Loved all parts of this trip! It’s only when you do some in-depth chatting to the guides that you realise the enormity and critical aspects of the logistics. Accommodation and food was superb (I would really like to kidnap Ali, the cook on our Gulet and have him as my private chef)!!
So happy I was on the Fall trip – the weather was superb. I swam at every possible opportunity!
What an amazing trip. I am still in awe of the ability for you to come up with this concept, develop the itinerary, and think ‘outside the box’ to arrange the highly complex and detailed logistics that it entailed. It is an absolute testament to the team’s attention to detail and the ‘behind the scenes’ operations in moving people/bikes/provisions/border controls from place to place via shuttles, ferries.. it all appears so seamless to us, the clients.
Riding over the whole Col d’Agnel climb in 0 temperature was a highlight and a fab memory I will always have. I have never had frozen waterfalls on the side of the road while on a bike! And the excitement of lots of marmots along the way! The food on this trip was incredible, I have never eaten so well or so much! Henrik really knows his Italian food and wine and loved introducing us to local specialities. I also loved visiting the less-touristy towns like Modena, Cortona and Todi.
We are back in the UK now after our Epic Adventure! As the exhaustion settles the reality of what we achieved is mind-blowing! We cannot express enough how hard the guides worked, all scenarios were handled extremely well. Charlie was with us throughout the whole trip, we were super impressed with how he handled himself, he is funny, kind and nothing was too much trouble, we absolutely adore him.
Vikings totally exceeded my (very high) expectations. The attention to detail in routes, lunch spots, extra activities, hotels and meals was next level. And then the part I didn’t really anticipate – the level of care from the guides. They treated each of us individually, and made sure we could all have the riding holiday we wanted.
Vikings was even better than I had hoped. This was my first Bike Odyssey tour. I think our guide Henrik is simply the best I have met. His level of patience and 24 hour a day dedication to each rider is simply off the chart. I really enjoyed our guide and Historian, Tor. He added a lot because I have strong interest in history and culture. Tor also led Sandra and I on an epic day hike that is a bucket list hike for Norway. It was incredible!
I loved the luxury of Allies. It was one of, if not the, best holiday of my life and I have travelled a little ….. So memorable and that’s why I am on this one again. Work hard in life to enjoy great holidays. Plus being with Max on this tour is what it is all about.
If you want truly spectacular scenery, you’d be hard pressed to beat Vikings. The plethora of fjords, waterfalls & majestic mountains were breath-taking. The history of the regions is fascinating: William the Conqueror was a Viking descendant?! Food in Scandinavia is excellent, from Michelin star cuisine to high quality locally sourced fish, fruit and vegetables. The picnics are also healthy, nutritious and delicious. Overall it’s quite an involved schedule at times, involving numerous ferry rides connecting different islands / fjords but always meticulously arranged and ran like clockwork. Henrick as Tour Leader couldn’t do more to make sure everyone had a safe and enjoyable trip!
Excellent tour as usual from Bike Odyssey. Well planned out with daily distances taking into consideration ferries, elevation, and prior days’ exertions.
Henrick was a first-class tour leader, particularly for someone with my riding style (leave early, no breakfast, no lunch, just riding). It’s easy to be overlooked when my only contact with the guides is at the end of the day at the hotel. Yet Henrick made it a point of checking in, making sure I had enough food for the road, and going over the next day’s ride details.
Vikings was my 4th adventure with Bike Odyssey. I never look anywhere else! It’s beginning to feel like family. Of course the usual high standard of support and historical information that we expect now from Sam and the crew. The guides are dedicated and work constantly to ensure we have a wonderful holiday. Vikings was the next level of spectacular. Challenging, a visual extravaganza everywhere you looked, a must-do ride for anyone who wants to be wowed everyday. Got to be one of the best so far. Thanks Bike Odyssey, see you next year in Japan.
The Vikings tour was a completely different experience to cycling in Italy or France. The people, places, food & roads travelled were exceptional and gave me a first-hand experience of the cultural similarities and differences in Denmark and Norway – nature cultivated and nature in the wild.
