Walking Holiday in Lithuania and Latvia

Day 1: Arrival in Vilnius

Arrive on your own at the hotel in Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania. Depending on your arrival time, you will have the rest of the day to explore the charming old town.

• Accommodation: Railway Hotel*** or similar

Day 2: Pavilniai Regional Park | 10km

Today you will explore a regional park within Vilnius city boundaries (short train ride from the city – 7 min from Vilnius train station to Pavilnio station; ticket included). You can look over the entire area from the 65m high Pūčkoriai Exposure as soon as you arrive. The valley of the Vilnia River is the heart of the Pavilniai Regional Park. The Pūčkoriai Exposure is a unique geological monument. Take a stroll by the river, and visit the dam, the old manor and the watermill. 

• Walking for the day: 4h, 10km
• Accommodation: Railway Hotel*** or similar

Day 3: Vilnius – Trakai | 7-15km

Today, after a short train ride (40min; ticket included), you will find yourself in the cosy medieval town surrounded by picturesque lakes and forests. Trakai is the medieval residence of the Lithuanian Grand Dukes. The town is also famous for its Karaim community living here since the 14th century, making “kibinai” – the best local pastries. Visit the Trakai Island Castle – famous for its gothic architecture and special location – it stands on an island on Lake Galve, one of the deepest lakes in Lithuania and the only Eastern European castle built on an island. The view of the historic structure is straight out of a fairy tale. This day offers two hikes to choose from – a shorter one around the Trakai town and peninsula and a longer one with an extension to Varnikai Reserve that will lead you through an old forest and meadow, offering nature lovers an opportunity to enjoy spectacular views and rich natural biodiversity. In the afternoon a private transfer will take you to your countryside accommodation.

• Walking for the day: 2-5h (7-15km)
• Accommodation: BnB Trakai or similar
• Luggage transfer from Vilnius to your accommodation in Trakai included

Day 4: Klaipeda – Karkle – Duchman’s cap |7km

Travel to the West coast of Lithuania and explore Klaipeda’s surroundings. Early morning a private transfer will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to Vilnius train station (30min) to catch the train to Klaipeda (4h; ticket included). Upon arrival to Klaipeda, you will drop your luggage at the hotel and stretch your legs before taking a breathtaking walk on the Baltic sea coast. The afternoon offers a spectacular 7km circular stroll along the Baltic sea coast. Walk through a thick forest, discover an ancient hillfort, have a glimpse of WW2 fortifications and bunkers lying just on the sandy beach and discover the cliff of the Dutchman’s Cap – the highest cliff on the Lithuanian Baltic seashore known for its spectacular view of the sea with a steep shoreline and stony beach. The Dutchman’s Cap is a narrow stretch of the Baltic Sea shore, where high and steep morainic scrap seems like resting on the sea. The cliff height reaches 24 meters above sea level.

• Walking for the day: 3 hours (7km)
• Accommodation: Old Mill*** or similar

Day 5: Klaipeda – Pervalka – Nida | 15-27km

Your private transfer will pick you up in the morning from Klaipeda to take you to the Grey dunes – another picturesque trail in the Nagliai nature reserve (buy your ticket from the ranger – 2€). Start the day’s walk and go further south along the coast of the Curonian lagoon to Preila. Before entering Pervalka village, you can have your picnic lunch in front of Lithuania’s smallest beacon, one of the most picturesque places in the Curonian spit. From Preila, you have the option to continue walking along the lagoon coast until Nida (another 12 km), or you can take a local bus (ticket not included).

• Walking for the day: 6h (15km, elevation gain – 47m); Optional walk Preila-Nida: 12km
• Accommodation: Nidos Banga*** or similar
• Luggage transfer from Klaipeda to your accommodation in Nida included

Day 6: Walking in Nida | 10km

In Nida, you can decide if you want to have a more relaxed day while resting on the beach or follow our prepared route that allows you to enjoy the highlights of this unique resort town. There are many different paths in Nida that you can follow. Still, on our route, you will not miss the most important sites – the wonderful Parnidis dune with a breathtaking view of 360 degrees, the Nida lighthouse, the ancient cemetery and the memorial museum of the Nobel prize winner in literature, Thomas Mann.

• Walking for the day: 4-5h (10km)
• Accommodation: Nidos Banga*** or similar

Day 7: Nida – Klaipeda – Riga | 5-10km

On this day, the private transfer takes you to the Klaipeda bus station (1h), where you will catch the bus to Riga (5h; ticket included). Situated on the Gulf of Riga, at the mouth of the Daugava River, Riga can trace its roots back to the 2nd century AD when it was settled by the Livs, an ancient Finnish tribe. Throughout the centuries, Riga was occupied by, amongst others, Sweden, Russia and Germany. These days, Riga is a bustling city 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 (optional): 3-4h (5-10km)
• Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Kristofs or similar

Day 8: Exploring Riga | 5-10km

You will 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. The Old Town’s walking tour 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

Day 9: Gauja National park | 12-14km

In the morning, you will take a local train to Sigulda (1h; ticket included). Once you arrive, you will drop your luggage at the hotel (15min walk from the station) and start exploring. Take a spectacular hike in one of Latvia’s most beautiful nature areas – the Gauja National Park, often called the Switzerland of Latvia by the locals. It is the largest and oldest of the national parks in Latvia, characterised by great biological diversity, a variety of landforms, natural springs, sandstone outcrops, picturesque views and unique natural, cultural and historical monuments. During this day, you will have a very picturesque walk in Sigulda and hike medieval castle ruins, hills, caves, cliffs, impressive forests and wonderful sights of the River Gauja valley.

• Walking for the day: 6-7h (12-14km)
• Accommodation: Hotel Sigulda*** or similar

Day 10: Exploring Cesis | 4-5km

In the morning, you will take a train to Cesis (45min; ticket included). Once you arrive, you will drop your luggage at the hotel (15min walk from the station). You will discover another gem of the Latvian countryside – Cesis medieval town with more than 800 years of history. It is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Baltics. Cesis Medieval Castle is located in the city’s heart, next to Livonian castle ruins and several parks. Buildings from the Middle Ages also include St. John’s Church (built 1281–1284) and the ruins of the Order’s castle.

• Walking for the day: 2-3h (4-5km)
• Accommodation: Hotel Katrina*** or similar

Day 11: Cirulisi Nature Trail | 7km

Compared to the strenuous hike in Sigulda, today’s walk is a relaxing stroll, mainly in the forest, along rivers, streams and lakeshores. Cirulisi nature trails will let you admire the beauty of the Gauja River valley, revealing the area’s history. Discover the ancient beauty of the Gauja, sandstone cliffs, bottomless caves, and sacred springs on the Cirulisi nature trails. 

• Walking for the day: 2-3h (7km)
• Accommodation: Hotel Katrina*** or similar

Day 12: Departure

Enjoy a final stroll through the beautiful Cesis before you depart on your own. Private transfers are possible upon request.