Following 3 years of meticulous planning and scouting, the highest rated event in Santana’s history was tested in 2022, and will be repeated in 2025.
Our best-ever Scandinavian cycling cruise will start in Bergen and end in Copenhagen. Along the way, Norway’s finest fjords and two countries with sea-level cycling.
If you truly want to dive into Norway, we’ll host an optional 3-day Oslo PreTour that includes the 55 minute flight from Oslo’s OSL Airport to Bergen’s BGO Airport for our cruise embark. We’ll spend a few days exploring Oslo, where museums, art, and architecture celebrate the country’s viking heritage.
More details on flight scheduling and the PreTour will be provided a year before the cruise. Imagine if the Alps or the Rockies were at sea level. The southwest coast of Norway offers warm summer cycling on smooth gentle roads skirting fjords, inlets and islands. Sunny days without steep hills or bothersome traffic.
Many would guess that a Norwegian Cycling Tour might be too tough to be enjoyable—but Santana’s Norwegian Cycling Cruise traces the coast to provide a week of rides that are deceptively easy. Enthusiasts who want an epic challenge can turn inland and climb to reach unbelievable vistas. Each day has multiple cycling options, as well as our duo of non-cycling options.
What about the routes? Shortest routes will be around 35 flat miles, mid-length routes around 40-50 with some gentle hills, longer routes are 55+ with a few more hills. Non-cycling options? Our panoramic-window coach will arrive at the gangplank each morning to transport any who would prefer a non-pedaling break from cycling without missing the highlights enjoyed by those who ride. Easier still is to remain aboard for swimming, reading or relaxing.
We selected the perfect slice of Summer to cycle in Norway, when the longest days of the year are combined with the driest weeks of short sleeve weather. Some rides will take us skipping across Norway’s coastal islands which are connected by uniquely engineered roadways. Invigorating rides through pristine glacier-carved landscapes on roads that hug the shoreline.
Breathe in the crisp clean air as you gaze across the serene water. Imagine riding into a painting. A week of rides through landscapes that encourage you to pedal further. What will you find around the next bend?
Norway 2025
Bergen to Copenhagen
Photo Itinerary
Embark is in Bergen, Norway—a picturesque coastal city that hosts international flights from all 3 airline alliances at Norway’s second largest airport. Hosted bike building and short test rides will precede a late-afternoon embark.
Day 2 – Overnight our floating resort heads North and glides to the end of a long fjord to tie up at the center of the village of Olden. Most will start with a too-easy ride along the edge of the fjord and through the hamlet of Loen to reach a towering stone escarpment where the still-visible hoofprint of the 8-legged horse ridden by the Norse God Odin, shows where they crossed the mountain.
An included ascent using Loen’s new aerial tramway is the easier method of reaching our viewpoint lodge for a break with baked goods and hot chocolate.
Those who want a longer morning ride will reach the Loen Skylift after a gentle ride up the paved road of a long glacial valley to reach the foot of the still-present glacier. How many times have your cycling friends ridden to the base of a glacier?
Following an onboard lunch our afternoon rides ascend a parallel valley and follow the edge of a long lake. Some will turn back at the base of a climb, others climb 500 feet to a summit, others will add miles to enjoy a snack at a lakefront lodge, and those who don’t mind leaving the pavement will climb a short gravel section to reach the day’s second glacier. All will appreciate that a great feature of any cycling cruise is the downhill ride at the end of each day.
Day 3 – On this all-islands day we’ll leave the ship at a morning port on one island before reboarding the ship at the afternoon port of a different island. Today’s basic route between Molde and Averoy includes the longest climb and tallest summit of our entire tour. Those who don’t opt for our bus-and-truck “boost” that delivers them to the ski lodge at the top of Reindeer Summit will need to climb 8-miles to reach this charming chalet, which is a whopping 760-feet above sea level.
Cyclists who are anxious about their ability to enjoy this tour should re-read the preceding two sentences before pinching themselves. You won’t need to be super fit to enjoy this amazing adventure. Those who invest in some spring training, however, will love this tour’s longer daily options with plenty of extra miles and climbs.
No matter how you get to the lodge (and included fresh-baked treat) at Reindeer Summit, our island-hopping day includes the famous Atlantic Ocean Road, an inspiring piece of modern engineering featured in a recent James Bond car chase.