Making memories on the road across Denmark and Norway was the experience of a lifetime. Stunning scenery at every turn – fjords, waterfalls, beautiful climbs and exhilarating descents – Vikings had it all. Our heartfelt thanks to the Bike Odyssey team for a genuinely gold star experience on two wheels.
What a trip of a lifetime. I wasn’t sure if I could manage given some health issues but I did every day. The ebikes were a great help, the guides were amazing and supportive and we all had the most amazing trip. The ROW was well covered, albeit commonwealth countries. The road bikers were great especially on the flats! I don’t think there was a day where we weren’t all together for the snacks lunches and dirty beers at the end of the day. Well done bike odyssey. A credit to the company. I LOVE Inaugural trips! I’m looking at my next trip!
We just returned from the Venetians bike tour having had one of our best holidays ever! We loved exploring the beautiful Dalmatian Coast, sipping cocktails by the Adriatic, eating beautiful meals at wineries and restaurants that stayed open just for us, walking through the beautiful cities of Split, Hvar, Korcula and Dubrovnik with our own historical guide….it couldn’t have been any better. Our guides bent over backward to ensure all we had to do was ride and enjoy. I would happily do the same trip again tomorrow!
I have done 4 trips with Backroads, 2 with Trek Travel, and biked across Italy with Ciclismo Classico. I chose Bike Odyssey this time for the length, locations offered and the value. Venetians far exceeded my expectations. Slovenia and Croatia rides were fabulous, hotels were the best available in the areas we covered. The guides were extremely supportive, pleasant and professional from assembly to repacking. I’ll join bike Odyssey for another experience soon.
Cycling in Morocco was a culturally immersive experience so incredibly different to the classic Europe scene. Challenging mountain climbs, stunning views, long descents; Morocco exceeded all expectations. The roads were surprisingly good, and we always felt safe. Bike Odyssey took such amazing care of us. Though the cycling was fantastic, it was the connection with the Moroccan country and its beautiful people that made this cycling trip so special. They were so open and welcoming. Morocco is a cycling destination we will be talking about forever.
Firstly, I want to express my gratitude to the Venetians Team, I thoroughly enjoyed the tour; the global group of riders were great and the support from Isabel, Henrick and Dario – superb. My net promoter score of the bike odyssey would be high and I would absolutely recommend this fabulous cycling tour. I had a great time and look forward to our paths crossing again in future. Please pass my sincere thanks to the divine support crew. Isabel you are a super star.
Every part of this adventure has exceeded our expectations. Because we have so truly enjoyed every other Bike Odyssey trip, our expectations were pretty high. Thank you so very much for your encouragement, patience, kindness and thoughtfulness. We are both looking forward to our next trip. Can’t wait to ride together again.
As I look at the Parthenon this evening from the rooftop restaurant… A fantastic historical tour with all and more than I had hoped for in knowledgeable historians of Yasir and our guides. Marjolein – fantastic rider and physio. James – the consummate professional guide. Special appreciation to Moritz for his diligence on the bike, enthusiasm, competence and engaging wit.
Bike Odyssey is the coolest cycle tour company in the cosmos! I can’t wait to get to the next tour! Thanks to Sam and the team.
The best guides in the business. 5 star everything with exercise, sightseeing and an historical banter from a real live Indiana Jones. This is a must-do company if you want a small, intimate, unique travel experience.
I could not recommend these guys more highly. Always friendly, professional and very organised. What they offer is an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to get out on the trails again soon!
I’ve ridden with Sam’s tours before. He’s a first rate guy running a fantastic operation. If you’re looking to mix culture, great saddle time, good food and wine and stellar company – look no further!
Che is my second tour with Sam and his team. It was great… again! I would highly recommend them and now wondering when I can line up my third tour.
A great trip. Challenging, but great rides with fantastic rest days. And the best, the last rest day in the mountain.
