The 2026 Istanbul Express Cycling Tour from Paris, France to Istanbul, Türkiye is our second longest running adventure, having begun way back in 2005. Each time the riders experience the thrill of pedalling through 8 amazing European countries and each time we ask them -“How did it go?”
“A fantastic ‘once in a lifetime’ adventure. We did this as a 30th wedding anniversary trip and it was truly memorable.”
– Mick Dunne (Australia)
“Epic, adventurous, challenges one to test their limits.” – Rachel Chandler (Canada)
“It was the experience of a lifetime. Great, if warm, summer riding; Beautiful variety of scenery and cultures; just the right amount of challenge (I did more climbing than I have ever done in my life, and it was OK!). Well taken care of and would do it again in a heartbeat.” – Matt Gallagher (USA)
“We felt like we were riding through a postcard some days.” – Tammy Dunne (Australia)
“If I had done it on my own I would never have; travelled through Romania and crossed the Transfăgărășan Highway (an awesome experience), I would never have stayed in the superb hotels that TDA organiszed for us, I would never have found the numerous gravel roads that bypassed the busy road sections and I would never have met all the truly awesome people that were on the TDA tour.” – David Turnbull (UK)
“My experience left me wanting more! I had never considered this type of adventure but after my experience on the Istanbul express I looking for ways to make more trips like this a priority in the future.” – April Gutzwiller (USA)
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Istanbul Express
It was in 1889 that the original Orient Express train completed the Paris to Istanbul route for the first time. Our cycling version of the Orient...
There are cities you visit because they belong on every bucket list. You arrive with a checklist, a carefully saved Google Map, and the feeling that you need to see everything before you leave.
And then there are places like Troyes. Places you never expected to fall in love with. When we rolled into Troyes the day before, we almost bypassed the historic centre. I’d heard the Tour Leader Balazs say it was beautiful, but honestly, I wasn’t expecting much. The following morning was my rest day. Like any responsible traveller, I did what we’re all guilty of doing these days. I opened Google Maps, asked ChatGPT to build me the perfect walking route, pinned all the places I “had to see,” and confidently headed into town.
That plan lasted about five minutes.
Because Troyes has a habit of distracting you.
You spot a tiny medieval alley and think, I’ll just peek in for a second. Then another. Then a hidden courtyard. Then a bakery that smells too good to walk past. Then a little square full of people lingering over lunch. Before you know it, your phone is back in your pocket. The map is forgotten. You’re no longer trying to “see Troyes.” You’re simply wandering through it. And that’s when the city starts revealing itself.
Could I tell you to visit the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul? Sure. You’ll probably end up there anyway. Should you walk down Rue Émile Zola? Chances are, you will. Should you find Ruelle des Chats? Somehow, Troyes will make sure you do. That’s the beauty of this place. You don’t have to chase its highlights. They quietly appear when they’re supposed to.
Eventually you’ll get hungry. Don’t overthink it. Look around, pick the nearest café, and sit down. Just make sure you’ve learned one important French lesson first: restaurants serve lunch when they serve lunch (between 12 and 1 pm). Miss the service, and the kitchen is closed. But even that’s not really a problem. Find the nearest boulangerie instead. Grab a fresh baguette, a slice of quiche, maybe something sweet for later, and find a shady bench or a little square with a fountain. And that might end up being the better meal. So this isn’t really a guide to Troyes, It’s suggestion to get lost. Put your phone away, ignore your map, take the next little street that catches your eye and trust the city. It knows where it’s taking you.
And one more thing.
What are you doing to me, Istanbul Express?
Day one, you gave me one of the most unforgettable arrivals I’ve ever experienced, rolling into Provins. Day two, you casually introduced me to Troyes… and then had the audacity to schedule a rest day here. If this is only the beginning, I genuinely have no idea what the rest of this journey has in store. No wonder Istanbul Express (formally the ‘Orient Express’) has become one of TDA’s most loved tours. I’m only a few days in…and I’m already wondering how this tour plans to top itself.
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I arrived in Paris fully expecting to spend a day exploring the city by bike. After all, Paris is often praised as one of Europe’s most bike-friendly cities. And it absolutely deserves that reputation.
The funny thing is, none of what surprised me had anything to do with the infrastructure. Paris has absolutely nailed that part. Protected bike lanes stretch across the city, cycling routes actually make sense, and if you don’t have your own bike, you’re spoiled for choice.
The city’s public bike-sharing system, Vélib’ Métropole, has thousands of bikes and docking stations practically everywhere. You can choose between regular bikes and e-bikes – and if you’re planning to visit Montmartre, trust me, you’ll want the electric one. Your legs will thank you later.
Another option I came across was Dott. Unlike Vélib’, it’s app-based, so you can unlock bikes (or e-bikes and e-scooters) straight from your phone without looking for a docking station. The app is clean, intuitive, and very easy to use – perfect if you prefer the flexibility of a dockless system.
If you’d rather rent for a full day, there are plenty of options too. Holland Bikes, Paris à Vélo, and Unlimited Biking all offer city bikes, e-bikes, and even guided tours if that’s your thing.
It’s affordable, convenient, and one of the easiest cities in Europe to explore on two wheels. On paper. Then I spent about ten minutes watching the traffic. Let’s just say my confidence started negotiating with my common sense. That’s when I realised there’s a difference between cycling infrastructure and cycling culture.
Now, I should probably mention that I’m not new to cycling in cities. I survive – and these days I’d even say I enjoy cycling in Toronto. Whenever I travel, I try to explore at least part of a city by bike. Paris, however, plays by its own rules. Or perhaps by no rules at all.
Everyone seems to be in an incredible hurry. Cyclists fly past at impressive speeds. Traffic lights appear to be… open to interpretation. Helmets are surprisingly rare – in fact, most of the ones I spotted were probably worn by North American tourists trying to hold on to at least one familiar safety habit. The bells never stop ringing. Pedestrians are treated as moving obstacles rather than people. And whatever you do, don’t accidentally end up at the front of a group of local cyclists. If you’re not moving fast enough, you’ll quickly become the main character in a symphony of ringing bells, impatient sighs, dramatic tongue-clicking, and world-class eye-rolling. Nobody actually has to tell you to hurry up. You’ll know it! It feels chaotic,fast, and very intense.
The infrastructure is outstanding, but the cycling culture took me completely by surprise. Maybe it’s one of those things that locals don’t even notice anymore. Maybe it’s just the rhythm of Paris. Either way, I found it… stressful. Would I still recommend exploring Paris by bike? Absolutely. It’s one of those experiences that deserves a spot on every cyclist’s bucket list. You get to discover quiet streets that you’d probably never find otherwise, stop whenever something catches your eye, and experience the city from a completely different perspective. Just don’t expect a slow, romantic ride along the Seine. Think of it as sightseeing with a healthy dose of adrenaline.
That said, after a few wonderful but undeniably overwhelming days in Paris, I couldn’t have been happier to leave the city behind and get back on the TDA bike. Within just a couple of days, everything changed. The traffic disappeared, the pace slowed down, and suddenly we were rolling through quiet country roads and charming little villages that, to me, felt much more like France than Paris itself. Don’t get me wrong – I absolutely loved Paris. It’s one of those cities everyone should experience at least once. But out here, surrounded by wheat fields, sleepy cafés, and church towers, I finally felt like I had met the France I had been dreaming about. And the best part? This is only the beginning.
I’m excited to see what the next kilometres and the next corners of France have in store.
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The Orient Express, from Paris to Istanbul, was our company’s second ever cycling tour, first run in 2005. Over the years, many riders have signed up for this ride as their first TDA experience before moving on to our many other tours, in Europe and beyond!
“Trip of a lifetime – so many great memories and new friends.” – Sue Watts (New Zealand)
“I’ve never really thought of myself as a cyclist and there were many people on this trip who were definitely hard core cyclists but I was supported and encouraged by everyone, including the staff. Right from our first riders meeting we were encouraged to make this our own trip and I felt I did that. I was often the slowest but I did more kilometres than I ever imagined I could do. There was such an atmosphere of camaraderie and support and I was inspired every day to keep going. I came away from the trip incredibly proud of myself and extremely grateful for the opportunity to challenge myself surrounded by an amazingly supportive team and a fabulous group of people.” – Joanne Hines (Canada)
“Fantastic.” – Sally Weatherald (Australia)
“The Orient Express was my first TDA cycle tour and one of the best experiences I have had on a bike. It exceeded my expectations in all respects. TDA demonstrated their experience in running long distance cycle and have a well proven format. The route was well chosen with interesting landscapes, historical sites and towns on the way. The towns & cities for overnight stays and rest days were well picked and the hotels conveniently located for their exploration. The field staff were helpful and professional.” – Graeme Don (New Zealand)
“Touring Europe by bicycle afforded me the opportunity to enjoy different culture and terrain while doing something that is joyful for me. The opportunity to make the journey with so many interesting and varied fellow riders added a uniqueness to the experience.” – Paul Kelly (USA)
“Amazing, fun, humorous, challenging, exciting, fulfilling. The perfect sort of thrill ride for the intercultural adventurist in all of us.” – Mark Turner (USA)
“The Orient Express tour is such fun! Cycling through breathtaking scenery and quaint villages with an ice cream stop thrown in. What more could a cyclist ask for!” – Julie Richert (USA)
“I really enjoyed the tour. It was great to just ride and know that everything is taken care of during the ride, after the ride, and before. You can see many interesting cities and town along the Danube and in Germany and France.” – Michael Dreiling (USA)
“Fabulous mix of crossroads culture, cycling challenge and a really great support team.” – Marcus Ezekiel (UK)
“Kaleidoscope of colour, smells, incredible scenery and surprises around every corner. Where else in the world can you cycle through forests of bears; gypsy villages; breathtaking mountains; and quaint villages … always feeling safe in the care of an expert team. And finally there’s the exhilaration of finishing the day’s ride and sharing stories and beers/aperol spritz with your new found friends.” – Robert Cheek (Australia)
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Becky Timbers is the Assistant Tour Leader on the 2024 Orient Express Cycling Tour. She reports on one of the most challenging but rewarding days on the route from Paris to Istanbul.