Day 4 – During our initial scouting we heard rumors of the careful creation of a replica of Norway’s most famous archeological find—a viking ship buried at Myklebust Mound. Over a thousand years ago a tribe of Norse Warriors mourned the death of their leader by using oxen to drag their ship inland from the top of Eidsfjord. After surrounding him with treasures fit for a Pharaoh, they turned the ship into a funeral pyre to transport their beloved chief to his place at the feast in Valhalla.
Newer than most of Norway’s guidebooks is the barn-like Sagastad, a museum that occupies a shoreline spot adjacent to the mound where archaeologists elected to rebury their priceless discovery. The museum’s centerpiece is the newly-created full-scale replica of what is believed to be the largest Viking ship ever built. Once each year this new wooden ship cruises the Fjord propelled by 48 oarsmen who pay for the rare honor.
In addition to the included visit of Sagastad, today’s offering includes a mild-to-wild assortment of rides. Shorter options allow you to reboard our ship for lunch, while a vikings’ option cruises through a waterfall valley to ride a distant fjord and return via a tall summit where a Valhallan feast will be enjoyed at an ancient rural inn.
Day 5 – Norway’s Romantic Road. What can we do to top the previous three days of cycling that each showcased one of Norway’s most sought-after attractions? The Romantic Road connects the terminus of Norway’s longest fjord with the country’s oldest stave church.
Because 90% of the tourists who flock to this wooden cathedral use a ferry to cross the fjord, the longer route is blessedly free of traffic except for cyclists who drive hundreds of miles to ride this picture perfect ribbon of smooth pavement.
Today’s choice of rides start and end in the small village Skjolden, a “fjordport” that is 130 miles inland from the open sea. The hardiest cyclists will want to top off their effortless cruise of the Romantic Road with a climb through switchbacks to reach Norway’s highest paved summit—which is 4,698 feet higher and 21 miles distant from our ship’s dock.
Day 6 – After four days filled with cycling most will be ready for a sans-cycling day to explore the UNESCO-heritage port of Bergen, where a collection of antique wooden storefronts face a bustling harbor. For this self-guided day of exploration we’ve included admissions to all three of the city’s leading attractions.
Rosenkrantz Tarnet, which dates back to 1270, was a summer residence for a long line of Norwegian Kings. The Nearby Bryggens fortress-museum includes artifacts from Bergen, a Viking stronghold that remained Norway’s capital until 1299. The included Floibanen funicular ticket takes you from busy Bergen to the peaceful park of Floyen, an above-the-city retreat with hiking trails, view restaurants and troll-themed enchantments.
Day 7 – This day is centered at a tiny heritage seaport where a recently-lengthened dock allows Star Pride to become the largest cruise ship ever hosted by Egersund. In this village the prime attraction is a folk museum complex that illuminates the everyday life and handicrafts of rural Norwegians of the 18th and 19th centuries (such as spinning, weaving, woodworking, coopering and watchmaking), and culminates with a sobering look at Norway’s five years of Nazi subjugation.
Our choice of routes from Egersund explore a large island and a peninsula famous for its natural beauty. A recent realignment of Norway’s coastal railway created a parallel bike trail linking leftover tunnels and bridges. Devotees of gravel will be able to enjoy a smooth loop through a patchwork of farms and of meadows.
Day 8 – Just opposite the tip of Denmark, the port of Arendal has been a prosperous trading center for centuries. Bypassed by modernity, historic Arendal has hung-on to become Norway’s favorite mild-weather vacation retreat. Our ship will be docked at the center of town, where a wealth of shopping, dining and galleries are a pleasant stroll from the gangway.
In this mountain-free area of Norway our choice of short-to-long rides leave traffic behind to explore a forested island where small coves are surrounded by summer cottages. In one of those inlets we’ll stop for a guided tour of a carefully-preserved shipyard from the Age of Sail that retained its original tools and workshops.
Day 9 – Does Denmark have fjords? No, but a long inlet allows our ship to reach a port nestled at the very center of Jutland—Europe’s mainland peninsula that’s home to most Danes. In a country famous for spirited cycling, our inland dock in Aalborg (Denmark’s 4th largest city) allows a fabulous choice of rural routes that radiate in all directions.