Amazing cycling tours. Family run business with excellent service. The Venetians tour was the best holiday I have ever had. Fantastic route, excellent accommodation, scrumptious food and the most delightful guides.
What a magnificent itinerary! The trip was very well organised; all I had to do was turn up in my lycra, rearing to go. Accommodation top notch. Cruising the Greek islands on a gulet – unforgettable.
Having gone on Othello, the Morocco tour, we signed up for Odyssey, the Turkey/Greece trip. Again, we were not disappointed – Sam and Isabel put on a good show. We will continue to patronize Bike Odyssey for all our international trips as they can’t be matched by other outfits. Highly recommend.
A wonderful experience with Bike Odyssey. There are very few cycle tour companies that offer tours lasting more than a few days. The trip included spectacular rides in Slovenia and Croatia, the former a lesser known bike destination. The tour was very well organized, the bike mechanics and tour guides were top notch. Lodging was the best available considering the small villages. Memories of this tour will last a lifetime. I am already planning for more Bike Odyssey trips.
I had the time of my life! The trip exceeded my expectations! The hotels were exceptional and unique, from the simple rural hotels to the 4/5 star hotels. Each hosted dinner was special and drinking as much wine as you wanted was a plus. The routes were challenging and breathtaking in their beauty. Most importantly, everyone: guides and fellow riders, made me feel at home.
Nothing was too much trouble. Wonderful accommodation and dining experiences throughout in both Morocco and Spain. It’s clearly evident that Bike Odyssey does their research thoroughly to seek out and deliver the best experience.
I doubt there is a cycling trip for avid cyclists that is equal to Bike Odyssey for organization, routes, accommodation and meals. From big plans to small details, quality and service are unsurpassed. … the support and creature comforts leave nothing to be desired.
Our ride in Morocco was so excellent, when we returned home I immediately booked another trip with Bike Odyssey. Everything was perfect, from the office staff and administrative arrangements to the quality of the bikes to the accommodations to the guides. Nothing was left unattended.
This was my third trip with Bike Odyssey and I would give it a perfect score. The guides were absolutely superb. They worked seamlessly as a team and as individuals. The riding was completely lovely and if you like to ride extra, the guides were very flexible in working with you so you could do as much or as little as you wanted. The combination of lovely riding and amazing history is unique to Bike Odyssey. I can’t think of a single negative thing to say.
PS the picnic lunches every day were a completely unexpected highlight.
A personal challenge with 5 star back up! Routes were fantastic; every day slightly different. Scenery, roads and gradients constantly varied. Great riding always. Food was beyond expectations…even for veggos! The accommodation was luxurious. Last, but certainly not least, the guides. I would do future tours for the guides alone! Loved the history and Sam’s calm approach to the day to day, no matter what.
Experiences that leave a lasting impression for me are generally ones that are aligned with my values and create an authentic connection. Bike Odyssey NZ 2022 led by Isabel and supported by Sarah and Sean in NZ and Nicky and Sam in Australia was an absolute standout. Isabel is an outstanding leader combining Intelligence, empathy and great organisational skills. To share this experience with my son Hugh has been an absolute privilege. I can’t wait to begin my next Bike odyssey adventure with Jane and your team in 2023.
Great support, great organisation, great fun, great Sam, great everything!!!
Fantastic personalised service & continuous attention to the needs of a diverse group of clients.
Great ride with great company and the best of meals. Bike Odyssey really look after me on these rides.
Very well organised, good route, excellent communication throughout and fabulous accommodation. Highly recommend Sam, Isabel and their support
Super professional as always, the route was stunning and challenging, loved the food all round especially the on road lunches provided by Issy!
The tour was essentially a push-bike circumnavigation of Tasmania over 3 weeks. It was fully supported with accommodation at some of Tasmania’s top hotels and a smattering of more modest accommodation at some more remote locations. Sam and Isi and the masseuse, Sarah couldn’t do enough for us to make our experience a fabulous one.
Whilst not cheapest bike riding holiday, you get what you pay for and this is a perfect example of that. I will continue to choose Bike Odyssey.
