Ride and Seek

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The Hannibal Expedition 2013

Stage 1 – Barcelona to Avignon – 9 days, 725km, 7-15 September, €2595.

Cathar castles on the route through Languedoc.

Cycle: Climb over the Pyrenees and discover the beguiling region of the Languedoc. Then overload your senses as you pedal through Provence.

History: Visit Barcelona, Gallic France, Cathar castles, Carcassonne; then Cross the Rhone – just how did Hannibal get his army and elephants across?; and Papal city of Avignon.

Gastronomy: Compare the respective merits of crema catalana and crème brûlée; Rustic simplicity of the Languedoc cuisine;  Jamon Serrano; Cote du Rhone wines; Provencal tapenade; Pastis aperitif.

Refuelling for the day ahead

Stage 2 – Avignon to Gavi – 9 Days, 665km, 16-24 June or 15-23 September, €2595.

Hopefully you didn’t stop for too many crème brûlée!

Cycle: Mont Ventoux; Traverse the Alps – Alpe d’Huez, Galibier. Izoard, Lautaret & Agnel. Hannibal’s route over the Alps. The beautiful Langhe area of Piedmont.

History: Vaison la Romaine; The Gorge du Gats where Hannibal was ambushed!; Chateau Queyras where Hannibal was trapped; and then the descent into Italy.

Gastronomy: Beaumes de Venise dessert wine; Chateauneuf du Pape; Osso buco; White truffles from Alba; Barolo – King of Italian wines; Sisteron lamb; Porcini mushrooms; and Piedmont – home of the Slow food movement.

Dining al fresco on the Hannibal Expedition.

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