Hannibal – Classic Climbs of the Pyrenees and Alps

Join us on a ride of historical proportions as we ride the classic climbs of the Pyrenees and Alps from Biarritz to Alba. Cycling on some of Europe’s most iconic and picturesque bike touring routes through France, and Italy, this epic journey also takes on the most iconic leg of Hannibal’s journey.

Divided into two stages the Hannibal tour takes in some of the finest cycling you could ever wish to find. Picture postcard views abound as we traverse some of the iconic climbs of the Grand Tours, roll through the vineyards of the Languedoc, Provence, and then over the Alps into Piedmont, Italy.

Experience total immersion in the landscape, history, and culture of the places we visit as we ride this inspirational iconic trail on the road less travelled. Discover from the saddle why crossing the Alps in 218 BC was a major turning point in history.

This was the clash of the ancient superpowers. If Hannibal had been victorious against Rome our world today would be completely different. The Western world wouldn’t have Rome at its origins, rather a Middle Eastern colony based in North Africa!



Team Members on this Tour

Guido Gazzaniga
Rachel Andersen
Ben Kane



Hannibal – Classic Climbs of the Pyrenees and Alps

The Itinerary for the Hannibal – Classic Climbs is split into 2 stages. Riders may participate in either or both of the stages.

Stage 1 –  Biarritz to Bedoin 

Join us in Biarritz for a cycling adventure of a lifetime! Our first stage will take you on an unforgettable journey across the Pyrenees, conquering legendary ascents like the Aubisque, Tourmalet. We then pedal through the picturesque Languedoc and Provence regions, where you’ll savour the beauty of southern France. Your epic journey culminates at our home at the base of Mont Ventoux where you’ll have a chance to tackle the ‘Giant of Provence’ from all three sides. This tour promises exhilarating climbs, breathtaking scenery, and the camaraderie of fellow cycling enthusiasts. Join us for an unforgettable cycling odyssey

> Marvel at the engineering masterpiece that is the Pont du Gard as we cycle between two of our favourite French regions – Languedoc and Provence.
> Experience the essence of the road less travelled as we cycle through Cathar country.
> Discover the remarkable citadel of Carcassone on our mid-week rest day in the heart of the Languedoc.
> A wine connoisseur’s dream as we ride between the vines of some of Europe’s great wine producers.
> Homestyle hospitality at the Ride and Seek HQ at the base of Mont Ventoux at the end of the stage.

Stage 2 –  Bedoin to Alba

After a rest day in Bedoin, we head north in the footsteps of Hannibal on perhaps the most iconic leg of his journey – Across the Alps. We won’t have 39 war elephants to provide us support but we will have our support vehicles to lend us a hand if you need it. Our second stage provides an opportunity to take on a number of iconic climbs – Ventoux, Galibier, Alpe d’Huez, Agnel, and Izoard among others – as we ride from France into Italy. Our gateway into Italy is via Col Agnel (Colle Agnello to the Italians), which takes us into the lovely region of Piedmont and the vine-clad hills of the Langhe and Monferrato. Our destination is the gastronomic hub of Alba.

> Circumnavigate the Giant of Provence – Mont Ventoux – and ride our favourite soul ride – Gorges de la Nesque – along the way.
> A gastronomic odyssey as we traverse from the rustic simplicity of the Provence to the Slow Food movement of Piedmont.
> Iconic climbs through the Alps – Ventoux, Alpe d’Huez, Galibier and Izoard, among others.
> Ascend Col Agnel (2744m) and then descend 50km down into Italy! Espresso and Aperol Spritz awaits.
> Cycle some of the world’s best ridgelines through Barolo country in the Langhe hills.

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Overview
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Dates

Hannibal – Classic Climbs of the Pyrenees and Alps 2025

Stage Start Date End Date Days/Nights Cost (Euros)
Stage 1 – Biarritz to Bedoin 5th Sept 17th Sept 13 (12 nights) €6,100
Stage 2 – Bedoin to Alba 17th Sept 27th Sept 11 (10 nights) €5,150
Hannibal Classic Climbs – Biarritz to Alba 5th Sept 27th Sept 23 (22 nights) €10,800

All tours and individual stages are available as a custom tour for your group – contact us for details.

What’s Included?

