Cycle the Baltics

Overview

Discover the best of the Baltics by bike

Crossing Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, this ride will take you on a journey of discovery through historic cities, untouched wilderness and along breath-taking coastlines. Our trip will start in Tallinn, where the fairytale architecture sets an enchanting scene; a theme that continues throughout our trip as we journey travel through Tartu, Riga, Trakai and Vilnius. We will also enjoy some of the best cycling in the region, through beautiful national parks and along idyllic coastal paths.

Highlights

Cycle through three unique countries
Discover fascinating capital cities
Visit the fairytale Trakai Island Castle

Key Information

Nine days cycling with full vehicle support
80 percent paved roads, 20 percent gravel paths
Group normally 5 to 16 plus leader. Minimum age: 16
10 nights in hotels
E-bikes available for an additional cost

Included

All breakfasts
All accommodation
Local bike hire
All transport and listed activities
Free group arrival and departure transfers available
Tour leader throughout

Not included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
E-bike hire

Itinerary

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Day 1: Start Tallinn; transfer to hotel
The adventure begins in Tallinn, a historical city with many sites to explore. If you have time after your arrival, we recommend strolling through the streets of the Old Town to Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square), which is surrounded by elaborate merchant houses and is the perfect setting to enjoy a coffee. Upon arriving at the hotel, head to reception to check in and receive your meeting instructions. Accommodation: Ibis Tallinn Centre (or similar)
Day 2: Explore Tallinn; transfer to Lahemaa National Park for a scenic ride
This morning there is free time to further explore the Estonian capital (timings will be confirmed by the guide in the welcome briefing). In the afternoon, we drive out of the city (approximately one hour) to Lahemaa National Park for our first ride. The park, one of the last unspoilt regions on the Baltic Coast, covers more than 270sqmi (700sqkm). Here you will cycle through thick woods, and past marshes and lakes. Also keep your eyes peeled for moose and wild boar, although they’re difficult to spot, and more than 220 bird species. Accommodation: Hotel Wesenbergh (or similar)
Day 3: Full day riding through Lahemaa National Park
Today we have a full day to explore the largest national park in Estonia and one of the biggest in Europe. We will embark on a circular route taking in as many wonderful attractions as possible. Starting from Palmse Hotel (the former park manor house), we will pass Sagadi Manor, the 400-year-old fisherman’s village of Altja, the popular seaside resort of Vosu, and Kasmu village which is home to a fisherman’s museum. We finish the loop by cycling back through Estonian forests and meadows until we arrive at the hotel. Accommodation: Hotel Wesenbergh (or similar)
Day 4: Transfer to Peipsi and cycle along the lake shore; transfer to Tartu
We start the day with a bus transfer to the shore of Peipsi Lake (approximately 90 minutes), then start cycling from the 17th-century fisherman’s village of Mustvee. From here, we pass through ancient towns and churches. Following an old Russian tradition, villages in Peipsi only have one street. Because of this, the shore of Peipsi Lake is one long street with lots of small settlements dotted along it. We continue cycling into Varnja and then transfer to Tartu (approximately 30 minutes). Accommodation: Tartu Hotel (or similar)
Day 5: Cycle through 'Estonian Switzerland' to Otepaa; transfer to Riga
After breakfast, we have a 25mi (40km) transfer to Otepaa. This area is known as the Estonian Switzerland because of its stunning scenery and pine forests. As you might expect, there are a few hills on today’s ride, though nothing too challenging with the gradient not passing seven percent. Once over the hills, we cycle through beautiful forest and meadows and past Lake Puhajarve on our way to Sangaste town. We will visit the park and castle in Sangaste – walking up the castle tower (optional) gives us a magnificent view over Otepaa and the surrounding green natural areas. After visiting the castle, we continue cycling to Valga city, and from here we transfer by bus to Riga (approximately 2hr 30min), our base for the next two nights. Accommodation: Rixwell Old Riga Palace (or similar)
Day 6: Cycle to Jurmala; transfer to Riga for the night
