Latvia and Lithuania Cycle Explorer

Latvia and Lithuania Cycle Explorer

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8 Days From

$1518

Latvia and Lithuania Cycle Explorer

8 Days Starting in Klaipeda, Lithuania and ending in Riga, Latvia

Visiting: Klaipeda, Palanga, Liepaja, Kuldiga, Kandava, Riga

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

LLC

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate to challenging

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Cycling, Sightseeing

From: $1518

NB: Prices correct on 16-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Latvia and Lithuania Cycle Explorer" tour, where you'll discover the enchanting landscapes, rich traditions, and folklore of these proud Baltic nations. Starting in Klaipeda, Lithuania, you'll cycle through the picturesque Seaside Regional Park to Palanga, famous for its Botanic Park and Amber museum. Cross into Latvia to explore Liepaja's Old Town and the former Soviet Navy submarine base in Karosta. Ride along the stunning Baltic coastline to Jurkalne, with its unspoiled beaches and impressive sand cliffs, and visit the charming towns of Kuldiga and Kandava. Conclude your adventure in Riga, Latvia's vibrant capital, after cycling through the scenic resort town of Jurmala. Enjoy 7 nights in comfortable 3-star hotels and guesthouses, with hybrid bike rentals and luggage transfers included. This self-guided tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and scenic cycling.

Highlights

  • Discovering the varied landscapes, enchanting folklore and rich traditions of these proud Baltic nations

  • Following the stunning Baltic coastline into Latvia

  • Exploring the cobbled Old Town of Klaipeda with its distinct German flavour

  • Cycling through the Seaside Regional Park to Palanga, famous for its Botanic Park and Amber museum

  • Exploring Liepaja's Old Town and its special district called Karosta, a former military settlement and Soviet Navy submarine base

  • Cycling to Jurkalne along a picturesque coastline with quiet, unspoiled beaches and impressive steep sand cliffs

  • Visiting Jurmala, the largest resort in the Baltic States, known for its long white sand beach and pine forests

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive Klaipeda

Location: Klaipeda

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Arrive in Klaipeda, Lithuania's third largest city and main port, situated on the Dane River. After checking into your hotel, explore this former Prussian capital's mix of new and old including the cobbled Old Town with it's distinct German flavour. If you arrive earlier, you can visit the Curonian Spit.

Day 2 : Cycle Through The Seaside Regional Park To Palanga (30Km / 18.5Mi)

Location: Palanga

Accommodation Name: Palanga Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

There will be an information meeting where you'll receive your bikes this morning at your hotel. Cycle from your hotel along the asphalt paved Lithuanian Seaside Cycle Route through the Seaside Regional Park to Palanga resort, famous for its Botanic Park and Amber museum. Overnight in Palanga hotel.

Day 3 : Cycle Along The Baltic Coast Before Crossing Border And Transferring To Liepaja (16Km / 10Mi)

Location: Liepaja

Accommodation Name: Guesthouse/Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cycle on the picturesque cycle path along the Baltic Sea coast to Butinge church (close to the LT/LV border)Sventoji, where you'll transferred* to Liepaja and check in at your centrally located guesthouse/hotel.
The new road from the border to Liepaja is a main road, unsuited to cyclists. To avoid the transfer we have a 10 day option available. See our website for details.

Day 4 : Explore Liepaja's Old Town, Cycle To The Small Fishing Port Of Pavilosta (56Km/35Mi)

Location: Liepaja

Accommodation Name: Guesthouse/Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Explore the Old Town of Liepaja and its special district called Karosta, a former military settlement and Soviet Navy submarine base. Cycle along the picturesque road to Pavilosta, which is a small fishing port with several welcoming pubs on the shore. Overnight in Pavilosta guesthouse/hotel.

Day 5 : Cycle To Jurkalne Along A Picturesque Coastline To On To Kuldiga (64Km / 40Mi)

Location: Kuldiga

Accommodation Name: Guesthouse/Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cycle to Jurkalne along a very pretty coastline with quiet, unspoiled beaches and impressive steep 20m / 60.5ft high sand cliffs. Continue to Kuldiga, a former capital of Kurzeme Duchy and now known for its Old Town and charming atmosphere. Its Ventas Rumba is the widest waterfall in Europe and it is very pleasant to linger along the river bank. Not far out of town are the sand caves of Riežupe.