  • Accommodation in our carefully selected hotels
  • Meals – hotel breakfasts, snacks en route and pre/post-ride nutrition, lunches including the famed Ride and Seek picnics, multi course group dinners with a focus on the local cuisine.*NB we include occasional independent lunches & dinners to break up the week
  • Ride and Seek jersey
  • Garmin 1030 use with all routes preloaded
  • Ride and Seek water bottle
  • Kit laundry service once a week
  • Passionate, experienced and knowledgeable guides always on hand to help

Not Included

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Bike hire
  • Pre & post tour accommodation

Supplements

  • Single supplement – Our prices are based on twin/double occupancy. If you wish to have your own room then a supplement is applicable.

Deposit

  • To reserve a place on a stage of this tour we ask for a deposit of €500 (or your local currency equivalent). We also accept payment in US$, GB£ and AU$. The final invoice will include any applicable single supplements and bike hire costs.
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Highlights
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History

Hannibal Reading

Our Hannibal Adventure lists are aimed at being accessible to everyone – all the books are historical but include fiction, primary authors and serious historians so take your pick!

Possibly the most comprehensive history of Hannibal’s War. This definitive biography of one of the most fascinating figures of ancient history offers a fresh perspective on the demise of the Hellenistic world and the rise of Rome.

Serge Lancel: Hannibal

Excellent historical fiction by this best selling author who also moonlights as a guide for Ride and Seek. Ben rode the whole of Hannibal in 2016 and is now a regular feature on our tours for his wonderful skills as a raconteur. The Hannibal trilogy he wrote bears testament to these skills.

Ben Kane: Hannibal and Rome series

An excellent and accessible history of Hannibal and his legacy. It is clearly narrated (which is hard to do for such a complex, multi-faceted topic) and provides a balanced perspective on our favourite Carthaginian. It achieves a critical assessment of Hannibal who is neither lionised nor damned.

Dexter Hoyos: Hannibal’s Dynasty

Felix Lowe, Guardian journalist and author rode the Hannibal tour with us in 2013. This entertaining encounter brings together cycling history, the pro-peloton and Hanniballic history. Felix has put together an entertaining read and interesting insight into life on the road with the Hannibal tour.

Felix Lowe: Climbs and Punishment

The most trusted primary source, written by a Greek General who talked to veterans of the Hannibalic Wars. Polybius’ Histories is one of classical antiquity’s great political narratives. Written over 40 books, it originally set out to explain the dramatic rise of Rome in the half century from the war against Hannibal to the defeat and abolishing of the Macedonian kingdom in 167 BC.

Polybius: The Histories

An entertaining and easy read. Leonard Cottrell follows much of Hannibal’s route in a campervan! Cottrell provides a historical account of Hannibal’s campaigns during the Second Punic War that is concise, factual, and endowed with an imaginative flair that would otherwise only be found in fiction.

Leonard Cottrell: Hannibal: Enemy Of Rome

Authentic primary source. Livy was a Roman who wrote about 100 years after the Hanniballic War. All modern histories are based on his and Polybius’ works. Livy never hesitated to introduce drama and moral lessons into his History of Rome; in the ten books dealing with the war with Hannibal, he had an immense theme worthy of his immense talents.

Livy: The War with Hannibal

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History

Hannibal History

I will either find a way, or make one.

Hannibal

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, Hannibal led 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 and his top generals were 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.

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Reading

Hannibal 2020 was truly epic in every sense; the very fact it was able to take place, safely was an achievement in itself. The route, scenery, hospitality and support team were excellent. I have, without a doubt, had the ride of my life (so far!). The high point (literally and metaphorically) has to be Col D’Agnel – 100% epic!

Neil K  – Hannibal

The Hannibal trip was epic in every sense of the word and the best experience I have had on a bike. The route went through beautiful and empty countryside with such a variety of landscapes, villages and towns to observe along the way. The climbs were a challenge but that brings the satisfaction of achievement and reward for putting in the months of training. We were looked after beautifully with all of the essential elements in place to enable stress-free escapism on a bike. I absolutely loved this trip and will always remember this opportunity in the midst of a tumultuous year.  

Juliet G – Hannibal

This Epic Tour would rate as the most challenging, most enjoyable trip I have done in the fifteen years I have been cycling in Europe. It has everything a keen cyclist could wish for. Spectacular scenery, epic climbs, great accommodation, and food that you would go back for (I already have). Highly recommended. Dylan Reynolds and his guides make for an unforgettable experience.