Picture a winding ribbon of road, threading its way through the heart of Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, flanked by jagged peaks and valleys that easily rival the Italian Dolomites in their rugged beauty. The Transfăgărășan Road is often hailed as one of the most spectacular roads in the world. It’s the second highest mountain pass in Romania and one of the top highlights for the riders on the Orient Express but, as we discovered, it’s no easy feat to reach the beautiful Balea Lake at the top!
Stage 28 of the Orient Express took the riders up the north side of the Transfăgărășan Road (gaining a whopping 1,695 m over 34.4 km) while the following day, Stage 29 had us sailing down the equally stunning south side. The ascent to the top started gently enough, with the road snaking through lush evergreen forest. As the riders climbed higher, the trees began to thin out, giving way to rocky outcrops and panoramic views of the valley below. Soon, we were out of the trees and staring up at the final push of the climb – a formidable set of switchbacks that led to Bâlea Lake and a well-deserved rest and meal. Many riders described this climb as one of the hardest they’ve ever down, but worth it for the views and sense of accomplishment.
We spent the night in rustic lodges on the shores of Bâlea Lake, a glacial gem nestled at the highest point of the road. The lake, reflecting the bowl-shaped towering peaks around it, was a picture-perfect reward for the tough climb. The riders spent the evening relaxing, rehydrating, and swapping stories from their epic day of climbing the Transfăgărășan.
The next morning, the riders formed a convoy between our two vehicles to transit the 1km tunnel that led to the descent on the south side of the Transfăgărășan pass. Instead of grinding up switchback after switchback, the riders enjoyed an exhilarating descent.
The south side of the Transfăgărășan had a different feel – more rugged and untamed, with waterfalls cascading down cliffs and narrow canyon walls towering above us. And… bears! Our trip leader, Balazs, had warned us about the possibility of bear sightings on this stretch, but nothing could quite prepare us for the reality. Some riders spotted as many as 11 bears during the descent—an incredible, if bittersweet, reminder of the untamed wilderness we were passing through. Unfortunately, many of these bears have grown accustomed to seeking food from tourists, an indication that this beautiful area is not being managed as carefully as it should be.
As the Transfăgărășan Road eventually led us into the Argeș Valley, the landscape softened into rolling hills, the towering peaks of the Carpathian’s gradually fading into the distance. For most of us, the Transfăgărășan had lived up to its legendary reputation and then some. The tough climb, the exhilarating descent, the raw beauty of the mountains—all of it came together to create an experience that will undoubtedly be the highlight for the Orient Express riders.
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Becky Timbers is the Assistant Tour Leader on the 2024 Orient Express Cycling Tour. She looks back at what some riders and staff got up to on their double rest day in Vienna, Austria.
After several weeks of cycling across Europe on the Orient Express, our riders were more than ready for a double rest day in the cultural heart of Austria – Vienna! This city, rich in history, art, and natural beauty, offered the perfect backdrop for some much-needed relaxation and exploration. The riders had the chance to soak up everything Vienna and its surroundings had to offer, many embarking on their own unique adventure.
Here’s how a few riders and staff spend their double rest day in Vienna:
Angela’s Trip to the Salzburg Philharmonic
Angela, a lover of classical music (and player of the French horn!), took a train from Vienna to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Prior to joining the Orient Express, she’d purchased tickets to see a performance by the Salzburg Philharmonic Orchestra, set in one of the city’s historic concert halls.
Maria’s Coffeehouse and Spa Tour of Vienna
Maria chose to spend her rest days indulging in two of Vienna’s most beloved traditions: visiting its famous coffeehouses and relaxing in one of its luxurious spas. Known for their elegant interiors, rich history, and delicious offerings, Vienna’s coffeehouses have been a cornerstone of the city’s culture for centuries. A few of Maria’s favourite coffeehouses were:
– New York Cafe, a beautifully ornate coffeehouse that combines Viennese elegance with a hint of Art Nouveau flair.
– Café Demel, home to some of the city’s most elaborate cakes, chocolates and sweets. This was her favourite!
– Vitavien, a decadent dessert cafe based in Istanbul (our final destination), but with branches in Vienna
– Cafe Mozart, a must-visit cafe with desserts and pastries dedicated (and decorated) to the Austrian composer
Maria also treated herself to some well-deserved relaxation at one of Vienna’s renowned spas – the beautiful Arany, which is located in the vault of an old bank building!
Becky’s Mountain Biking Adventure
While many riders chose to explore the city or rest their tired legs, staff member I couldn’t resist the call of the mountains. Vienna’s surrounding landscapes, with its lush forests and rolling hills, are a mountain biker’s dream! I booked a full-day mountain bike tour with a local guide who showed me two of the best trail networks around the city. The trails offered a good mix of terrain from tough climbs to fast and flowy descents. As someone who has mountain biked around the world, this was a “very memorable day of single track riding!”
Billie’s Sacher Torte Tasting
In honour of her father, who’s favourite cake is the famous Viennese Sacher Torte, Billie headed to the Sacher Hotel to enjoy a slice of this rich chocolate dessert. After sampling her own, she ordered a cake to be sent back to her dad in the US!
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Becky Timbers is the Assistant Tour Leader on the 2024 Orient Express Cycling Tour. She sends her first report from Vienna, Austria.
It’s been about three weeks since the riders of the Orient Express set off from Paris and made their way through the first three countries of the trip: France, Germany and Austria. Along the way, we’ve cycled through the bucolic countryside, passing in and out of quaint European villages and enjoying rest days in historic cities like Freiburg, Ulm, Regensburg and now Vienna.
The 3,840 kilometre route recreates the original Orient Express train journey that first traveled between Paris and Istanbul in 1889. But instead of railway tracks, the riders will cycle along bike paths, quiet roads, and gravel tracks, all the while enjoying the sights and experiences of daily European life.
Here are a few highlights of the first three weeks of the Orient Express 2024!
France
The Orient Express started in Paris, the City of Light. As we prepared to set off on our trip, the city was preparing to host the Olympics. There was a lot of construction and buzz happening, which added to the excitement of our departure. The first stage of the tour took us on a circuit around the city to see the iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower (displaying the Olympic rings), the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre Museum, and a cruise down one of Paris’s most famous streets, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
From Paris, the riders headed out through the patchwork countryside of France and into our first rest day in the charming city of Troyes. It has a rich medieval history and its layout still reflects the shape of a champagne cork, a nod to the Champagne region in which it is located. Troyes also boasts an impressive collection of timber-framed houses. Many of these buildings date back to the 16th century!
Germany
After saying au revoir to France, the next country we cycled into was Germany. One of the highlights was seeing the source of the Danube River in the historic town of Donaueschingen. The ornamental Donauquelle Spring marks the confluence of the Brigach and Breg rivers, which forms the Danube. The river is one of Europe’s most significant rivers. It flows through 10 countries – Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine – before emptying into the Black Sea. On the Orient Express, we’ll be following the banks of the Danube for a significant portion of the trip!
Another highlight of Germany was cycling through the Black Forest, a region in southwest Germany known for its dense forests, picturesque villages and rich cultural heritage.
Austria
And now the riders are in Austria, enjoying a double rest day in Vienna! For the last few days, we’ve been cycling on the Danube bike path along with many other bicycle tourists enjoying their own summer bike trips. Vienna is the capital of Austria and a fantastic city to explore for its musical heritage, baroque architecture and UNESCO world-heritage sites. There’s something for every rider to enjoy!
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“TDA in our view are masters at long haul bike touring. Michele and I have now completed five trips with your company around all parts of the world and all have been fantastic . The Orient Express is a great tour for cyclists of all levels. We found Eastern Europe very interesting, being a place not previously visited. A big thanks to all for making our trip so enjoyable.” – Anthony & Michele Kline (Australia), 2022 Orient Express
We have run our classic Paris to Istanbul tour 11 times since 2005 and it remains one of our most popular routes. From the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the Hagia Sofia in Istanbul, the riders will marvel at the medieval towns of Provins and Troyes, enjoy mid-morning coffee and cake stops and explore the beautiful university town of Freiburg. They will spin along the Danube Cycleway, a 1,357 km dedicated bicycle path that runs along the banks of the Danube River, and take in the stunning Art Nouveau & Baroque Architecture in Vienna. The famous thermal baths in Budapest will soothe their cycling muscles before they tackle the challenging Transfăgărășan Pass in Romania. From the imposing Palace of Parliament in Bucharest, the route follows quiet country roads in Bulgaria, stopping to appreciate the unique architecture of Veliko Tarnovo, before leading the cyclists into Turkey and the finish line on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait.
Over the past 18 years that the Orient Express has operated, there have been a number of blogs written about the experience. We have selected 10 of them that, we think, best reflect the magic and majesty of this classic cycling route.
1 – The Orient Express Cycling Tour – A Look Back
A brief recap of some of the most memorable times over the years including a talent show that produced a tour theme song and a list of German treasures like the Black Forest, the cuckoo clock, the town where Albert Einstein was born and the Ulm Munster, the tallest church in the world.
2 – Some Final Reflections On The Ride To The Orient
In 2017, the security situation in Turkey and Istanbul meant that the Orient Express was shortened and ended in Varna, Bulgaria on the shores of the Black Sea. It was the smallest group ever for the ride and Catalin Pricoiu, one of the field staff, wrote about the effect that had on the tour and the participants.
