Highlights of Hannibal

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.