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Duration
11 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 10 nights in 3-4 star hotels
Meals
  • 10 Breakfasts

Price

$2150USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: TBS

Trip highlights


  • Cycling on the beautiful Estonian island of Hiiumaa
  • Discovering the small towns and villages enroute
  • Exploring the historic centres of Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn
  • The coastal scenery of the Baltic coast and the wildness of the national parks
  • Soaking up the hospitality of local hotels

Discover the contrasting characters of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on this scenic self guided cycle route from Tallinn to Vilnius. While these three countries share the same Baltic coastline, their cultural differences will become apparent as you pedal at your own pace between the three capitals - Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn - and the many small villages that have changed little over time. Following low traffic roads and dedicated cycle paths, the trip will showcase the diverse cultures, World Heritage sites and largely flat landscapes that make travelling in this region so different to anywhere else in Europe. Enjoy a ride through one of the last unspoiled regions of the Baltic coast at Lahemaa National Park and discover the 'Estonian Switzerland' at Otepää Lakeland. Crossing into Latvia, dip your toes in the Baltic Sea at the white sandy beaches of Jurmula, visit Latvia's oldest Church and pay homage at a bicycle museum. In Lithuania, marvel at the pilgrimage sight at the Hill of Crosses, enter the previously off-limits Curonian Spit and explore the island castle at Trakai before riding on to the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius. Support will be provided by a driver who will transfer your luggage each day and provide assistance during the cycle day if required and professional guides will provide city tours in each capital.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

On arrival in Tallinn, make your way to the hotel (we can arrange an arrival transfer for you if required - supplement applies). In the early evening at 6pm you can join a guided tour of Tallinn's old town. The city grew in importance as a strategic port between Russia and Scandinavia, and has evolved into a vibrant cultural city with a delightful walled historic centre. There is an eclectic mix of medieval and modern, Soviet and classic Estonian, grand church spires and crumbling wooden houses. Dinner at leisure in Tallinn's emerging culinary scene.

Meals:  Nil

This morning you'll meet your minibus driver for the transfer to the start of your cycle (100km - 1.5 hours). The route begins by taking you through the Lahemaa National Park, which is one of the last unspoiled regions of the Baltic coast. Lahemaa, or 'land of bays' is a nature lover’s paradise and the largest national park in Estonia, established in 1971. There are dense woods, marshes, lakes and waterfalls to discover. If you prefer wildlife to landscape, the park has moose, wild boars and over 220 bird species. Continue to Sagadi and your hotel for overnight accommodation.

Meals:  B

Following a transfer by minibus to Mustvee, you begin a pleasant bicycle trip along the Peipsi Lake shore to Varnja. Peipsi is the 4th largest lake in Europe, divided in two by the Russian border. En route, you’ll pass many fishing villages. You reach your hotel after a bus transfer to Tartu, a famous, historic university town (the university was founded in 1632). Total Transfer: 160km/99.5mi - 1.5-2hrs

Meals:  B

After a short bus transfer to Otepää, a beautiful place with many lakes, you begin cycling through the so-called “Estonian Switzerland”, absorbing the stunning landscape. The route takes you to Sangaste which is famous for its 19th century romantic castle built in the style of Windsor Palace. From here you transfer into Latvia where your destination is Sigulda, in the Gauja River Valley, which is the most popular resort in Latvia. En route stop in Cesis where you can visit the medieval old town. Total Transfer: 235km/146mi - 3.5hrs

Meals:  B

As you cycle through Gauja National Park, enjoy spectacular views of Gauja River valleys with the Gutmana Cave, the ruins of a 13th Century Crusaders Castle in Sigulda and the restored medieval style Turaida Castle. Afternoon transfer to Riga, the Latvian capital, where a guided tour of the charming Old Town awaits. After checking-in at the hotel you can explore this medieval Hanseatic town, famous for its Art Nouveau buildings. Total Transfer: 50km/31mi - 1hr

Meals:  B

Today is free to explore Riga on your own and take a cycle ride on a bicycle path to Jurmala, a Latvian seaside resort well known for its long, white, sand beaches, mineral waters and mud with healing properties. We recommend taking the opportunity to bathe in the sea and cycling along the beach – its well worth it! In the evening take a local train back to Riga (30 min; not included).