>>Related Post: The 2019 Orient Riders Speak Out – “An Absolutely Fantastic Experience.”
3 – 7 Myths About The Orient Express
In this piece from 2013, we took aim at some of the myths surrounding the Orient Express such as – Like the Orient Express trains, this is a luxury bike tour. False. Though highly enjoyable, this tour is for those with an adventurous spirit and a willingness to occasionally step out of their comfort zone.
4 – 5 Reasons Why Thomas Stevens Would Have Signed Up For The Orient Express
Former Orient Express Tour Leader & long time TDA staffer Shanny Hill explained why Thomas Stevens, who rode a similar route across Europe in the 1880’s, would have been thrilled to sign up for our tour.
5 – Eating In Istanbul
Certainly one of the highlights of cycling across Europe is the ability to sample some of the world’s greatest cuisines. In this blog we explored the highlights of eating out in the historically, culturally and most important, gastronomically blessed city of Istanbul.
6 – Goodbye Romania
Way back in 2008, when the Orient Express was still a mix of hotels and camping, the staff wrote about their experiences in Romania, good and bad, and came up with a tour theme song, sung along to the tune of Frank Sinatra’s classic ‘My Way.’
>>Related Post: 2017 Orient Express Riders Speak Out
7 – Of Snails & Celestial Beings
Over the years we have had, as you might expect, a number of fascinating characters take part in the ride. At 81, Neil van Steenbergen was a favourite amongst the staff for his free spirited, curious and enthusiastic approach to living.
8 – Home To Toronto
TDA Marketing Manager Shanny Hill was the Tour Leader on the first Orient Express Tour all the way back in 2005. Here he looked back on the last day’s ride into Istanbul which turned out to be much different than he expected.
9 – Preparing The Orient Express
Ever wonder just how the Orient Express gets organized? In this piece, Operations Manager Miles MacDonald reveals some of the steps that TDA Global Cycling takes prior to the tour’s actual start in Paris.
>>Related Post: 2015 Orient Express Riders Speak Out
10 – Cycling With Bavarians
In 2011, we reflected on cycling through Bavaria. “It’s the only place in Germany I’ve seen where you can witness someone walking down the street in traditional dress (imagine a costume that blends a classic waitress uniform and a wizards’ robe, minus the spell casting wand).”
Spaces are still available on the 2024 Orient Express tour which starts July 7th, 2024 in Paris France.
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Samuel Roy was the Tour Leader Trainee on the 2022 Orient Express. He looks back at the final stage of the tour.
Paris and Istanbul, France and Turkey, tied together by outstanding gastronomy but disconnected from each other at their respective poles of the European continent. Two completely different worlds we’ve had the pleasure to discover on this year’s great Orient Express tour.
Like on every TDA tour, our perception of time stretches and compresses in funny ways, creating a wave of days that blend into each other like a blur and others that seem to never end. Six weeks after the start in Paris, fellow rider David O’Donnell reflected, ‘’It feels like we left the Eiffel Tower just yesterday but at the same time, it feels like we were there ages ago.’’ We knew we’d traveled a long way from Paris when prayer chants became our alarm clock and when we started to see more sheep and cattle than cars on the road. The contrast is real between these two historic hubs but the transition has been smooth and progressive for us. Thanks to the slow pace of travelling by bike, we have gently eased into the Oriental world km by km, country by country.
Cycling out of Austria and into Slovakia felt like the first step of our transition into the Orient. Slavic accents, cheap beer and Soviet history – here we were, Eastern Europe opening its doors to our cheerful bunch of hungry and curious cyclists. Up to Budapest, the ride felt a bit like a warmup for what was coming, both in terms of cycling and cultural familiarity. Indeed, for most of us, cycling through the first few countries felt a bit like home. We had our references of languages, customs and foods and could easily identify with the local culture. As we left the Danube cycle path and the flat lands of Hungary behind, mountains rose before us and invited us to the challenge, roadside dogs started to chase us impulsively as we rode by, drivers seemed a bit less accustomed to sharing the road and friendly Roma on horse carts joined the traffic.
In the middle of it all stood the Transfagarasan, 26 km of gruelling climbing in bear country – up and over Romania’s spine. A day we will all remember as the toughest one on tour but without a doubt, the most beautiful as well. After the first 1000 m of vertical climbing down in the forest, we crested above the tree line into a grandiose alpine valley, following the endless hairpins to the summit. Our arrival at the top was a bit hectic. Indeed, the Transfagarasan is now one of Romania’s most popular touristic destinations and we happened to be there on a national holiday. However, it wasn’t designed to welcome so many people, hence the bumper-to-bumper traffic at the top. It was built in the 70’s during the rule of Ceausescu who wanted quick access over the Transilvanian mountains if the Soviets were to invade. Fortunately for us, it is now one of the best roads to cycle in Eastern Europe. By sunset, everyone had gone and we were the lucky ones to spend the night up there by the pristine Balea Lake.
After being confused by Bulgarians who shake their heads instead of nodding to communicate their approval, but very certain about our appetite for their cuisine, we crossed into Turkey to complete our transition into the East. It was a perfectly balanced progression that peaked on the very last day where we took the scenic route to say the least. Hopping on a boat north of the Turkish capital, we sailed down the Bosphorus, sandwiched between Europe and Asia, enjoyed a salty swim and finally raised our glasses in honour of our memorable journey to Istanbul.
As our Tour Leader Gergo put it, the journey isn’t only in the kilometres we’ve cycled and the countries we’ve been through, the real journey happened within us. We’ve opened our minds and hearts to other cultures, new experiences and challenges that have allowed us to grow. The journey also lies in the connections we’ve deepened along the way, with strangers that crossed our path, with ourselves and with fellow TDA riders. Until next Orient Express, the train has pulled into the station.
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Samuel Roy is the Tour Leader Trainee on the 2022 Orient Express. He sends this report from Freiburg, Germany.
We set our compasses east as we headed out of Paris towards Istanbul on the route that gave the old Orient Express train its glamorous reputation. Symbolically setting off from the Gare de l’Est in the heart of Paris, where the original train began its journey, the riders of the 2022 edition of TDA’s second oldest tour took their first pedal strokes on this six week European cycling adventure.
Free from traffic on a quiet Sunday morning, we took the time to absorb Paris’s energy on a loop that brought us to multiple historical sights and landmarks, ones that anybody would have on their bucket list for the ‘City of Lights’. We ticked off the Notre-Dame-de-Paris cathedral, took the essential group photo with the Eiffel Tower in the background and circled around the Arc-de-Triomphe before cycling out of the city down the Champs-Élysées, daydreaming of the Tour the France that will come to a glorious finish on these very same cobblestones in two weeks time.
After a couple days of sharing croissants and pastries at roadside bakeries, we could feel our group of riders growing into a big family and embodying France’s motto “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité”. Indeed, we are united by our passion for the freedom of cycling and the solidarity of working together towards a common goal. We’ve slowly settled into the blissful flow of our tour routine, with each day bringing opportunities of places to explore and local delicacies to enjoy, such as the infamous Munster cheese – stinky but delicious.
We enjoyed our first rest day of the tour in Troyes, in the heart of the Champagne region, where the old buildings seem to defy the laws of gravity in true Tower of Pisa fashion, some of them leaning crazily out over the narrow streets.
The biggest challenge we are facing in this first part of the trip was the intense heat. This part of Europe is experiencing a strong heat wave with temperatures up in the mid thirties everyday and not a cloud in the sky. We adjusted our schedule to leave a bit earlier in the morning to try and beat the mid day heat. Needless to say, we cycled with the constant craving for a fresh shower and a cold beer at the end of each day.
Now on our second rest day in the lively student city of Freiburg, we must say goodbye to our sectional riders and get set to start following the beautiful cycle path along the Danube river. Stretching from the Danube’s source in Donaueschingen and continuing all the way to Budapest, it is a part of the Eurovelo #6 cycling network and promises to be a wonderful ride!
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After almost 2 months on the (virtual) road, the 2021 Orient Express has arrived in Istanbul. The recreation of our European cycling expedition…as it would have happened…began back on July 4th when our ‘riders’ pedalled out of Paris. Our audience on social media who followed along at #tdaorientexpress were able to to vicariously experience the famous ride from Paris to Istanbul…as it would have happened. Here’s a look back at some great posts from the 8 countries the tour passed though.
FRANCE – Crooked Houses
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GERMANY – Ulm: What A View!
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AUSTRIA – Stunningly Spectacular Scenery
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SLOVAKIA – Bike Path To Bratislava
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>>: Related Blog – The 2021 Virtual Tour d’Afrique Arrives In Cape Town
HUNGARY – Beautiful Budapest
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ROMANIA – What Goes Up, Must Come Down!
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BULGARIA – A Challenging Ride to Veliko Tarnovo
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TURKEY – Last Stop on the Orient Express
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The virtual 2021 Orient Express Cycling Tour (#tdaorientexpress…as it would have happened) has just entered the fascinating country of Romania, having pedalled over 2000 kms since their start in Paris. In the next few weeks they will spin through the Romanian and Bulgarian countryside before entering Turkey and finishing their adventure in Istanbul. Be sure to follow along and get a feel for what you can expect on the 2022 Orient Express…in real time!
Here are some highlights from the trip so far:
Rest Day In Troyes
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The First Big Climb
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The Danube Cyclepath
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>>Related Post: The 2021 Tour d’Afrique…As It Would Have Happened
Into Austria – “Stunningly Spectacular Scenery”
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Arrival In Budapest
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Fields of Sunflowers in Romania
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The Romanian Countryside
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Starting on Sunday, July 4th, the very day that the 2021 Orient Express was due to start in Paris, we will be posting a photo each day from every stage of the tour, along with a short blurb about that day, as it was experienced in years past. We will also be asking the hundreds of past participants to share a photo and a story from a particular day that stood out for them to include in this campaign. Our 2021 tour has been cancelled but while we can’t be following this year’s Orient Express, we invite you to check out #tdaorientexpress and @tdacycling on social media in order to vicariously experience the famous ride from Paris to Istanbul…as it would have happened.