Our journey today will start in bustling Riga, the capital of Latvia. The city has a Medieval old town with wooden buildings and art nouveau architecture. We then follow cycle paths to the beautiful town of Jurmala, which has more incredible wooden buildings and 19th-century Russian villas. Jurmala is also one of the largest seaside resorts in Latvia – it has a 21mi (33km) stretch of white sandy beach for us to explore on our bikes. There will be plenty of time to swim in the sea before we transfer back to Riga for the night. Accommodation: Rixwell Old Riga Palace (or similar)
Day 7: Transfer to Sventoji; cycle to Klaipeda
After breakfast, we leave Latvia and transfer directly to Lithuania (approximately four hours). We begin our ride in Sventoji on a beautiful cycle route to Klaipeda, which lies along the Baltic Coast. On the way, we pass Palanga, a traditional bucket and spade seaside town with a long sandy stretch. It's a fun place for a wander and sea dip, and one of the most favoured seaside towns among Lithuanians. We will visit the Palanga Botanical Gardens and manor house, now home to the amber museum. There are numerous cafes where we can lunch and enjoy the atmosphere before we set off for our final destination of Klaipeda, our base for two nights. Accommodation: Green Park Hotel Klaipeda (or similar)
Day 8: Transfer to Curonian Spit National Park; explore by bike
We transfer to the resort town of Nida (approximately 90 minutes including the ferry ride), which is known as a hub for artists. From here, we explore the 42mi (68km) long Curonian Spit. The high dunes (up to 197ft/60m) running along the spit have encouraged the local people to refer to the area as the Lithuanian Sahara. During our ride, we will stop in Juodkrante and admire the bizarre wooden carvings on what is known as Witch Hill. The sculpture park was started in 1979 and now has more than 70 carvings representing characters from Lithuanian folklore. We then continue along the spit with the Baltic Sea extending far into the distance. We finish the ride at the ferry port, and from here we take the ferry across the lagoon then transfer back to the hotel in Klaipeda for the night. Accommodation: Green Park Hotel Klaipeda (or similar)
Day 9: Transfer to Zapyskis; explore Kaunas; end the ride in Pažaislis; transfer to Vilnius
We start the day with a bus transfer (approximately 2hr 30min) to Zapyskis, a centuries-old small town in the Kaunas district. Here we jump on our bikes and cycle past old villages, beaches and the Nemunas, the largest river in the country. Halfway through our ride, we stop to explore Kaunas city, a European Capital of Culture in 2022. Our end point is Pažaislis Monastery, where a 17th-century baroque church dominates the grounds. After, we’ll transfer to Vilnius by bus (approximately 1hr 30min). Accommodation: Comfort Hotel (or similar)
Day 10: Transfer to Trakai; cycle around town and visit Trakai Castle; return to Vilnius
After breakfast, we transfer by bus to the small village of Semeliskes (approximately one hour). From here, we have a picturesque ride over undulating terrain to Galve Lake. Here sits Trakai Castle, as if floating on its own island in the lake – it’s a truly magical place. We will explore the area and visit the castle before transferring back to Vilnius for the night. Accommodation: Comfort Hotel (or similar)
Day 11: End Vilnius
We have a free morning in Vilnius before the trip ends. If you’d like to spend a bit longer in this special city, perhaps exploring the Unesco-recognised old town, then you can speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Important Information

The trip destination

Nine days cycling with full vehicle support
80 percent paved roads, 20 percent gravel paths
Group normally 5 to 16 plus leader. Minimum age: 16
10 nights in hotels
E-bikes available for an additional cost

Food

All breakfasts included. Breakfast: Taken in the hotels. In most places, these will be buffet style and will offer plenty of choice including cold meat, cheese, eggs, bread, jams and juice. Lunches: On many of the days due to our remote rides there will be the option to buy a picnic from the hotel or get supplies on the way – we can then choose a spot on our ride to stop for a break. This means we can be flexible and choose the best views for lunch. On some days, there will be opportunities to buy lunch in cafes in the towns that we go through such as Palanga. Dinners: Cuisine in this area is often centred around pork, veal, fish, potatoes, sauerkraut and soups such as borsch (beetroot soup with meat; in Lithuania this is served cold). In Trakai, kibinai are popular, these are large savoury baked pastries traditionally filled with lamb or beef.