Day 6 : Cycle To Kandava Along The Abava River (60Km / 37.5Mi)

Location: Kandava

Accommodation Name: Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cycle to Kandava along the Abava River. En route pass through Sabile village famous for the most northern open-air vineyard in the world, registered in the Guinness Book of Records. The winemaking tradition in Sabile dates back to the 16th century. Arrive in Kandava, guesthouse check-in.

Day 7 : Cycle Via Tukums To Jurmula And Continue By Train To Riga (78Km / 49Mi)

Location: Riga

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning you cycle to Tukums, the 'town of gardens' and roses surrounded by many castles and manor houses - Tukums Castle Tower of the Livonian Order (Jaunpils Castle), Slokenbeka, and the Durbe and Jaunmoku Castles. Continue cycling to Jurmala, the largest resort in the Baltic States. Jurmala is well-known for its natural treasures: its 32km / 20mi long white sand beach, the River Lielupe (the city's natural border), pine forests and curative mud and mineral waters. From Jurmala, continue by train to Riga, the capital of Latvia and medieval Hanseatic town (train ticket not included, trip duration approx. 1 hour). For keen cyclists you could cycle into Riga, a distance of 20km, along a dedicated cycle way which follows the railway through forests. Your bikes will be collected this evening from your hotel.

Day 8 : Trip Concludes

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your trip concludes after breakfast

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    7 nights in 3 star hotels and guesthouses

  • 7 breakfasts

    Enjoy 7 breakfasts during your stay.

  • 7 nights in 3 star hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities

    Stay for 7 nights in 3-star hotels and guesthouses with twin share rooms and ensuite facilities.

  • Hybrid bike rental with helmet, handlebar bag and one tachometer per two bikes, repair kit

    Rent a hybrid bike with a helmet, handlebar bag, one tachometer per two bikes, and a repair kit. E-bike available with a supplement.

  • Information pack with route notes and map

    Receive an information pack with route notes and a map (one set per room).

  • Luggage Transfers

    Luggage transfers for 1 piece up to 20kg and 1 small daypack. Supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • GPS Tracks

    Access to GPS tracks for navigation.

  • Emergency hotline

    Access to an emergency hotline for assistance.

  • Transfer on day 3 from LT/LV border to Liepaja

    Transfer from the LT/LV border to Liepaja on day 3.

  • Travel to Klaipeda and from Riga

    Travel arrangements to Klaipeda and from Riga.

What's Not Included

  • Meals not listed as included, drinks

    Meals not listed as included and drinks are not covered.

  • Travel insurance - mandatory

    Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.

  • Guide - this is a self guided cycling holiday

    This is a self-guided cycling holiday, so no guide is included.

  • A single supplement will apply if you book a single room

    A single supplement will apply if you book a single room.

  • Train ticket from Jurmala to Riga

    Train ticket from Jurmala to Riga is not included.

  • Waterproof panniers, supplement applies

    Waterproof panniers are available for rent with a supplement.

  • Bike Hire security deposit

    A security deposit of Euro 100 for hybrid bikes or Euro 200 for E-bikes or Gravel bikes is required.

  • Transfers not listed included

    Transfers not listed as included are excluded.

  • 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.

  • Excess luggage

    Excess luggage beyond the included allowance is not covered.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Items of a personal nature such as phone calls and laundry are not included.

  • Drinks, lunch and dinner each day

    Drinks, lunch, and dinner each day are not included.

    An optional dinner package is available for 6 nights with a supplement.

Accommodation

7 nights in 3 star hotels and guesthouses. During the trip you will be accommodated in 3 star hotels and guesthouses specially chosen for their location and service.

Grading

MODERATE to CHALLENGING – GRADE 4
The cycling is moderate to challenging (4) grade with daily cycles of around 27 to 78km / 15.5 to 45mi. The route is mostly flat and the cycling is mainly on roads with little traffic and cycle paths - only very short distances are cycled on roads with more traffic. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of cycling fitness to participate fully in this adventure. Faster riders can cycle more kilometres on Day 7 instead of taking the train journey from Jurmala to Riga.

What You Carry

During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack is useful for sightseeing. Rental of waterproof panniers available.