Our tip from past tours through Denmark is to watch for dairy farms with a small sign that indicates onsite baking or cheesemaking. If you decide to return to Aalborg for an onboard lunch, you’ll have time for some shopping before our late-afternoon session of mechanic-assisted bike packing.
Disembark will be in Copenhagen. Copenhagen’s CPH Airport is also served by all 3 airline alliances. If you wish to spend additional time in Scandinavia, bike-friendly trains reach Oslo or Stockholm in a matter of hours.
If you wish to spend additional time in Scandinavia, bike-friendly trains reach Oslo or Stockholm in a matter of hours.
MS Star Pride
Norway 2025
Bergen to Copenhagen
Santana has chartered Windstar’s all-suite Star Pride for our Norway Cycling Cruise!
The Star Pride is an ALL-SUITES motor yacht!
The smallest suite, at 277 sq.ft., is twice as large as staterooms found on other new cruise ships.
Every single suite on the ship is brand new!
Beautiful new bathrooms in every suite
10 different suite categories makes it easy to find one that’s right for you.
Owner’s Suite
Deluxe Suite
Balcony Suite
Ocean View Suite
The Star Pride has a 1:1.5 crew-to-passenger ratio to provide award winning service.
A total of 5 gourmet restaurants provide a variety of fresh culinary options. Jan wants you to know that 24-hour room service is a no-cost extra!
Amphora Restaurant
Candles Restaurant
Santana has worked with Windstar since 2010. With this win-win relationship, Santana obtains the lowest pricing and best availability. Their yacht-sized fleet allows Santana’s charters to use small ports that are better suited for cycling. We’ve now worked with Windstar to create custom-for-cycling itineraries in the Mediterranean, Tahiti, Japan, British Isles, Australia, New Zealand, & the Baltic Sea.
For those of you who are curious, we’ve chartered the Star Pride’s sister ship, the Star Legend, for Santana’s sold-out Baltic Sea Cycling Cruise that embarks from the same port in Copenhagen only a few short hours after our disembark.
Nearly ten years ago Santana asked Windstar for a Norway charter. Until recently their answer was “We really only go to Oslo.” In 2020 & 2021 we convinced a different cruise line to offer our Norwegian Fjords adventure, and due to world events both cruises occurred in 2022. When planning for 2025, I received a call from Windstar letting me know they are repositioning a ship in 2025 just for Santana’s Norway Cycling Cruise. We’re incredibly excited to offer our Norway Cycling Cruise aboard the Star Pride — larger all-suite staterooms, 5 restaurants + room service, and extraordinary public spaces to share with your fellow cyclists.
Santana and our participants love the intimate size of Windstar’s yachts, as does the cruising public and industry critics. Year after year, Windstar wins all the major awards for small ship cruising, and scores the highest return-client loyalty.
In 2020, the Star Breeze was withdrawn from service to take part in Windstar’s “Star Initiative Project”—a quarter billion dollar stretch of their 3 motor yachts (they’re triplets). After cutting the Star Breeze into front and rear halves, a precursor to the installation of quieter new eco-friendly motors and generators, they replaced the entire ship’s decor and furnishings—Every single suite has been rebuilt better than new. Before buttoning things up, they slid in a new 84-foot midsection.
This 90 second video shows the process –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTpVxCOjmPY&feature=youtu.be
Before
After
The Star Pride we’ve chartered for the Norway is essentially a new ship with larger additional public areas, a tripled-size ocean-view swimming pool, new tenders, new lifeboats, and a fleet of expedition-worthy zodiacs.
The new Sun Deck & Pool
The new main Lounge
Existing suites have all been completely rebuilt, will obtain enhanced soundproofing, and feature all-new bathrooms. Added suites include new categories at both ends of the price range. Now that the Star Pride has been relaunched, you not only have a wider range of staterooms to choose from, the Star Pride now has five gourmet dining venues to provide a wider range of fresh cuisine.
Owner’s Suite (Living Room)
Star Balcony Suite
Star Ocean View Suite
Star Porthole Suite
The new Star Grill
The Yacht Club & Cafe
The Cafe
The new Cuadro 44 Restaurant
Frequently Asked Questions
Norway 2025
Bergen to Copenhagen
Q: What are the exact dates?
A: The Cruise Dates are June 11 to 20, 2025. In a region where winter temperatures are below freezing, June assures short-sleeve cycling, extended hours of sunshine and daily highs in the upper 60s—some of the warmest weather of the year for this region. Additionally, June has the least rain of any Summer month in Norway.
