Bike Odyssey

In Stage 3 we will be exploring mainland Greece for the first 10 days, 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 north into Sterea Eliada, with magnificent archaeology at Delphi and the pass of Thermopylae. Skirting the beautiful Pelion Peninsula, our target in the Pierian Mountains is the home of the ancient gods, Mount Olympus, and what better mountain to conquer on our modern day Odyssey! We descend from the clouds to weave between the hugely impressive huge rock pillars of Meteora, which are surmounted by monasteries. 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.

Ride one or more sections - see the full tour schedule.

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.

Ride one or more sections - see the full tour schedule.

A true climber's start to Hannibal as we take on the best the Pyrenees has to offer - Col de Pourtalet, Col d'Aubisque, Col du Soulor, Col du Tourmalet, Col d’Aspin & Col de Peyresourde.
Spectacular scenery throughout, compare the rugged beauty of the Pyrenees to the peaked majesty of the Alps!
Tour de France routes many times over including in 2018 all the way to Carcassonne.
Cathar country past another of their amazing fortresses Chateau Montségur.
Regroup in Carcassonne.

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.

Ride one or more sections - see the full tour schedule.

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 Bosphurus 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 cycling tour of Turkey (the riders favourite UCI World event) is known for the same spectacular scenery. Taking in Gallipoli and Ephesus our historical journey spans the ages, then head towards Bodrum down the Lycian Way into the Turkish Riviera, also popularly known as the Turquoise Coast. We finish our Turkish adventure on the stunning Teke Peninsula which shows this country off at its most staggeringly beautiful - sweeping sandy beaches hugging a coastline gently caressed by jade waters, backed by forest-blanketed slopes dotted with ancient settlements. Scenery doesn't get much better!

Stage 2 is an island hopping adventure taking in the very best of Greek Island living. From the Dodecanese, Cyclades, Crete and into Athens this is a magical time on bike and boat! We start on Rhodes, which abounds in beaches, wooded valleys and ancient history. After circumnavigating the isle we hop, skip and ride through the Dodecanese rolling on our bikes along ancient pathways, never for long without a view of the azure Mediterranean waters. To the Cyclades we cross Naxos, Delos and Santorini then down to the biggest island - and arguably the most beautiful of them all - Crete. Crete is spectacular - historic cities, rugged rolling hills, stunning waters as usual and some of the best archaeological sites anywhere in Greece. From Heraklion we roll into the hinterland via gems such as Knossos, Zeus's home at Mount Ida and the Samaria Gorge to Venetian Chania, where we fast ferry to the modern and ancient capital of Greece, Athens.

In Stage 3 we will be exploring mainland Greece for the first 10 days, 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 north into Sterea Eliada, with magnificent archaeology at Delphi and the pass of Thermopylae. Skirting the beautiful Pelion Peninsula, our target in the Pierian Mountains is the home of the ancient gods, Mount Olympus, and what better mountain to conquer on our modern day Odyssey! We descend from the clouds to weave between the hugely impressive huge rock pillars of Meteora, which are surmounted by monasteries. 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.

Ride one or more sections - see the full tour schedule.

From the soaring Byzantine dome of the Aya Sofya in Istanbul, and across the glittering island studded Mediterranean. '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 Bosphurus 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 cycling tour of Turkey (the riders favourite UCI World event) is known for the same spectacular scenery. Taking in Gallipoli and Ephesus our historical journey spans the ages, then head towards Bodrum down the Lycian Way into the Turkish Riviera, also popularly known as the Turquoise Coast. We finish our Turkish adventure on the stunning Teke Peninsula which shows this country off at its most staggeringly beautiful - sweeping sandy beaches hugging a coastline gently caressed by jade waters, backed by forest-blanketed slopes dotted with ancient settlements. Scenery doesn't get much better!

Ride one or more sections - see the full tour schedule.

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 T√©l√©graphe, 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.

Ride one or more sections - see the full tour schedule.

Take a leisurely stroll on a beach to visit the incredible Piedra de la Iglesia (the church rock), or the equally impressive Arco de los Amorados (lover’s arc)
Roll along the stunningly rugged Pacific coast with its beautiful architectural hotels which we regularly take advantage of.

Experiencing the famous Maule region's mouth-watering oceanic food culture
Visit and swim if you dare in the chilling waterfall of Salto Los Indios!
Roll through spectacular wine regions of Chile - The Casablanca, Maipu and Colchagua Valleys, tasting for yourself why their wines have such worldwide acclaim

Ride one or more sections - see the full tour schedule.

Triple crossing the World’s second highest mountain range - The Andes!
Gaze up at Volcan Villarrica, one of Chile's most awesome sights
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 stage at Corralco Mountain under Volcan Lonquimay

Ride one or more sections - see the full tour schedule.

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 Bariloche, Argentina, we follow in his footsteps, criss-crossing over the Andes into the breathtaking lake districts and volcanoes of Patagonia, then north along the exceptional Pacific Coast and wine regions of Chile—the Casablanca, Maipu, and Colchagua valleys—before finishing just south of Santiago, Chile. 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 it's 2022 departure!

Ride one or more sections - see the full tour schedule.

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 Allg√§u 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.