Lew T – Hannibal

The ability to achieve climbing both Mt Ventoux and Alpe d’Heuz at age 71 made this experience one of a lifetime. It proves to me, once again, that regardless of age, one can target accomplishment and achievement beyond the comprehension of most. The planning and execution of Ride and Seek made this possible for me and I will forever be grateful! Thank you!

Jerry P – Hannibal

A thoroughly enjoyable experience. Excellent support from the Ride and Seek crew, nothing you ask is too much trouble. The ride is challenging but wonderful. I highly recommend Ride and Seek.

Mark D – Hannibal

An absolutely amazing two weeks! We covered 1,500kms and 23,000m of climbing through the most amazing cycling country in the world. It had a bit of everything. Credit to the Ride and Seek team for the route chosen, it was primarily on backroads away from busy thoroughfares.

Logistically the tour couldn’t have been put together more perfectly. The guides are experts in their own fields and worked so hard to make sure every need was catered for. They are positive, enthusiastic and always ready to take care of everything that arose before it became an issue. The briefings were excellent and safety paramount.

Anyone thinking of taking on an adventure like Hannibal would be advised to contact the owner Dylan as he has this bike touring gig sorted to the most minute detail. Absolutely brilliant and could not recommend Ride and Seek highly enough. Thanks again for the amazing trip.

Brendon M – Hannibal

An awesome blend of cycling challenges, drop-dead scenery and gastronomic experience.

John C – Hannibal

I signed up for this ride because of the combination of historical story and the cycling adventure. It met all my expectations. Excellently organised and supported in every way. I am a slow rider up hills (the slowest) but there was plenty of opportunities for me to ride at my own pace and I appreciated that flexibility by the guides.

Robert R – Hannibal

This tour was great and better than expected. A good mix of riding and accommodation and the views just blew me away. The holiday of a lifetime. A great mix of people too. Loved it

Hubert D – Hannibal

I would not change a thing. Great guides, great mechanics, great hotels, great food, amazing scenery – everything was above my expectations.

Gary B – Hannibal

I came on this trip with some trepidation as to whether I would be up to every stage. It was however a really great experience. Best of all I seem to have lost weight and gotten stronger. Enough said.

Matt B – Hannibal

I had a great time, was worth every cent. The logistics and catering were first class.

Michael T – Hannibal

If you are seeking an ‘epic’ bike tour, look no further than Ride and Seek. Beautiful routes, epic climbs, great hotels and wonderful meals. Plus top-notch support for the bikes and riders.

Jim C – Hannibal

Challenging biking made easier with fabulous road choices, unique hotels and delicious meals along the route.

Lisa P – Hannibal

Another amazing experience with Ride and Seek, the combination of well-researched cycling routes, luxury accommodation and food and top-notch guiding is unbeatable.

Christine O – Hannibal

 

The journey of a lifetime.  Exhaustion and exhilaration – it contains all the elements of life’s best adventures with new sets of challenges every day in constantly changing terrain. Managed expertly by the Ride and Seek guide team, there are no disappointments here, but rather the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of one of history’s most infamous warriors as you make your way from Barcelona to Rome, experiencing Hannibal Barca’s journey as told by expert historians. It was AWE-SOME! Thank you Ride and Seek

Christine C – Hannibal

Great Challenge  – Great People –  Great Places – Ride & Seek delivered the ultimate cycling adventure, and Hannibal exceeded all expectations, taking me on an unforgettable journey through the most beautiful places two wheels can take you.

Simon H – Hannibal

They had obviously put a lot of time and effort into researching and organising the Hannibal Epic. The detail in the planning is obvious from the start and resulted in a magnificent experience every day. The hotels, restaurants, routes, lunch stops including several picnics, coffee breaks and extras such as wine tastings and farmhouse meals were superb. An added feature of their tours is the historical aspect which was regularly explained to us in regard to our location. I feel very lucky to have found this tour and to have been 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.  Kay J

Ride and Seek certainly do more than just take you from A to B. They take you to C, D, E, F and just about every other letter of the alphabet. The 25 days I spent on the road with them 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. The ability Ride and Seek have to eliminate 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. Felix L

All the bases are covered, everything you need has already been thought of, they have been there, done it themselves and that experience shines through. The riding know how and guidance is invaluable and the knowledge of the region and its history second to none, these guys are the best!

John K

A spectacular, challenging, exquisite, unforgettable experience. When you ride and seek you will hit the bed each night knowing you are truly alive and you have experienced something very special.