Submit Your Photo
As a part of our continuing initiative – #tdacommunitynews – past Orient Express participants should consider submitting one or two of their favourite photos from their ride across Europe. Please email us and include the following: A photo that you took or that you have been given permission to share. Indicate in which stage (or which place) the photo was taken and the date.* Provide a 2 – 3 sentence story about the photo or your memories from that day. Include your Instagram handle if you wish to be credited. The photo should be high resolution and of excellent quality with the subject matter in focus.
>>Related Post: The 2021 Tour d’Afrique…As It Would Have Happened
*Note that the photo you send must be for a stage after the current [virtual] stage displayed on Instagram. We are posting the photos as if the tour were passing each stage as scheduled.
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The Orient Express Cycling Tour was created in 2005 and was the second ride in TDA Global Cycling’s schedule, joining the legendary Tour d’Afrique that began in 2003. The route was based on the iconic Orient Express railway experience, beginning in Paris and finishing in Istanbul. The tour has been completed 10 times, with the 11th running scheduled for 2021, and the route has remained largely the same since the first ride although the accommodations have changed from a mix of camping and hotels to, starting in 2019, only hotels.
Over the past 15 years, there have been many blogs written about this incredible cycling adventure, both by our field staff and by the riders who pedalled the route. Here are 5 great pieces that we think you might enjoy!
Talent Night On The 2013 Orient Express
In 2013, the weather was sunny, hot and humid. The night before the riders of the Orient Express Cycling Tour arrived in Vienna, they decided to hold a talent night to see what hidden gifts were lurking in the group. Riders and staff enjoyed a bike bell orchestra, a German sing along, a high school poem about fleas, tall Scottish tales, an education on the delights of Vegemite and a catchy tour theme song. The night ended with an enthusiastic rendition of a melody from the Sound of Music (‘So long, farewell…) by the tour staff.
German Treasures On The Orient Express
The Orient Express Cycling Tour passes through 8 countries on its route from Paris to Istanbul. Each one has its own unique highlights and attractions but in 2011 the field staff concentrated on the second nation the trip pedalled through, Germany. From the Black Forest, known for its delicious cakes, hams, and as the land of the cuckoo clock, to Ulm, the town where Albert Einstein was born and home to the Ulm Munster, the tallest church in the world, Germany certainly contains some unique treasures.
We’re Not In Western Europe Anymore And We Love It
One of the continuing attractions of the Orient Express Cycling Tour route is that it allows the riders to experience the different culture of Eastern Europe. Pedalling through rural Romania and Bulgaria exposes cyclists to a different mindset. Every now and again you may get to overtake a horse-drawn cart or have a truck driver hand you a fresh loaf of bread, just to welcome you to their country. ‘Free range’ takes on a different meaning as not only chickens roam everywhere and anywhere, but also dogs, cats, turkeys, pigs, cows and sheep.
5 Reasons To Cycle The Danube Cycleway
The Danube Cycleway is a 1,357 km dedicated bicycle path that runs along the banks of the Danube River which the Orient Express Cycling Tour uses off and on the way to Budapest. Occasionally isolated entirely from vehicular traffic, it offers gorgeous views, trailside cafes, bike repair stations and winds through interesting towns and villages. This blog identified 5 reasons to pedal this amazing trail, from arts & culture to food & beverages and historical hotspots and cultural institutions.
Searching For Dracula In Transylvania
The name Transylvania brings forth images of a mythical realm of ghosts and ghouls to many minds. Forests shrouded in perpetual darkness, teeming with werewolves, ancient castles ruled by the bloodsucking undead, putrid dungeons holding captive unlucky victims, and of course their draconic leader, Dracula. Riders on the Orient Express Cycling Tour will have a chance to take a look for the infamous Count themselves!
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“The Orient Express was an absolutely fantastic experience. It was so amazing to see the cultural and geographical changes as you traveled east from Paris to Istanbul. The field staff were lovely and made the trip even better.” – Margaret Perlette (Canada)
“Culturally enlightening and FUN!” – Doug Pearson (USA)
“The TDA staff were excellent and I appreciate the support they provided to all riders. My fellow riders were a great bunch; very open, accepting, and fun to be with day and night. I’m looking forward to meeting them again.” – John Karwoski (USA)
“Orient Express 2019 was a wonderful way to experience and sample what Europe has to offer. A couple of months in the slow lane does wonders for putting things in perspective. Just ride, see, hear, touch, smell and taste!” – Michael Perlette (Canada)
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“Anyone who would consider doing a trip with TDA knows that traveling by bicycle is a Zen experience. So, yes, I felt the Zen when pedaling past remote canals, or along the Danube River, or through hardscrabble villages in Bulgaria, or in some of the most iconic and beautiful cities in the world. But what I did not expect, and what I have a very hard time describing, is the joy and triumphant good-feeling that I experienced from completing the physically-demanding and challenging task of riding long miles day after day, and from sharing that experience with a diverse group of people who had become my friends.” – Neil Slotnik (USA)
Lunch stop in Germany
“Outstanding job! I’ve traveled with several different bicycle touring companies, some were expensive, some luxurious, some exotic. But none could match the experience of the Orient Express. On a scale of 1-10, the trip was about a 15.” – Donna Queen (USA)
Valiko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
“Brilliant use of backroads and excellent places to stop gave me a real feel for the countries we went through. The support on the tour was excellent, and I enjoyed the freedom to explore and ride at my own pace.” – Joseph Lee (Canada)
The descent, The Transfagarasan, Romania
“The Orient Express was a wonderful way to experience Europe, meet lovely people from all over the world It was a good & tough challenge at times; I was thankful to be able to cycle those mountains! The trip was an enriching experience that I’m thankful my husband & I shared together!” – Carolyn Pearson (USA)
]]>Walking through the busy market square, in the Ortakoy neighbourhood of Istanbul, a feeling of serenity passes over me. With locals and tourists alike rushing around me, fondling the trinkets laid out by vendors, the corners of my mouth curl into a grin, we’ve made it! After two months on the road, and cycling close to 3,800 km from Paris, France, on the TDA Orient Express, we are here.
The heat and humidity of the monstrous (15 million person) city of Istanbul sinks in. I watch as a Turkish man holds out an ice cream cone for a customer. He teases the customer by flipping the cone upside down and back again. Juggling the cold, sweet ice cream that’s just slightly out of reach. Both customer and ice cream ‘jokester’ have cheeky smiles plastered on their faces. I giggle as I too observe and enjoy the interaction.
Over the past two months we have had countless moments like these. Moments that have brought us to fits of laughter, that have deeply humbled us, made us feel extremely grateful, even brought us to tears, and of course made us angry. Every single one of these moments has been part of our journey. Without one, we could not have had the others. So how do we take stock of all these moments? What souvenirs do we pick up along the way to help us remember these fleeting, yet precious times?
As we lift our duffel bags and bicycles to pack up for the next adventure, they seem heavier, unknowingly weighing more. Perhaps trinkets that come in the form of small artisanal tokens of the eight countries we have passed through have added volume and taken up space. Maybe, the ink we have used in our journals has added mass to the pages we have fingered over, again and again as we recounted our daily lives on the bike. It’s also, almost certain, that the dirt and dust has now engrained itself into our clothes, shoes, and bicycles adding a fine layer of grim whereby all things stick. Finally the pictures we have taken, fill our precious devices. Unknowingly, all these little things have added heaviness, but will these souvenirs help us remember these incredible moments? Will they jog our tired minds, and allow us to relive this epic adventure?
The truth is they might, but some moments we will lose forever. Some will always be as fresh as the time that we experienced them, and some will bury themselves so deep in our metaphorical backpacks that ten years from now they will surface and we will be reminded in a surprising way.
This is the beauty of travel, expecting the unexpected even after the journey ends. Soon we will all go our separate ways, with fuller hearts, bigger backpacks, and definitely dirtier bikes, with souvenirs that take all sorts of shapes and forms (even scars). The hope is that when we look at these particles of dirt and scars, we can remember that ‘jokester’ holding the ice cream cone teasing us, and allow a grin to form over our face, remembering the epic adventure we had on The Orient Express 2019.
The journey, has really just begun. Happy travels fellow adventures, may the wind be always at your back.
Today I sit in a pew. Cooling off from the sweltering heatwave outside. I think that’s why I came in, I’m glad I did. This stone walled structure creates an almost damp, but cool effect. I can feel my body dropping in temperature and my heart beat slowing down. I feel so tiny under these lofty ceilings. The Cathedral is dimly lit with candles, and from light that pours in through the intricate stain glass windows.
An odd sense of peace washes over my body. Despite the people walking around this touristy hub in the city centre, I hardly notice them. It is so quiet. I didn’t think I would visit the Troyes Cathedral, a Roman Catholic Church, that is said to have the most beautiful display of stained glass windows, but I did. It is after all, the “thing” to do in this medieval town of Troyes, France.
This is the first church I have visited since the passing of my mother almost 11 years ago. Emotion struck me, as my mind continued to become more and more quiet. As I sat in this seemingly foreign, yet familiar setting, I was overwhelmed with the thought of the millions of people that had sat in this exact same spot over the past 800 years. Pouring their energy into their beliefs, or simply just sitting here. To me, this building oozed energy, of all kinds. I felt a connection to those that occupied this space before me. Tears formed at the corner of my eyes. Allowing them to wash over my face felt good, radiant energy, that now, I was sure, I felt.
