The North Cape to Munich – 9 Countries in 16 Days!
The “9 Flags” Viking Run is designed specifically for riders who enjoy longer riding days and the opportunity to experience the widest variety of cultural experiences possible during a 16-day Adventure. Riders will cover half the distance through Europe and will experience nine different countries. With two exceptions, each night will be spent in a different European country.
The Adventure begins far north of the Arctic Circle in Tromsø, which is also called the “Paris of the North”. We will pass by the northernmost city of the world – Hammerfest, Norway – and continue as far north as it’s possible to ride a motorcycle anywhere in the world – to the North Cape. The North Cape is much further north than Prudhoe Bay, Alaska!
After visiting the North Cape, we will spend another 3 days in Finland, spending the nights in Rovaniemi (the “home of Santa Clause”) at the Arctic Circle, Vaasa (at the shore of the Gulf of Botnia) and Helsinki, Finland’s capital.
After Norway and Finland, seven additional countries await riders: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria and Germany. Each country features its own local character and culture (and beer) which distinguishes it from the other – part of which makes this Adventure so very special! The tour ends in Munich, Bavaria – capital of BMW, beer gardens and bavarian “Gemütlichkeit”. Riders having the time should consider adding a day or two to enjoy this city under the white and blue bavarian sky!
Highlights of this outstanding Adventure include:
- The North Cape, Europe’s northernmost accessible point by motorcycle
- Tallin, Riga and Kaunas – historic cities of the Baltic States
- A medieval evening: dine like the knights 700 years ago!
- Ride through the Masurian Lakes District in Poland
- A rest day in Prague, the “Golden City”
- A final ride through the alpine foothills of Austria and Bavaria
- Dinners with typical dishes in each country
Riders will travel approximately 2,800 miles, entirely on good paved roads with little traffic. Long and very long daily distances are the main feature and the most challenging aspect, since there are no freeways. Most riding is on country roads with a 90 – 100 kph (55 – 60 mph) maximum speed. There a some sections in the mountains that are technically more challenging. Wind and a rougher climate can be an issue in the far north during the first three days.
Hotels are good three and four star quality.
At a Glance
Your Viking Run Adventure
Day 1 – Arrival in Tromsø
The Adventure begins with an airport greeting and transfer to the hotel, motorcycle handover, kickoff meeting and our first dinner together. Riders arriving early can go for the nearby city center or for one of the many bars!
Day 2 – Tromsø to Alta, 250 miles
Let’s go north! We enjoy the fantastic scenery of the Lyngen Alps on our way to Alta! An optional visit of the Tirpitz Museum and the Alta Museum of Rock Art spice up this day even more. Highlights: ride along numerous lovely fjords.
Day 3 – Alta to Lakselv, 270 miles
Today is the day that we reach Europe’s northernmost accessible point! After backtracking along the Porsangen Fjord, we spend the night in Lakselv – the starting point for our ride into the Land of the Samis. Highlights: North Cape and North Cape Museum.
Day 4 – Lakselv to Rovaniemi, 320 miles
Today it’s “Lappland – day”! What seems like a long distance is very well manageable on smooth, straight roads through a scenery of neverending lakes and forests. Our destination is located right at the Arctic Circle, official home of Santa Claus! Highlights: Finnish Lappland, Arctic Circle Center.
Day 5 – Rovaniemi to Vaasa, 340 miles
We spend most of the day riding along the Gulf of Botnia and arrive in Vaasa, an important center for Finnish – Swedish culture. Highlights: Gulf of Botnia, Vaasa old town.
Day 6 – Vaasa to Helsinki, 280 miles
Heading inland from Vaasa we cross southern Finland and arrive in the capital early enough for some sightseeing Highlights: south Finland’s scenery.
Day 7 – Helsinki to Tallinn, 6 miles
Today is almost a restday! The ferry brings us to Tallinn, where we have the whole afternoon to visit this medieval city center. Highlights: Ferry ride, Tallinn city visit.
Day 8 – Tallinn to Riga, 220 miles
A ride through rural Estonia and along the Gulf of Riga brings us to the Art Nouveau capital of Latvia – another cultural highlight!