This was a hard ride — days had 1000 or more metres of climbing [with the option of more!] and an average of 100km of rolling terrain, but thoroughly enjoyable. Those discomforts were more than made up for by the scenery, food and wine. Sam was an attentive and skillful jack-of-all trades and Isabel was an energetic and enthusiastic presence at all times. Between them, they served up a varied and wonderful smorgasbord of hotels, meals and drinks. They consistently accommodated the varied and idiosyncratic requests of the touring group.
I’ve been on several supported tours over the last few years and Sam is heads and shoulders above when it comes to attention to details and impeccable support for the rides.
A really relaxing, well organised and enjoyable trip. Sam and Isi were enthusiastic, supportive and very personable tour leaders. Would heartily recommend Bike Odyssey trips.
Bike Tour was very well organised. Accommodation and meals were excellent. Riders were able to ride at own pace without hassles. Staff were very helpful, great fun and great people.
Sam Wood put together a most professional and fun custom tour of the NSW Snowies at short notice. We were treated to nourishing breakfasts, gourmet roadside lunches, and selected dinners, interspersed with a wonderful variety snacks and drinks during the rest breaks. On road support was amazing, with cue-laden GPS routes, and equal support and encouragement handed out to the fast riders, the relaxed riders, and everyone in between.
And, there was still time to set up and prepare lunch, clean up after the hungry horde, and be at the end-of-day accommodation with keys and any important information.
I would not hesitate to join one of the Bike Odyssey trips – either domestic or overseas. Nor would I hesitate have ask them to put together a custom trip for us again.
Surpassed all expectations (and they were already high!). Sam seemed to be everywhere, conjuring up fabulous meals, shopping, repairing bikes, filling water bottles and all with a cheerful smile. Highly recommended.
Our Bike Odyssey tour of Tasmania from Hobart to Launceston was a magical experience. The organization by Isabella and Sam was impeccable and the expertise in cycling an inspiration! The routes chosen were ideal to challenge and offer wonderful views of the countryside at the same time. The accommodation venues arranged were all of a high quality and we certainly appreciated the remedial massages with Sarah! We look forward to joining many future adventures with the amazing Bike Odyssey team!!
First Class Cycling
Bike Odyssey just continues to deliver. Fully supported, flexible riding options that cater for all. Feel like knocking off early or missing that section – no worries. Want to ride further or detour a challenging climb – they just make it happen so seamlessly. Outstanding catering along the way, then overnight in luxurious accommodation with top class meals.
The l’Etape Escape weekend away was another great adventure delivered by Sam and Isabel.
Once you join the Bike Odyssey family you will realise this is the only way to cycle.
Great week of riding and guide support. Well structured itinerary with some great stops along the way (winery, cheese factory, fish shop, famous pub etc). Suitable focus on “where is the next coffee” and great picnics.
Sam and Isabel do a great job of making the journey a pleasure.
THE way to see Tasmania! This must be the best way to see Tasmania! Riding pace to get around and fabulous food and accommodation to keep you fresh. I absolutely loved it, including the challenges like climbing kunyani/Mt Wellington and Jacob’s Ladder at Ben Lomond. Isabel and Sam were fantastic guides/hosts and the routes were well researched. Can’t wait to do another Bike Odyssey!
Sam and Isi set up short breaks in Australia to relieve the tedium of the Corona virus restrictions and the Berry break we joined on our tandem proved that Bike Odyssey was able to match the quality of their customary European trips here at home. The riding was unexpectedly challenging, utilising mostly quiet roads, the weather was satisfyingly pleasant and the company, support, food and accommodation were outstanding. Just as we have come to expect from Bike Odyssey!
Outstanding support & customer service. Tassie Down Under was my first Bike Odyssey and I couldn’t have been more thrilled with how it all went! Sam and Isabel leave nothing to chance. They are super organized and extremely accommodating to the varying needs of each person on tour. The support they gave us both on and off the bike was absolutely outstanding. The accommodation was high end and the meals were incredible. I’m already planning my next Bike Odyssey and it won’t be my last!
