Cycling the Baltic States with Saaremaa Island, the Curonian Spit and Gauja National Parks
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour distances: cycling ~355 km / 222 miles, by coach ~1225 km /766 mi., by boat ~76 km/48 mi., by train ~26 km/ 16 mi.
Cycling grade: We rate this trip as Moderate one. Daily biking routes mainly on low traffic roads and cycle paths range from 30 to 57 km (19-36 miles) each day with a possibility to cycle more kilometres on some days like Day 6 (exploring Jurmala Resort) and Day 9 (detours in Saaremaa Island). The terrain is varied and rolling with a few gradual hills on some riding days (a few steep ups and downs on the Curonian Spit and in the Gauja River valley) and dead flat most of the tour. The tour covers all three Baltic States and therefore it includes a few long minibus transfers between the most interesting cycling destinations and the capital cities. Our walking sightseeing tours in the capital old towns are along cobbled streets.
Arrival / Departure: Arrive in Vilnius or Kaunas (100 km from Vilnius) and depart from Tallinn. For more information about flights, see websites:
VILNIUS airport
KAUNAS airport
TALLINN airport
11 days self-guided supported cycling tour from Vilnius to Tallinn (Code SG11)
Explore the Baltic coast and the National Parks of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia on very scenic routes. The tour includes the three capital cities – Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn – with their Old towns designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO; the Curonian Spit which was previously closed to visitors; nowadays it is often called the Lithuanian Sahara; the beautiful Gauja River valleys and the largest and most beautiful Estonian island of Saaremaa. Travel from Lithuania in the south, through Latvia and on to Estonia in the north; experience a wide variety of towns, villages and countryside for an excellent introduction to the very distinct characters of these quite different countries.
The tour begins in Vilnius where you get your tour maps with detailed program and route description. Next day your rental bikes will be ready for your first ride to Trakai. This trip is a half-guided tour ie during the whole trip, except the Curonian Spit and Jurmala, our driver with a minibus and bike trailer is with you and you can take part in city tours (Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn) lead by professional guides. Our driver will transport your luggage every day to the next hotel. If you have a breakdown, then our driver will take care of everything for you. If you have any problems – contact the driver or our office.
This trip takes 11 days to complete; if this is too long for you, you can also check our 7-day cycling itinerary of Latvia and Estonia: from Riga to Tallinn (code SG14x)
or 9-day cycling itinerary in the Baltics in opposite direction from Tallinn to Klaipeda (SG7x).
ITINERARY
Day 1 (Lithuania): Arrive to Vilnius
Arrive in Vilnius, capital of Lithuania for more than 600 years. Individual transfer to the hotel (not included). Check-in at the hotel. 7:30 pm (19:30) Welcome meeting at the hotel with our representative.
Overnight in Vilnius: Hotel COMFORT HOTEL LT*** or similar.
Day 2 (Lithuania): Trakai island castle & capital Vilnius (cycling ~33 km/21 miles, minibus ~75 km)
City tour of Vilnius Old Town. Afternoon trip to Trakai, the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Then cycling through picturesque countryside on gentle hills and transfer by minibus to the hotel in Kaunas.
Overnight in Kaunas: VICTORIA HOTEL KAUNAS**** or similar.
Day 3 (Lithuania): Along the Nemunas River: Kaunas - Klaipeda (cycling ~40 km/23 miles, by minibus ~230 km)
Morning bike ride around Kaunas on picturesque cycle trail along the Nemunas River. En route stop in Zapyškis famous for its unusual small 14thC gothic church. Finish the ride with a minibus transfer to the Baltic coast. Arrive in Klaipeda, a modern town at the Baltic Sea, check-inn and optional dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Klaipeda: Hotel OLD MILL*** or similar.
Day 4 (Lithuania): Curonian Spit National Park (cycling ~57 km/36 miles, by minibus or boat ~50 km)
Today go for the longest ride to Nida. Follow the Seaside Cycle Route along the Curonian Spit famous for its amber and fine sand beaches. 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 by bus or boat back to Klaipėda, optional dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Klaipeda: Hotel OLD MILL*** or similar.
Day 5 (Lithuania-Latvia): the Seaside Cycle Route & Hill of Crosses (cycling ~32 km/20 miles, by minibus ~290 km)
Cycling to Palanga through the Seaside Regional Park and visiting the Botanical Garden and Amber Museum in the Palace of Count Tyszkiewicz. Afternoon transfer to Riga (Latvia). En route stop at the Hill of Crosses, the unforgettable sight of thousands of crosses on two small hills. Continue to Riga, the capital city of Latvia. Arrive in Riga, check-in and optional dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Riga: Hotel HESTIA JUGEND****or similar.
Day 6 (Latvia): Riga & Jurmala Beach (cycling ~30 km/19 miles, by train ~25 km)
Morning guided tour of a medieval hanseatic town of Riga. In the afternoon cycling to Jurmala, the largest resort in the Baltic States well known for its long white sand beaches. In the evening take a local train back to Riga (30 min; not included).
Overnight in Riga: Hotel HESTIA JUGEND**** or similar.