I’m not religious, and for those that are, I commend you, but today began my journey of discovery. Trying to fathom the time and energy that these ancient relics have absorbed over the centuries and their inevitable pull on us, since they were erected.
TDA tours have a way of creating a floating sensation of time. After a few weeks on tour, your sense of time is lost, we start to look at the days as riding days and non-riding days. If you asked many of our riders on almost any tour, what day of the week it was or what time it was, most of them wouldn’t know. Living in the present, which we so often forget to do at home, becomes second nature.
So as we cycle through culturally rich European countries, where some buildings date back to the 11th and 12th century, there is a dichotomy between living in the moment and reflecting on the past.
Since the day that I visited the Cathedral I, along with others, have stepped inside many more religious institutions, walked down streets made of cobble stones dating back to the 12th century, sauntered over bridges that Kings used for their armies, walked through ruins of former concentration camps, and gazed upon doorways that housed famous artists and poets.
According to the official Eiffel Tower website every year more than 7 million people visit this iconic tower in Paris, France. The riders of The Orient Express did, we are part of those numbers. These historically rich monuments draw us in, from all over the world, but why, especially when we strive to live in the moment?
Perhaps, it is the allure that the past was simpler. Does the secret to happiness lie within the history of our sisters’ and brothers’? It is possible that, simply visiting these relics and monuments, moments like the above, that we so often are too busy to have, are evoked. Friedensreich Hundertwasser, a famous Austrian born architect and artist, states “If we do not honour our past we lose our future. If we destroy our roots we cannot grow.” There seems to be merit in this statement as we step into places that carry heavier historical significances like the Mauthausen Concentration Camp in Austria. With the weight of our history, we can propel our minds and bodies forward.
I believe that the energy of those before us, subconsciously draws us in, as we yearn for connection in our daily lives but, simultaneously look for roots to allow us to grow. So, we keep coming back. Pouring more energy into these already vibrant places increasing the draw for the future.
Whatever “your” conclusion may be, as you sashay between the grey lines of past and present, if you listen carefully, you most certainly can hear the whispers of the people that walked the streets before you. Maybe, just maybe, this TDA euphoria equips us with better hearing to absorb the secrets ricocheting off the walls….. or maybe we just get sore butts and bigger quads.
]]>We’ve been known to talk about the off the beaten track places our tours take our cycling clients. Here at TDA, we aren’t shy to explore the world in some of the planet’s less popular areas. There is, however, a reason why some destinations draw so many people. The world is full of incredible sites and monuments – both natural, and man-made – that are justifiably famous. Our 2019 cycling adventures can bring you right to their doorstep.
>>See all our 2019 tour options
1. Tour d’Afrique – The Great Pyramids of Giza
2. Hippie Trail – The Taj Mahal
3. The Odyssey – The Acropolis
4. Madagascar – Avenue of the Baobabs
5. Orient Express – The Mighty Danube River
6. North American Epic – The Grand Canyon
7. Orient Express – The Blue Mosque
8. Bamboo Road – Angkor Wat
9. Trans-Himalaya – Mighty Mountain Ranges
10. Viva Italia – The Colosseum
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Cycling in Europe – what a way to see the old country (or countries)!
We have a growing list of cycle tours all across Europe – covering some of the most popular destinations (France, Germany, and Italy) as well as some places you might not have previously considered cycling but should (Bulgaria, Romania, and Albania for example).
We have our original European adventure (the Orient Express) in July and another relatively new and hugely popular tour (the Odyssey) that precedes it in May and June. And, stay tuned, we may be announcing a third European tour for the summer / fall of 2019. We dropped a not-so-subtle hint in this article in Forbes [UPDATE: Registration for Viva Italia now open! Read the announcement here].
All our tours in Europe for 2019 will be hotel-to-hotel tours so after a tough day of cycling, a bed and a shower await. Between June and September we will have cycling options for you in over 15 European countries, so let us tempt you for a moment.
(warning! gratuitous self promotion of our tours follows)
Reasons to Cycle Orient Express
We recently wrote a blog covering some of the reasons to cycle the Orient Express. As a tour we have been running since 2005, we know of many many reasons to do this. Here is reason #4 from our blog…
“MID-MORNING COFFEE AND CAKE STOPS: A common sight at around 10am on any given day in Western Europe on the Orient Express is a group of cyclists street-side with a table full of cappuccinos and bicycle helmets, checking maps and discussing where the next stop will be. Riders guiltlessly order ridiculous desert creations through glass-fronted display cases. As some riders arrive, others depart and the group at the table grows and shrinks over the course of an hour before the stragglers collect their bike gloves and water bottles, ready to enjoy their next mid-morning stop somewhere up the road another 15 km or so. By the time you reach Budapest and the street-side cafes thereafter become less frequent, you may almost be relieved. Though the roads are gorgeous after Budapest, they will also become more hilly – an opportunity to counteract the effects of all those delicious deserts.” Read all 10 reasons to cycle the Orient Express.
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Odyssey Cyclists Share Their Reflections
Orthodox monasteries of Meteora in Central Greece
Our first Odyssey in 2017 was a big success. We had a large group of determined cyclists. Here is what Brett from Australia had to say…
“The Odyssey has you riding in areas of Eastern and Western Europe away from the beaten track at times, visiting islands off the Croatian coast, passing through Unesco listed sights and with rest days in cities with so many things to do that you’ll be chalking them down for another visit. Be prepared for plenty of climbing from the start in Greece until you cross Austria, but this is more than made up for with days of riding alongside the Rhine to the final arrival in Amsterdam.” Read all the feedback from the 2017 Odyssey cyclists.
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If you have never been on a TDA tour, check out what to expect and then read why you should ride with us to learn how we differ from other bike tour operators. And if you have questions, we might have the answers. Please email or call anytime. We can arrange for you to speak with one of our former participants in your area, or we can tell you a little more about our Guest Rider program – a great way to try out our tours closer to home without committing to a longer trip.
European Cycle Tour Combo Deal
You might have noticed that there is nine days separating the end of The Odyssey in Amsterdam on June 28 and the start of the Orient Express in Paris on July 7. That’s just enough time to rest your legs and do some sightseeing before setting off on the 2nd part of your European cycle adventure.
Even if you weren’t looking to cycle two full tours across Europe, you could consider cycling the Tilting at Windmills section of The Odyssey from Munich to Amsterdam and then the Joie de Vivre section of the Orient Express from Paris to Freiburg – call it a giant loop of Western Europe. With this combo you would ride the cycleways along the Rhine River through Germany and Holland and then pedal through bucolic French countryside to Freiburg, just over the border. To help make this option more convenient, here is what we can offer:
- We’ll transport your baggage and bicycle from Amsterdam to Paris at no charge
- We’ll honour the multi-section discounts across both tours (10% off for 2 or more sections)
- After the Odyssey, you will also be eligible for an additional alumni discount for the Orient Express.
Interested? Let us know.
]]>The Orient Express Cycling Tour takes its name from the famed luxury train route of the 1800’s. We always loved the concept of the Orient Express – be it by rail or by bike – the idea of a thread through many countries that tied the European continent together. It connects the ‘Orient’ with Western Europe and allows travellers to see the beautiful transition in landscape and cultures. Though the luxury part of the Orient Express train was never our style, the sense of discovery and adventure definitely were.
>>Learn more about the 2019 Orient Express
The Orient Express is our longest operating European tour. Since it was first run in 2005 we have had over 200 people participate in this Paris to Istanbul classic. Every second summer in early July a group of bicycle tourists ride around Paris, pausing at the Eiffel Tower for a group photo, before pointing their bicycles eastward, destined to reach Istanbul seven weeks later.
The tour has changed over the years – adjusting to changing roads and changing interests (read about the latest changes for the 2019 edition) but it still offers participants the best chance to experience a fascinating 3,600 km cross section of Europe.
>>Read what the riders say about this classic route
If you are contemplating joining the list of OE alumni and need a nudge… well here are 10 reasons to get you excited for next summer’s Orient Express (Registration is now open).
1. A Warm Up Ride Around Paris. A Dramatic Conclusion in Istanbul
Each year we have run the Orient Express we have headed out from our hotel pointed in the wrong direction. Not pointed to Istanbul (not yet), but in the direction of the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame and several other iconic sights of Paris. Taking advantage of car-free streets that Paris offers on Sundays we pedal around these sights, pausing briefly for some memorable group photos. Then we follow the Seine River east out of the city and the journey begins.
Seven weeks later on our arrival into Istanbul we pedal to the edge of the Bosphorus – that mighty waterway holding Europe and Asia apart. After dipping our bike wheels in the Bosphorus, we pile onto a ferry boat and celebrate the journey by sailing past Istanbul’s dramatic skyline with its minarets piercing the sky and its mighty bridges defying physics high above us.
2. No Tent Required
When we announced the details of the 2019 Orient Express, the big change was that this is now an all-hotel tour. Though we enjoyed some cool campsites over the years it has been hard to avoid making this shift – which many past cyclists have recommended.
3. Medieval Towns of Provins and Troyes
The first section (Joie de Vivre) is a 10 day ride across France, ending just over the border in Freiburg, Germany. It involves some gorgeous countryside and more than a few quaint towns. One such town – Provins – is a UNESCO recognized World Heritage Site, for good reason. It is described by UNESCO as the ‘Town of Medieval Fairs’…
“At the beginning of the 2nd millennium Provins was one of several towns…that became the venues for great annual trading fairs linking northern Europe with the Mediterranean world…Provins preserves to a high degree the architecture and urban layout that characterize these great medieval fair towns.”
The following day we arrive in Troyes (pictured above) and its colourful, almost cartoonish buildings squished together – leaning and drooping in odd and interesting ways. Wikipedia notes that Troyes “features narrow, cobbled streets lined with colourful, half-timbered houses, mostly dating from the 16th century. The town is home to several Gothic churches with striking stained-glass windows.”