Q: What’s the cost?
A: Due to the current strength of the dollar and the wonderful offer Windstar gave us for Santana’s encore Norway cycling cruise, our pricing for this 10-day cycling cruise starts at $7,299 per-person. Booking early is easy and RISK FREE. Our reservations page shows pricing of available staterooms.
Q: What about tipping?
A: Jan and I don’t accept tips. A comprehensive “cruise extras” fee of $700 per-person includes a long list of off-ship activities, admissions, interpretive guides, sight fees, and ride support (gps route files, morning shuttles to give casual riders a head start, and SOS vans driven by pro mechanic). Note that this is less than the average cruise passenger pays for a week of “deluxe excursions.” Government mandated Port Taxes and Facilities Fees are $400 per-person. Mandatory shipboard gratuities of $180 per-person includes valet bike handling.
Q: All Suites?!
A: Every stateroom is an exterior suite. About 40% have balconies. Pricing varies by location and floor plan (see the Stateroom Reservations section below for pricing details).
Q: Are there differences between the suites?
A: Certainly. The Star Pride features deluxe bedding and spacious floor plans. The suites have a private bathroom with a double-vanity & double-sinks, air-conditioning with adjustable thermostat, and are soundproofed. All Star Pride staterooms are located on the exterior, and offer exquisite views or balconies. The smallest room on the ship is 277 square feet.
Q: How are suites assigned?
A: In any sub-category all rooms are virtually identical. Using the reservation timestamp, those who reserve earliest get the conveniently located staterooms closest to the heart of the ship. If friends desire a pair of adjacent staterooms the timestamp of the first reservation determines the location of both rooms. Out of fairness to all our guests, we will not take requests for specific room numbers. Those who book early obtain prime positioning.
Q: Are rental bikes available? Are e-bike rentals available?
A: Yes. If you own a nice bike that fits, however, bringing it with you is relatively easy and inexpensive. More info on this in Bill’s Travel Tips. Lightweight road bike rentals are about $450 per-person for the duration of the cruise, and E-Bike rentals are about $200 more. Corsica rentals include delivery on embark day and retrieval at the end of the final ride. More info on our “Welcome Aboard” page.
Q: How do we get to and from the tour?
A: Detailed info by July ’24. Those who arrive and leave on the embark and disembark days will receive FREE Airport transfers.
Q: How many miles each day?
A: A look at our relief map will show you that the coastlines of Norway’s fjords are traced by remarkably gentle roads—and if you’re looking for a challenge the routes get suitably tougher if you opt for a climb to the top. In addition to our daily pair of zero-mile options (remaining on the ship or reaching prime attractions via Santana’s non-rider coach), every day has multiple cycling routes. Anyone who can ride 35 flat miles will be able to enjoy multiple days of easy. Longer routes are available, and typically allow 60 or more miles. At each morning’s breakfast you’ll get a map charting the day’s cycling routes and recommended stops. During a brief route talk you’ll hear about each route’s attractions. Santana’s vets have learned to love and rely on their handlebar-mounted GPS units. Available for less than $170, these touch-screen marvels prevent the age-old problem of getting lost or riding unplanned miles. Want to use your smartphone? Use the tips in our GPS Guide to make sure you’re ready to go. Santana supplies free electronic mapping and route files. Simply select the route and follow the highlighted map.
Q: What’s the next step?
A: A near-immediate sell-out of this event is anticipated. Early-in pricing is limited to the first few rooms in each category. Pricing listed on the Stateroom Reservations section is the current pricing. Refresh your browser to see any changes that may have occurred if you delay booking after loading this page. To lock-in availability and the lowest pricing on a RISK-FREE basis, reserve your space through our Online Reservations portal. Santana’s secure website is open 24 hours per day, accepts all major credit cards, and automatically adjusts for remaining stateroom availability. Reserving your spot is RISK-FREE. In each category the prime location staterooms will be assigned in the same order as the time stamp of your booking.
Q: What do you mean by RISK-FREE?
A: When you use your credit card and book through our website, we’ll give you 14 risk-free days to think it over and clear your schedule. If you change your mind, send an email to Cancellations@SantanaAdventures.com within two weeks to cancel the transaction and obtain a full refund. Here is a full listing of Santana Adventures’ Terms & Conditions.
