Serious cyclists, take note: from Sept. 3–30 you can ride through Spain, France and Italy following a route inspired by Hannibal Barca, the Carthaginian general often regarded as one of history’s greatest military commanders. The 28-day Hannibal Expedition is organized by Ride and Seek and was conceived by company founder Sam Wood, who contributed to the BBC documentary On Hannibal’s Trail. The tour is offered in two stages — Barcelona to Alba in 15 days, and Alba to Rome in 14 days — and combines challenging climbs, scenic passes and culturally rich towns.
The expedition begins in Barcelona, traversing Catalonia and the Pyrenees into Céret, a town once frequented by artists including Picasso. From there the route heads north and tackles famed alpine climbs such as Mont Ventoux, Col du Galibier, Alpe d’Huez, Colle dell’Agnello and Col d’Izoard. These ascents are legendary among cyclists and provide a mix of steep gradients, high-altitude views and memorable riding days.
Stage two leads riders into Italy’s Apennine region, a varied landscape of vineyards, castles and charming hill towns. The route crosses from Piedmont into the Oltrepò Pavese and then into Emilia-Romagna, where the itinerary highlights the region’s celebrated culinary centers: Reggio Emilia, Modena, Parma and Piacenza. This portion of the trip includes climbs that mirror those seen in professional racing, including routes used in the Giro d’Italia, and balances demanding cycling with ample opportunities to sample regional cuisine and local culture.
The full 28-day, 27-night expedition covers approximately 1,667 miles. Pricing starts at €10,080 per person (roughly $14,509), and the organizer also offers the option to join a single stage: stage one (about 908 miles) or stage two (about 758 miles). The itinerary is aimed at well-conditioned cyclists seeking an ambitious, historically themed ride across three countries, supported by logistics and local knowledge from the tour operator.
This expedition blends athletic challenge with cultural and gastronomic highlights, making it an option for riders who want strenuous, long-distance cycling combined with the experience of iconic landscapes and towns across Spain, France and Italy.