Hannibal Odyssey Barcelona to Rome

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.