Europe Cycling Tours | Barcelona to Rome

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 2026 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.

Historic cycling centre Girona, a genuine cycling mecca! This is one of the finest cities in the world to ride from.
A world-renowned cycling paradise, home of international pro cycling teams whom we will see training on the roads around the city.
The Costa Brava... beautiful Spanish Pueblos as we roll across Catalonia and along the Mediterranean with a fantastic rugged coastline and smooth perfect roads.
Infamous Rococorba! A challenging and renowned climb just outside of Girona, one of the pro's favourites.
Exceptional Catalan food and history on our doorstep.

A beautiful chateau base in a spectacular provincial village below France's most famous cycling destination - Mont Ventoux.
Classic Provençal scenery - vast vineyards and rolling lavender - France's awarded most beautiful villages Gordes, Venasque, Vaison-la-Romaine and Roussillon.
Some of the country's best cycling in the Gorges de la Nesque and Luberon, this day is one of the great French riding days.
Exceptional French cuisine and local wines like Châteauneuf-du-Pape - a high end culinary experience

La Grave is officially one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France) for its historic village setting and amazing mountain views - it is a gem!
One of our favourite hotels and hosts - Robin and Marlon always make us so welcome in this ski lodge retreat with fantastic food and wine.
The opportunity to ride some of the cycling greats (as much or as little as you wish) - Col du Galibier, Alpe d'huez, Col Izoard, Col du Lautaret, Montgenevre, Col Granon
Or just enjoy the mountain setting - it is spectacular with glaciers perched above us in all directions.

Monforte d'Alba - A magic village in the heart of Italy's best wine region, Barolo, adjacent to their home of chocolate Alba - perfection!
Nebbiola wines, Ferrero Rocher chocolates and some of the best cycling in Italy.
Cycle vine clad ridgelines of the Langhe region to stunning wine villages - Barolo, La Morra, Nieve and more.
The home of slow food - Italy's best food and wines come from this region, locals assure us and to be honest we agree!
Follow the tire tracks of the greatest Italian cyclist, Fausto Coppi through the Langhe and Monferrato.

Beautiful Pienza, our home for 3 nights is a Tuscan gem and the perfect location to explore this region from.
The classic Tuscan landscape of Val d'Orcia - rolling hills, rustic farmhouses, vineyards and olive groves and cypress trees - idyllic cycling.
Medieval hilltowns - Siena, Cortona, Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulciano combined with Hanniballic history at Lake Trasimene.
Magic wine and food - Brunello, truffles, olive oils... and endless list of the Italian hits!
Atmospheric Lake Trasimene where Hannibal's superior tactics destroyed a complete Roman army, even today, 2300 years later, the locals live the history with streets and towns named after the devastating events of that day

Stage	Dates	Days/Nights	Distance*	Grading*	Cost (Euros)
Highlights of Hannibal	25 August - 9 September	16/15	1242km / 772mi		EUR 11,500

Stage	Highlights of Hannibal
Dates	25 Aug - 9 Sep
Days/Nights	16/15
Distance	1242km / 772mi
Grading*	3-5 x
Cost	EUR 11,500

Rates are based on twin share. Single supplement = €110 per night.
For bike rental options please click here.
Distance* Please note these kms are for the full day's ride. Options are available every day for shorter and longer distances and support is always at hand if you ever want a lift or break.
Grading* This is the maximum grading. This departure is designed to be flexible and appropriate for 3-5* riders.
Between each of our locations - Catalonia, Provence, Alps, Piedmont and Tuscany we shuttle the group in private luxury vans. En route we will stop for lunch in a carefully chosen location (for example a winery or castle). These shuttles average 4 hours.

In 2009 Sam rode the Hannibal tour route for the BBC making the documentary On Hannibal's Trail. From this the Hannibal tour was born....

On Hannibal’s Trail is a six part BBC documentary filmed in Spain, France, Italy and Tunisia. The adventure involved Sam, Ben and Danny Wood bicycling more than 3,500km / 2,200miles on the trail of the Carthaginian commander who fought ancient Rome. The show was broadcast on BBCFour in 2010 and on BBC2 in 2012. The first episode aired on BBC2 in January 2012. It was viewed by more than 1.5 million people. Due to its popularity, it has been broadcast in over 70 countries by National Geographic Channel and Viasat.

Watch the introduction to the documentary below. Note that on the tour there are no panniers or races. This was just for entertainment! If you'd like to watch more get in touch with us - [email protected] or the check out the BBC On Hannibal's Trail page here.

On my BBC documentary, we pitched tents every night….. as much fun as that was, I wanted to make this tour as comfortable as it could be. After a day in the saddle, I think a fantastic dinner, a glass of wine and a very comfortable place to relax and sleep is essential to getting the most out of a tour. Thus, we have chosen places which are authentic and unique. Whether it be a castle, a monastery or an agriturismo, I guarantee you will love the places we stay in each night as much as the rides we do in the day. On the Highlights of Hannibal we average 4* across the Odyssey. Below are the 5 hotels we will use.

Spain: Catalonia

Catalan food, on the whole, is excellent and very healthy. It is part of the famed Mediterranean diet that is rich in beans, pulses, fish (sardine, anchovy, tuna, and cod), pork prepared in as many ways as you can imagine, vegetables (especially tomato, garlic, eggplant, aubergine, capsicum, artichokes and mushrooms), and olive oil. The essence of all good Catalan food lies in its range of exceptional sauces for fish and meat. And there is always paella. This dish famous all along the coast, is presented in a different way every single time you have it. It is filling and delicious, whether you like it with fish, meat or just vegetables.

