8 days self-guided cycling tour from Klaipėda to Riga (Code SG3)

A cycle tour Klaipėda to Riga through some of the most beautiful areas of the Lithuanian Seaside before crossing into Latvia to explore its hidden treasures: a cultural region of Kurzeme (Courland) with its historical towns, Liepaja and Kuldiga, and finally Jūrmala seaside resort and the capital city Riga.
The tour begins in the historic coastal town of Klaipeda (known as Memel for many years) which boasts a rich, turbulent history from 13thC. Nowadays, it’s a bustling, modern town offering many excellent leisure options ranging from history tours, to water sports. There’s a wide range of cafes & restaurants & many annual festivals, e.g. jazz, folklore. You can choose to spend extra nights here at the beginning of the tour.
The cycling journey begins by cycling on a famous Lithuanian Seaside route along the Baltic coast. The route continues through beautiful countryside in Western Latvia with its constantly changing landscape, small villages & old towns to end in the former Hanseatic port of Riga.

This trip takes 8 days to complete and the route from the Lithuanian border to Liepaja goes on busy road with no bike path or sidelanes for bikers. If you look for more relaxed tour with the route avoiding the busy road to Liepaja, you can check our new 10-day self-guided cycling tour from Klaipėda to Riga via Samogitia (tour code SG3x).

ITINERARY

Day 1: Klaipėda

Individual arrival in Klaipėda and transfer to your hotel (not included). Overnight at 3* Hotel in Klaipėda.

Day 2. Klaipėda-Karklė-Palanga, ~30 km/19 mi

Collect rental cycles at your hotel (if pre-ordered). Cycle on asphalt cycle path through the Seaside Regional Park to Palanga resort, famous for its Botanical Park and Amber Museum. Overnight at 4* Hotel in Palanga.

Day 3. Palanga-Nica-Liepaja, ~78 km/49 mi

Cycle on picturesque cycle path along the Baltic Sea Coast to Šventoji where you'll cross the river over a cable bridge. Then cycle on the main road and cross the border into Latvia. Overnight at 3* Hotel in Liepaja.

Day 4. Liepaja-Vergale-Pavilosta, ~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. Overnight at hotel/guesthouse in Pavilosta .

Day 5. Pavilosta-Jūrkalne-Kuldiga, ~64 km/40 mi

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

Day 6. Kuldiga-Renda-Kandava, ~60 km/38 mi

Cycle to Kandava along the Abava River. En route pass trough Sabile village famous th 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, guesthouse check-in.

Day 7. Kandava-Tukums-Jurmala-Riga, ~78 km/49 mi, by train ~1 hour

Cycle to Jurmala, the largest resort in the Baltic States. Jurmala is well known for its natural treasures: 32 km long white sand beach (possible to cycle on the beach), curative mud and mineral waters. En route you may stop in Tukums, the town of gardens and roses, surrounded by many castles and manor houses - Tukums Castle Tower of the Livonian Order, Šlokenbeka Manor House, etc. From Jurmala take a train to Riga or continue cycling on a separate cycle path along the railway to Riga, the capital of Latvia and medieval Hanseatic town (extra 20 km). Arrive in Riga. Overnight at 4* Hotel in Riga.

Day 8: Riga

Breakfast at the hotel. End of the tour.