Day 7 (Latvia): Riga & Gauja National Park (cycling ~40 km/25 miles, by minibus ~50 km)
Transfer to Saulkrasti, where you may visit the Latvian bicycle museum. Start your bike ride to Sigulda, the most popular resort in Latvia. Cycling 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.
Overnight in Sigulda: Hotel SIGULDA*** or similar.
Day 8 (Latvia-Estonia): Saaremaa Island (cycling ~38 km/24 miles, by minibus ~330 km, by ferry 6 km)
Morning transfer to the largest Estonian island of Saaremaa. With little traffic and flat roads Saaremaa provides the perfect rural setting for cycling. Travel on picturesque roads along the Baltic Sea Coast to the village of Angla where the iconic windmills are located. Transfer to Kuressaare, the capital of Saaremaa, check into the hotel for 2 overnight stays in the old town.
Overnight in Kuressaare: Hotel JOHAN SPA**** or similar.
Day 9 (Estonia): Saaremaa Island & Sorve Peninsula (cycling ~56 km/35 miles, by minibus ~50 km)
Enjoy a day ride across Saaremaa Island’s wild beauty – Sorve Peninsula famous for its lighthouse. Finish the day in Kuressaare, a home to one of the finest preserved medieval Episcopal Castles in the Baltics, dating from 13thC. Optional dinner at the hotel or local restaurant.
Overnight in Kuressaare: Hotel JOHAN SPA**** or similar.
Day 10 (Estonia): Saaremaa Island & Tallinn (cycling ~28 km/18 miles, by coach ~210 km, by ferry 6 km)
Take a morning ride to the Kaali meteorite crater which is listed on the world's giant craters list and it is the rarest nature wonder in Estonia. Transfer by minibus to Tallinn. In the afternoon arrive in Tallinn, check-in at the hotel followed by a guided tour of Tallinn Old Town.
Overnight in Tallinn: Hotel HESTIA ILMARINE**** or similar.
Day 11 (Estonia): Tallinn
Breakfast at the hotel. End of the tour.
You can extend your stay in Estonia; please ask for details.
2024 TOUR DATES*
(guaranteed departures marked with **)
SEASON I (Low):
SG11-01. 27.05 - 06.06.2024 (en) **
SG11-02. 03.06 - 13.06.2024 (de) **
SG11-13. 19.08 - 29.08.2024 (de) **
SG11-14. 26.08 - 05.09.2024 (en) **
SG11-15. 02.09 - 12.09.2024 (en) **
SEASON II (High):
SG11-03. 10.06 - 20.06.2024 (en) **
SG11-04. 17.06 - 27.06.2024 (en) **
SG11-05. 24.06 - 04.07.2024 (de) **
SG11-06. 01.07 - 11.07.2024 (en) **
SG11-07. 08.07 - 18.07.2024 (en) **
SG11-09. 22.07 - 01.08.2024 (en) **
SG11-10. 29.07 - 08.08.2024 (de) **
SG11-11. 05.08 - 15.08.2024 (en) **
SG11-12. 12.08 - 22.08.2024 (en) **
Language of city guide/-s: EN – English speaker, DE – German speaker
* departure any date (May-September) possible on request with min. 6 people per group
TOUR PRICE per person
SEASON I - Low (starting the tour May 1 - June 5 & August 18 - September 20)
Double/Twin room - 1355 EUR
Single room - 1775 EUR
SEASON II - High (starting the tour June 6 - August 17)
Double/Twin room - 1395 EUR
Single room - 1845 EUR
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
- 10 nights stay in hotels, including all taxes
- Breakfast daily
- Transfers as per itinerary by air-conditioned minibus
- Luggage transport as per itinerary
- Guided 2-hour tours in Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn (any entrance fees are payable individually) - in English or German
- Speed boat from Nida to Klaipeda or transfer by minibus (Day 4)
- A return ferry ticket to Saaremaa Island
- Emergency contact numbers for our English or German speaking representatives
- Individual information package (city guides, maps and program)
- GPS Tracks
ACCOMMODATION
- 3-4* hotels
- Rooms with shower/WC or bath/WC
THE TOUR DOESN’T INCLUDE:
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Lunches and dinners
- Bicycle rent
- Entrance fees
- Tips
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- Rental of trekking bicycle (VDV) with 7-speed Shimano Nexus hub gears & back-pedal break or 24-speed Shimano derailleur gears & free-wheel (optional), all supplied with a waterproof back pannier + handlebar bag with a plastic cover for GPS/smartphone (Ortlieb) and tachometer (1 x booking) – 119 EUR per person
- Rental of E-bike/Pedelec with Bosch driving system (VDV, Kalkhoff), 8-speed Shimano Nexus hub gears & back-pedal break or free wheel, equipped with a waterproof back pannier + handlebar bag with a plastic cover for GPS/smartphone (Ortlieb) – 269 EUR per person
- Rental of cyclecross bike (KONA Jake) with 20-speed gears, including a waterproof handlebar bag with a plastic cover for GPS/smartphone (Ortlieb), and tachometer (1 x booking) - 249 EUR per person
- Rental of carbon gravel bike (SILVERBACK Siablo CF) with 10-speed gears, including a waterproof handlebar bag with a plastic cover for GPS/smartphone (Ortlieb), and tachometer (1 x booking) - 299 EUR per person
- Rental of helmet (please send your head size in centimetres or helmet size: S, M, L, XL) - 10 EUR
- 6 x 3-course dinners package at the hotels excluding Vilnius, Riga & Tallinn – 225 EUR per person
- Pre-tour accommodation in Vilnius 3* (price per room per night with breakfast and city tax)
Double/twin room - 95 EUR
Single room - 85 EUR - Post-tour accommodation in Tallinn 4* (price per room per night with breakfast)
Double/twin room - 110 EUR
Single room - 99 EUR - Transfer from Vilnius airport/to Tallinn airport:
by car up to 3 people - 39 EUR
by minibus up to 7 people - 65 EUR
NOTES
- Discounts for extra bed in double/twin room for people from 3 yrs. old – 15 %
- Children under 3 yrs. old – free of charge
- Minimum group size:
– 2 people (fixed departure tours)
– 6 people (any other date May-September on request) - For more information about our rental bikes and equipment click here
Day 1 Sunday (Lithuania): Vilnius
Welcome meeting at the hotel with tour guide. Overnight in Vilnius.
