25 Trails We're Excited ForView List
Duration
9 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 8 nights in 3-4 star hotels
Meals
  • 8 Breakfasts

Price

$1890USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: LBS

Trip highlights


  • Cycling through Otepää, known as the “Estonian Switzerland”
  • Discovering the small towns and villages enroute
  • Exploring the historic centres of 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 Klaipeda. While these three countries share the same Baltic coastline, their cultural differences will become apparent as you pedal at your own pace between Tallinn and Riga and south to the Curonian Spit passing 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 and enter the previously off-limits Curonian Spit. 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 Tallinn and Riga.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

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 will be met by your minibus driver for a transfer to the beginning of today's cycle. 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 on to Sagadi for your overnight accommodation. Total transfer time: 100km; 62.5mi - 1hr

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. Along the way, you will pass by many local fishing villages. At the end of today's cycle, you will be transferred by bus to Tartu, a famous, historic university town (the university was founded in 1632). Total Transfer Distance: 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 will be transferred to Latvia and your destination Sigulda. Located in the Gauja River Valley, this is one of the most popular resorts in Latvia. En route, you will 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 enjoy a cycle on the bicycle path to Jurmala, a Latvian seaside resort well known for its long, white, sand beaches, mineral waters and healing mud properties. We recommend taking the opportunity to bathe in the sea and cycle along the beach – its well worth it! In the evening take a local train back to Riga (30 min; not included).

Meals:  B

This morning you will 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. You will then cycle to your overnight accommodation in Klaipeda. 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 for your overnight accommodation.

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

  • 8 breakfasts - generally buffet style with breads, cheese, some meats, spreads and perhaps yoghurt and muesli. There will also be juice, coffee and tea available.
  • 8 nights in 3 or 4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Bike rental with helmet, pannier and handlebar bag (electric bike available, also tandem bikes with two panniers - on request - supplement applies)
  • Information pack with route notes and map (one set per room)
  • Smartphone app with maps and route book
  • Internal transfers as described by air-conditioned minibus
  • Daily luggage transfer between hotels - 1 bag up to 20 kg and 1 small bag / backpack, supplement applies for excess
  • Guided 2 hour city tours in Tallinn and Riga (entrance fees extra - payable locally)
  • Support vehicle in area (except Jurmala and the Curonian Spit)
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Tallin / Klaipeda
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Optional 5 dinner package is available which includes a 3 course dinner every night except in Tallinn and Riga, supplement applies, must prebook
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide - this is a self guided cycle tour
  • A supplement will apply if you book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed included
  • SPD pedals can be supplied on request - supplement applies
  • Transfers not listed included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess luggage
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Bike Hire security deposit. Euro 100 for hybrid bikes / Euro 200 for E-bikes or Gravel bikes

Bike information


Grading

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 from 27 Aug to 11 Sep. Supplement applies to high season departures.
Note:
A minimum of 4 people is required per departure, please ask our team for details Other dates between May and September are possible with a minimum of 6 people
1
Language on the city tours (Tallinn and Riga) is in German as indicated (not English)

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

$1890USD

Options & Supplements*
  • E-bike supplementUSD$160
  • Single supplementUSD$470
*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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