Sam provided support for our 7 day Snowy Mountains bike tour… day 1 I thought this was pretty good having morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea all sorted without thinking about it. As the days and k’s rolled on I reset my thinking to “how far to Sam” such was the fabulous support and treats each stop provided.
Choosing a supported bike tour is easy now, just select which Bike Odyssey trip to go on, simple!
A trip of a lifetime cycling through Spain, France & Italy – Pyrenees, Mediterranean, French Alps, iconic climbs, renowned wine regions, medieval villages and most importantly new friends from the Hannibal Odyssey.
A great trip all around; beautiful Tasmania countryside, well organized, excellent communication, helpful leaders (Cam for President), outstanding restaurants and mostly top-quality hotels. I especially appreciate Sam driving us two hours to the airport due to our leaving the trip early. Very kind of him.
A challenging, gratifying and memorable trip.
Amazing way to see the world with a fantastic company. I recommend this trip to everyone!
Had the best guides on the best roads, the accommodation was second to none, navigation was spot on and the food was exceptional!
I just did the Lionheart tour. The Bike Odyssey routes, accommodation, food and history talks – all amazing. But what made the trip outstanding was that Sam and his team went the extra mile (often literally!) to keep us safe, healthy and happy.
Fantastic trip and fantastic attention to detail from the team. Bike Odyssey sweats the details so you can just enjoy the riding, eating and the views.
The best in the business – sensational, organised and professional sums up the Bike Odyssey Team. The route planning is impeccable taking in the quiet roads and stunning scenery. Every day ends in another top class and unique accommodation with tasty regional food and wine. Nothing to think about once on the trip except the all important riding your bike.
Outstanding scenery, accommodation and food. Everything is taken care of for you, just get on your bike and enjoy the amazing scenery and excellent roads with very little traffic.
Thanks Sam and everyone at Bike Odyssey for a truly memorable holiday.
Extremely happy. Awesome route and on-road support, fantastic accommodation and food. As good as Hannibal which was my best overseas experience to date.
The trip was simply brilliant. The team were outstanding in their organisation and I always felt respected and very safe on the road. Our bikes and gear were well cared for, the food and accommodation was amazing, the riding routes extremely well scouted and thought through. I highly recommend Bike Odyssey and look forward to enjoying another adventure with them in future.
Hands down the best holiday I have had. Great food and accommodation, unbelievable levels of support from the Bike Odyssey team and the ability to completely unplug for large stints each day made this an epic break.
I’ll definitely be back.
If there was an option to rate 6 star, I would!
What an experience – there is nothing I would change. From start to finish, the location, the rides, the seamless transfers of my gear each day, the fantastic group of people riding, and the brilliant guides supporting us daily. I cannot wait to book another tour. Yes it is the only bike tour I have done, however, pretty certain it rates as one of the best.
I did this trip on an ebike as I am not a cyclist. The organisation by Bike Odyssey made life easier. Routes were plotted, coffee was planned and picnic lunches set up perfectly. The guides were professional; Max has a gift with people and inspired us every day. Our bikes were expertly maintained and our bodies too with professional massages. We had amazing food, saw places we would never have known about, made special friendships and new memories that will last a lifetime. Would I travel with Bike Odessey again? I’m already planning it.
I enjoyed my 10 days as a non-riding partner. Whilst my husband was riding through the Alps, I was hiking to a lake, enjoying a wine tasting or two and taking part in an Italian cooking lesson. We wandered through local markets and enjoyed our accommodation in Castles and Villas in vineyards with magnificent views! The Bike Odyssey crew are welcoming, informative and friendly. I have no hesitation in recommending Bike Odyssey for the non rider, although I will definitely be riding next time on an e-bike! My husband is already planning the next one!
THE trip for serious cyclists who also appreciate life après-ride.
