Treasures of the Baltics Self Guided
Treasures of the Baltics Self Guided
11 Days Starting in Vilnius, Lithuania and ending in Tallinn, Estonia
Visiting: Vilnius, Klaipeda, Curonian Spit, Riga, Sigulda, Saaremaa, Saaremaa Island, Tallinn
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LEC
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Lithuania to Estonia Cycle" tour, exploring the rich history and stunning landscapes of the Baltic region. This self-guided cycling adventure takes you through the historic centers of Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn, offering a unique blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty. Ride along the picturesque Baltic coast, traverse the wild national parks, and discover charming small towns and villages. Enjoy 10 nights in carefully selected 3-4 star hotels, with daily breakfasts and optional dinner packages. With a 24-speed bike, GPS tracks, and luggage transfers provided, this tour ensures a seamless and enriching experience as you pedal through Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Vilnius
Location: Vilnius
Accommodation Name: hotel
On arrival in Vilnius, make your way to the joining hotel (transfer options available). There will be a city tour tomorrow morning however depending on when you arrive, we recommend taking a walk through the old town. At 7pm there will be a welcome meeting at the hotel. Dinner is at your leisure.
Day 2 : Vilnius City Tour, Visit Trakai Island Castle, Cycle And Drive To Kaunas (33Km/21Mi)
Location: Vilnius
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast there is a guided walking tour of Vilnius Old Town that you can join. Set on the Vilnia river and with its historic centre awash with beautiful buildings and cobblestoned streets, Vilnius has a wonderful ambience. 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.
After taking time to explore the centre, a transfer takes you to Trakai, the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. After visiting the 14th century Trakai Island Castle, built on a small island in Lake Galve, we start the first cycle ride through picturesque countryside on gentle hills, then transfer to Kaunas.
2 vehicle transfers: 28km/17.5mi, approx 30mins & 68km/42.5mi, approx 1hr
Day 3 : Cycle Along The Nemunas River Then Transfer To Klapeida On The Baltic Sea (40Km/23Mi)
Location: Klaipeda
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning bike ride around Kaunas and continue on a picturesque cycle trail along the Nemunas River. En route you may stop in Zapyškis, famous for its unusual small 14thC Gothic church. Later there is a transfer to the Baltic coast. Arrive in Klaipeda, a modern town and the main sea port of Lithuania on the Baltic Sea. Check-in and optional dinner at the hotel or at a nearby restaurant.
Vehicle transfer: 220km/138mi, approx 3.5hrs
Day 4 : Cycle Along The Curonian Spit, Ferry Or Bus To Klaipeda (57Km/36Mi)
Location: Curonian Spit
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Follow the Seaside Cycle Route along the Curonian Spit, famous for its amber and fine sand beaches, to Nida. En-route enjoy beautiful views of the Curonian Spit which separates the Baltic Sea from the Curonian Lagoon. Sightseeing around Nida, one of the most beautiful resorts in Lithuania. Transfer (included) by boat Nida to Klaipeda and optional dinner at the hotel. Note: if the boat is not operating there is a morning minibus transfer Klaipeda-Nida.
Day 5 : To Palanga By Bike (32Km/20Mi), Drive To Hill Of Cross And Cross Border To Riga
Location: Riga
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take an early morning cycle to Palanga through the Seaside Regional Park, a former Soviet military training area. On arrival in Palanga, Lithuania's largest seaside resort, perhaps visit the Botanical Garden and the Amber Museum in the Palace of Count Tyszkiewicz, which has over 25000 pieces of amber and 15000 insects on display. In the afternoon, transfer across the border to Riga in Latvia, stopping along the way at the Hill of Crosses, an unforgettable sight of thousands of crosses on two small hills. Continue to Riga, check in to hotel.
Vehicle transfer: 285km/180mi, approx 4.5hrs
Day 6 : Morning Riga City Tour, Optional Cycle To Jurmala Beach (30Km/18.5Mi), Return To Riga
Location: Riga
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast enjoy a guided walking tour of Riga old town, a medieval Hanseatic town famous for its Art Nouveau buildings. In the afternoon you can enjoy free time in Riga, or cycle to Jurmala, the largest resort in the Baltic States and well known for its long, white, sand beaches, mineral waters and mud with healing properties. Return to Riga and your hotel by train (30mins, not included).
Day 7 : Cycle Through The Gauja National Park (40Km/25Mi) To Sigulda
Location: Sigulda
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer this morning to Saulkrasti, where you can visit the Latvian bicycle museum. The cycle route takes you through Gauja National Park. En route enjoy spectacular views of Gauja River valley with Gutmana Cave, Turaida Castle and the oldest Latvian Church, Krimulda, built in 1205. Arrive in Sigulda, check-in and optional dinner at the hotel.
Vehicle transfer: 50km/31mi, approx 1hr
Day 8 : Transfer And Ferry To Saaremaa Island, Explore By Bike (38Km/24Mi), Transfer To Mandjala Or Kuressaare
Location: Saaremaa
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you'll transfer to the largest Estonian island of Saaremaa, which has preserved all that is best about old Estonia. With little traffic and flat roads, Saaremaa provides the perfect rural setting for cycling. Travel on picturesque roads along the coast to the village of Angla with its iconic windmills. Transfer to Mandjala or Kuressaare and your hotel, where you stay for 2 nights.
