Treasures of the Baltics Self Guided

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 7.30pm there will be a welcome briefing at the hotel. Dinner is at your leisure.

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. Overnight Kaunas 2 vehicle transfers: total distance 115km/71.5mi appr 30mins and appr 1hr

Morning bike ride around Kaunas and continue on a picturesque cycle trail along the Nemunas River. Explore the old town, 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 to your hotel. Overnight Klaipeda 2 nights Vehicle transfer: 230km/143mi, approx 3.5hrs

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.

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, the 470m pier heading out into the Baltic Sea 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. Overnight Riga 2 nights Vehicle transfer: 290km/182mi, approx 4.5hrs

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).

Morning transfer by bus to the Estonian border to begin today’s cycle along the Baltic Coast. Ride through a landscape of quiet coves, sandy beaches, and small fishing villages. The coastal road also passes by wetlands rich in birdlife, where you may spot herons, storks, and other wildlife among the reeds. Continue north to reach Pärnu, Estonia’s summer capital, known for its long sandy beach, lively promenade, and spa traditions. On arrival, check in to your hotel at Pärnu. Vehicle transfer: 115 km/71 mi, approx 2 hrs