Day 2 Monday (Lithuania): Trakai island castle & capital Vilnius
City tour of Vilnius, capital of Lithuania for more than 600 years. Afternoon trip to Trakai, the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Then cycling through picturesque countryside on gentle hills and transfer by coach to the hotel in Kaunas. (Cycle ~35km., bus ~75 km).
Day 3 Tuesday (Lithuania): Crossing the Curonian Lagoon
Morning transfer along the Nemunas River to the coast. In the afternoon cycling to Ventė Cape including visit to a bird observatory and the 19thC lighthouse which was used for more than 100 years. Take a boat across the Curonian Lagoon to Nida en-route enjoying the beautiful view of the Curonian Spit sand dunes which separate the Baltic Sea from the Curonian Lagoon. Overnight in Nida. (cycling ~35 km, by minibus ~200 km, by boat ~14 km)
Day 4 Wednesday (Lithuania): Curonian Spit National Park
Sightseeing around Nida, one of the most beautiful resorts in Lithuania. Then cycling on the Seaside Cycle Route along the Curonian Spit. En route to Klaipėda you may stop at the “Dead” sand dunes, visit Juodkrantė settlement and go swimming in the Baltic Sea. Arrive in Smiltynė, take a ferry to the Old Town of Klaipėda. Overnight in Klaipeda. (cycling ~60 km)
Day 5 Thursday (Lithuania-Latvia): the Seaside Cycle Route & Hill of Crosses
Cycling to Palanga through the Seaside Regional Park and visiting the Botanical Garden and Amber Museum in the Palace of Count Tyszkiewicz. Afternoon transfer to Riga (Latvia). En route stop at the Hill of Crosses, the unforgettable sight of thousands of crosses on two small hills.Overnight in Riga. (cycling ~30 km, by minibus ~290 km)
Day 6 Friday (Latvia): Riga & Jurmala Beach
Morning guided tour of a medieval hanseatic town of Riga. In the afternoon cycling to Jurmala, the largest resort in the Baltic States well known for its long white sand beaches. In the evening take a local train back to Riga (30 min; not included). (cycling ~35 km, by train ~25 km)
Day 7 Saturday (Latvia): Riga & Gauja National Park
Morning is free to explore Riga on your own followed by a transfer to the Gauja National park. En route you can visit Gutmana Cave, also Turaida Castle and the oldest Latvian Church, Krimulda. Overnight in Riga. (cycling ~21 km, by minibus ~50 km)
Day 8 Sunday (Latvia-Estonia): Saaremaa Island
Morning transfer to the largest Estonian island of Saaremaa. With little traffic and flat roads Saaremaa provides the perfect rural setting for cycling. Travel on picturesque roads along the Baltic Sea Coast to the village of Angla where the iconic windmills are located. Transfer to Mandjala, check into the hotel for 2 overnight stays at the seaside. Overnight I Mandjala. (cycling ~35 km, by minibus ~330 km, by ferry 6 km)
Day 9 Monday (Estonia): Saaremaa Island & Sorve Peninsula
Enjoy a day ride across Saaremaa Island’s wild beauty – Sorve Peninsula, with a finish at the Sorve lighthouse. Historically, the peninsula had considerable military significance, dominating the Irbe Strait and the Baltic Sea route to Riga. Transfer by minibus or cycling back to the hotel. (cycling ~55 km, by minibus ~40 km)
Day 10 Tuesday (Estonia): Saaremaa Island & Tallinn
Take a morning ride to the Kaali meteorite crater. 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 minibus to Tallinn. In the afternoon arrive in Tallinn, check-in at the hotel followed by a guided tour of Tallinn Old Town. Overnight in Tallinn.(cycling ~35 km, by coach ~190 km, by ferry 6 km)
Day 11 Wednesday (Estonia): Tallinn
Breakfast at the hotel. End of the tour.
