Cycle the Baltics
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the enchanting Baltic region, where history, culture, and nature intertwine to create a captivating adventure. From the medieval charm of Tallinn to the vibrant streets of Vilnius, this journey takes you through Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, offering a perfect blend of cycling, exploration, and relaxation. Discover the pristine beauty of Lahemaa National Park, the serene shores of Peipsi Lake, and the artistic allure of the Curonian Spit. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Riga and Kaunas, and marvel at the architectural wonders of Trakai Castle. With comfortable accommodations and expertly guided tours, this adventure promises an enriching experience filled with breathtaking landscapes, historical sites, and unforgettable memories. Join us on this remarkable journey and explore the hidden gems of the Baltic region.
Included
Local bike hire
Listed activities
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.
vegetarian, vegan, meat
On this trip, we stay in two- and three-star hotels, ideally located for our cycling adventures. Below are the properties we typically use.
Tallinn: Go Shnelli Hotel (night 1)
We begin our adventure by staying near the medieval old town of Tallinn and Balti Jaam Market. When you’re not out exploring, the first-floor hotel restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows with views over both and serves breakfast plus an à la carte dinner menu.
Rakvere, near Lahemaa National Park: Hotel Wesenbergh (nights 2-3)
A stay at Hotel Wesenbergh provides easy access to our rides in Lahemaa National Park. However, we’re also in the centre of Rakvere, while the hotel has a bistro dishing out traditional Estonian cuisine (Monday to Friday).
Tartu: Hotel Tartu (night 4)
In the city centre, Hotel Tartu is within walking distance of the old town and the Vanemuine Theatre (the oldest theatre in Estonia). There’s also a 70-seat cafe on the ground floor plus a sauna centre (additional cost) with Finnish and steam saunas. If you plan on using the sauna centre, you need to bring flip flops (or purchase them from the hotel for €3).
Riga: Islande Hotel (nights 5-6)
Near the Daugava River, the Islande has a magnificent panoramic view of Riga Old Town. It’s located in a green area of Ķīpsala island, a 12-minute walk from the Old City, and offers a wide range of amenities, including a bowling alley, sauna, gym, two restaurants and a summer terrace.
Klaipeda: Old Mill Hotel or Memel Hotel (nights 7-8)
In the port city of Klaipeda, we stay at either the Old Mill Hotel or Memel Hotel (above), which are both ideally located for our ferry ride to the UNESCO-listed Curonian Spit. The former was once the biggest rice mill in Lithuania, before being converted into a 32-room hotel in 2008. The latter takes over a property built in 1876, and offers 50 comfortable rooms.
Vilnius: Comfort Hotel LT – Rock’n’Roll Vilnius (nights 9-10)
With an industrial style and music theme, our Vilnius hotel has plenty of personality. The 80 rooms are all air conditioned with underfloor heating in the bathroom, plus the Mellow restaurant serves a menu packed with local produce. Other nice additions are a free-to-use gym and a lobby shop selling beers, snacks, sandwiches and more.
Worth knowing
If you opt for the single supplement, please note that in some hotels, this may mean having a room with a single bed.
The group is accompanied by a transfer bus with a trailer to carry the bikes. In places, the routes follow cycle paths where the bus is unable to follow, so it is important you are comfortable cycling the distances; however, the routes are not challenging.
The group is normally six to 16, plus one local leader and driver.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Tallinn
- Tallinn - Arrival day
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- Town Hall Square
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Your journey begins in the enchanting city of Tallinn, where history whispers through cobblestone streets. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the charm of the Old Town, with a leisurely stroll to Raekoja Plats, the Town Hall Square. Surrounded by ornate merchant houses, it's the perfect spot to savor a coffee and soak in the ambiance. Afterward, check into your accommodation at Go Hotel Shnelli (or similar) and receive your meeting instructions for the adventure ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Tallinn to Lahemaa National Park
- Tallinn
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- Lahemaa National Park
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Begin your day with some free time to further explore the captivating Estonian capital. In the afternoon, venture out of the city to Lahemaa National Park, a pristine region on the Baltic Coast. Cycle through dense forests, past marshes and lakes, and keep an eye out for elusive wildlife such as moose and wild boar. With over 220 bird species, the park is a birdwatcher's paradise. Conclude your day with a stay at Hotel Wesenbergh (or similar).
