10 days self-guided cycling tour from Klaipėda to Riga via Samogitia (Code SG3x)

Cycle from Lithuania into Latvia along the undiscovered Baltic coast and through untouched forests and countryside. Setting off from historic Klaipeda, the first stage of the tour follows the Seaside Cycle Route past sand dunes, wide beaches and former fishing villages, and then goes inland to undiscovered Samogitia (Žemaitija) region before crossing the border into Latvia and rejoining the sea at Liepaja. Samogitia (Žemaitija) National Park, known as the Lakeland, is one of the treasures of Lithuania. Its natural beauty hides the Plokštinė Soviet missile base where nukes once waited for an order to obliterate the capitalist countries of the western bloc. Cutting inland through the countryside, visit historic towns, the Europe’s widest waterfall and the most northern open-air vineyard in the world on the way to rejoin the sea at Jūrmala. Cycling along the resort town’s 20 km long sandy beach is a memorable way to finish the tour before taking a train into Riga to experience the vibrant capital city. Riga is a historic Hanseatic port city featuring well-preserved medieval buildings alongside and expansive collection of Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) architecture.

This trip takes 10 days to complete; if this is too long for you, you can also check our 8-day self-guided cycling tour from Klaipėda to Riga (tour code SG3) which goes from Lithuanian border to Liepaja on the main busy road with no bike path or sidelanes for bikers.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Klaipėda

Individual arrival in Klaipėda and transfer to your hotel (not included). Hotel check-in.
OVERNIGHT at central 3* Klaipėda hotel.

Day 2. Along the Lithuanian Seaside Cycle Route Klaipėda--Palanga (appr. 33 km/21 mi)

Collect rental cycles at your hotel (if pre-ordered) and optional morning ride to Smiltynė where you can have a chance explore part of the Curonian Spit National Park (an extra day for the longer ride along the Curonian Spit could be also an option). Finally cycle on asphalt cycle path through the Seaside Regional Park to Palanga resort, famous for its Botanical Park and Amber Museum. Arrive in Palanga, Hotel check-in.
OVERNIGHT at central 4* Palanga hotel

Day 3. From Palanga to Samogitian National Park: Šventoji-Salantai-Plateliai (appr. 70 km/44 mi)

Continue cycling on picturesque cycle path along the Baltic Sea Coast to Šventoji. From there go deeper inland to Samogitia (Žemaitija) Region which has many villages famous for their wooden churches and a lake district, now a national park around Plateliai. Arrival to Plateliai Lake, hotel or guesthouse check-in.
OVERNIGHT at 3* hotel or guesthouse.

Day 4. Around Plateliai lake and towards Latvia via Žemaičių Kalvarija – Mosėdis (appr. 75 km/47 mi)

Welcome to Samogitia (Žemaitija) National Park for the unforgettable cycle ride around majestic Lake Plateliai which is one of the deepest and cleanest lakes in Lithuania. In the afternoon cycle to Skuodas, the old Curonian land, famous for its still existent Sacred Places of Balts', altar stones and mounds. En route visit famous Samogitian places – Žemaičių Kalvarija and Mosėdis.
OVERNIGHT at a guesthouse in Skuodas or nearby in the countryside.

Day 5. Crossing into Latvia and cycling to Liepaja via Grobina (appr. 59 km/37 mi)

From Skuodas cross the border into Latvia and cycle through picturesque countryside towards the Baltic seaside. En route passing by Grobina famous for ruins of a medieval castle, built in 1253 by the Order of Livonian Knights, and viking-era graves of Scandinavians who disembarked on Baltic's Eastern shore. Arrival in Liepaja, Hotel check-in.
OVERNIGHT at central 4* Liepaja Hotel.

Day 6. Along the Latvian Baltic Coast: Liepaja-Vergale-Pavilosta (appr. 56 km/35 mi)

Explore the Old Town of Liepaja and its special district called Karosta, a former military settlement and Soviet Navy submarine base. Cycle on picturesque road to Pavilosta, which is a small fishing port with several, welcoming pubs on the shore. Arrival in Pavilosta, Guesthouse/hotel check-in.
OVERNIGHT at guesthouse/Hotel in Pavilosta.

Day 7. From the Baltic Coast to Kurzeme Capital: Pavilosta – Jūrkalne - Kuldiga (appr. 64 km/40 mi)

Cycle to Jurkalne along a very picturesque coastline with quiet, unspoiled beaches and impressive, steep 20m high sand cliffs. Arrive in Kuldiga, a former capital of Kurzeme Duchy, now famous for the Old Town with charming atmosphere; Ventas Rumba, the widest waterfall in Europe. Hotel check-in.
OVERNIGHT at central 3* Kuldiga hotel.

Day 8. The Abava River valley from Kuldiga to Kandava via Sabile (appr. 60 km/38 mi)

Cycle to Kandava along the Abava River. En route pass through Sabile village famous the most northern open-air vineyard in the world, registered in the Guinness Book of Records. The winemaking tradition in Sabile dates back to the 16th century. Arrive in Kandava, hotel check-in.
OVERNIGHT at guesthouse/Hotel in Kandava.

Day 9. Jūrmala Resort and Riga – the capital of Latvia and medieval Hanseatic town (appr. 77 km/48 mi + train Jūrmala-Riga ~1 hour or 99 km/62 mi)

Morning ride to Pūre (mainly gravel) known for its chocolate factory and museum. Continue towards Jūrmala, the largest resort in the Baltic States, which is well known for its natural treasures: 32 km long white sand beach (possible to cycle on the beach), curative mud and mineral waters. From Jūrmala take a train to Riga or continue cycling on a separate bike path along the railway to Riga or continue cycling on a separate bike path to Riga (extra 22 km), the capital of Latvia and medieval Hanseatic town. You may also shorten your bike ride by  taking a train from Tukums. Arrive in Riga, Hotel check-in and drop off rental bikes (if any) at the hotel. 
OVERNIGHT at central 4* Riga hotel.

Day 10. Riga

Free time in Riga and departure home.