Day 9 – Free day in Riga
There are many other things to see and do in Riga including a panoramic boat cruise, visit one or more of the numerous museums, explore Old Town Riga or Riga Central Market and visit St. Peters Church. The tour leaders will give details to you about things to do in Riga for the day.
Day 10 – Riga to Kaunas, 198 miles
Lithuania, the third baltic state, is our program today! We won’t take the direct route, this would be too short – in a wide loop we approach the border to Belarus, before we swing back west into Lithuania, passing by Europe’s “geographical midpoint”, 16 miles north of Vilnius Highlights: scenic eastern Lithuania; Kaunas city center.
Day 11 – Kaunas to Torún, 310 miles
Today we can check off Poland as country number 6! Entering in the northeast we cross the scenic and laid-back Masurian Lakes District on country roads. A possible sightseeing stop: “Wolf’s Lair” – Hitler’s wartime headquarters for his invasion of the Soviet Union and the place where, by luck, he survived Stauffenberg’s bomb. Our destination is Torún in northern Poland, birthplace of Nicolaus Kopernikus, a World Heritage Site and one of the oldest and most beautiful cities of Poland. Highlights: Masurian Lakes District; Wolf’s Lair, Torún old town.
Day 12 – Torún to Wroclaw, 200 miles
Today’s ride mostly on small country roads is short enough to visit Europe’s Capital of Culture in the afternoon! Highlights: Wroclaw historical city.
Day 13 – Wroclaw to Prague, 200 miles
Riding through southern Poland we cross through the “Riesengebirge” mountain range into the Czech Republic to the cultural highlight of the trip – Prague, the “Golden City” Highlights: twisty roads through the Riesengebirge.
Day 14 – Rest Day in Prague
The “Golden City” is definitely the cultural highlight of this tour! Walk across the Charles Bridge and up to the castle with the St. Vitus Cathedral, hang around on Wenceslas Square and stroll around in the stunning old town. One of the most beautiful cities in Europe will leave you breathless in many ways… Highlight: Prague sightseeing.
Day 15 – Prague to Munich, 250 miles
Leaving Prague, we ride on relaxing roads through the scenic and laid-back southern Czech Republic into colorful Austria and Bavaria, heading for the “beer capital”! Highlights: roads and scenery of southern Czech Republic and Austria.
Day 16 – Depart Munich
Breakfast, airport transfer and departure.
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BMW F800GS
Upgrade fee (for duration of tour):
Included
Unladen weight (with fuel): 214 kg/472 lbs
Engine displacement: 895 cc
Power output: 87 hp
Fuel capacity: 15 L/4.0 gal
Standard seat height: 815 mm/32.1 inches
Low seat height: 790 mm/31.1 inches
Low frame and low seat height: 762 mm/30.0 inches
Panniers available: Yes
Top case available: Yes
Tank bag available: Yes
Damage deductible: $3,600
BMW F900GS
Upgrade fee (for duration of tour):
$600
Unladen weight (with fuel): 219 kg/483 lbs
Engine displacement: 895 cc
Power output: 105 hp
Fuel capacity: 14.5 L/3.8 gal
Standard seat height: 870 mm/34.3 inches
Low seat height: 835 mm/32.3 inches
Low frame and low seat height: 805 mm/31.7 inches
Panniers available: Yes
Top case available: Yes
Tank bag available: Yes
Damage deductible: $3,600
BMW F900GS Adv
Upgrade fee (for duration of tour):
$750
Unladen weight (with fuel): 246 kg/543 lbs
Engine displacement: 895 cc