Weather

The climate is largely influenced by the Baltic Sea. Summers are warm with temperatures from 20C to 30C (68F to 86F). In the evenings, the temperatures will not drop too much. There is little rain in the summer but it’s always a possibility, so it is best to come prepared. The days will be long, with up to 19 hours of daylight. In spring and autumn, there is the possibility of light rain. Estonia is the furthest north and therefore the coldest, although the temperature range described applies. Lithuania is the furthest south, which makes it the warmest country of the three.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate).

Nine days cycling with full vehicle support. Average daily distance: 28mi (45km).

We mainly take quiet backroads, paths through national parks and coastal cycle tracks. There are some undulating sections, so a moderate level of fitness is required, though most of the route is flat. We are covering a large area, so there are bus transfers on most of the cycling days, this enables us to see all the highlights and use the bikes to cover the best bits.

Before reaching the cities, the leader will give you information on their history and places of interest and will guide you into town; however, they are not allowed to give you a guided tour due to local restrictions. You can either wander around at your own pace or pay locally for an official city guide.

Prices / Dates

By accepting our offer in writing, you/you confirm that our terms and conditions have both been read and understood and that cancellation fees may apply if the trip is cancelled.

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AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	Single room supplement	TRAVEL STATUS
Sat, 18 May 2024 / Tue, 28 May 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	Available
Sat, 25 May 2024 / Tue, 04 Jun 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	Available
Sat, 22 Jun 2024 / Tue, 02 Jul 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	Available
Sat, 29 Jun 2024 / Tue, 09 Jul 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	Available
Sat, 06 Jul 2024 / Tue, 16 Jul 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	Available
Sat, 13 Jul 2024 / Tue, 23 Jul 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	Available
Sat, 20 Jul 2024 / Tue, 30 Jul 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	Available
Sat, 27 Jul 2024 / Tue, 06 Aug 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	Available
Wed, 07 Aug 2024 / Sat, 17 Aug 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	Available
Sat, 10 Aug 2024 / Tue, 20 Aug 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	Available
Sat, 17 Aug 2024 / Tue, 27 Aug 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	Available
Sat, 24 Aug 2024 / Tue, 03 Sep 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	Available
Sat, 31 Aug 2024 / Tue, 10 Sep 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	Available
Sat, 07 Sep 2024 / Tue, 17 Sep 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	Available
Sat, 14 Sep 2024 / Tue, 24 Sep 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	Available

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT	TRAVEL STATUS
Sat, 18 May 2024 / Tue, 28 May 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	On request
Sat, 25 May 2024 / Tue, 04 Jun 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	On request
Sat, 22 Jun 2024 / Tue, 02 Jul 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	On request
Sat, 29 Jun 2024 / Tue, 09 Jul 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	On request
Sat, 06 Jul 2024 / Tue, 16 Jul 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	On request
Sat, 13 Jul 2024 / Tue, 23 Jul 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	On request
Sat, 20 Jul 2024 / Tue, 30 Jul 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	On request
Sat, 27 Jul 2024 / Tue, 06 Aug 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	On request
Wed, 07 Aug 2024 / Sat, 17 Aug 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	On request
Sat, 10 Aug 2024 / Tue, 20 Aug 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	On request
Sat, 17 Aug 2024 / Tue, 27 Aug 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	On request
Sat, 24 Aug 2024 / Tue, 03 Sep 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	On request
Sat, 31 Aug 2024 / Tue, 10 Sep 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	On request
Sat, 07 Sep 2024 / Tue, 17 Sep 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	On request
Sat, 14 Sep 2024 / Tue, 24 Sep 2024	NOK 24 780	On request	NOK 3 720	On request

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Cycle the Baltics

Overview

Itinerary

Photos

Important Information

Prices / Dates