>>Read ‘Cycling France on the Orient Express’
4. Mid-Morning Coffee and Cake Stops
A common sight at around 10am on any given day in Western Europe on the Orient Express is a group of cyclists street-side with a table full of cappuccinos and bicycle helmets, checking maps and discussing where the next stop will be. Riders guiltlessly order ridiculous desert creations through glass-fronted display cases. As some riders arrive, others depart and the group at the table grows and shrinks over the course of an hour before the stragglers collect their bike gloves and water bottles, ready to enjoy their next mid-morning stop somewhere up the road another 15 km or so. By the time you reach Budapest and the street-side cafes thereafter become less frequent, you may almost be relieved. Though the roads are gorgeous after Budapest, they will also become more hilly – an opportunity to counteract the effects of all those delicious deserts.
5. The Danube Cycleway
From the source of the Danube in Donaueschingen, we cycle along this bicycle byway for over 1,000 km. The network of dedicated cycling paths and signed routes along residential streets is well marked and offers many services for the touring cyclists – everything from trailside cafes to bicycle tube vending machines.
>>Read ‘5 Reasons to Cycle the Danube Cycleway’
6. Classical Music and Stunning Architecture in Vienna
With two rest days in Vienna, there is plenty of time for Viennese coffees and classical music. It has been coined both the ‘City of Music’ (the city of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert)) and the ‘City of Dreams’ (also the home of Sigmund Freud). As the New York Times points out, however, it is not stuck in the past and this city is full of art and music and thinkers today as well…
“Far from just a time capsule of imperial palaces and fin-de-siècle (end of 19th century) flourishes, this multicultural metropolis of 1.8 million has long been at the crossroads of cultures.” Read more.
7. Thermal Baths in Budapest
The Gellért Baths were built between 1912 and 1918 but people have been claiming the healing power of these thermal waters as far back as the 13th century. At the midway point of the Orient Express what better way to treat yourself than with a soothing dip in the mineral rich waters of the Gellért Baths (or one of many other options in the thermal spa city).
8. The Very Satisfying Transfăgărășan Pass in Romania
Built by the former Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, this 35 km climb up the back of the Carpathian range in Transylvania is not to be missed. For those of us intimidated by climbs (aren’t we all!), have no fear. It may look daunting, and it will certainly make you sweat but it is a gentle grade and a well engineered road. So much so that it lulls you into a nice rhythm and before you know it, beautiful Balea Lake will come into view at the end of this very satisfying stage. Here is what a writer for the Washington Post said about this route having recently driven up the south side and past the sights we see the following day on the way down:
“This scenic route, famous as one of the most sinuous and panoramic in Romania, wound first through dense forest. We had to stop twice while herds of sheep, baaing and clanging their way down from their summer pastures to winter ones, engulfed our car for several minutes. The road then became so steep and narrow that we almost missed our next stopping point: Cetatea Poenari, a castle built by Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, the historical model for Dracula. Located strategically to block Turkish invaders from the south from entering the fertile, valuable Transylvania territory, the citadel perches on a cliffside high above the road. Tourists eager to prowl the ruins of “Dracula’s castle” just need to climb 1,480 steps to reach it.” Read more.
9. Veliko Tarnovo and the Bulgarian Countryside
If you are as blissfully ignorant about Bulgaria as I was before first visiting, you will be pleasantly surprised on more than one occasion. On a wonderfully unique and relatively quiet route through central Bulgaria, we stop for a rest day in Veliko Tarnovo – a beautiful town set high above meandering Yantra River with the majority of the town perched on three hills. Space in this hilly terrain is at a premium, so homes over the centuries have been built up densely around each other – so close that, in fact, that they appear to be stacked one on top of another – and in some cases they really are.
This former medieval capital is certainly worth the steep climbs you’ll cycle to reach it!
>>Read ‘We are in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’
10. Istanbul with a Capital İ
We mentioned Istanbul (or İstanbul in Turkish) once already in this list but it’s worth mentioning again. As the end point of both the Orient Express and our Silk Route cycling expedition, this city is quite familiar to us.
Whether you are a lover of food, history, architecture, culture, shopping or nightlife, Istanbul has it all – sometimes all at once or all in the same place. From the Grand Bazaar, with its gorgeous rugs, lights, and decorative crafts and jewelry, to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia and the complicated, layered histories of religion, power, and influence across the region – the city is diverse, at times chaotic, and inspiring to the first time traveller.
For those cyclists hanging around longer at the end of the tour, the Asian side of the Bosporus offers even more to explore. Take in the restaurants and market streets in laidback Kadıköy district or take a ferry to one of the Princes’ Islands where motorized vehicles are banned and leave the busy city behind for an afternoon.
I hope something in this list gets you excited about the Orient Express Cycling Tour. We would be happy to tell you more about the route or connect you with one of the former OE riders to hear their first hand experiences. Please let me know and we hope to see you in Paris next year!
]]>We asked the cyclists who took part in the 2017 Orient Express Cycling Expedition what they thought of their experience. Here are some of their responses.
“I enjoyed the tour especially Romania. Staff were all good. Food was good. Balazs is a great cook. A great enjoyable tour.” – Paul Doyle (Australia)
“It exceeded my expectations from a staffing point of view. Having an experienced mechanic in Catalin was invaluable. Balajz was a great cook. Gergo and Ozgur were very good leaders.” – Randy Shier (Canada)
>>Check out the dates & prices for the 2019 Orient Express Cycling Expedition
“Absolutely incredible. I would never have thought of riding Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria but I am so glad I did. Especially Romania. The riding made camping worthwhile.” – Gaye Swanson (USA)
“The field staff worked hard to keep us safe and to provide a fulfilling trip for each participant’s hopes.” – Mark Brumbaugh (USA)
“Excellent cycling experience with a safe, knowledgeable, fun, and organized, support staff. The variety of human and terrain geography seen along the route added to epic satisfaction of the tour.” – Sandy Shier (Canada)
]]>>>Learn more about the 2019 Orient Express (prices, dates, details)
In 2005, we began running our classic cross European Tour, the Orient Express.
Since that tour, countless lattes and pastries have been indulged along the route, beautiful European landscapes taken in, historical cities and villages explored, bicycle paths ridden on and life-long friendships made. Since that inaugural edition, we have made improvements to the route as we’ve uncovered off the beaten path highlights, discovered quieter roads, and found unique accommodation options.
In 2019 for the first time ever the Orient Express bicycle tour from Paris to Istanbul will be all hotels. Yes, you read that right. Each night you will be sleeping indoors in a comfortable bed in a centrally located hotel close to where you can enjoy the local amenities whether that may be local food that you want to try or a historical site you wish to visit. Most importantly, you will no longer need to worry about packing up your wet tent as riders in previous years have had to do. From the Eiffel Tower to the Blue Mosque, join us on an experience of a lifetime!
>>Learn more about the 2019 Orient Express (prices, dates, details)
>>Read what previous cyclists thought about their Orient Express experience
]]>As you might know, we have a club on Strava open to anyone interested in global cycling routes. On any given day you can see leaderboards full of big rides happening on various continents around the world. Here are 6 segments that have been hotly contested by our cyclists on our tours. This is just a small sampling, as we have over 100,000 km of cycling routes in more than 80 countries around the globe.
>>Take a look at our Strava Club (open to all)
Transfăgărășan Highway on the Orient Express
This stunning switchback climb looks daunting from the bottom but is engineered to be a gentle grade most of the way up. And you are rewarded with spectacular views from the top so cyclists from our tours can be forgiven if their times don’t rank near the top 10 of a route popular with most cyclists in the region.
Along the Konkan Coast on the Hippie Trail
Some assume that because this section of our Hippie Trail tour is along the coast that it will be flat – far from it. This Strava segment is a good example of the many short steep climbs along the beautiful coast alongside the Arabian Sea as the road dives down towards the water and then turn up again into the hills above.
The Gorge on the Tour d’Afrique
This is a legendary climb on a legendary tour. So prominent are these 18 km that the entire 15 day section is named after it. And note that Mark Beaumont also ranks in the top 5 – not even the man who just cycled the world in 80 days could match some of our riders!
Akbaital Pass on the Silk Route
This grueling 6.6 km segment tops out at 4,661m elevation. It’s deep in the heart of the Pamir Mountains on the way to the outpost of Murghab on the Pamir Highway section of our cycling tour. This route has been traversed by group and solo cyclists alike for many years, but the altitude, remoteness, and lack of supplies means it requires a lot of planning in advance.
Crown Range Summit at the end of Trans-Oceania
There is no easy finish on the way into Queenstown – the final stop on the Trans-Oceania. The last day includes one final climb up to the Crown Range Summit before they get to relax after their mammoth 4 month cycle journey across Australia and New Zealand. Luckily, the riders are rewarded with an exciting 11km switchback descent. Our cyclists are among over 1600 that have attempted this popular segment.
Andes Ascent on the Way to Cuzco on the South American Epic
Between Nazca to Cuzco the cyclists climb alot! They ride high up into the Andes and don’t come down again for quite some time. This segment is one of many tough climbs, and with each pedal stroke high the altitude affects everyone more, the temperatures begin to drop and road conditions deteriorate – pure pleasure, right?
>>Join TDA Global Cycling’s Strava Club (open to all)
What Did we Miss?
Members of our Strava Club as well as many of our former riders have completed segments all over the globe, so we would love to hear what those favourites are, and which ones deserve to be added to this list above. These don’t have to be on the route of our tours – any route anywhere in the world that you love.
