European Odyssey
- Overview
- Details / Dates
- Day By Day
- Trip Leaders
- Testimonials
Photo Gallery: European Odyssey
The Trip requested could not be found
European Odyssey
Bring History to Life as you Pedal a Historic Route from Italy to Belgium
Highlights
- Lesser-traveled, gorgeous country roads
- Travel by bike through 5 countries
- Introduction to World famous and well kept secret local wines
- Gourmet meals
- Emerald valleys & vineyard-laden hillsides
- Barbaresco, Barbera, Champagne and Alsace wines
- Private wine tastings by our local hosts & sommeliers
Description
Imagine cycling in five nations on one trip! Our odyssey begins in the historic port city of Genoa, Italy, and crosses through Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, and culminates in the famous town of Spa, Belgium. Along the way you'll relive the march of Napoleon and the battles of World Wars I and II while enjoying the true gems of the area: Piedmont and Aosta in Italy, Lake Geneva, the Swiss regional park
of Juras, the Alsace region and the Ardennes forests, Luxembourg and finally, Spa. Of course, the gourmet treats and treasures including fresh gelato and native grapes will help fuel you on this epic cycling discovery.
-
Price
Jun: $5,995
Aug - Sep: $6,195 -
Single Supplement
$1,100
-
Ability Level
Expert
-
Terrain
Rolling to Hilly
-
Distance
Total Mileage: 648 mi Daily Average: 65 mi
-
Departing
Spa
-
Arriving
Genoa
-
Bike Rental
Included!
- View our Suggested Reading
-
Other Trips You'll Like
-
Dates
- June 27, 2012
- August 22, 2012
- September 9, 2012
Day 1: Genoa, the Riviera and Finale Ligure
We enjoy a quick warm-up ride inland and the view of the beautiful Ligurian coast from the charming village of Final Ligure. Today’s ride features also the Mediterranean landscape with olive trees and the
medieval town of Finalborgo.
Day 2: Acqui Terme
Today we pedal northwest away from city life to Acqui. According to legend, it was founded by Greek colonies. Acqui has been well known for its hot waters since Roman times. Enjoy the thermal facilities of our hotel and discover the secrets of local gastronomy.
Day 3: Romano Canavese, Ivrea
Roll through abundant vineyards along quiet roads today, arriving in Ivrea, which boasts a Roman amphitheater and a fourth-century cathedral, believed to be built over a pagan temple.
Day 4: Aosta
Easy or challenging? It’s your choice on today’s ride to the Roman capital of the Alps, Aosta, near the border with Switzerland and France.
Day 5–6: To Lake Geneva, Montreux through the Alps
Day 5: Follow the shadow of Napoleon on today’s ride through beautiful landscapes in the Alps with splendid views of surrounding peaks such as Grand Combin (12,943 ft). We cross the Gran San Bernardo alpine pass -- covered in snow at least nine months of the year. It was here that Saint Bernard trained his famous dogs to assists winter pilgrims on their way to Rome from lower Gaul. We’ll say a short “ciao” to Italy as we enter the stunning Swiss Alps and stay on the Lac Geneva.
Day 6: Get out of the saddle, get ready to enjoy the Lake of Geneva and its marvelous surroundings. The beauty of the shores of the lake and of the sites of many of the places near its banks has long been celebrated: this is the perfect location for a relaxing and well-deserved rest day!
Day 7: Swiss Juras
Today we cross the regional Parks of Jura, famous for forested hills, gorges, bucolic landscape and quiet atmosphere. This is one of the Cantons which lies in the northwest of Switzerland. It consists of parts of the Jura mountains in the south and the Jura plateau in the north.
Day 8–9: Alsace (Colmar) and the Natural Park of Ballons des Vosges
Day 8: Alsace is located on France's eastern border and on the west bank of the upper Rhine adjacent to Germany and Switzerland. Alsace is politically one of the most important regions in the European Union and has been for centuries contended by the adjacent countries. Today we ride along the upper Doubs Valley to Colmar, gateway of the Alsace region famous for wines and its WWI historical sites.
Day 9: Today we enjoy a lungful of clean fresh air in the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park. This is one of the largest nature parks in France, and is home to an extraordinary mix of fauna, flora and landscapes.
Day 10: Colmar to Remich, Luxembourg
Today’s ride goes through the immense area of forest and countryside of the Natural
Park of Lorraine that will give us a chance to discover a natural environment of high biological interest dotted with museums, castles, forts and abbeys. On our way to Luxembourg we pass by the quaint town of Metz, located at the confluence of the Moselle and the Seille rivers. Our final destination is Remich, a quaint small village near the border with Germany.
Day 11: Luxembourg to Spa through the Ardennes
On our final ride we ride through the Ardennes, where peaceful valleys and hidden country villages belie the fierce fighting that took place here during both world wars. The geography, with its chalky soil and undulating plain, is also well adapted to winegrowing. This area is also famous for one of the nicest towns in Luxemburg, Esch-sur-Sûre and also for hosting the oldest pro race in the world, the Liege-Bastogne-Liege.
Our final destination of the tour is Spa, famous for its hot springs. This town has been frequented as a watering-place since as early as the 14th century. Though other sources of healing hot mineral springs have become famous throughout the world, it is the town of Spa which has become eponymous with any place having a natural water source that is believed to possess special health-giving properties, as a spa.
Day 12: Au Revoir!
Stay on and explore this magical town or other parts of Belgium. Take a 2.5-hrs train at your leisure to Brussels where you can catch a plane or train to your next destination, or a 1-hr train to visit Liege. We will be happy to assist you with your travel plans!
Guides for this trip
Related Testimonials
-
John R., Pittsford NY had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
Each guide displayed exceptional courtesy and understanding of each guest's abilities and interests. They are the image of your company and Ciclismo has done well in hiring these folks who truly love their jobs. -
Susan P., Bristol WV had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
I love biking, but Ciclismo adds so much more--the hiking, the wine tasting, the museums, a real chance to experience the people, the culture, the wine, the food…. -
Sandy B., Seattle WA had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
We have been charmed by the magic of traveling with Ciclismo - why go with anyone else? -
Leon R., Mauston WI had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
It is difficult to start with such praise of our guides. These gentlemen were superb cyclists, historians, and ambassadors. They knew the culture, the food, the grapes, the wine, the politics. I appreciated their patience with my limited language skills. Their respect and care for the participants was outstanding. Your guides are not just assets to the company - they are the company. -
Greg L., Overland Park KS had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
My best memories are from Ciclismo tours, where I get to use all five senses experiencing the countryside. -
Julie G., Arlington VA had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
Our Ciclismo Classico vacation was like the Italian dessert tiramisu, a fabulous ‘pick-me-up’ vacation with people, sights, and skies that you’ll remember for a long time! -
Bill H., Atlanta GA had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
In challenging economic times, this company stands out because of the dedication and professionalism of its guides. Your product is unsurpassed.