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Lahemaa National Park
- Viinistu
- Kuusalu Rural
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- Porkuni manor
- Käsmu hiking trail
- Sagadi manor
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Spend the day delving into the wonders of Lahemaa National Park, Estonia's largest and one of Europe's grandest. Begin with a bus ride to Vihula Manor, then cycle through the quaint 400-year-old fishing village of Altja. Continue to the seaside resort of Vosu and the charming village of Kasmu, home to a fascinating fisherman's museum. Conclude your exploration in Sagadi before returning to your hotel for a restful night at Hotel Wesenbergh (or similar).
Day 4 – Day 4: Mustvee to Tartu
- Tartu
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- University of Tartu Old Observatory
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Begin your day with a bus transfer to the picturesque shores of Peipsi Lake, where you'll start cycling from the 17th-century fishing village of Mustvee. Pedal through ancient towns and churches, experiencing the unique tradition of single-street villages along the lake's shore. Continue your journey into Varnja before transferring to Tartu, where you'll spend the night at Tartu Hotel (or similar).
Day 5 – Day 5: Otepaa to Riga
- Otepää
- Riga
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- Alaveski Loomapark MTÜ
- Valga Museum
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After breakfast, travel to Otepaa, often referred to as the Estonian Switzerland due to its breathtaking landscapes and pine forests. Cycle through rolling hills, serene forests, and meadows, passing by Lake Puhajarve on your way to Sangaste. Continue your ride to Valga before transferring by bus to Riga, Latvia's vibrant capital, where you'll stay at Rixwell Old Riga Palace (or similar) for the next two nights.
Day 6 – Day 6: Riga to Jurmala
- Riga
- Jūrmala
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- Jurmala Beach
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Embark on a journey through Riga, a city renowned for its medieval old town and stunning art nouveau architecture. Follow cycle paths to the picturesque town of Jurmala, famous for its wooden buildings and 19th-century Russian villas. As one of Latvia's largest seaside resorts, Jurmala offers a 21-mile stretch of white sandy beach to explore. Enjoy a swim in the sea before returning to Riga for another night at Rixwell Old Riga Palace (or similar).
Day 7 – Day 7: Sventoji to Klaipeda
- Klaipėda
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- Palanga sahili
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Cross into Lithuania and begin your ride in Sventoji, following a scenic cycle route to Klaipeda along the Baltic Coast. Pass through Palanga, a beloved seaside town with a long sandy beach, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a refreshing dip in the sea. Enjoy lunch at one of the many cafes before continuing to Klaipeda, where you'll stay at Green Park Hotel Klaipeda (or similar) for two nights.
Day 8 – Day 8: Nida and the Curonian Spit
- Klaipėda
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- Birutė hill
- Curonian Spit National Park
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Travel to the artistic haven of Nida and explore the 61-mile-long Curonian Spit, known for its towering dunes, often referred to as the Lithuanian Sahara. During your ride, stop at Juodkrante to admire the whimsical wooden carvings on Witch Hill, a sculpture park featuring over 70 pieces inspired by Lithuanian folklore. Continue along the spit, with the Baltic Sea stretching into the horizon, before returning to Klaipeda for the night at Green Park Hotel Klaipeda (or similar).
Day 9 – Day 9: Zapyskis to Vilnius
- Kačerginė
- Vilnius
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- Kaunas Castle
- Pažaislis Monastery and Church
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Start your day with a bus transfer to the historic town of Zapyskis, where you'll embark on a cycling journey past ancient villages, beaches, and along the Nemunas River, Lithuania's largest. Midway, explore Kaunas, a European Capital of Culture in 2022, before reaching Pažaislis Monastery, a stunning 17th-century baroque church. Conclude your day with a transfer to Vilnius, where you'll stay at Comfort Hotel (or similar).
Day 10 – Day 10: Senieji Trakai to Vilnius
- Vilnius
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- Trakai Island Castle
- Trakai Voke Manor Park
- Gate of Dawn
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After breakfast, transfer to the village of Senieji Trakai and embark on a scenic ride to Galve Lake. Enjoy the possibility of a lakeside picnic and a refreshing swim before visiting the enchanting Trakai Castle, seemingly floating on its own island. Continue your ride to Užutrakis Manor Park, relishing the picturesque surroundings. Conclude your cycling adventure and return to Vilnius for the night at Comfort Hotel (or similar).
Day 11 – Day 11: Vilnius
- Vilnius - Departure day
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Enjoy a leisurely morning in Vilnius, with the opportunity to explore the UNESCO-recognized old town. If you wish to extend your stay in this captivating city, speak to your sales representative for more information. Your unforgettable multi-day tour concludes here, leaving you with cherished memories of the Baltic's natural beauty and cultural treasures.
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