Leave us a comment below and tell us your favourite segment…
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On July 9th, nine riders lined up together, with the Eiffel Tower dividing the sky behind them, to commence their 5 week long bike ride ending in Varna on the Black Sea. Emotions were mixed, most of them never having ridden so far in their life, there was a tinge of nervousness, especially leaving through the busier streets of Paris. But there was also much excitement, for the sight and sounds and tastes waiting to be taken in, for the cultures and rich history awaiting to be explored , and for the bonds and friendships that would be made along the way.
The 2017 Orient Express has seen some of the smallest participant numbers for a TDA tour, but luckily that number was just enough to make the tour a guaranteed departure. However the small group number brought forth questions about what the social dynamics on tour would be like. With less people to connect with, would everyone get along, would there be anyone left out, and how would the cycling abilities and trip expectations of the participants compare? On August 20th, on the shore of the Black Sea, the answers to all those questions were resoundingly positive. Though all the characters of the, one could say, colourful group, turned out to actually be quite different in their life experiences, their cycling abilities and their expectations for the trip, the camaraderie that emerged throughout the journey was inspiring and at times even touching.
If there’s one thing to be learned from numerous TDA experiences , it’s that adversity has a strange way of sometimes tearing people apart and sometimes bringing them together, and rarely can you predict which one will happen. The two adversaries on this trip were certainly the weather and, for a large part of the route, the complex navigation. The weather jumped from one extreme to another. From the word go we were pelted with rainstorm after rainstorm for literally half the trip only to emerge into record breaking heat waves in Hungary and Romania which left people exhausted and dehydrated at the end of the sometimes very long riding days. It was great to see that a good sense of humor persisted throughout, and though there were many wet and soggy camping nights, that people managed to keep laughing and smiling and cheering each other on. The renowned bike paths along the Danube provided a car free, and incredibly scenic route across Germany and Austria, but many times also left riders scratching their heads and wondering which way to head through the maze of paths and country roads. If it was great to see how people kept smiling despite the elements it was touching and endearing to see how they supported each other through the Danube labyrinth. Stronger faster riders often volunteered to wait back with the slower or navigationally challenged ones to see them through the tougher sections of the day.
At the final dinner on the night of finishing day, there were poems, songs and speeches shared by several of the members, there was laughter and joy of course there was an overall sense of relief that the journey was completed. A few were saying how the ending is bitter sweet, that a return to regular life was too soon and too abrupt, and a few even talking about the TDA trips they’re eyeing next, the cross continental cycling bug obviously had bitten. For me and I’m sure for others there were no questions and no doubt left that a small group can be as stimulating and as entertaining as a large one and the memories from this trip remain as some of the fondest from any TDA experience so far. So if you’ve got your eye on a future trip, don’t let a smaller number discourage you from signing up, as the experiences to be gained are as rich and fulfilling regardless.
]]>The name Transylvania brings forth imagery of a mythical realm of ghosts and ghouls to many western minds. Forests shrouded in perpetual darkness, teeming with werewolves, ancient castles ruled by bloodsucking undead, putrid dungeons holding captive the unlucky victims who will become their nightly morsels, and of course their infamous draconic leader, the count, Dracula. It’s hard to think of a place associated with more ghastly lore and fantasy. The Count came to life at end of the 19th century with the help of Bram Stocker and his horror novel, plainly titled, Dracula.
Though a vampiric craze, fed by numerous fantasy novels and helped by a suspicion of eastern Europe, had already taken hold in the west, Stocker’s story never really found success in his own life time. It was 20 years after his creator’s death that the Prince of Hell would rise from his torpid sleep and reach the stardom he deserved, at the hand of Universal Studios and their film adaptation of the story. Since then countless sequels, spinoffs, novels, comics, and plays have cemented Dracula on the throne of horror fiction. With so much popularity it’s not surprising that even such things as Dracula tourism and Dracula historians have carved a niche in the blood pie.
So what does any of this have to do with cycling? Well Transylvania is actually a real place in the world, roughly centered around the Carpathians mountains crossing Romania, about a week of the TDA Orient Express is spent crossing through the heart of it, and if you’re a Dracula die hard, or just enjoy medieval history, you’ll know that the inspiration for the novel came from the real 15th century bloodthirsty Romanian (then called Wallachia) prince, Vlad Dracul, the Impaler. His favourite method of disposing with enemies, some historians estimate over 100,000 people, was by impaling them on spears outside his fortresses and leaving them as a warning to those that dared to oppose him. Though his rule was only for a short 6 years, his fame for violence and brutality quickly spread to foreign lands and well before Stoker’s Dracula he was already the influence for horror novels in neighbouring German speaking territories.
The tour picks up on Dracula’s trail on the 6th riding day through Transylvania, coming down from the high peaks of the Carpathians and heading towards Curtea de Arges. After the mountain descent and just before Arges we pass the Poenari Fortress and the nearby village of Arefu. Vlad Dracul made the 13th century castle his home for a while before being driven out by Ottoman armies. The tale is that he made his escape through secret passages and hid out in the village of Arefu nearby. The old castle is now but ruins perched on the tops of hills but can be accessed by a long 1400 step pathway, easily done if you’ve cycled there from Paris.
The following day you can explore the Curtea Domneasca (Princely Court) in Targoviste, the former capital of Vlad’s rule and the site where he impaled many of the treacherous Wallachian counts and lords to take total control of the kingdom. The site is also home to many museums as well. Finally in Bucharest are the remains of the Old Princely Court, in the old town, ordered to be built by Vlad the Impaler himself, and supposedly the site of his former extensive underground dungeon where his prisoners were kept. For the true Dracula fanatics a trip to Snagov Monastery, 25km north of Bucharest, cannot be missed. Large stone walls and a tower were built around the old church by Vlad Dracul and more importantly is claimed to contain the actual remains of the bloodthirsty prince. The site can be accessed by a pedestrian bridge as it is on an island in the middle of a lake.
In Brad Stocker’s novel the aristocratic count also catches the travel bug and spends most of his time in England looking for fresh blood and new converts and fittingly enough he leaves his Transylvanian homelands by boat through the way of Varna on the Black Sea. Surely that must earn us some real cred in the hearts of the Dracula fraternity.
]]>For the 2017 Orient Express some “extra” cultural activities have been included on several of the rest days. To everyone’s delight an evening at the Sala Terrana, listening to a string quartet playing the music of Haydn, Beethoven and Mozart was the plan for our second night in Vienna.
Vienna was home to quite a few famous composers in the 18th – 19th centuries, such as Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Schuber, the Strauss family, Brahms to name a few, and with over 15,000 classical music events scheduled every year, it is still considered the world’s capital of classical music. The concert we attended is part of the events organized by the Mozarthaus museum, the building also being the former home of the famous composer himself from 1784 to 1787. The museum is located in the center of the old town and displays audio-video information about the composer, preserved rooms that were occupied by him and houses a concert hall in the basement though it was not our venue for the evening. We were headed one block away for our show.
Entering the Sala Terrana hall at SingerStrabe 7, the address of the 14th Church of St. Elizabeth, one can imagine what a young Mozart felt and saw as he would arrive to play for the Bishop Colloredo in 1781 A theme of grandeur and opulence is felt before one even enters the concert hall. The ornate and colorful Viennese architecture frames all sides of the old town streets and piercing towers of St Stephen’s Cathedral loom above. The Sala Terrana, now the oldest concert hall in Vienna, is painted quite contrastingly to the Teutonic church which houses it. The motif on the wall depict scenes of pagan mythology, satyrs and nymphs enthralled in hedonic pleasures, fluttering cherubs and scenes of nudity all around. To quote the program guide provided for the concert, “the purpose of the hall, a place of pleasure for body and soul”. Maybe none of us had the lofty Rennesaince ideal of elevating our souls that evening but there was plenty of pleasure for our ears.
The vault like hall had perfect acoustics and made the brilliant performance feel like it was completely surrounding you. You could distinctly hear every instrument, every slight vibrato, the deep inhales of the players as they would prepare for another powerful allegro, even the rasping of the cello players fingers on the strings. Haydn’s String quartet in Dminor, Beethoven’s in Cminor and Mozart’s quartet in Dminor was the lineup for evening, and would receive a full standing ovation at the end of the hour and half performance. Even if you don’t consider yourself a fan of the classical genre or the composers mentioned, an evening at the Sala Terrana is still highly recommended, simply to experience the highly refined quality of the performance and the venue.
After the applause the players exited as promptly as they entered and left us on the warm balmy evening to slowly meander back to the hotel through the surprisingly quiet streets of Vienna.
]]>Ming Jing Hsieh was a rider on the Orient Express cycle tour.
It’s no surprise that the bike tours organized by TDA global cycling attract some unique and memorable individuals and luckily we’ve had the pleasure of meeting one of them on this year’s Orient Express. Ming, 65 years old, hailing from Taiwan, and possibly one of the happiest and hardiest people you could meet. While his outgoing personality is sure to make a lasting impression on anyone who meets him, his claim to fame might actually be his intense passion for photography, something he became involved with over 50 years ago in high school. Surely every moment, angle and scene has been documented to date by Ming, and surely, he is quite grateful for digital.
Ming’s passion for cycling was sparked later in life, 32 years ago, by a fellow countryman, Mr. Hu, who pedalled his bike around the world. Ming attended one of the speeches given by Mr. Hu after his journey, and from that point was hooked onto the idea of riding around the world too, albeit, due to his career obligations, broken up over a much longer time span. It’s worth a mention that Ming did not even own a bicycle at that point. Regardless the plan was set in motion, and three years later he managed to make the time for his first bicycle tour, a small tester of his new ambition. Secretly, without his family knowing he set for America for 3 weeks. Hawaii, Ohio, Minnesota, were the three destinations on the itinerary and the testing fields for his new passion. Just like Mr. Hu, Ming also wanted to share his experiences with his people back home, and upon his own return wrote in local newspapers and gave speeches about his journey. Over the following 10 years he completed tours in the UK, partly across the US, from Washington to Minnesota, on the island of Hokkaido, Japan, and a pretty rugged, self-supported one from Vancouver to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. A coke can, filled with stones, served as a DIY bear bell on the last one, though that still didn’t prevent him from having to turn tail and out-bike a curious grizzly on one occasion. The fact that he was carrying 200 rolls of camera film, in addition to his other gear, in his trailer probably didn’t help his getaway.