Bike Odyssey’s Hannibal trip has it all: challenging cycling (including the most noted climbs of France and some very spiky ascents in Italy), outstanding support, fine dining, quality accommodations.
This was a very challenging cycling trip, riding in the Pyrenees of Spain and France, the French Alps and Apennines of Italy. If you want the best cycling Europe has to offer, this is the trip to take. Bike Odyssey provided expert support and knowledge, super accommodations and excellent cuisine (picnic lunches and tremendous restaurant choices). New friendships created made this trip an epic experience. Look forward to my next Bike Odyssey trip!
First tour was Tassie. Had a great time. Looking forward to doing Morocco in 2021.
As inexperienced cyclists we were very capably supported throughout the wonderful Che tour, an exotic, challenging and exciting experience. Wonderful arrangements, great guides and support staff, and the ability to adapt to the different needs of the riders and local situations. They were also great at helping the group gel and work well together.
Having toured with Sam and team on Hannibal in 2017 we signed up again in 2019 for another custom tour. The quality of the whole experience was impressive, from the route choice on the most scenic and quiet roads to the exceptional accommodation and regional food. All done in a relaxed way made us feel we were in safe hands.
There’s no better way to see these countries, especially the Andes. Cycling routes were challenging and time off the bike was spectacular. Accommodation was a destination in itself. Guides were excellent! It was tough but the rewards made every pedal stroke worthwhile. The 80km lakeside route culminating in the climb of Volcan Osorno was awesome and, as always, rewarded with a pisco sour. Great people, great challenges and countries that took me to places I’d never imagined! I’ll be lining up for another tour next year.
Everything was done exceptionally well – from the amazing route and scenery, the scrumptious picnic lunches, the fantastic accommodation and first class evening meals. The relaxed, yet organized atmosphere that Sam and Cam created among all the riders was the cherry on the cake. This was my first tour with Bike Odyssey and I give them the highest of recommendations.
An excellent experience from the first enquiry to the last day of the holiday. The routes, accommodations, picnics and the support on the road were all excellent throughout the trip. The routes well thought out and the bike I hired from them was excellent.
Sam and the Bike Odyssey team exceeded our expectations on every level. Each and every day of our first European cycle adventure delivered memories of people and places that will last a lifetime. A test of mind and body, but a rich and rewarding experience that has whet the appetite for more of the same. We’ll be back.
Without a doubt your guides are the best I’ve had on any tour, and I’ve ridden more tours than I can count across the US, Europe and South America. This is what will keep me coming back to Odyssey tours. Also extremely important – willingness to let riders leave whenever they want in the morning and have the bikes out and ready to ride early. Much appreciated.
Organising a custom tour in a foreign country where you are not fluent in the language can be intimidating as you are always trying to consider your groups individual needs and abilities. The Bike Odyssey team was able to provide a very high end and seamless experience; prompting the riding group’s sign up for Lionheart. Sam’s approach is calm and confident and the route choice as well as accommodation was memorable. I would highly recommend engaging Bike Odyssey.
Eastern Explorer Excellence!! We had such a fantastic two week custom tour with Bike Odyssey. 9 friends from Adelaide, of varying abilities, embarked on an epic 1,400kms from Görlitz on the German/Polish border, all through Poland, with a rest day in Gdańsk, ending in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. The organisation of the trip was perfect, Max and Francesca our tour leaders could not have done more for us. Great hotels, wonderful food, and great technical help from Frannie who made us all into Hammerhead converts and experts within no time at all! No more dodgy paper maps and getting lost, Hammerheads are the way forward! Literally!
Thanks Bike Odyssey for a brilliant tour, we look forward to the next one!
Well, what can I say other than brilliant! Hannibal 2017 was 16 days of brilliant riding, excellent accommodation and the guides were just second to none. Sam, Max and the team are committed to ensuring that you have the trip of a lifetime, to which I did. I would recommend bike odyssey as the best cycling company to take you on an adventure through Europe and beyond! Do it!!!…..you won’t regret a single minute. Thanks Sam and team for a wonderful trip!