Meals:  B

Transfer by minibus to the Lithuanian coast, stopping en route at the Hill of Crosses, the unforgettable sight of thousands of crosses on two small hills. You begin cycling towards Klaipeda on a great bicycle path, which follows the Baltic Coast along the Seaside Regional Park. En route pass Palanga, the well-known Lithuanian seaside resort. Enjoy a break here; perhaps visit the renowned Botanical Park, Amber Museum and the 470m pier heading out into the Baltic Sea. Total Transfer: 290km/180mi - 4hrs

Meals:  B

After breakfast you cross the lagoon by ferry (not included - allow EUR1 pp) and start cycling on an asphalt bike path which takes you along the Curonian Spit to Nida, the most beautiful resort in Lithuania, famous for impressive sand dunes and the Amber Gallery. En route you can visit the Hill of Witches which houses almost one hundred whimsical wooden sculptures about Lithuanian legends, scattered along a forest path. Or, if you prefer, watch a colony of grey herons and cormorants, explore the “Dead” sand dunes on foot, swim in the Baltic Sea or, simply relax and take in some sun on the golden beaches. Take a boat (2 hours) or minibus transfer back to Klaipeda.

Meals:  B

Take a morning boat across the Curonian Lagoon to the mainland (approx. 1.5 hours), enjoying a beautiful view of the Curonian Spit sand dunes. The cycle route takes you to Vente Cape where you can visit a bird observatory and the 19th century lighthouse which was used for more than 100 years. In the afternoon ride along the Curonian Lagoon through the Nemunas River Delta Regional Park then transfer by minibus to Kaunas. Total Transfer: 210km/130mi - 3-3.5hrs, boat 14km

Meals:  B

After breakfast you are transferred by minibus to the Lake District where you begin cycling through picturesque countryside over gentle hills. Arrive in Trakai, the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Here you can visit the famous 14th century Gothic island castle erected on a small island in Lake Galve. Later a short transfer takes you to Vilnius, capital of Lithuania for more than 600 years. Set on the Vilnia river and with its historic centre awash with beautiful buildings and cobblestone streets, Vilnius has a wonderful ambiance. It has been known as the 'Jerusalem of Lithuania' or the 'Jerusalem of the north' and was declared the European Capital of Culture in 2009. This evening, a guided tour of the city awaits you. Total Transfer: 97km/60.6mi - 1.5hrs

Meals:  B

The trip concludes after breakfast. Transfers can be organised to the airport, or additional accommodation booked - please ask our staff for details.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 10 breakfasts - generally buffet style with breads, cheese, some meats, spreads and perhaps yoghurt and muesli. There will also be juice, coffee and tea available.
  • 10 nights in 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Hybrid bike rental with helmet, handlebar bag and one tachometer per two bikes. (E-bike available - supplement applies)
  • Internal transfers as described by air-conditioned minibus
  • Luggage transfer, 1piece maximum 20 kg and 1 small bag / backpack
  • Boat trip across Curonian Lagoon from Nida to the mainland
  • Guided 2 hour city tours in Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius (entrance fees extra - payable locally)
  • Information pack with route notes and map (one set per room)
  • Emergency hotline
  • Support vehicle in area (except Jurmala and the Curonian Spit)
  • GPS Tracks on request

  • Travel to Tallin and from Vilnius
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Optional 6 dinner package is available which includes a 3 course dinner every night except in Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius - supplement applies)
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you book a single room
  • Excess luggage
  • Entrance fees for tourist sites
  • Transfers not listed included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Bike Hire security deposit. Euro 100 for hybrid bikes / Euro 200 for E-bikes or Gravel bikes
  • SPD pedals can be supplied on request - supplement applies
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information


Grading

moderate  

MODERATE – GRADE 3 The trip requires a reasonable level of fitness to fully participate in the cycling. Daily biking routes are mainly on low traffic roads and cycle paths range from 17 to 57km/10.5 to 36mi. The terrain is varied and rolling with some gradual hills on some riding days (some steep ups and downs in the Gauja River valley and Otepää region) and dead flat most of the tour.


Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
DN1
High season is 26 June to 21 Aug - supplement applies. Other dates between May and September are possible with a minimum of 6 people
DN2
Helmets are provided on request - must be pre-booked.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$2150USD

Options & Supplements*
  • E-bike supplementUSD$180
  • Optional 6 dinner package - supplementUSD$270
  • Single supplementUSD$520
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

Videos

Cycling in the Baltics - Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia | UTracks Active Travel

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