Almost a decade passed before Ming would embark on any more cycling adventures though. In that time he had recently retired, and joined Lion’s Club international, a charity organization contributing to a wide variety of causes worldwide. With his retirement came the freedom to set off touring again and the inspiration this time came from a book he read about cycling across Canada. With his involvement in the Lion’s Club also came the possibility to dedicate his efforts to raising money for charity. In June of 2008 he set off from Victoria to Toronto. A year later he returned to Toronto to complete the route to St John’s. Along the way he stayed almost exclusively with Lion’s club members who had heard about his journey and opened their doors for him. The numbers for that trip: 17,000 dollars raised, and over 20,000 pictures taken.
All of that had certainly prepared Mr. Ming for his greatest challenge to date, the 2012 Tour d’Afrique. He knew he had no other choice from the moment he had stumbled onto the TDA website and read about the epic adventure. Despite concerns from his family, read mainly his wife, Ming packed his bags, and his custom-made Taiwanese touring bike, and was set for Cairo. He remembers the day riding into Gondor, Ethiopia being the toughest of the whole tour. The unrelenting climbing and heat took their toll, his EFI ambitions being dashed. The day crossing the highest road in Tanzania to Mbeya he remembers as his favourite.
The desire to see Europe brought him to Paris for the 2017 Orient Express, but his TDA ambitions go much further, as the words “West Africa en Velo” and “South American Epic” have been heard from him multiple times already, though nothing is official yet. Regardless of where he happens to be riding though, surely Mr. Ming will have a wide smile on his face, have endless curiosity and enthusiasm and of course will always be looking for his next shot. In between tours he plans to spend the time completing the book he has been writing about his cycling life.
When asked for some final words he said: “Capture all the opportunities otherwise you will regret it.”
]]>France is a part of the world that’s automatically associated with cycling, with images of winding roads through old villages and vineyards instantly coming to mind, so it’s no wonder so many head here for their cycling adventures. Cycling is deeply entrenched in the culture and way of life and even the sport’s most famous event happens yearly on French soil. There’s a range of riding experiences to be had in France, from lazy pedalling through the scenic streets of Paris along the city’s excellent bike paths to some high intensity road biking into the Alp and Pyrenees mountains to enjoy the breathtaking views. In between there are countless miles of exploring quiet, scenic roads, stopping in quaint patisseries and cafes in the countless towns along the way. The riding on the Orient Express falls squarely in the “in between” category and is catered for the cyclist who enjoys a more casual day in the saddle. So here are three reasons to plan your next riding adventure in France.
Quiet, scenic backroads and bike paths to ride along at your own pace
The tour makes its way east from Paris through the rolling, golden countryside and avoids any heart pounding high mountain ascents or any traffic congested metropolises. An especially charming day is the one leaving the small town of Plombiers les Bains, with most of the ride along designated bike paths, that slowly wind their way through mossy forests. This year’s Bastille day celebrations coincided with our stop in Plombiers, giving us a wonderful fireworks display to enjoy that evening.
Excellent wines, cheeses and pastries for the gourmet inside all of us
An assortment of local cheeses awaited at lunch and sometimes even dinner on cycling days, and for breakfast on the rest days. The route encourages a relaxed riding pace and nothing compliments that like a pre, and post lunch stop at a small boulangerie (pastry shop) for a croissant and coffee. Of course all the excellent food tastes even better with a glass of French wine alongside, which there is no shortage of. The best part is that all of these epicurean delights are all very affordable in France, especially if you’re used to North American prices.
The rich history, and the architecture that still reminds you of it everywhere you look
There are chances to admire and explore churches and castles built many hundred and sometimes over a thousand years ago. The rest day in Troyes, a city dating back to Roman times, gives one the chance to fully immerse in the cultural experience. The town has no shortage of museums, churches and narrow medieval alleys where the old timber framed homes on either side are literally leaning in towards each other.
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The clock ticks quarter past midnight. The dinner from 3 hours ago is no longer weighing him down, he made sure not to eat much anyways. Tonight was gonna be a good night. He didn’t want to disturb his roommate, now probably sleeping, so passed the last few hours walking and sitting, and walking along the canal. Paris certainly wasn’t sleeping. It had just slipped on its evening dress, a melting kaleidoscope of lights, sounds, and people, all of it flowing and fluttering with the warm, balmy breeze. As traffic, including that on two wheels and two feet, begins to thin, the time has come to pump the tires, turn on the lights, clip in and head out.
The first few pedal strokes bring an instant relief from the smothering heat that just a few hours ago was almost unbearable. Things start casual, it’s still too easy to sweat at this point, plus the eyes and other senses need to become accustomed to their new nocturnal setting. A run of greens, and the pace picks up a little as the bike paths disappear and then reappear as separate from the two-lane road to the left. Even further to the left is the canal and it’s many chattering, colourful inhabitants. This is something he’d been looking forward to for a while, since the first time he had the discipline to stay up for a late ride. It’s worth the effort, it has always been, but before he can amuse himself with the thought any longer the Seine appears straight ahead and a decision needs to be made, left, or right? He makes a left, sees the bridge over the river just up ahead and pulls off over it to take in the surroundings.
Looking back to where he made the turn he sees the brightly lit, almost sparkling, Eiffel tower shine its beacon across the sky, no more than 30 min of riding along river. It was always going to be a right it seems. The air was noticeably cooler along the water, and the bike path almost all his to enjoy. On both sides of the Seine the architectural splendour was well lit, forming a corridor of wonder for one to explore. Museums, cathedrals, theatres and palaces littered up and down the river as far as one could see. Of course, they were all closed at the hour, but eye candy to take in none the less and he was out for the ride anyhow. Along the way he lost sight of the shining tower. Someone had shut the lights off, the tower but a maze and lattice of steel as black as the night sky behind it.
“Leave a little earlier next time”, he thought to himself, at the same time glancing at his watch to see the hands at ten past one. A quick look at the Garmin and a different way back to the hotel pops out from the screen, and more things to see await. Back in the room, his roommate was not sleeping. His belongings were spread out on the bed, two duffel bags lay open on the floor besides, and his riding gear hanging on a chair. Tomorrow was going to be good day.
Despite the forecast, Sunday morning had brought with it nothing but blue sunny skies. If there’s a better time than midnight to bike ride in Paris, it certainly must be Sunday morning. The city was having a late start, it obviously didn’t recover from last night’s activity as quickly. As a few paper bags tumbled through the empty streets, the group of cyclists was making its way past the same canal where the lively and raucous crowd had kept many of them up later than intended.
First stop, the Cathedral of Notre Dame. They line up for their first group photo in the long shadow of the Gothic colossus, watched closely by dozens of saints and gargoyles perched on the walls behind. There was no place to safely leave the bikes for this quick stop, so they remain in hand. A conspicuous numbered plastic card, “Paris to Varna”, now secured to the handlebars, a symbol of their adventure, and at this point the one thing they surely have in common. Along the Seine the small newspaper and gift vendors are slowly beginning to set up shop. As if foreshadowing the next stop, small glittering “Eiffels” hang from the shelves of the gift stands or simply lay in piles on the ground in front of the less industrious vendors. After a few roundabouts, a few potholes, countless broken bottles swerved around and one jumped curb, they arrive in front of the real deal, the Eiffel tower standing proudly against the blue summer backdrop.
A perfect spot to celebrate the beginning of a month long cycling adventure. A perfect spot to make it feel official. A quick break and a few photos, and they set off again, but it’s hard to go far in Paris without stumbling into yet another monument. An hour of riding and the legs were finally warmed up, a very good thing if you’re planning to jostle with 8 lanes of traffic in the world’s most famous roundabout. 
Luckily things were relatively quiet on the Champs Elysees and no one broke a sweat riding around the Arc de Triomphe, one of many testaments to be found in Paris to the legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte. Splattered here and there are signs that in less than a month’s time the Champs Elysees will be the setting for another cycling event, the final stage of the Tour de France.
At the end of the boulevard, one last stop is made in front of the Louvre. The futuristic pyramids offer a stark contrast to the ancient palace towering behind, a reminder that Paris is driven by the “new” just as much as it is permeated by the “old”. Just past noon, as the sun’s heat began to intensify and as the sleepy Parisians were finally stirring out of their homes and into the city, the small group of adventurers was merrily making its way out into the countryside.
]]>Today, in Paris, France and Cartagena, Colombia two groups of cyclists, separated by 8,246 km, are each starting out on a cycling adventure that they will remember for the rest of their lives.
The riders on the 2017 Orient Express will be spending the next 7 weeks cycling through some of Europe’s historic towns like Troyes and Regensberg. They will experience the spas of Budapest, the spices of East European bazaars & medieval cathedral towns and will enjoy the many opportunities to stop and sample the local wines and pastries.
Over the next 5 1/2 months the participants on the 2017 South American Epic will spin through the green hills of Colombia, past the menacing row of volcanoes in Ecuador, struggle up and down the Andes ‘a few times’, explore the Bolivian Salt Flats, Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu, visit some of the continent’s grand cities like Bogota, Quito, Lima, La Paz, and Santiago, cycle through the stunning Patagonia region of southern Chile and Argentina and finish in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego on the shores of the legendary Drake Passage. Along the way the riders will also pass through 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites, a dozen National Parks and numerous other areas of historical and archeological interest.
You can follow along at #tdaorientexpress and #southamericanepic.
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