Treasures of the Baltic Self Guided Cycle

Land Tour

11 days

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Treasures of the Baltic Self Guided Cycle
  • About
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  • Itinerary
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$AUD 281 per day

Departure: Tallinn, Estonia

Discover the contrasting characters of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on this scenic self guided cycle route from Tallinn to Vilnius. While these three countries share the same Baltic coastline, their cultural differences will become apparent as you pedal at your own pace between the three capitals - Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn - and the many small villages that have changed little over time. Following low traffic roads and dedicated cycle paths, the trip will showcase the diverse cultures, World Heritage sites and largely flat landscapes that make travelling in this region so different to anywhere else in Europe. Enjoy a ride through one of the last unspoiled regions of the Baltic coast at Lahemaa National Park and discover the 'Estonian Switzerland' at Otepää Lakeland. Crossing into Latvia, dip your ts in the Baltic Sea at the white sandy beaches of Jurmula, visit Latvia's oldest Church and pay homage at a bicycle museum. In Lithuania, marvel at the pilgrimage sight at the Hill of Crosses, enter the previously off-limits Curonian Spit and explore the island castle at Trakai before riding on to the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius. Support will be provided by a driver who will transfer your luggage each day and provide assistance during the cycle day if required and professional guides will provide city tours in each capital.
About
10 breakfasts - generally buffet style with breads, cheese, some meats, spreads and perhaps yoghurt and muesli. There will also be juice, coffee and tea available.
10 nights in 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Hybrid bike rental with helmet, handlebar bag and one tachometer per two bikes. (E-bike available - supplement applies)
Internal transfers as described by air-conditioned minibus
Luggage transfer, 1piece maximum 20 kg and 1 small bag / backpack
Boat trip across Curonian Lagoon from Nida to the mainland
Guided 2 hour city tours in Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius (entrance fees extra - payable locally)
Information pack with route notes and map (one set per room)
Emergency hotline
Support vehicle in area (except Jurmala and the Curonian Spit)
GPS tracks
Hightlights
Cycling on the beautiful Estonian island of Hiiumaa
Discovering the small towns and villages enroute
Exploring the historic centres of Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn
The coastal scenery of the Baltic coast and the wildness of the national parks
Soaking up the hospitality of local hotels

Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Tallinn, Estonia
On arrival in Tallinn, make your way to the hotel (we can arrange an arrival transfer for you if required - supplement applies). In the early evening at 6pm you can join a guided tour of Tallinn's old town. The city grew in importance as a strategic port between Russia and Scandinavia, and has evolved into a vibrant cultural city with a delightful walled historic centre. There is an eclectic mix of medieval and modern, Soviet and classic Estonian, grand church spires and crumbling wooden houses. Dinner at leisure in Tallinn's emerging culinary scene.
Day 2 - Cycling in Lahemaa National Park (51km/32mi), overnight Sagadi
This morning you'll meet your minibus driver for the transfer to the start of your cycle (100km - 1.5 hours). The route begins by taking you through the Lahemaa National Park, which is one of the last unspoiled regions of the Baltic coast. Lahemaa, or 'land of bays' is a nature lover’s paradise and the largest national park in Estonia, established in 1971. There are dense woods, marshes, lakes and waterfalls to discover. If you prefer wildlife to landscape, the park has moose, wild boars and over 220 bird species. Continue to Sagadi and your hotel for overnight accommodation.
Day 3 - Cycle along Peipsi Lake (50km/31mi), transfer to the university town of Tartu
Following a transfer by minibus to Mustvee, you begin a pleasant bicycle trip along the Peipsi Lake shore to Varnja. Peipsi is the 4th largest lake in Europe, divided in two by the Russian border. En route, you’ll pass many fishing villages. You reach your hotel after a bus transfer to Tartu, a famous, historic university town (the university was founded in 1632).
Total Transfer: 160km/99.5mi - 1.5-2hrs
Day 4 - Cycle through the 'Estonian Switzerland' (28km/18mi), transfer to Sigulda
After a short bus transfer to Otepää, a beautiful place with many lakes, you begin cycling through the so-called “Estonian Switzerland”, absorbing the stunning landscape. The route takes you to Sangaste which is famous for its 19th century romantic castle built in the style of Windsor Palace. From here you transfer into Latvia where your destination is Sigulda, in the Gauja River Valley, which is the most popular resort in Latvia. En route stop in Cesis where you can visit the medieval old town.
Total Transfer: 235km/146mi - 3.5hrs
Day 5 - Cycle through Gauja National Park (17km/11mi), transfer to Riga
As you cycle through Gauja National Park, enjoy spectacular views of Gauja River valleys with the Gutmana Cave, the ruins of a 13th Century Crusaders Castle in Sigulda and the restored medieval style Turaida Castle. Afternoon transfer to Riga, the Latvian capital, where a guided tour of the charming Old Town awaits. After checking-in at the hotel you can explore this medieval Hanseatic town, famous for its Art Nouveau buildings.
Total Transfer: 50km/31mi - 1hr
Day 6 - Explore Riga, cycle to Jurmala (35km/22mi), return to Riga by train
Today is free to explore Riga on your own and take a cycle ride on a bicycle path to Jurmala, a Latvian seaside resort well known for its long, white, sand beaches, mineral waters and mud with healing properties. We recommend taking the opportunity to bathe in the sea and cycling along the beach – its well worth it! In the evening take a local train back to Riga (30 min; not included).
Day 7 - Enter Lithuania, visit Hill of Crosses, cycle to Klaipeda (42km/29mi or 32km/20mi)
Transfer by minibus to the Lithuanian coast, stopping en route at the Hill of Crosses, the unforgettable sight of thousands of crosses on two small hills. You begin cycling towards Klaipeda on a great bicycle path, which follows the Baltic Coast along the Seaside Regional Park. En route pass Palanga, the well-known Lithuanian seaside resort. Enjoy a break here; perhaps visit the renowned Botanical Park, Amber Museum and the 470m pier heading out into the Baltic Sea.
Total Transfer: 290km/180mi - 4hrs
Day 8 - Ferry then cycle the Curonian Spit National Park (57km/36mi) to Nida
After breakfast you cross the lagoon by ferry (not included - allow EUR1 pp) and start cycling on an asphalt bike path which takes you along the Curonian Spit to Nida, the most beautiful resort in Lithuania, famous for impressive sand dunes and the Amber Gallery. En route you can visit the Hill of Witches which houses almost one hundred whimsical wooden sculptures about Lithuanian legends, scattered along a forest path. Or, if you prefer, watch a colony of grey herons and cormorants, explore the “Dead” sand dunes on foot, swim in the Baltic Sea or, simply relax and take in some sun on the golden beaches. Overnight Nida
Day 9 - Cross the Curonian Lagoon, cycle to Vente Cape (31km/19mi), transfer to Kaunas
Take a morning boat across the Curonian Lagoon to the mainland (approx. 1.5 hours), enjoying a beautiful view of the Curonian Spit sand dunes. The cycle route takes you to Vente Cape where you can visit a bird observatory and the 19th century lighthouse which was used for more than 100 years. In the afternoon ride along the Curonian Lagoon through the Nemunas River Delta Regional Park then transfer by minibus to Kaunas.
Total Transfer: 210km/130mi - 3-3.5hrs, boat 14km
Day 10 - Cycle to the island castle at Trakai (31km/21mi), transfer to Vilnius
After breakfast you are transferred by minibus to the Lake District where you begin cycling through picturesque countryside over gentle hills. Arrive in Trakai, the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Here you can visit the famous 14th century Gothic island castle erected on a small island in Lake Galve. Later a short transfer takes you to Vilnius, capital of Lithuania for more than 600 years. Set on the Vilnia river and with its historic centre awash with beautiful buildings and cobblestone streets, Vilnius has a wonderful ambiance. It has been known as the 'Jerusalem of Lithuania' or the 'Jerusalem of the north' and was declared the European Capital of Culture in 2009. This evening, a guided tour of the city awaits you.
Total Transfer: 97km/60.6mi - 1.5hrs
Day 11 - Trip concludes
The trip concludes after breakfast. Transfers can be organised to the airport, or additional accommodation booked - please ask our staff for details.
Location

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