Santana Adventures

Less than 200 miles off the coast of Morocco is a volcanic archipelago that reminds many of Tahiti. And while Tahiti is decidedly French, the Canary Islands are an integral part of Spain. A 3-4 hour flight from London, Paris, or Barcelona, the Canary Islands are to Europe what Hawaii is to the United States.

With cheap flights, smooth roads, and a subtropical climate with great year-round weather, European cyclists have been arriving in the Islas Canarias for decades. Notoriety came after various Pro Cyclists, including Team Sky, realized a competitive advantage by selecting a high-altitude hotel to serve as an early-season encampment. Following in the tracks of their heroes, who loved their early season rides through an exotic paradise, over a quarter-million enthusiastic cyclists now flock to the Canary Islands each spring for a warm week of early season conditioning.

The world of cruising has changed. After decades of ever-larger ships, the newest and most innovative ships are distinctly smaller, and designed for travelers instead of tourists. By design, these yacht-size cruise ships are able to reach niche destinations that larger ships can’t enter. Perfect for a hand-tailored cycling experience.

We heard about a new cruise line being launched by a wizened group of cruise veterans from around the world. Synthesizing decades of experience on cruise ships with countless stays at stylish hotels, these worldly travelers created something entirely their own. Atlas Ocean Voyages has developed a new concept for cruise travel. They’ve taken the sophistication and luxury of a boutique resort hotel and transformed it into a marriage of modern and vintage in their new fleet of “luxe-adventure” cruise ships. We are proud to announce that we have chartered Atlas’ World Navigator for our 2026 Canary Islands Cycling Cruise!

Corsica, French Riviera, Monaco, & Tour de France Finale.

We’ve chartered “The Beauty of the Oceans” for Santana’s Corsica & the French Riviera itinerary. A 103-meter (yacht-dimensioned) vessel specifically designed for boutique cruises in the Mediterranean, and outfitted with with advanced stabilization & ultra-green power plants. La Belle des Oceans’ petite size enables it dock within the small harbors that larger cruise ships can’t access.

Every day has multiple cycling routes. Anyone who can ride 30 flat miles will be able to enjoy multiple days of cycling. Longer routes are available, and often provide 60 or more miles.

This immersive cycling cruise blends storybook cities, riverside riding, and exclusive cultural experiences. It begins with optional nights in Prague before boarding the Amadeus Star in Bavaria. Early highlights include a scenic ride through the Schlogen Gorge—“only wide enough for the river and a paved bike lane”—and time to explore Linz, Melk Abbey, and the dramatic hilltop fortress of Aggstein. Riders pedal through the Wachau Valley’s wine villages before a private evening in a family‑run heuriger.

Vienna offers a day of royal grandeur at Schönbrunn Palace and its historic Marionette Theater, followed by an optional spin through the Vienna Woods. The route then links Vienna to Bratislava via flat riverside paths, crossing former Iron Curtain checkpoints “where Soviet border guards prevented escape” as recently as 1989.

The journey continues to Hungary’s Danube Bend, culminating in Budapest with a guided city bike tour and a luminous farewell cruise beneath its illuminated bridges.

From its sun-soaked waterfront to its vibrant food markets and historic Gothic Quarter, Barcelona is a destination that invites unhurried discovery. It’s the perfect place to shake off travel fatigue, savor a few unforgettable meals, and start your journey feeling inspired—a city where Mediterranean breezes meet world-class art, architecture, and cuisine. Arriving early lets you wander Gaudí’s masterpieces, explore lively neighborhoods, and settle effortlessly into vacation mode before boarding the ship.

Our Barcelona PreTour packs in the city’s greatest hits—La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, a lively tapas crawl, La Sagrada Família, and the colorful heights of Park Güell. We’ll also venture to Montserrat to visit the famed Black Madonna, creating a vibrant, story-filled start to your journey.

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.

Early booking discounts!

In addition to our daily pair of zero-mile options (remaining on the ship or exploring New Zealand via our panoramic-window coach), every day has multiple cycling routes. Anyone who can ride a gentle 35 miles will be able to enjoy cycling every day. If you prefer hills or want to spend additional hours in the saddle, we’ve got you covered.

Our carefully curated choice of daily routes experience interactive stops at samurai villages, feudal castles, swordsmiths, sake breweries, bamboo forests, pearl farms, sacred Shinto shrines, and ancient Buddhist temples.

Let the ship be your hotel and your bicycle the key to discovering the heart of Japan—where coastal castles, sacred gardens, and cherry blossoms greet you with every sunrise.

From the glowing skyline of Tokyo to the lantern-lit streets of Osaka, your wheels will carry you on an adventure immersed in the Japanese culture across seven distinct regions.

Santana’s 2027 Japan Cycling Cruise includes Asia's finest cycling on low traffic roads with pristine scenery. An immersive 11-day adventure across seven regions explores the heart of Japan's culture, arts, and cuisine.

In addition to cycling that’s exotic and unique, this event is designed to include interactive experiences with some of the friendliest people on earth — local hosts who will help us to understand and appreciate their country and culture.

On any day you can ride long, short, or not at all. If you opt not to ride you can stay aboard for the scenic morning cruise or join Sergio for a guided tour by bus. Either way the ship spends late afternoons docked at a fascinating port before traveling up to 150 miles overnight to reach our following day’s adventure.

Imagine the convenience, security, and comfort of returning to the same 5-star resort after each day’s ride, and the excitement of exploring an entirely new region the following day.