Villa Sparina Resort (Gavi) – Set in the hills of Monterotondo di Gavi  this hotel has been with us since the start. Managed by the unforgettable Alfonso it is always a tour favourite. The cellar tour with Alfonso followed by an aperativo on the terrace drinking their own Gavi di Gavi wine makes for a relaxing end to the day. Dinner in the wonderful Gallina restaurant simply caps it all off.

Hotel La Posta (Reggio Emilia) – One of Italy’s oldest hotels, 500 years of welcoming guests and counting. Art, history and tradition merge with all the hotel’s latest modern comforts. Owned by the Sidoli family this 4* hotel is perfectly positioned in the historic centre of Reggio Emilia.  We have got to know Umberto Sidoli well over the years and his hospitality is always second to none.

Hostellerie du Vieux Moulin (Duilhac sous Peyrepetuse) – A charming French inn at the base of the Cathar stronghold of Chateau Peyrepertuse. As the name suggests it is an old olive oil mill complex that was in operation until 1921. Immersed in the Languedoc countryside our stay here is marked by the peace and solitude. Raymond and his team have been welcoming us since 2012 and long may it continue!

Château de Passières (Chichilianne) – Set in a 14th century castle this impressive looking hotel is located at the foot of Mont Aiguille in the Nature Park of Vercors. Immersed in nature this family run hotel is a great stop off before we head into the high Alps. The lovely pool and fine restaurant are both welcome at the end of a day in the saddle.

Antico Borgo di Tabiano Castello (Tabiano) – Built on Roman ruins this 11th century castle is now a great and unique hotel. Recently voted by Traveller magazine as one of the best country hotels in Italy it is well deserving of the accolade. Petra and her team have been welcoming us since 2012 and it is always a highlight stay.

Relais Il Postiglione (Campagnano di Roma) –  a period building with a rich history, Adriano and his family have created a fantastic haven for travellers. Known as the Albergo dello Lione until 1463 it is has a long tradition. Situated on the ancient Via Cassia it also has an excavated section of the Roman road in the garden! The wonderful family atmosphere and great Roman food make this a great tour stop.

Residenza Torre di San Martino (Gazzola) – Another of the Hannibal stalwart hotels the Torre di San Martino is situated within the Rivalto Borgo on the banks of the Trebbia. Owned by the Landi Zanardi family since the 13th century, the noble family are still in residence. Indeed, we were once asked to move our van as it was considered an eyesore! This is a really atmospheric place to stay and the area itself holds great Hannibalic significance.

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

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 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 

Ride and Seek always does a fantastic job with the routes and support. I love the historical perspective for the tours and can’t wait to do another tour! Highly recommend.

Emily B

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

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

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

Sam and Dylan 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. Thank you Sam and Dylan. 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 Sam and Dylan 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 and Dylan 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

Sam and Dylan are both great guys, but as a team they are simply unmatched. 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. Sam, Dylan and James were thoughtful and supportive guides and great hosts. 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, led by Dylan and Sam at Ride and Seek, 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.

Dylan and 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. They were both 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, Dylan & Sam, 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