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Duration
10 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
Meals
  • 9 Breakfasts

Price

$1890USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: LLX

Trip highlights


  • Discovering the varied landscapes, enchanting folklore and rich traditions of these proud Baltic nations
  • Following the stunning Baltic coastline into Latvia
  • Experiencing a completely different side of Europe, with its interesting mix of old and new

Travellers eager to experience a completely different side of Europe will revel in the experiences offered by the Baltic countries of Latvia and Lithuania. While they share borders and a coastline, culturally both countries are very different. Cycling through their most beautiful landscapes, where farmers still use a horse and carriage, to discover hidden treasures is made even more pleasurable by bike thanks to the flat landscapes and this superb cycle route following cycle paths and low traffic roads. The trip begins in Klaipeda from where we follow the stunning Baltic coastline into Latvia. As you cycle through the ever changing landscape you'll encounter many small villages, where the way of life has changed little, many unspoilt beaches, waterfalls, sand caves and a cultural heritage showcased through the many Old Towns, castles and manor houses that bring to life the folklore and legends of these intriguing countries. The tour concludes in the cosmopolitan Hanseatic port of Riga, where you will re-enter modern life after a fabulous ride back through time.

Trip Grading

moderate to challenging

More info about grading system

Arrive in Klaipeda, Lithuania's third largest city and main port, situated on the Dane River. After checking into your hotel, explore this former Prussian capital's mix of new and old including the cobbled Old Town with it's distinct German flavour. If you arrive earlier, you can visit the Curonian Spit.

Meals:  Nil

There will be an information meeting where you'll receive your bikes this morning at your hotel. Cycle from your hotel along the asphalt paved Lithuanian Seaside Cycle Route through the Seaside Regional Park to Palanga resort, famous for its Botanic Park and Amber museum. Overnight in Palanga hotel.

Meals:  B

Cycle on the picturesque cycle path along the Baltic Sea coast to Sventoji. From here the cycle route takes you deeper inland to the Samogitia (Žemaitija) Region which has many villages famous for their wooden churches and a lake district, now a national park around Plateliai. Overnight Platelia Lake.

Meals:  B

Welcome to Samogitia (Žemaitija) National Park for an unforgettable cycle ride around majestic Lake Plateliai which is one of the deepest and cleanest lakes in Lithuania. In the afternoon cycle to Skuodas, the old Curonian land, famous for its still existent Sacred Places of Balts', altar stones and mounds.

Meals:  B

From Skuodas cross the border into Latvia and cycle through picturesque countryside towards the Baltic seaside. En route passing by Grobina famous for ruins of a medieval castle, built in 1253 by the Order of Livonian Knights, and viking-era graves of Scandinavians who disembarked on Baltic's Eastern shore.

Meals:  B

Explore the Old Town of Liepaja and its special district called Karosta, a former military settlement and Soviet Navy submarine base. Cycle along a picturesque road to Pavilosta, which is a small fishing port with several welcoming pubs on the shore. Overnight in Pavilosta guesthouse/hotel.

Meals:  B

Cycle to Jurkalne along a very pretty coastline with quiet, unspoiled beaches and impressive steep 20m / 60.5ft high sand cliffs. Continue to Kuldiga, a former capital of Kurzeme Duchy and now known for its Old Town and charming atmosphere. Its Ventas Rumba is the widest waterfall in Europe and it is very pleasant to linger along the river bank. Not far out of town are the sand caves of Riežupe.

Meals:  B

Cycle to Kandava along the Abava River. En route pass through Sabile village famous for the most northern open-air vineyard in the world, registered in the Guinness Book of Records. The winemaking tradition in Sabile dates back to the 16th century. Arrive in Kandava, guesthouse check-in.

Meals:  B

This morning you cycle to Tukums, the 'town of gardens' and roses surrounded by many castles and manor houses - Tukums Castle Tower of the Livonian Order (Jaunpils Castle), Slokenbeka, and the Durbe and Jaunmoku Castles. Continue cycling to Jurmala, the largest resort in the Baltic States. Jurmala is well-known for its natural treasures: its 32km / 20mi long white sand beach, the River Lielupe (the city's natural border), pine forests and curative mud and mineral waters. From Jurmala, continue by train to Riga, the capital of Latvia and medieval Hanseatic town (train ticket not included, trip duration approx. 1 hour). For keen cyclists you could cycle into Riga, a distance of 20km, along a dedicated cycle way which follows the railway through forests. Your bikes will be collected this evening from your hotel.

Meals:  B

Your trip concludes after breakfast

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

  • 9 breakfasts
  • 9 nights in 3 star hotels and guesthouses 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
  • Information Pack with route notes and map (one set per room)
  • Luggage Transfers: 1 piece 20kgs and 1 small daypack, supplement applies for excess
  • GPS Tracks
  • Emergency Hotline

  • Travel to Klaipeda and from Riga
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide - this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A single supplement will apply if you book a single room
  • Train ticket from Jurmala to Riga
  • Bike Hire security deposit. Euro 100 for hybrid bikes / Euro 200 for E-bikes or Gravel bikes
  • Transfers not listed included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Waterproof panniers - option to rent available, supplement applies (please request when booking the trip)
  • Excess luggage
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information


Grading

moderate to challenging  

MODERATE to CHALLENGING – GRADE 4 The cycling is moderate to challenging (4) grade with daily cycles of around 27 to 78km / 15.5 to 45mi. The route is mostly flat and the cycling is mainly on roads with little traffic and cycle paths - only very short distances are cycled on roads with more traffic. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of cycling fitness to participate fully in this adventure. Faster riders can cycle more kilometres on Day 7 instead of taking the train journey from Jurmala to Riga.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 May to 30 Sep

Notes

H
High Season
DN1
High season is from 15 Jun to 31 Aug - supplement applies.
DN2
If you are short on time, there is an 8 day version of this trip - see trip code LLC
DN3
Other dates are possible between April and September with a minimum of 6 people.
DN4
This trip is not suitable for solo travellers. Please contact our team for alternative tour suggestions.

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*
  • Pannier rental (optional) - 2 x 40L pannierUSD$46
  • E-bike supplementUSD$170
  • gravel bike supplementUSD$170
  • Premium gravel bike supplementUSD$210
  • Single supplementUSD$490
*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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