9 days self-guided cycling tour from Riga to Tallinn (Code SG4)

A rewarding cycle tour along flat cycle routes in the invigorating air and natural beauty of the Baltic coastline. Cycle along the Baltic coast between Riga and Tallinn, two of the region’s most beautiful and vibrant capital cities. See the river cliffs and historic buildings in the Gauja River National Park then pass through picturesque countryside in Latvia’s Vidzeme region before crossing the border into Estonia. Follow the coast road alongside wetlands where you’ll see a range of birds and other wildlife among the reeds. The numerous seaside resort and spa towns mean there are plenty of places to stop along the route, as well as quiet coves and beaches. Parnu and Haapsalu are the most popular among locals who visit for the sandy beaches and to bath in the natural mineral water and mud baths. Tallinn, with its cobbled streets, traditional architecture and thriving café and restaurant scene makes for a memorable end to the tour.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Riga

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

Day 2. Riga – train to Sigulda – Turaida – Birini,  ~26 km/16 mi.

Collect rental cycles at your hotel (if preordered). Cycle to train station and take a train to Sigulda (~1h). The cycle route leads through the Gauja River national park known for its impressive sandstone cliffs and caves, hilly landscape, thick forests and castles. En route you can visit Turaida castle complex, the oldest Latvian church, Krimulda. Overnight at 3* hotel in Birini Manor house.

Day 3. Birini – Limbaži – Ainaži, ~90 km/56 mi.

Continue cycling through picturesque countryside of Vidzeme region to the Baltic coastline. En route crossing the Salaca River famous for the Red Cliffs nearby the iron bridge in Mernieki. Arrive in Ainaži near the Estonian border on the site of an ancient Liv fishing village, hotel check-in. Overnight at 3* Hotel in Ainaži.

Day 4. Ainaži – Häädemeeste – Pärnu, ~70 km/44 mi.

After crossing the Latvian-Estonian border, cycle on the old coastal road winding through old coastal villages in the direction of Pärnu. On the left side of the road, the seaside meadows and lagoons overgrown with reeds are favourite resting places for migratory birds. Arrive in Pärnu, Estonia’s most popular spa resort famous for its wide sandy beaches, the Old town, the Ruutli pedestrian street & the old fortifications. Overnight at 3* Hotel in Pärnu.

Day 5. Pärnu – Tostamaa – Varbla, ~74 km/46 mi.

Cycle along the Baltic Coast following the national cycle route No.1 and EuroVelo signs. En route you will pass several resort villages popular among holiday makers because of the 60-km beach. If you stop in Kastna village you can see the biggest oak tree in the Pärnumaa Region. Overnight at guesthouse in Varbla.

Day 6. Varbla – Lihula – Haapsalu, ~92 km/57 mi.

Today cycle on a winding road around Matsalu Bay which is one of the most important wetland bird areas in Europe. This area is now a conservation area, the Matsalu National Park. Arrive in today’s destination Haapsalu, a picturesque summer resort, famous for the ruins of the Bishop’s castle, healthy mud baths, beautiful sea promenade and the longest railway station built to accommodate the arrival of the Russian royal family’s train in the 19thC. Hotel check-in. Overnight at 3* Hotel or guesthouse in Haapsalu.

Day 7. Haapsalu – Padise – Laulasmaa, ~ 86 km /53 mi. or 94 km/59 mi.

Cycle on the old Haapsalu-Tallinn asphalt road which has very little traffic, many forests and meadows. Or you can take a longer route partly on former narrow gauge railway line (~45 km on car free gravel bike path). En route stop in Padise where you may explore cloister ruins & climb its tower to see the Estonian landscapes. Continue cycling along the Baltic Coast following EuroVelo route No.10 and passing by or visiting Paldiski, a former soviet nuclear submarine military base (+7 km detour). Hotel check-in. Overnight at 4* hotel in Laulasmaa.

Day 8. Laulasmaa – Keila-Joe – Tallinn, ~ 41 km/26 mi.

Follow the signposted cycle route towards Tallinn. En route you may stop to see the sights along the Baltic Coast: Keila-Joe waterfall, Tabasalu and Rannamõisa Cliffs. While in Tallinn you can visit Rocca al Mare Open Air Museum. Arrive in Tallinn, Hotel check-in. Collection of rental cycles. Overnight at 4* Hotel in Tallinn.

Day 9: Tallinn

Breakfast at the hotel. End of the tour.