Vikings - Copenhagen to Alesund

Invaders, predators, barbarians – the Vikings are often portrayed as one-dimensional warriors whose achievements include little more than plundering and raiding. But from where did the Vikings originate? In 793, terror descended on the coast of Northumbria as armed raiders attacked the defenceless monastery of St Cuthbert on Lindisfarne. The terrified monks watched helplessly as the invaders made off with a haul of treasure and a clutch of captives. It was the first recorded raid by the Vikings, seaborne pirates from Scandinavia who would prey on coastal communities in north-western Europe for more than two centuries and create for themselves a reputation as fierce and pitiless warriors. We will journey into their heartland.

Building into the Odyssey we roll out of Copenhagen, against the flow of commuters of which 50% travel by bike. Leaving the Michelin Star capital of the world (which of course we will experience) we ride towards UNESCO Roskilde, home of Viking longships and gateway to the Isefjord where charming villages dot meadows that gently roll down to the lake. Crossing to one of Europe's cultural hubs Aarhus, we continue our journey which grows each day in ambition - Denmark is the flat cycling king of Europe and we will enjoy this tempo - knowing that ahead, once we cross the Kattegat (North Sea) the terrain will change. The Vikings raided all of Europe from these lands and their remnants are everywhere to be seen from shipyards to burial grounds, to Viking villages - we will travel with history as we board our own vessel to cross to Norway!

Landing in Kristiansand we know we have changed land formations as the hills grow and the waterfalls gush around us. We skirt the North Sea, via the amazing Under - a restaurant literally under the sea! Heading north we descend the 27 switchbacks of Lysebotn - this is a road that needs to be seen to be believed. Hitting the Lysefjord we take the breathtaking hike to Preikestolen - a rock lookout hanging out above the fjord - a terrifying sight, especially when tourists line the edges! We end our Stage 1 journey sailing into Bergen - as Vikings did centuries ago - it makes the perfect changeover point with its smorgasbord of restaurants, museums and heritage waterfront.

Stage 2 and the fjord expedition begins in earnest! With, of course, the best of rewards - epic roads, views and scenery, great hotels, restaurants and experiences. The Fjords of Norway are some of the most dramatic landforms on earth which makes this region a genuine marvel for road cyclists. Many are World Heritage listed and we ride along the best of them springboarding from one sparkling waterway to the next over amazing switchbacked roads past roaring waterfalls and pretty villages. Our journey begins as we boat along our first stage 2 fjord out of Bergen, heading east along the Hardangerfjord where we jump on our bikes. You'll have to concentrate hard as the views are spectacular! From Viking-built churches to cycling under the Skjervsfossen waterfalls, these are great riding days. At adventure capital Voss, we turn north boarding a boat to bridge the kilometre-deep spectacular Sognefjord heading into the Sognefjellet Mountains. The snowy peaks grow as we head to Grotti (which is very much not!) where we take you on a little diversion into our favourite local corner of this epic cycling region - see highlights below. Then back on the road the Dalsnibba and Geirangerfjord await - amazing scenery and must-sees in Norway - one of many on just this day on the bike as the Trollstigen 'Troll's path' lies ahead! Known as Norway's Alpe d'Huez we will ride down it (and back up if you are super keen!) before finishing our epic journey along the Atlantic Ocean road to beautiful Alesund.