Luke N

Although I am only a fairly new cyclist, Ride and Seek gave me the opportunity to take on some of the most famous and challenging routes while feeling in control and well taken care of. Ride and Seek give you everything you need to enjoy your cycling holiday worry free. The routes, the accommodation, the support. Set off every day knowing that they have prepared a stunning experience, but left you the ability to choose your own adventure. Ride and Seek showed me everything I love about Europe and gave me new things to love about cycling. David G

What an event, exceeded my expectations in a big way, Dylan was an absolute professional, great communicator, the tour ran smoothly, nothing seemed too much effort for the boys.

James E

I thoroughly enjoyed my week with Ride and Seek following in the footsteps of Hannibal. The stage 2 route was well-conceived to provide a variety of terrain and riding. The meals and accommodation were a highlight which enhanced the joy and challenges of the days on the bike.  I hope I get the chance to ride with them again.

John N

The Ride and Seek Hannibal tour exceeded our expectations. The riding was fabulous, the regional food and wine were amazing. The organisation was seamless. This was the trip of a lifetime, only I am pretty sure we will be doing it again.

Francesca B

Challenging, but thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience. Great riding, scenery, food, wine, company and support from the guys at Ride and Seek. Would highly recommend for any rider thinking of a European cycling tour.

Phil R

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.

In 2012, the Hannibal Tour did just that, it changed my perspective on life. I started the tour with very high expectations, to see the best of Europe, to make friends, to challenge myself physically. What it achieved was well beyond this. The Hannibal Tour covered some of the most extraordinary landscape I will ever see, including times when I truly was on top of the world. 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. On this tour, I felt more alive than I had since I was a kid. We all laughed hard, ate and drank like kings, and at the top of the Alps, I cried with joy. And all this, from the seat of a bicycle.

Ride and Seek 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. They were professional, dedicated, friendly and supportive. Their experience shone through and is their greatest asset.

I already have my next Ride-and-Seek tour planned, and it won’t be the last. Jason L

To go on a trip that has congruency with the challenge of the ride -the epic and the 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 to Ride and Seek for a marvellous trip.

Bernadette R

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 with Ride & Seek. They are great operators and their tour is first class.

Roddy J

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 R

The guides on the Hannibal Expedition 2012 were excellent.

Both are excellent organisers, who think ahead, and are always looking to make the best possible experience for the riders, whether this be making sure the bikes are in top condition, or the picnics lunch is in “the spot”, or the evening meal is an experience to remember. They are happy to answer questions on the 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 either or both of them again.

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 thoughtfully crafted route provides. Plenty of personal challenge, in beautiful and historic countries, with almost no traffic. What more could you ask for. Stephen S

Ride & Seek, fantastic adventure, really well organized, every detail considered. The highlights would be the routes and food along the way

Andrew C

Ride and Seek operated a sleek tour over some of the best riding roads I never knew existed. Clearly their experience has been built over a number of years. The cultural aspects (food, wine and history) provided an interesting backdrop to a sensational ride across the alps.

Jeff S

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Reading

The Trip

Hannibal - Classic Climbs is divided into 2 stages and traverses France and Italy from Biarritz to Alba

Schedule a Call

Tour at a Glance

Hannibal - Classic Climbs 2024

    The Epic – Biarritz to Alba

    Dates: 5th to 27th September 2025
    Countries: France & Italy
    Number of days: 23 days
    Number of stages:  2
    Price:  €10,800
    Grading:

    Stage 1 – Biarritz to Bedoin

    Dates: 5th to 17th September 2025
    Number of days: 13 days
    Price:  €6,100
    Grading:

    Stage 2 – Bedoin to Alba

    Dates: 17th to 27th September 2025
    Number of days: 11 days
    Price:  €5,150
    Grading:

The Trip

Hannibal - Classic Climbs is divided into 2 stages and traverses France and Italy from Biarritz to Alba

Schedule a Call

Tour at a Glance

Hannibal - Classic Climbs 2024

    The Epic – Biarritz to Alba

    Dates: 5th to 27th September 2025
    Countries: France & Italy
    Number of days: 23 days
    Number of stages:  2
    Price:  €10,800
    Grading:

    Stage 1 – Biarritz to Bedoin

    Dates: 5th to 17th September 2025
    Number of days: 13 days
    Price:  €6,100
    Grading:

    Stage 2 – Bedoin to Alba

    Dates: 17th to 27th September 2025
    Number of days: 11 days
    Price:  €5,150
    Grading:

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