An Appetite to Explore
There’s a clue to the ethos of our tours in our name. Bacchus, a curious character from the mists of Greco-Roman mythology, is the god of agriculture and winemaking. We first sat Bacchus on a bike in Catalonia, handcrafting overland journeys that fully immersed guests in one of our favourite culinary corners of Europe. Three years later and now we lead cycling, hiking and horse riding tours for curious travellers in over 15 destinations.
The Empordà region of Catalonia is a very special place, and a wonderful place to visit on a bicycle. There are fantastic overnight locations, and for a trip combining cycling with wine tasting, olive oil tasting and fine food then this region is perfect. The team at Bacchus looked after us extremely well, providing some delicious lunches en route with entertaining support.
Bacchus on Bikes provided us with top notch service throughout. Gareth couldn’t have been more helpful responding promptly to every query; our bikes were of both quality and comfort, the accommodation was excellent and the recommendations for food and experiences brilliant. We had a lovely, lovely time and would thoroughly recommend BoB for the independent cyclist.
Never before has exercise been such a joy, interrupted by a little wine-tasting in the morning, and then a leisurely lunch by the sea.
What can we say – a perfect combination of pedalling through wonderful Catalonian scenery and gastronomic delights courtesy of our lovely attentive hosts and guides, Gareth and Josep Maria. We laughed from beginning to end and have great memories of beautiful hotels, wine tasting, olive tasting and fantastic local restaurants. Our group of 8 had a combination of mountain bikes and e bikes which worked really well and we were able to cover reasonable distances on roads and tracks with little traffic. A highlight was a fantastic lunch cooked by our guides in the middle of vineyards with breathtaking views and of course some local wine. We would not hesitate to recommend!
We had a fabulous holiday. The whole experience, from my email conversations with Gareth before the trip, to meeting him at the airport and having a drink in Girona, to the wonderful rides and beautiful scenery were great. The hotels were charming – Finca Bell Lloc was particularly amazing. I can’t wait to do another trip with Bacchus.
Bacchus delivered a fabulous 4 night 5* Sherry Triangle experience to our group of 8. Throughout we ate and drank like Kings and Queens. Everything was well organised and we were accompanied throughout – no need to think just get on and enjoy, which we did. Thank you Bacchus.
We have been home for nearly a week now and still I am filled with wonder at all the glorious landscapes you gave us; I loved everything. All of our time in Europe was wonderful, each segment for a different reason, but truly the highlight for me was rolling through the astonishingly unblemished Spanish countryside and feeling the wind in my face and hair. Thanks with all my heart to you especially, Gareth, but also to the whole group for giving us perfect days in a throb of affection and good-natured adventure.
A great tour in fantastic countryside, with very knowledgeable and interesting guides. We’ve been on similar trips with other companies – Bacchus is one of the best we’ve found, and we highly recommend them. We look forward to the next trip.
“The perfect blend of epicurean experiences and touring in a charismatic corner of Europe that has everything – fascinating history, fine wine, delicious food and jaw dropping vistas.”
Patrick Kinsella – Catalonia 2017
Two wheels, two legs, or four?
Our culinary adventures are interspersed with wine and olive oil tastings, picnics and meals at the homes, vineyards and bodegas of local friends and characters in each of our destinations. You can choose how you would like to travel between them.
Cycling Inspiration
Girona
The new mecca for road cyclists in Northeastern Catalonia
Pyrenees
Conquer the classic Cols of the French Pyrenees
Dolomites
Ride from passo to passo in Italy’s Monti Pallidi
Puglia
Hop between Trullis in the breadbasket of Italy
Scotland
A windswept coastal adventure in the Northwest
The Balkans
Wild landscapes, high-altitude meadows and glacial lakes
Andorra
Nestled between France and Spain with 21 mountain passes
Cornwall
Explore the wilds of England’s southwest coastline
Julian Alps
Emerald lakes, turquoise rivers and soaring Slovenian peaks
Andermatt
An uphill adventure from the foothills of the Urseren Valley
Douro Valley
Weave through terraced vineyards from quinta to quinta
Sierra Nevada
Discover the wild snow capped peaks of Granada’s backdrop
Tyrol
Fairytale mountain landscapes, glaciers and alpine meadows
Basque Country
From craggy Atlantic coastline to soaring peaks, and pintxos
Asturias
From the Lagos de Covadonga to the towering Picos de Europa
Mallorca
Europe’s number one year round riding paradise
Wales
Ride the rolling heathland ridges of the Black Mountains
Yorkshire
Escape to the quiet backroads and moorlands of the Dales
Priorat
From vineyards to hilltop monasteries in Southern Catalonia