Mode of Transport

Travel includes a hybrid bike rental with helmet, handlebar bag, and one tachometer per two bikes. Transfers include a taxi or public transport if needed, and a train ticket from Jurmala to Riga.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of bike will I be using during the tour?

    You will be using a hybrid bike rental that comes with a helmet, handlebar bag, and one tachometer per two bikes. A repair kit is also included. E-bikes are available with a supplement.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will be staying in 3-star hotels and guesthouses for 7 nights. The accommodations are chosen for their location and service, and you will have twin share rooms with ensuite facilities.

  • Is there any support available if I encounter an emergency during the tour?

    Yes, you will have access to an emergency hotline for assistance during the tour.

  • Will my luggage be transported during the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfers are included for one piece up to 20kg and one small daypack. A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 7 breakfasts. Other meals such as lunch and dinner are not included, but an optional dinner package is available for 6 nights with a supplement.

  • What happens if I need to skip a stage of the cycling route?

    Transfers by taxi or public transport are available if you need to skip a stage, but these are not included in the tour package.

  • What should I carry with me during the cycling days?

    During the cycling days, you should carry your daily requirements, which may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack is useful for sightseeing. Rental of waterproof panniers is available.

  • What is the difficulty level of the cycling routes?

    The cycling routes are graded as moderate to challenging (Grade 4). Daily cycles range from around 27 to 78km (15.5 to 45mi). The route is mostly flat and mainly on roads with little traffic and cycle paths, with only very short distances on roads with more traffic.

  • Is travel insurance required for this tour?

    Yes, travel insurance is mandatory and not included in the tour package.

  • Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?

    Additional costs include meals not listed as included, drinks, travel insurance, a single supplement if you book a single room, train ticket from Jurmala to Riga, waterproof panniers rental, bike hire security deposit, transfers not listed as included, excess luggage, and items of a personal nature such as phone calls and laundry.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

A. Lawther(Baldock, United Kingdom)  

Latvia and Lithuania Cycle Explorer

6 Aug 2024

This was a perfect way for an active family to spend a holiday. Everything was well thought out from the bikes, the routes and accomodation. At approx 60k a day, distances were spot on (and less to start with) allowing for stops along the way in interesting towns and nice picnic lunches. Food/eating out in both Lithuania and Latvia fab and inexpensive. We shortened the last day with a train ride to allow time in Riga which was a good way to end the holiday. Good value when everything provided and peace of mind taken into account. Remember to put swimsuits in panniers for first few days and try the Latvian cider!

C. Vasey(Baldock, United Kingdom)  

Latvia and Lithuania Cycle Explorer

7 Aug 2024

We're an active family of four adults, irregular cyclists but reasonable fitness levels and we had the best time! The bikes were perfect for the roads and tracks, the accommodation was spot-on with just the right amount of comfort, and each morning our bags with magically disappear at the start of our days travelling and reappear at the end. The quality of the instructions were also spot-on, very clear and it allowed us to travel in a relaxed way through the amazing countryside

Lindsay Alaishuski(Portland, Oregon, United States)  

Latvia and Lithuania Cycle Explorer

6 Jul 2023

Easy flat riding passing through quite a few varying towns and cities. Great road condition, no worries about traffic. Opted for the gravel bike upgrade- highly recommend to make the longer rides more comfortable. Accommodation satisfactory. If you’re looking for a unique cultural experience in an area not yet overpopulated with tourists, highly recommend!

J. Bowman(Wellington, New Zealand)  

Latvia and Lithuania Cycle Explorer

14 Sep 2018

It was a great trip, enabling us to experience the food, environment, history and culture of two countries we knew little about previously. We briefly felt part of the villages and cities we visited and cycling provided a real focus to our holiday. The directions were generally very good, as was the accommodation. We would really recommend this trip.

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Thursday - Thursday

Sep 19, 2024 - Sep 26, 2024
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Sep 21, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024
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Thursday - Thursday

Sep 26, 2024 - Oct 03, 2024
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Sep 27, 2024 - Oct 04, 2024
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Saturday - Saturday

Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024
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Sunday - Sunday

Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 06, 2024
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Monday - Monday

Sep 30, 2024 - Oct 07, 2024
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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.