The cycling routes, guides, food, wine and accommodation were all great. Such a memorable trip. I highly recommend bike odyssey.
Awesome Guides, fantastic accommodation, best riding ever. If you ride a bike, book a holiday with these guys. You won’t regret it!
Thank you Max for being such an excellent guide during our Hannibal Tour. Your infectious enthusiasm was invaluable and the way you supported the whole group each day was fabulous. I felt very safe with you as our tour leader during the first few days and appreciate your motivating and fun loving personality from the beginning to the end of the trip. And last but not least, your Spanish mints (with accompanying jingle) each morning were vital to a good start to the day.
I felt that all the guides and their contributions were extraordinary. All went over and above to ensure that we were in the right place. Their individual and team contributions were excellent as was their personal skill sets. All were able to walk the talk with no trouble.
The guides were amazing…..excellent in fact. Particular mention has to go to Mark. He is as solid and reliable and friendly as you could ever wish for. Nothing was too much for him – he was ever present and friendly. The image of him at the top of Col Agnel in gale force words and horizontal rain, packing bikes into the trailer will stay with me for a long time. The other guides were all excellent and genuinely could not do enough. They made the trip very easy and all we had to do was concentrate on riding our bikes.
I was captivated from the first by the notion of historically themed epic cycling journeys, but I had no idea about the level of real support that Sam and his team was going to provide. Our journey was certainly epic in every way; the daily distances stretched me physically and we were unlucky to cop some really wet weather during the first weeks of the tour. The support really amazed me. There were days when we arrived at our destination soaked and nearly done in, but our bikes were whisked away for clean up and we were met with enthusiastic congratulations from the team and snacks and drinks for an immediate pick-me-up. This was always followed by utter relaxation in wonderful accommodation and great food. On the ride itself, the bike guides were a revelation to me. The last part of the climb to the Gotthardt was looking a bit grim until a smiling face appeared at my side and suggested a pause for a photo opportunity might just let me catch my breath. Despite being the last rider at the col who wanted to make the cold descent in the mist, companion riders and guides all encouraged me to go for it.
Despite having had a “one in a century event” as far as the amount of rainfall is concerned (there have been record floods in this part of the world), and precipitation for 5 out of the past 6 days, everyone is still in good spirits and, if anything, the sense of a group identity is stronger than ever. This in itself is a fine testament to both Sam’s organisation and the great team he has put together to support us. And the service in making sure all our bikes are cleaned up, re-lubed, and with gears tuned each morning – often in the rain – through these days of inclement weather has been magnificent. Through it all, Sam has remained totally unfazed and this has helped us all through. With the fantastically conceived historical nature of this trip, the brilliant route and wonderful accommodation as well – not to mention Sam’s excellent historical interpretations – it’s hard to imagine a more interesting, rewarding and challenging tour.
As a 65 yr old with 2 metal hips, I joined Sam’s very first Hannibal tour, with some appreciable trepidation. But any misgivings I might have entertained dissipated quickly. Stunning views, friendly and ever helpful guides, scrumptious local fare and excellent accommodation more than compensated for the fading grumblings of an initially reluctant body. By the 3rd day all fatigue was forgotten as I made friends with riders from very different backgrounds, learnt some useful lingo and soaked up sights, smells and history of a most interesting part of the World.
Sam did a faultless job running the tour from the hotels to the food, the support, the hire bikes and the incredible history of Hannibal along the way, I cannot imagine how it could have been executed any better. The guides were professional, dedicated, friendly and supportive. Their experience shone through and is their greatest asset.
I already have my next epic tour planned, and it wont be the last.
The Hannibal Expedition has been the major riding highlight of my 20-year riding career. The scenery, food, wine and accommodation were something I have no hesitation in recommending. For me, the greatest plus was achieving the challenge the Hannibal Expedition’s thoughtfully crafted route provides. Plenty of personal challenge, in beautiful and historic countries, with almost no traffic. What more could you ask for?
