 2012 - it is an amazing journey. However, it was time for an update so we have reviewed, re-shaped, revamped and rescouted every section of the journey - routes, restaurants, sites and experience. There are better locations to visit - Florence, Siena, Cortona and Les Plus Beaux Villages de France such as La Grave. Better roads to ride - Col du Télégraphe, Lacets du Montvernier and more of the Chianti hills and Val d'Orcia.

Better rest days - UNESCO Carcassonne, Villa Sparina, Renaissance capital Florence. More optional cycling challenges - A 5 day Pyrenean start for the climbing keen and at the opposite end of the scale a full non-rider partners itinerary. Lastly, better history - In consultation with the L'Association HANNIBAL BARCA we have adjusted our route - we now ride ever closer to Hannibal's route - our Apennine crossing now reflects this and as ever you will have archaeologist Sam Wood's Hannibalic story telling to accompany your journey.

Our Che tour will envelop you in a unique and spiritual mystery, found only in the unspoilt, enchanted hinterlands of South America. 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.

Stage 2 Highlights

• Triple crossing the World’s second highest mountain range - The Andes!
• Gaze up at Volcan Villarrica, one of Chile's most awesome sights
• Explore beautiful, quiet, remote Chiloe Island
• The 7 Lakes Road in Argentina - without doubt, one of the best cycling roads in the world
• Indulge in Argentina's world famous beef, deliciously prepared on their Parilla del Asado (bbq grill)
• Looking over the breathtaking snowy behemoths of La Cordillera
• Cycle up Volcan Osorno, walk up Volcan Lonquimay, you will not go away without surmounting a volcano or 2!
• Ferrying across the spectacular lake district of Nahuel Huapi National Park, Argentina
• Rejuvenating at the end of the tour in spectacular Bariloche

Our Che tour will envelop you in a unique and spiritual mystery, found only in the unspoilt, enchanted hinterlands of South America. 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.

Highlights

• Experiencing the famous Maule region's mouth-watering oceanic food culture
• Visit and swim if you dare in the chilling waterfall of Salto Del Indio!
• Roll through spectacular wine regions of Chile - The Casablanca, Maipu and Colchagua Valleys, tasting for yourself why their wines have such worldwide acclaim
• Climb into the Andes from our hotel at the base of Volcano Lonquimay all the way to the Pacific Coast
• Roll along the stunningly rugged Pacific coast with its beautiful architectural hotels which we regularly take advantage of
• Rest in Punto des Lobos
• As well as epic cycling, take a walk up Volcano Lonquimay, a leisurely stroll on a beach to visit the incredible Piedra de la Iglesia (the church rock) and hike to Lapostelle ridge for a 360 degree view of Chile's premier grape growing valley.

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 on the 2024 departures!

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.

• Explore Europe’s number 1 best castle - Neuschwanstein.
• Climb to the Eagle’s Nest - Hitler’s retreat in the mountains, take on the Kitzhbuhler Horn and roll through Tyrol one of the most beautiful regions in Europe.
• Ride along stunning Lake Constance and through the Allgäu for amazing cycling landscapes.
• Climb through Germany’s Black Forest, famous for its spas, cuckoo clocks and Grimm’s fairy tales!
• Cross from beer to wine regions as we roll into France into the stunning vineyard-clad hills of the Alsace, known for both!
• Climb the Ballon d’Alsace as our final haute categorie climb…or shirt around the choice is yours.
• Cruise through Burgundy along the Grands Crus Wine Route, one of France’s principal and best wine-producing areas.
• Explore and admire Europe’s intriguing history of castles and Chateaux in the Loire.
• Stay in Austria’s and France’s nationally awarded most beautiful villages! Alpbach in Austria and Eguisheim in France!
• Finish your trail in Lionheart’s footsteps in Fontevraud Abbey, home to Eleanor of Aquitaine and burial place of the Plantagenets.

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.

• Start in Venice, Europe's most famous city of canals.
• Ride into Prosecco country, vine clad hills, beautiful Italian villas and an excellent foodies send off!
• Ride the best of the Dolomites - the Sella Ronda, Passo Giau, Falzerago and the unforgettable San Boldo!
• Ride the lesser known but equally epic Austrian Alps including the Grossglockner, one of Europe's most challenging and best climbs!
• Austria's Rax National Park - few ride out of it not wondering if they have ever ridden anywhere better.
• Stay in Durnstein on the Danube, where Lionheart was imprisoned in the heart of the spectacular Wachau Region.
• Take in a palace or cathedral on your rest day in the gorgeous cities of Vienna and Salzburg (shuttle into town from hotels on the Danube and in the mountains).
• Enjoy the best bike paths in Europe through Austria and Germany - truly exceptional riding including along the magnificent Danube, one of Europe’s best rivers.
• Stay in stunning accommodation - castles, spas, boutique hotels and local delights.
• One of our best rest day locations on any tour - The Vollererhof spectacular in every way!