Power output: 105 hp
Fuel capacity: 23 L/6.1 gal
Standard seat height: 875 mm/34.4 inches
Low seat height: 835 mm/32.3 inches
Low frame and low seat height: N/A
Panniers available: Yes
Top case available: Yes
Tank bag available: Yes
Damage deductible: $3,600
BMW F900XR
Upgrade fee (for duration of tour):
$1,150
Unladen weight (with fuel): 219 kg/483 lbs
Engine displacement: 895 cc
Power output: 105 hp
Fuel capacity: 15.5 L/4.1 gal
Standard seat height: 825 mm/32.4 inches
Low seat height: 795 mm/31.3 inches
Low frame and low seat height: 775 mm/30.6 inches
Panniers available: Yes
Top case available: Yes
Tank bag available: Yes
Damage deductible: $3,600
BMW S1000XR
Upgrade fee (for duration of tour):
$1,550
Unladen weight (with fuel): 229 kg/498 lbs
Engine displacement: 999 cc
Power output: 170 hp
Fuel capacity: 20 L/5.2 gal
Standard seat height: 850 mm/33.5 inches
Low seat height: N/A
Low frame and low seat height: 790 mm/31.1 inches
Panniers available: Yes
Top case available: Yes
Tank bag available: Yes
Damage deductible: $3,900
BMW R12G/S
Upgrade fee (for duration of tour):
$1,650
Unladen weight (with fuel): 229 kg/505 lbs
Engine displacement: 1170 cc
Power output: 109 hp
Fuel capacity: 15.5 L / 4.1 gal
Standard seat height: 860 mm/33.9 inches
Low seat height: 835 mm/32.9 inches
Low frame and low seat height: –
Panniers included: –
Top case included: –
Tank bag available: –
Damage deductible: $3,900
BMW R1300R
Upgrade fee (for duration of tour):
$1,150
Unladen weight (with fuel): 239 kg/527 lbs
Engine displacement: 1254 cc
Power output: 136 hp
Fuel capacity: 18 L/4.8 gal
Standard seat height: 820 mm/32.3 inches
Low seat height: 760 mm/29.9
Low frame and low seat height: N/A
Panniers available: Yes
Top case available: Yes
Tank bag available: Yes
Damage deductible: $3,900
BMW R1300GS
Upgrade fee (for duration of tour):
$2,050
Unladen weight (with fuel): 237 kg/523 lbs
Engine displacement: 1300 cc
Power output: 145 hp
Fuel capacity: 19 L/5.0 gal
Standard seat height: 800 mm/31.5 inches to 890 mm/35 inches
Low seat height: 800 mm/31.5 inches to 890 mm/35 inches
Low frame and low seat height: 800 mm/31.5 inches to 890 mm/35 inches
Panniers available: Yes
Top case available: Yes
Tank bag available: Yes
Damage deductible: $3,900
BMW R1300RT
Upgrade fee (for duration of tour):
$2,050
Unladen weight (with fuel): 265 kg/584 lbs
Engine displacement: 1300 cc
Power output: 145 hp
Fuel capacity: 24 L/6.3 gal
Standard seat height: 818 mm/32.2 inches to 838 mm/33 inches
Low seat height: 780 mm/30.7 inches
Low frame and low seat height: N/A
Panniers available: Yes
Top case available: Yes
Tank bag available: Yes
Damage deductible: $3,900
BMW R1300GS Adv
Upgrade fee (for duration of tour):
$2,200
Unladen weight (with fuel): 269 kg/593 lbs
Engine displacement: 1300 cc
Power output: 145 hp
Fuel capacity: 30 L/7.9 gal
Standard seat height: 841 mm/33.1 inches to 890 mm/35 inches
Low seat height: 841 mm/33.1 inches to 890 mm/35 inches
Low frame and low seat height: 841 mm/33.1 inches to 890 mm/35 inches
Panniers available: Yes
Top case available: Yes
Tank bag available: Yes
Damage deductible: $3,900
Personal Motorcycle
Deduct from rider tour price:
-$1,850
Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like a make or model of motorcycle that is not listed on this page for your tour and we will make every effort to secure the motorcycle of your choice.