The Catalan region of Spain has a long winemaking tradition and was the birthplace of the sparkling wine Cava. It was invented in the early 1870s by Josep Raventos of the Codorniu Winery in Sant Sadurni d’Anoia. At the turn of the 20th century, the Catalan wine industry led Spain's emergence as a world leader in quality wine production. The area is also an important cork producing region, with output aimed primarily at the local Cava houses. Who does not love a glass of bubbly at the end of a day’s ride?

France: Provence

Provençal cooking is naturally tasty and flavoursome, due to the sun-kissed produce that is readily available in this region. The food here resembles more closely the sumptuous cuisine of Italy than Parisian meat-and-potatoes bistro fare. With emphasis on super ripe fresh vegetables, seafood, fresh herbs and a liberal helping of olive oil in every dish, traditional Provencal cuisine blends intense flavours and simple ingredients. Provence is the birthplace of three world renowned dishes: salade Nicoise, bouillabaisse and ratatouille. The first, literally meaning "Nice-style salad," is an elaborate, layered entrée with crisp greens, tomatoes, boiled potatoes and haricots verts dressed with vinaigrette, hard-boiled eggs, olives and seared tuna steak. Bouillabaisse, a saffron-infused seafood stew, combines freshly caught Mediterranean fish and shellfish in a luscious tomato broth. It is usually served with a toasted baguette slathered in aioli, a traditional creamy garlic sauce. Ratatouille is simply stewed vegetables, but there is nothing simple about its taste. Usually tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini and onion softened in fruity, garlic-tinged olive oil, it is a dish bursting with the deep rich flavours of the vegetables.

The Provence region sits along the Mediterranean coast of France and is blessed with a fantastic climate for grapes. The region gets a lot of sunshine and not too much rain with warm days and cool evenings. The Mediterranean moderates the temperatures and the famous “Mistral” wind keeps the vineyards dry, free of pests and the skies clear. Wine has been made here for over 2600 years with their focus on Rosé and is home to the only research institute dedicated to the style.

Italy: Piedmont and Tuscany

Piedmont's cuisine is famous for the immense variety of antipasti. The famous bagna càuda begins the meal with pieces of raw vegetables served with a heated sauce of garlic and anchovies in mixed olive oil and butter. The local variation of fonduta is an egg yolk enriched fondue made with Fontina cheese, milk, plenty of butter, and sometimes garnished with shaved white truffle. There is no better way to start a meal.

When you arrive in Tuscany you will be faced with only one doubt about the food and that is “What are the foods I can’t miss, what will I regret not having eaten?” So, this is the one dish that is an absolute non-misser for me: Castagnaccio. It is a traditional cake made by a dough of chestnut, water, olive oil, pine nuts and raisins, baked and best served with ricotta, chestnut honey or sweet wines such as Vin Santo. It is very common to the Apennine mountainous area of Tuscany. It can be eaten all year round because it’s good both warm and cold, but is a typically autumnal dessert - perfect for our trip through Hannibal. Do not miss this!

Italy is home to some of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, and Italian wines are known worldwide for their broad variety. Romans started the winemaking and it was prolific and well-organized, pioneering large-scale production and storage techniques like barrel making and bottling.

Over 2000 years later, Italy is still leading the way. It is the world’s largest wine producer by volume, representing about ⅓ of global production. Grapes are grown in almost every region of the country and there are more than one million vineyards under cultivation. The sun-drenched North-South peninsula embodies pockets of geographical, geological, and climatic perfection for the production of quality wine. Over the last thirty years, some of the best wines ever produced anywhere have come out of Italy: Amarone, Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino and Passito di Pantelleria.

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.

That achievement, leading the largest land animal over one of the biggest mountain chains, was just part of an incredible journey that took Hannibal and his force of sixty thousand men from southern Spain, through France, into Italy via the Alps and finally, over the sea and back to the now-Tunisian city of Carthage. For Hannibal Barca this was a very personal conflict - a family affair. As a boy he'd sworn to his father Hamilcar that he would fight Rome to the death with his top generals (his two brothers) Hasdrubal and Mago. Their struggle was the main event during the biggest and bloodiest conflict of ancient times, the century long Punic Wars (264-146 BC). With Hannibal as commander, it really looked as if Carthage was going to win. European civilisation came so close to being something very different – Rome-free, and yet Rome totally dominates our imagination when we think about the ancient world. When Hannibal lived, things were very different.

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.

Janice Wallace, Hannibal 2024

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.

Karen Errington, Hannibal 2024

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.

Adrian Amelse, Hannibal 2022

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.

Linda Nairn, Hannibal 2019

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!

Karen Cunningham, Hannibal 2019

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.

Bruce Libin, Hannibal 2019

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!

Charles Morgan, Hannibal 2019

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.

Paul Traynor, Hannibal Custom Tour

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.

Paul Traynor, Custom Tour 2017

The cycling routes, guides, food, wine and accommodation were all great. Such a memorable trip. I highly recommend bike odyssey.

Sarah Armstrong, Hannibal 2017

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.

Megan Rigney, Hannibal 2017

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.

Martyn Smith, Hannibal 2017

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.

Pat Marshall, Hannibal 2017

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.

Bob Hofman, Hannibal 2016

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.

Jason Langer, Hannibal 2017

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?

Stephen Seymour, Hannibal 2017

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!

Will Wetherall, Hannibal 2017

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.

Stephen Seymour, Hannibal 2017

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.

Ted Robinson, Hannibal 2017

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.

Roddy Johnson, Hannibal 2017

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.

Jason Langer, Hannibal 2017

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.

Kay Jacob, Hannibal 2017

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.

Bernadette Redfern, Hannibal 2017

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.