Experience the Beaches at Normandy and Europe's Famed Battlegrounds by Bike

Image: The beaches at Normandy were the site of the Allies' D-Day landings 75 years ago. (Collette Vacations)
Image: The beaches at Normandy were the site of the Allies' D-Day landings 75 years ago. (Collette Vacations)
Laurie Baratti
by Laurie Baratti
Last updated: 11:00 AM ET, Thu May 23, 2019

In an itinerary spanning 26 days, a group of 24 cyclists will be invited to pedal through France, Belgium, Luxembourg and into Germany; winding their way along picturesque, provincial roads, while stopping to visit WWI and WWII battlefields, and the D-Day landing beaches - retracing the Allies' march all the way to Remagen, where the U.S. First Army first crossed the Rhine.

Founded by archaeologist Sam Wood, Bike Odyssey has sought to redefine bicycle tourism by combining awe-inspiring cycling routes, fantastic luxury accommodations, gastronomic delights, and immersive, compelling cultural experiences.

The difference in Bike Odyssey's approach comes down to the details and its team's meticulous tour preparation is key to its success. Wood explained, "We start with research on the history, cycling, regions, food, wine, accommodation, weather and sites not to be missed. Then we cover the proposed tour by car and by bike multiple times before running the tour for our riders."

The guide-to-guest ratio also ensures an ideal, intimate and in-depth experience of the landscape and cultural legacy. Participants are typically accompanied by four tour guides (joined by local guides), linguists, sommeliers, historians, mechanics, motivators, and even soigneurs.

Bike Odyssey's tours (just 5 per year) run throughout enchanting regions of Europe, Latin America and Australia, and each intrepid itinerary follows along the footsteps of a significant historical figure or event.

Non-riding partners are also welcome to join in the journey. They're provided with their own guides, transport, and parallel itinerary; and join up with the cyclist group in the evenings to swap adventures over an aperitif.


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Laurie Baratti

Laurie Baratti

Assistant Editor

Laurie Baratti is an Assistant Editor for TravelPulse. She is a San Diego-based journalist whose work has previously appeared in publications like TravelAge West, SPACE, Modern Home + Living, Montage, and Sandals Life magazines. Travel writing has long been her passion, and she is always looking for excuses to explore the world outside of her native California. Laurie is also a lifelong equestrian, a proud pet-parent, and an underground advocate of the Oxford comma.

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