Cycling the Baltics Highlights: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

Day 1: Arrive in Tallinn, Estonia

Arrive in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Nestled in a bay on the Baltic Sea, Tallinn boasts over sixty museums and galleries that delve into the city’s complex history and culture. Depending on your arrival time, walk through the Old Town to see its cobbled streets and courtyards, Town Hall Square, Kadriorg Palace and Park and Toompea Castle, the seat of the Estonian Parliament, or book a guided tour in the afternoon.

• Accommodation: Hestia Hotel Ilmarine or similar in Tallinn

Day 2: Tallinn – Sagadi | 51km

In the morning, you are transferred to the start of the route (100km). The first leg of the cycle runs through Lahemaa National Park, which lies across the northern coast of Estonia and is the country’s largest national park. Cycle through landscapes of dense woods, wetlands, coastline lakes and waterfalls where you may spot moose, wild boars and many bird species.

• Cycling for the day: 51km
• Accommodation: Sagadi Manor Hotel or similar in Sagadi

Day 3: Lake Peipsi – Tartu | 50km

After breakfast, our driver takes you to Mustvee, the starting point for the cycle along Lake Peipsi, the fourth largest lake in Europe. Cycle past many fishing villages and also keep an eye out for an array of birds around the lake. The ride finishes in Varnja where you are met and transferred to Tartu (160km), the second largest city in Estonia known for its prestigious University of Tartu, which was founded in the 17th century.

• Cycling for the day: 50km
• Accommodation: Hotel Dorpat or similar in Tartu

Day 4: Otepää – Sigulda, Latvia | 28km

There is a short transfer to Otepää, a town in the hills of southern Estonia which is famous for its lakelands. It is also sometimes referred to as Estonian Switzerland, or the winter capital, as it’s popular for skiing. Start cycling through Otepää with views around Pühajärv, also called the holy lake, to Sangaste, which is famous for its 19th-century romantic castle built in the style of Windsor Castle. You are then transferred to the hotel in Sigulda (235km), in the Gauja River Valley, which is across the border in Latvia. En route, stop in Cesis for a visit to the medieval old town and Cesis Castle.                                                

• Cycling for the day: 28km
• Accommodation: Hotel Sigulda or similar in Sigulda

Day 5: Gauja National Park – Riga | 17km

Cycle through Gauja National Park, Latvia’s largest and oldest national park. It offers a wide array of landscapes, including natural springs and sandstone outcrops. During the ride, you get great views of the Gauja River Valley, as well as Gutmana Cave and the ruins of Sigulda and Turaida Castles. Finish the ride at the Baltic seacoast in Saulkrasti, where you may visit the Latvian bicycle museum. In the afternoon, you are transferred to Riga by minibus (50km) and join a guided walking tour of the Old Town. Founded in 1201, Riga is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and you have plenty of time to explore its architectural and cultural highlights tomorrow.

• Cycling for the day: 17km
• Accommodation: Hestia Hotel Jugend or similar in Riga

Day 6: Free day in Riga or Jurmala | 35km

Today is a free day to explore Riga or take a ride on a bicycle path to Jurmala, taking a train back to the city centre (30mins, payable locally). Riga is right at the centre of its eponymous bay and it has grown over the centuries from medieval maritime town to modern metropolis. Its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, not only because of its Hanseatic importance, but also because it has one of Europe’s finest collections of Art Nouveau architecture, with Albert Street boasting the finest examples. Riga’s other historic highlights include the 13th century Dome Cathedral and St. Peter’s Church.

• Cycling for the day: 35km
• Accommodation: Hestia Hotel Jugend or similar in Riga

Day 7: Riga – Klaipėda, Lithuania | 42km

Start the day with a private transfer to the Lithuanian coast (290km), stopping on the way at the Hill of Crosses, a remarkable site of thousands of crosses on two small hills. Begin the cycle ride on a bicycle path going along the Baltic Coast, which is part of Seaside Regional Park. Cycle past Palanga, a renowned seaside resort in western Lithuania with long beaches, towering dunes and a 470m pier. Continue cycling to the port city of Klaipėda, where you spend the night.

• Cycling for the day: 42km
• Accommodation: Old Mill Hotel or similar in Klaipėda

Day 8: Klaipėda – Curonian Spit | 57km

After breakfast, cross the lagoon by ferry (payable locally) and start cycling on the bike path through Curonian Spit National Park to Nida, which is famous for its magnificent sand dunes. During your cycle, we recommend visiting the Hill of Witches, which has a collection of wooden sculptures scattered alon¡ a forest path, exploring the sand dunes on foot, swimming in the Baltic Sea or just relaxing on the beach.

• Cycling for the day: 57km
• Accommodation: Old Mill Hotel or similar in Klaipėda

Day 9: Departure

Departure after breakfast.