Q: What if we change our minds after 14 days?
A: Because full-boat charters are binding, non-cancelable contracts, Jan and I will only enter into this charter based on your confirmed-through-PayPal commitment. In effect, we undertake a huge risk by guaranteeing full payment on your behalf. After entering into this obligation, we cannot afford for you to back out—for any reason. This is no different than the clear written policy that existed for all except one of Santana’s prior chartered-ship cruises (this charter will be our 85th!). While preparing for our 2009 Danube event I neglected to include the following proviso. That’s the year a group of friends, after verbally agreeing to pay in full and then stringing Jan along for many months, decided to cancel their plans. Lesson learned! Here it is (again) in writing:
Santana’s acceptance of your registration and non-refundable deposit for this event is subsequent to your agreement to pay the remaining balance in full. While Santana allows limited refunds on rallies and tours, Santana’s cruises are non-cancelable and non-transferable. When the possibility of paying yet not attending is unacceptable, Jan and I recommend Travel Guard trip insurance. For the past 25 years hundreds of our clients have relied on Travel Guard coverage without complaint. An informative application will be mailed with your invoice; and further information is available online. Here is a full listing of Santana Adventures’ Terms & Conditions.
Q: Have you ever relaxed your refund policy?
A: Jan and I have willingly resold a number of fully prepaid staterooms for a fee of $1,000 per room—which was waived when a vacating couple found someone to take their place. When there has been more than one pending resell request, those who paid-in-full earliest had their space resold next. Using this non-guaranteed method (which is grossly inferior to trip insurance) Jan and I have cheerfully refunded over $700,000 in otherwise non-refundable and non-transferable cruise fares. Here is a full listing of Santana Adventures’ Terms & Conditions.
Q: What’s the difference between a SAG-wagon and Santana’s SOS/treasure vans?
A: Most tour companies use SAG-wagons that haul luggage and “sweep” the route between overnight stops. The drivers refill water-bottles, fix flat tires, and retrieve riders who can’t manage the easiest route between the widely spaced hotels. The problem, of course, is that the roving vans tend to be annoying until you actually need help. At that point it’s common to wait for two or more hours until one shows up. Although SAG drivers can fix a flat, they don’t have the tools or know-how to handle serious mechanical problems. Instead, they drive you to a bike shop (which explains why SAG-wagons disappear for hours at a time). This tour’s SOS vans are driven by pro bike mechanics who bring tools and spares. When you phone our drivers with the coordinates from your GPS, they’ll arrive in a flash to get you back in the saddle. Because Santana expects participants to fill their own bottles, fix their own flats, and choose a ride they can finish, our SOS drivers are underworked, and have time to retrieve your shopping treasures.
Q: Are beverages included?
A: Normally extra, on Santana’s Norway charter a glass of beer or wine are included at our evening route talk. Additional alcohol is not included, but can be charged to your room. Soft drinks, coffee, espresso drinks, and juice are always complementary.
Q: Which meals are included?
A: During Santana’s earlier charters of Windstar cruises the culinary staff appreciated our appetites as much as we appreciated their multi-course gourmet meals. A 5-star chef will curate a new menu for each meal, and will always include a surprising selection of local fruits and produce, regional specialties, the freshest-possible seafood, vegetarian options, and grilled-to-order meats. A changing assortment of desserts and pastries are produced aboard each day. Breakfast and Lunch are served nouvo-buffet style, perfect for active cyclists. Dinners are served by knowledgeable and attentive waiters who can help you to make choices from each evening’s delightful menu of gourmet selections.
Q: Does the Star Pride offer laundry service?
A: The Star Pride does offer an optional laundry service for your cycling wear. Additionally, Windstar’s experts have always taken great care of our expensive cycling wear.
Q: Does the Star Pride have WiFi?
A: Satellite based WiFi is available at extra cost.
Q: Will there be menu selections for vegetarians, vegans and picky eaters?
A: Yes to all of the above.
Q: Does the Star Pride have Room Service?
A: Yes, all food served on board is complimentary, including 24-hour room service.
Q: Does the Star Pride have Elevators?
A: Yes.
Q: What if we have more questions?
A: The quickest and easiest way to get help is to use Santana’s Contact Form. One of our team members will follow up with you as soon as possible.