Standard Inclusions
- Late model, low mileage motorcycle
- Upscale accommodations
- A’ la carte dining
- Two Ayres Adventures professional tour leaders
- Airport arrival/departure transfers
- Luggage handling
- Comfortable support vehicle for non-riding companions
- Comprehensive pre-trip planning and assistance
- Customized trip booklet with day-by-day itinerary and attractions
- Commemorative shirt
- Adventurer Club travel award credit
Meals
- All breakfasts
- 13 dinners
Special Inclusions
- All ferry crossings
- Entry fee North Cape Visitor Center
2027 Schedule
| Date | 2027 Adventures | Length | Rider Price (USD) | Co-Rider Price (USD) | Single Room Supplement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 10 - 25 | Viking Run | 16 days | $10,800 | $7,850 | $1,675 |
2028 Schedule
| Date | 2028 Adventures | Length | Rider Price (USD) | Co-Rider Price (USD) | Single Room Supplement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 24 - August 8 | Viking Run | 16 days | $11,400 | $8,300 | $1,800 |
Cancellation fee and refunds
| FROM DATE OF SCHEDULED COMMENCEMENT | AMOUNT FORFEITED |
|---|---|
| More than 60 days | 50% of deposit |
| 60 days or fewer but more than 45 days | 100% of deposit |
| 45 days or fewer but more than 30 days | 50% of full tour payment |
| 30 days or fewer | 100% of full tour payment |
Best motorcycle adventure/vacation group in the market
Best motorcycle adventure/vacation group in the market. Professional, fun, competent tour leaders. Sweat and ride all day with 5 star meals and accommodations at night. Learn about nations and cultures, meet great people, and ride a brand new BMW motorcycle every time. I’m never disappointed, and I don’t have to plan anything myself. Simply “The Best!”. Can’t wait to pick my next tour!
Joan's Adventures include:
Viking Run
Norwegian Midnight Sun
Spain and Morocco
Barcelona to Lisbon
Iceland Adventure
Indian Summer in the Alps
Bloomfield Hills, MI
They always go above and beyond to take care of the client
I have participated in numerous tours with Ayres Adventures as well as other tour companies and can comfortably report that Ayres is the Premier touring company. They always go above and beyond to take care of the client.
Rob and Christine's Adventures include:
New Zealand Top Down Adventure
Australia and Tasmania – Adventure Down Under
Dutch Treat Adventure
Spain and Morocco
Viking Run
Escape to Machu Picchu
Southern Cross
Best of Alaska/Canada
Jacksonville, FL
I am looking forward to another Ayres Adventure
I toured with Ayres Adventures on the Viking Run in August 2018. We went from the top of Norway through 8 countries, and ended up in Munich. We saw every kind of weather, hundreds of reindeer, awesome scenery, and had gourmet meals in the evenings. My favorite meal was the Polish sausage I had that happened to be served at a gas station restaurant. Our guides, Axel Papst and Janis Cimins, were great at organizing the day's events, and very entertaining with their stories in the evening. I am looking forward to another Ayres Adventure.
David's Adventures include:
Viking Run
Tampa, FL
Once you travel with Ayres Adventures there is no going back!
First class all the way! Awesome roads and amazing lodging. Staff brings the group together and makes everyone feel welcome and at ease. Gives us plenty of time on the bikes and off the bikes to enjoy our new friends. Does a great job dealing with the unexpected and last minute changes which are bound to happen with any event. Why go with any other group - once you travel with Ayres Adventures there is no going back - they are top notch. This is my 4th trip and saving my money for the next one.
John and Heidi's Adventures include:
New Zealand Top Down Adventure
Ushuaia and Antarctica
Africa Call of the Wild
Iron Butt Viking Run
A great time was had by all.
Our tour leader, Axel, was excellent. Not only did he check out the bikes each day and get us on the perfect roads but also he was the perfect leader and had an ability to gently convince 7 head strong, high energy clients to do the right thing all the time. A great time was had by all.
Cliff's Adventures include:
Viking Run
Houston, Texas
Damn that was a fun trip!!!!
Jim’s comments after the Viking Run:
Ron - The trip rating - an A+.I repeat - an A+.
