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

Price

$2090USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: LEC

Trip highlights


  • Exploring the historic centres of Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn
  • The coastal scenery of the Baltic coast and the wildness of the national parks
  • Discovering the small towns and villages along the route

Discover the contrasting characters of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia on this scenic self guided cycle route from Vilnius to Tallinn. 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 through 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. From the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, explore the island castle at Trakai, enter the previously off-limits Curonian Spit and marvel at the pilgrimage sight at the Hill of Crosses. In Latvia, dip your toes in the Baltic Sea at the white sandy beaches of Jurmula, visit Latvia's oldest Church and discover Gauja National park. Crossing into Estonia, pedal through Saaremaa Island to Sorve Peninsula with its famous lighthouse and visit the Kaali meteorite crater before completing the trip in Tallinn. A driver will transfer your luggage each day and provide assistance during the cycle day if required, while professional guides will take you on city tours in each capital.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

On arrival in Vilnius, make your way to the joining hotel (transfer options available). There will be a city tour tomorrow morning however depending on when you arrive, we recommend taking a walk through the old town. At 7pm there will be a welcome meeting at the hotel. Dinner is at your leisure.

Meals:  Nil

After breakfast there is a guided walking tour of Vilnius Old Town that you can join. Set on the Vilnia river and with its historic centre awash with beautiful buildings and cobblestoned streets, Vilnius has a wonderful ambience. 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. After taking time to explore the centre, a transfer takes you to Trakai, the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. After visiting the 14th century Trakai Island Castle, built on a small island in Lake Galve, we start the first cycle ride through picturesque countryside on gentle hills, then transfer to Kaunas. 2 vehicle transfers: 28km/17.5mi, approx 30mins & 68km/42.5mi, approx 1hr

Meals:  B

Morning bike ride around Kaunas and continue on a picturesque cycle trail along the Nemunas River. En route you may stop in Zapyškis, famous for its unusual small 14thC Gothic church. Later there is a transfer to the Baltic coast. Arrive in Klaipeda, a modern town and the main sea port of Lithuania on the Baltic Sea. Check-in and optional dinner at the hotel or at a nearby restaurant. Vehicle transfer: 220km/138mi, approx 3.5hrs

Meals:  B

Follow the Seaside Cycle Route along the Curonian Spit, famous for its amber and fine sand beaches, to Nida. En-route enjoy beautiful views of the Curonian Spit which separates the Baltic Sea from the Curonian Lagoon. Sightseeing around Nida, one of the most beautiful resorts in Lithuania. Transfer (included) by boat Nida to Klaipeda and optional dinner at the hotel. Note: if the boat is not operating there is a morning minibus transfer Klaipeda-Nida. Please note that due to planned reconstruction of the main cycle trail on the Curonian Spit, between Juodkrante and Pervalka, there might be a shorter cycling route today.

Meals:  B

Take an early morning cycle to Palanga through the Seaside Regional Park, a former Soviet military training area. On arrival in Palanga, Lithuania's largest seaside resort, perhaps visit the Botanical Garden and the Amber Museum in the Palace of Count Tyszkiewicz, which has over 25000 pieces of amber and 15000 insects on display. In the afternoon, transfer across the border to Riga in Latvia, stopping along the way at the Hill of Crosses, an unforgettable sight of thousands of crosses on two small hills. Continue to Riga, check in to hotel. Vehicle transfer: 285km/180mi, approx 4.5hrs

Meals:  B

After breakfast enjoy a guided walking tour of Riga old town, a medieval Hanseatic town famous for its Art Nouveau buildings. In the afternoon you can enjoy free time in Riga, or cycle to Jurmala, the largest resort in the Baltic States and well known for its long, white, sand beaches, mineral waters and mud with healing properties. Return to Riga and your hotel by train (30mins, not included).

Meals:  B

Transfer this morning to Saulkrasti, where you can visit the Latvian bicycle museum. The cycle route takes you through Gauja National Park. En route enjoy spectacular views of Gauja River valley with Gutmana Cave, Turaida Castle and the oldest Latvian Church, Krimulda, built in 1205. Arrive in Sigulda, check-in and optional dinner at the hotel. Vehicle transfer: 50km/31mi, approx 1hr

Meals:  B

This morning you'll transfer to the largest Estonian island of Saaremaa, which has preserved all that is best about old Estonia. With little traffic and flat roads, Saaremaa provides the perfect rural setting for cycling. Travel on picturesque roads along the coast to the village of Angla with its iconic windmills. Transfer to Mandjala or Kuressaare and your hotel, where you stay for 2 nights. 2 vehicle transfers: 270km/170mi, approx 1 hr & 37km/23mi, approx 30mins, ferry transfer approx 1 hr

Meals:  B

Enjoy the ride through Saaremaa Island’s wild beauty at Sõrve Peninsula, finishing at the Sorve lighthouse. Historically, the peninsula had considerable military significance, dominating the Irbe Strait and the Baltic Sea route to Riga. You may finish the day with a visit to Kuressaare, the capital of Saaremaa, a home to one of the finest preserved medieval Episcopal Castles in the Baltics, dating from 13thC. Transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Mandjala or Kuressaare. Vehicle transfer: 53km/33mi, approx 45mins

Meals:  B

Take a morning ride to the Kaali meteorite crater which is on the world's giant craters list and is the rarest natural wonder in Estonia. En route stop in Kuressaare, the capital of Saaremaa, a home to one of the finest preserved medieval Episcopal Castles in the Baltics, dating from 13thC. Transfer by ferry and minibus to Tallinn. Check in at the hotel then enjoy 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. Vehicle transfer: 200km/125mi, approx 3.5hrs, Ferry transfer approx 1hr.

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 - Breakfast will generally be 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
  • 24-speed bike rental with pannier, handlebar bag and helmet (electric bike available - supplement applies)
  • Information pack with route notes and map (one set per room booked)
  • GPS Tracks
  • Luggage transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg and 1 small bag / backpack, supplement applies for excess
  • Internal transfers as described by air conditioned coach or minibus
  • Support vehicle
  • Speedboat from Nida to Klaipeda or minibus (day 4) and return ferry ticket to Saaremaa Island
  • Guided 2 hour city walking tours in Vilnius, Riga & Tallinn (entrance fees extra - payable locally)
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Vilnius and from Tallinn
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Optional 6 dinner package (3 course dinners) excluding Vinius, Riga and Tallinn, prebook, supplement applies
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed included
  • Transfers not listed included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess luggage
  • Waterproof handlebar bag with smartphone holder - supplement applies
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information


Grading

moderate  

MODERATE – GRADE 3 The trip requires a good level of fitness to fully participate in the cycling. Daily biking routes are mainly on low traffic roads and cycle paths range from 31 to 57km/19 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 dead flat most of the tour. The walking in the capital towns is along cobbled streets.


Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
DN1
high season is from 10 Jun to 18 Aug - supplement applies
DN2
Helmets can be supplied on request. Must be pre-booked.
DN3
This trip is not suitable for solo travellers. Please contact our team for alternative tour suggestions. Other dates are possible between April and September with a minimum of 6 people.

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

$2090USD

Options & Supplements*
  • E-Bike supplementUSD$180
  • Optional dinner package - supplementUSD$300
  • 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. 

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