The guides? What a team! On and off the bike the guys could not have been better. Their focus was on ensuring that everyone was safe and enjoying themselves. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble. They handled sometimes difficult situations , with grace, and good humour. And as an added bonus Mark and Dirk’s photography is simply stunning. So I’ve done 2 epic trips now, thoroughly indulged and enjoyed myself both times.
Max, Sam and Mark, what a trip! The finest food and wine from France, the best roads of Germany, Polish castles, new age Baltic states, and behind the romance of Russia. We did more than follow Napoleon’s footsteps, we opened up a new world. My life is enriched because of the 2015 Napoleon tour.
Sam, a fantastic tour for the adventurous with the usual epic adventure standards – well researched, great accommodation and meals and the best of guides and support. This tour has a variety of landscapes, terrain, cultures and is filled with history both ancient and modern. There wasn’t a day when I thought I’d prefer to be somewhere else.
Sam, Max, and Mark, thanks guys, in your role as tour operators and guides your professionalism, work rate, attention to detail and commitment was second to none.
Sam, your team did a magnificent job in the planning & executing of this tour – the castles, chateaux, monasteries & mansions we stayed in were amazing ( who could forget Ziggy?)!
What an amazing holiday! You can eat and drink as much as you like and you still go home fitter and trimmer than when you left! Wait till Woman’s Weekly or Cosmo hear about this holiday! You guys’ll be booked solid till early retirement. This was undoubtedly the best long weekend of my life so far. I’ll be back next year for at the very least a full stage, if not more! My legs look forward to cashing this cheque which my hand is currently writing!
The guides were excellent! They think ahead and are always making the best experience for the riders, whether making sure the bikes are in top condition, the picnic lunch is in “the spot”, or the evening meal is an experience to remember. They are happy to answer questions on route and change things as weather or circumstance require. Sam’s historical knowledge and his willingness to share this knowledge really added to the trip. I am very much looking forward to riding with them again.
This was by far the most fun I have had on a bike. It was a pretty stern physical test for me, and thus perfect. I eyed off the van once or twice but never had to get in it. Lovely places and lovely routes that you would never find by yourself, and all fully supported.
Hannibal Barca, the wily Carthaginian General, was a fine strategist and leader. His attempt to conquer Rome by taking war elephants across the Alps was a real feat. If you wish to ride across the Alps, in fine style, without the support of war elephants, then you should sign up for this tour. They are great operators and their tour is first class.
It is a rare thing to experience something that changes your perspective on life permanently, even more rare when that something is a choice, and not a challenge that life has forced upon you.
The Hannibal Tour did just that. This Tour covered some of the most extraordinary landscape I will ever see. Meeting the physical challenge of 26 days of cycling when I have never in my life before been a cyclist has left me with an incredible belief that anything is possible in life. I have made lifelong friends from across the globe. We all laughed hard, ate and drank like kings. At the top of the Alps I cried with joy. All this, from the seat of a bicycle.
Sam obviously put a lot of time and effort into researching and organising this tour. The detail is obvious from the start and resulted in a magnificent experience. The hotels, restaurants, routes, lunch stops, coffee breaks and extras such as wine tastings and farmhouse meals were superb. An added feature of their tours is the historical aspect in regard to our location. I feel very lucky to have found this tour and able to participate as it was challenging, unforgettable and a great opportunity to meet other like minded cyclists and create new friendships. It was hard coming home after such a unique experience. Thank you Sam.
To go on a trip that has congruency with the challenge of the ride – the epic history, gastronomy, the culture, the landscapes and to provide such intelligent support is amazing. I loved it, felt challenged, gave myself to the whole experience and have no criticisms; just grateful for a marvelous trip.
The 25 days I spent on the road with Sam was the best month I have had in my life. To be able to travel through Spain, France and Italy, and to see, do, eat and enjoy so much, was a real privilege. Sam eliminates any stress that may come with such a huge undertaking. Really, all you have to do is keep pedalling and not lose control of your bike when you pinch yourself to check you are not actually dreaming.