I don't even know what I paid for this thing......I know it was a chunk of change, and I know it was accurate billing from you folks, and I know I could go back and tally up what it all cost.....adding in your fees, the ATM withdrawals, AmEx/Visa charges, etc.....but truth is - whatEVER it cost me, it was totally worth it. And - even with the cost of the new BMW I'm gonna HAVE to buy now that I'm back home (the local BMW sales rep should pay you a commission!)....the value I got, the money spent vs. the experiences/memories - definitely worth it!
Jim’s comments after the Spanish Switchback Challenge:
My first tour was Viking Run - an absolutely incredible motorcycle trip with great folks, through amazing parts of Europe, and via Ayres' top-rate guides, support, facilities & organization. The value for my $$$ earned an A+ grade...almost impossible to explain the beauty, excitement and camaraderie...I'm still talking about it! Absolutely, positively WORTH the time & money to experience. I liked that trip so much, I booked another....the Spanish Switchback Challenge. Again, Ayres hit a home run with the trip location, guide, accommodations, and the VALUE of the trip. Mastering the twists & turns along the coast of Spain is something every rider should experience. Now on the books for me is one of Ayres' newest trips - Ireland - and the anticipation of another awesome experience. Adding Ayres' trips has been such an excellent addition to my local & US motorcycling - anyone giving thought to taking a trip with Ayres should do so, immediately...sign up, climb on, and enjoy the ride!
Congratulations, John, on sustaining the Ayres biz, employing top-rate guides, keeping the process fun & easy (thanks Shirley), and delivering great value for the $$$.
Jim's Adventures include:
Viking Run
Spanish Switchback Challenge
Treasures of Eastern Europe
Kansas City, Missouri
The cruise to Antarctica will be an unforgettable time in our lives
Heidi and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves on the recent Escape to Antarctica/Ushuaia tour. This was our first tour of this sort and any expectations we had were met and far exceeded. Your tour staff was excellent and helpful, as well as our traveling companions.
The cruise to Antarctica will be an unforgettable time in our lives. The ship and crew were all first class. The sights and wildlife in Antarctica are indescribable, and need to be experienced first hand to grasp the magnitude of the seventh continent. Walking amongst the penguins and the seals was a kick. This is an experience enjoyed by few, due to the limited numbers allowed to this truly wild place.
We thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime to have joined you on this tour, and hopefully we can join another Ayres Adventures tour in the future.
Bob and Heidi's Adventures include:
Ushuaia and Antarctica
Viking Run
Yuma, Arizona
Now I'm dreaming of an Ayres Adventure in South America
The planning and organization that went into the African Southern Cross made this trip very special for me. I recommend this excursion to anyone who would like a very special holiday on a motorcycle. Now I'm dreaming of an Ayres Adventure in South America!.
Andre's Adventures include:
Escape to Ushuaia
Southern Cross
Viking Run
Ottawa, Canada
First Class Adventures
Recently my wife Chris and I took an Ayres Adventure trip through South Africa (from Cape Town to Johannesburg). We have nothing but good things to say about the Ayres people, having done several "adventures" with them, in various parts of the world. They are first class, and go the extra mile to take good care of their customers. The Africa trip was exceptional in every respect. Ayres has a knack for picking exotic places to visit and stay. Kruger is breathtaking and Swaziland is really cool. We totally recommend anyone that wants to do an overseas adventure to strongly consider this opportunity.
Rob and Chris's Adventures include:
Machu Picchu Excursion (Twice for Chris!)
Best of Alaska and Canada
Southern Cross
Viking Run
Spain and Morocco
Dutch Treat (now named Normandy and the North Sea)
Jacksonville, FL
START CITY: TROMSØ
- Nearest international airport: Tromsø Airport
- Airport code: TOS
- Approximate distance from city centre: 3 miles/5 kms
END CITY: Munich
- Nearest international airport: Munich Airport
- Airport code: MUC
- Approximate distance from city centre: 18 miles/29 kms
Private Tour Inquiry
We are happy to book any of our motorcycle tours as a private tour. For most tours, we require a minimum of 8 bikes or 12 participants (riders plus co-riders). We can provide a private motorcycle tour for smaller groups, but a surcharge may apply. We can also customize any of our regular tours for a private group.