12-days self guided cycling tour from/to Tallinn (Code SG9P)

Estonia is characterised by its unique natural landscapes and traditional hospitality. Vibrant cities, desert beaches, peace and the unspoiled beauty of the countryside - a paradise for cyclists. But it’s the Estonian islands which are the jewels of the country. You’ll spend your holiday on these islands which are amongst the most beautiful that the Baltic Sea has to offer. Lighthouses and windmills are the landmarks of these islands. To begin your journey, you will get to know the Estonian capital Tallinn. This tour then takes you from Haapsalu to the second largest island Hiiumaa before crossing to the biggest island, Saaremaa. En route back to the mainland, you’ll cycle on the island of Muhu & from there into the summer capital of Estonia, Pärnu.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Tallinn

Individual arrival in Tallinn and transfer (not included) to your hotel. Overnight at 4* hotel in Tallinn.

Day 2: Tallinn – Padise, ~65 km/41 mi.

Collect your bikes and start cycling out of Tallinn on the EuroVelo route along the northern seacoast. En route you can explore Rocca ­al ­Mare Open Air Museum, Türisalu Cliffs, Keila-Joa Waterfall, Padise Manor House and monastery ruins. Overnight at Kallaste tourism farm.

Day 3: Padise – Haapsalu, ~55 km/35 mi.

Explore Padise monastery ruins before starting to cycle on small asphalt roads with little traffic, but many forests and meadows. Arrive in Haapsalu, a traditional summer resort, with its picturesque small, wooden houses, castle ruins and beautiful sea promenade. Overnight at a hotel in Haapsalu.

Day 4: Hiiumaa Island, ~38 km/24 mi.

Cycle to Rohuküla (10 km) to catch a ferry to the beautiful Estonian island of Hiiumaa (22 km/1.5 hrs). Continue cycling to Kärdla, a “capital city".Overnight at a guesthaus in Kärdla..

Day 5: Kassari & Saaremaa Island, ~56 km/35 mi. or ~80 km/50mi.

Enjoy the ride across Hiiumaa Island's wild beauty which is known as a nature lovers' paradise. Also you can visit an old wool factory or the Hiiumaa museum in Kaasari. Then your route goes to Sõru harbour and you'll continue by ferry to Saaremaa Island (15 km/1­hr). Overnight at a guesthaus in Leisi.

Day 6: Across Saaremaa Island to Kuressaare, ~52 km/33 mi.

Today's cycle route passes the Angla windmills and the Kaali meteorite crater, which is the most impressive natural monument in Estonia. Cycle to  the capital of Saaremaa and home to the 13thC bishopric castle. Overnight at hotel in Kuressaare.

Day 7: Kuressaare

Free day in Kuresaare for exploring the bishopric castle, cycle to Järve beach and sand dunes - popular place for swimming and sun bathing, or take a longer ride to Sõrve peninsula which is very interesting for nature lovers, hikers and swimmers. Transfer to Sõrve peninsula one way is for extra charge. Overnight at hotel in Kuressaare.

Day 8: Koguva & Muhu Island, ~78 km/49 mi.

Cycle on secondary roads and a 3 km long dam connecting the islands of Saaremaa and Muhu. En route to Koguva village you can stop to see the Maasi fortress ruins, small windmills, an ostrich farm and you can also make time to taste/buy homemade bread. Overnight at a guesthouse in Koguva.

Day 9: Along the Western Seacoast, ~58 km/36 mi.

Continue the tour through Muhu Island to Kuivastu harbour, take a ferry (7 km/25 min) to the mainland and cycle along the coast through a nature reserve to Varbla. Overnight at a guesthouse in Varbla.

Day 10: Varbla – Pärnu Resort, ~70 km/44 mi.

Your last cycling day will follow the seaside road passing a golf course and the sandy Valgeranna beach. Arrive in Pärnu - Estonia's summer capital & seaside resort, famous for its cultural life, many green parks, sandy beaches, etc. Overnight at a guesthouse in Pärnu.

Day 11: Pärnu – bus to Tallinn

After breakfast,leave your bikes at the guesthouse & take a public bus or private car transfer (not included) to Tallinn. Free time to explore the capital city of Estonia. Overnight at 4* hotel in Tallinn.

Day 12: Tallinn – end of the tour