Walking in Lithuania and Latvia
Walking in Lithuania and Latvia
Walking in Lithuania and Latvia
12 Days Starting in 56.090670,9.766590 and ending in 56.377440,9.655210
Visiting: Lithuania
Tour Overview
A 12 day walking holiday in Lithuania and Latvia, starting in Vilnius, and ending in the Latvian town of Cesis. This carefully-crafted itinerary is a combination of both natural and cultural heritage, with walking trails in both Curonian Spit National Park in Lithuania and Gauja National Park in Latvia. The former is a landscape of pine groves, wetlands and dunes, and the latter is rich forest wrapped around the River Gauja, which has carved out dramatic sandstone cliffs. Your time in Latvia starts with a day in the capital city of Riga, followed by walks in the national park
Itinerary
Check in at your hotel in Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital city. Depending on your arrival time, take time to explore this fascinating capital city, which has the Old Town at its core, but is also enveloped by a growing modern metropolis. You can get a great perspective from the tower of St John’s Church, seek out boutiques and cafes in the Užupis district, and immerse yourself in culture at Nacionaline Dailes Galerija or the Vilnius City Opera.
Accommodation: Hotel Rinno or similar in Vilnius
Day 2: Pavilniai Regional Park 10km
Take a short train ride (7mins, ticket included) from Vilnius to Pavilnio station, where you can get views over the stunning landscapes of Pavilniai Regional Park from Puckoriai Exposure viewpoint, which is a protected geological monument. Take a stroll by the River Vilnia, taking in Puckoriai Manor, Belmontas Mill and dam.
Walking for the day: 4h, 10km
Accommodation: Hotel Rinno or similar in Vilnius
Day 3: Vilnius – Trakai 7-15km
Take a short train ride (40mins, ticket included) to Trakai, a medieval town surrounded by lakes and forests. Trakai was also the medieval residence of the Lithuanian Grand Dukes. The town is also famous for its Karaim community, who have lived here since the 14th century. Visit Trakai Castle, a fairytale-like creation located on an island in Lake Galve. After that, you have two hikes to choose from: a shorter one around Trakai town and peninsula, or a longer one to Varnikai Reserve which takes you through ancient forests and meadows. In the afternoon, you are transferred to your rural hotel in Trakai.
Walking for the day: 2-5h (7-15km)
Accommodation: BnB Trakai or similar in Trakai
Day 4: Klaipeda circular walk 7km
You are transferred to Vilnius train station (30mins) where you catch the train to the port town of Klaipeda (4h, ticket included), from which you can explore the stunning beach and Baltic sea coast, on a 7km circular trail. This takes you through coastal forest and beaches, peppered with WWII fortifications and bunkers, and you also walk past an ancient hill fort en route to Dutchman’s Cap – the highest cliff on the Lithuanian coast at 24m.
Walking for the day: 3h (7km)
Accommodation: Old Mill*** or similar in Klaipeda
Day 5: Klaipeda – Pervalka – Nida 15-27km
You are transferred from Klaipeda to the Dead Dunes in Nagliai Nature Reserve (pay locally). Walk along the coast of the Curonian Lagoon to the village of Pervalka, a perfect place for a picnic overlooking Lithuania’s smallest lighthouses, located between the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic. Continue on to Preila, where you have the option to continue walking along the lagoon coast as far as Nida (another 12km), or take a local bus (payable locally).
Walking for the day: 6h (15km); Optional additional walk Preila-Nida: 12km
Accommodation: Nidos Banga*** or similar in Nida
Day 6: Nida rest day or 10km walk
In Nida, you can have a more relaxed day at the beach or follow our trail around this unique resort town, taking in its famous Parnidis Dune, Nida lighthouse, ancient cemetery and the Thomas Mann Memorial Museum, in the building that was once the summer residence of the German Nobel Prize winning author.
Walking for the day: 4-5h (10km)
Accommodation: Nidos Banga*** or similar in Nida
Day 7: Riga, Latvia 5-10km
You are transferred to Klaipeda bus station (1h), where you take a bus to Riga (5h, ticket included). Located on the Gulf of Riga, at the mouth of the Daugava River, Riga can trace its roots back to the 2nd century when it was settled by the Livs, an ancient Finnish tribe. Riga is now bustling city, with a UNESCO historic centre. Take timme to with a historic centre that gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997. Spend the afternoon exploring this fascinating city and its beautiful architecture, art galleries, museums, leafy parks, cosy cafés and top-notch restaurants.
Walking for the day: 3-4h (5-10km)
Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Kristofs or similar Riga
Day 8: Riga 5-10km
Continue exploring Riga’s narrow streets and ancient alleyways in the morning. Riga is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and boasts a true kaleidoscope of various architectural styles. Take an Old Town walking tour (payable locally) which includes Riga Castle, Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, Swedish Gates, Three Brothers, Large and Small Guild House and the Freedom Monument. Overnight in Riga.
Walking for the day: 3-4h (5-10km)
Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Kristofs or similar Riga
Day 9: Gauja National Park 12-14km
Take a local train to Sigulda (1h, ticket included). Once you arrive, drop your luggage at the hotel (15mins walk from the station). Take a spectacular hike in one of Latvia’s most beautiful nature areas – Gauja National Park. It is the largest and oldest national park in Latvia, named after the river that flows through it which has carved sandstone cliffs within it, and supports tributaries and trails such as the Ligatne and Amata Rivers that snake across it. Your walking route takes you to the park’s medieval castle ruins.
Walking for the day: 6-7h (12-14km)
Accommodation: Hotel Sigulda*** or similar in Sigulda
Day 10: Cesis 4-5km
Take a train to Cesis (45mins, ticket included). Drop your luggage at the hotel (15mins walk from the station) and then spend the rest of the day exploring Cesis, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Baltics. We recommend visiting Cesis Castle, located in the town’s centre next to the Livonian castle ruins as well as several parks. Other buildings of historical interest include the 13th-century St. John’s Church and the ruins of the Order’s Castle.
Walking for the day: 2-3h (4-5km)
Accommodation: Hotel Katrina*** or similar in Cesis
Day 11: Cirulisi Nature Trail 7km
Take the Cesis city bus (number 9, payable locally) from Cesis bus station to Gaujaskalns. From there, walk along the Cirulisi Nature Trails through the Gauja River Valley, forest, and along the river and lakeshore.
Walking for the day: 2-3h (7km)
Accommodation: Hotel Katrina*** or similar in Cesis
Day 12: Departure
Private transfers to stations or the airport are possible upon request.
Check out our Q&As
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.