2 vehicle transfers: 270km/170mi, approx 1 hr & 37km/23mi, approx 30mins, ferry transfer approx 1 hr
Day 9 : Continue Exploring Saaremaa Island By Bike (46Km/29Mi)
Location: Saaremaa Island
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy the ride through Saaremaa Island’s wild beauty at Sõrve Peninsula, finishing at the Sorve lighthouse. Historically, the peninsula had considerable military significance, dominating the Irbe Strait and the Baltic Sea route to Riga. You may finish the day with a visit to Kuressaare, the capital of Saaremaa, a home to one of the finest preserved medieval Episcopal Castles in the Baltics, dating from 13thC. Transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Mandjala or Kuressaare.
Vehicle transfer: 53km/33mi, approx 45mins
Day 10 : Morning Ride To Kaali Meteorite Crater, (40Km/25Mi), Transfer To Tallinn
Location: Tallinn
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a morning ride to the Kaali meteorite crater which is on the world's giant craters list and is the rarest natural wonder in Estonia. En route stop in Kuressaare, the capital of Saaremaa, a home to one of the finest preserved medieval Episcopal Castles in the Baltics, dating from 13thC. Transfer by ferry and minibus to Tallinn. Check in at the hotel then enjoy 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.
Vehicle transfer: 200km/125mi, approx 3.5hrs, Ferry transfer approx 1hr.
Day 11 : Trip Concludes
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes after breakfast. Transfers can be organised to the airport, or additional accommodation booked. Please ask our staff for details.
What's Included
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Accommodation
10 nights in 3 star hotels -
10 breakfasts
Breakfast will generally be buffet style with breads, cheese, some meats, spreads and perhaps yoghurt and muesli. There will also be juice, coffee and tea available.
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10 nights in 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Accommodation in 3-4 star hotels, specially chosen for their location and service. Rooms will typically be twin share with a private bathroom.
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24-speed bike rental with pannier, handlebar bag and helmet
Bike rental includes a 24-speed bike with pannier, handlebar bag, and helmet. An electric bike is available for a supplement.
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Information pack with route notes and map
An information pack with route notes and a map is provided (one set per room booked).
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GPS Tracks
GPS tracks are included for navigation.
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Luggage transfer
Luggage transfer is provided for 1 piece (maximum 20kg) and 1 small bag/backpack. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Internal transfers
Internal transfers as described by air-conditioned coach or minibus.
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Support vehicle
A support vehicle is available during the trip.
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Speedboat from Nida to Klaipeda or minibus and return ferry ticket to Saaremaa Island
Includes a speedboat from Nida to Klaipeda or minibus (day 4) and a return ferry ticket to Saaremaa Island.
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Guided 2-hour city walking tours in Vilnius, Riga & Tallinn
Guided 2-hour city walking tours in Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn. Entrance fees are extra and payable locally.
What's Not Included
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Travel to Vilnius and from Tallinn
Travel to the starting point in Vilnius and from the endpoint in Tallinn is not included.
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
Meals not listed as included and drinks are not provided.
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Optional 6 dinner package
Optional 6 dinner package (3-course dinners) excluding Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn is available for a supplement.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
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Guide
This is a self-guided cycling holiday; no guide is provided.
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Single room supplement
A supplement will apply if you book a single room.
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Entrance fees not listed included
Entrance fees to museums and other attractions are not included unless specified.
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Transfers not listed included
Transfers not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.
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Excess luggage
A supplement applies for excess luggage beyond the included allowance.
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Waterproof handlebar bag with smartphone holder
A waterproof handlebar bag with a smartphone holder is available for a supplement.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls and laundry are not included.
Accommodation
10 nights in 3-4 star hotels, specially chosen for their location and service. Rooms are typically twin share with a private bathroom. Optional dinner packages are available, and most hotels offer WiFi, though it may be limited to the lobby.
Grading
MODERATE – GRADE 3
The trip requires a good level of fitness to fully participate in the cycling. Daily biking routes are mainly on low traffic roads and cycle paths range from 25 to 57km/15 to 36mi. The terrain is varied and rolling with some gradual hills on some riding days (some steep ups and downs in the Gauja River valley) and dead flat most of the tour. The walking in the capital towns is along cobbled streets.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes internal transfers by air-conditioned coach or minibus, a support vehicle, a speedboat from Nida to Klaipeda or minibus, and a return ferry ticket to Saaremaa Island.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
During the trip, you will be accommodated in 3-4 star hotels, specially chosen for their location and service. Rooms will typically be twin share with a private bathroom. Most hotels will have Wi-Fi, although it may be limited to the lobby.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 10 breakfasts, which will generally be buffet style with breads, cheese, some meats, spreads, and perhaps yoghurt and muesli. There will also be juice, coffee, and tea available. An optional 6 dinner package (3 course dinners) excluding Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn is available for a supplement.
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What kind of bike is provided for the tour?
A 24-speed bike rental with pannier, handlebar bag, and helmet is provided. An electric bike is also available for a supplement.
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Is there a support vehicle available during the tour?
Yes, a support vehicle is available during the tour.
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What happens if I have excess luggage?
Luggage transfer is included for 1 piece with a maximum weight of 20kg and 1 small bag or backpack. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, there are guided 2-hour city walking tours in Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn. However, entrance fees are extra and payable locally.
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What should I carry during the cycling days?
During the cycle day, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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Is travel insurance required for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour.
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What is the difficulty level of the tour?
The tour is graded as moderate (Grade 3). It requires a good level of fitness to fully participate in the cycling. Daily biking routes range from 31 to 57km/19 to 36mi and the terrain is varied and rolling with some gradual hills on some riding days and dead flat most of the tour.
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Is this a guided or self-guided tour?
This is a self-guided cycling holiday.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.