TOUR INFORMATION
Tour distances (8 days tour): cycling ~243 km/152 mi., bus ~830 km/519 mi., by boat ~12 km/7 mi.
Tour distances (7 days tour): cycling ~184 km/115 mi., bus ~630 km/394 mi., by boat ~12 km/7 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 53 km (19-33 miles) each day with a possibility for faster riders to cycle more kilometres on some days like Day 2 (exploring Jurmala Resort) and Day 5 (detour in Saaremaa Island). The terrain is varied and rolling with a few gradual hills on some riding days (a few steep ups and downs in the Gauja River valley and dead flat most of the tour). The tour covers two Baltic States – Latvia & Estonia, 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 old towns of the capital cities, Riga and Tallinn, are along cobbled streets.
Arrival / Departure:
Airports:
Ferry terminals:
8 days (or 7 days) self-guided supported cycling tour from Riga to Tallinn
- Code SG14xx for 8 days tour & SG14x for 7 days tour
The Baltic coast and National Parks of Estonia and Latvia explored on very scenic routes, including the two capital cities – Riga and Tallinn – with their old towns designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Featuring the beautiful Gauja River valleys and the largest and most beautiful Estonian island of Saaremaa, enjoy a great variety of towns, villages and landscapes, and get an excellent feel for the different characters of these distinctive countries. The National Park Lahemaa, which is one of the last unspoiled regions of the Baltic coast, will be visited only if you book the 8 days tour.
The tour begins in Riga where you get your tour maps with detailed program and route description. Next day your rental bicycles will be ready for your first ride to Jurmala Resort. This trip is a half-guided tour ie during the whole trip, except Jurmala, our driver with a minibus and bike trailer is with you and you can take part in city tours (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.
ITINERARY
Day 1 (Latvia): Arrive in Riga
Arrive in Riga. Individual transfer to the hotel (not included) where you get your tour maps with detailed program and route description. Check-in at the hotel
OVERNIGHT: Riga; HOTEL: HESTIA JUGEND**** or similar
Day 2 (Latvia): RIGA & JURMALA Seaside resort
The morning starts from 2-hour guided walking tour of Riga Old Town, a medieval Hanseatic town famous for its Art Nouveau buildings. Then free time in Riga or cycling on a bicycle path to Jurmala, a renowned Latvian seaside resort well known for its long, white, sand beaches, mineral waters and mud with healing properties. We recommend that you take the opportunity to bath in the sea and try cycling along the beach – its well worth it! In the evening take a local train back to Riga (30 min; not included). (Cycle ~30 km/19 mi, by train ~25 km)
OVERNIGHT: Riga; HOTEL: HESTIA JUGEND**** or similar
Day 3 (Latvia): Riga & GAUJA National Park
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. (Cycle ~40 km/25 mi, by minibus ~50 km)
OVERNIGHT: Sigulda; HOTEL: SIGULDA*** or similar
Day 4 (Latvia-Estonia): Sigulda - Saaremaa
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. (Cycle ~38 km/24 mi, by minibus ~330 km, ferry ~6 km/4 mi)
Overnight in Kuressaare: Hotel JOHAN SPA**** or similar.
Day 5 (Estonia): Saaremaa island
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. (Cycle ~56 km/35 mi, by minibus ~50 km).
Overnight in Kuressaare: Hotel JOHAN SPA**** or similar.
Day 6 (Estonia): From Saaremaa island to Tallinn
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 bus to Tallinn. In the afternoon arrive in Tallinn, check-in at the hotel followed by a guided tour of Tallinn Old Town. (Cycle ~28 km/18 miles, by minibus ~210 km, by ferry ~6 km)
OVERNIGHT: Tallinn; HOTEL: HESTIA ILMARINE**** or similar
Day 7 (Estonia): Tallinn- National Park Lahemaa
End of the 7 days tour after breakfast (SG14x) or continue the tour for one more day. After a short minibus transfer go for a circular bicycle ride through National Park Lahemaa which is one of the last unspoiled regions of the Baltic coast. The National park is a nature lover’s paradise. There are dense woods, marshes, lakes and waterfalls to discover. If you prefer wildlife to landscape, you can see moose, wild boars and over 220 bird species. Transfer back to Tallinn by car for the second overnight (Cycling ~59 km/37 mi., by minibus ~200 km)
OVERNIGHT: Tallinn; HOTEL: HESTIA ILMARINE**** or similar
Day 8 (Estonia): Tour ends in Talinn
Breakfast at the hotel. End of the tour.
2023 - 8 DAYS TOUR DATES*
7 days tour finishes in Tallinn 1 day earlier
(Guaranteed departures are marked with **)
SG14xx-01. 02.06 - 09.06.2023 (en) **
SG14xx-02. 09.06 - 16.06.2023 (de) **
SG14xx-03. 16.06 - 23.06.2023 (en) **
SG14xx-05. 30.06 - 07.07.2023 (de) **
SG14xx-06. 07.07 - 14.07.2023 (en/de) **
SG14xx-07. 14.07 - 21.07.2023 (en)
SG14xx-09. 28.07 - 04.08.2023 (en) **
SG14xx-10. 04.08 - 11.08.2023 (de) **
SG14xx-11. 11.08 - 18.08.2023 (en) **
SG14xx-12. 18.08 - 25.08.2023 (en/de) **
SG14xx-13. 25.08 - 01.09.2023 (de)
SG14xx-14. 01.09 - 08.09.2023 (en) **
SG14xx-15. 08.09 - 15.09.2023 (en) **
Language of city guide/-s: EN – English speaker, DE – German speaker
*departure any date (May-September) possible on request with min. 4 people per group
TOUR PRICE per person for 8 days tour (SG14xx) / 7 days tour (SG14x)
Double/Twin room - 969 EUR / 829 EUR
Single room - 1299 EUR / 1099 EUR
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
ACCOMMODATION
- 3-4* hotels, rooms with shower/WC or bath/WC
THE TOUR DOESN’T INCLUDE:
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
NOTES