Difficulty Rating : 4 Start: Villinus Finish: Estonia Terrain: Mainly flat, but some gradual hills Daily Average: 39km Weekly Average: 344km Tour Type: Self Guided,Group Teaser: A leisurely tour, taking in much coastline, linking the wonderful capital cities of Vilnius in Lithuania to Riga in Latvia.
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A leisurely tour, taking in much coastline, linking the wonderful capital cities of Vilnius in Lithuania to Riga in Latvia.  You explores the unique countryside, coastline and towns that make up this fascinating part of Europe that was formerly part of the USSR. It includes visiting three capital cities Vilnius (Lithuania).  Riga (Latvia) and Tallinn ( Estonia ) all of which have old towns that are justifiably designated by UNESCO as world heritage sites. The biking is very leisurely as the country is not hilly.

We start in Vilnius where we have an opportunity to take a city tour of this wonderful capital city.  Our cycle then takes us on picturesque country roads towards Kaunas before heading to the coast and the charming resort towns of Nida and Klaipeda located on the Curonian Lagoon itself designated a UNESCO world heritage site.   We cycle on asphalt bicycle paths of the newly reconstructed Lithuanian Seaside Cycle Route and enjoy breathtaking views of the colossal sand dunes on the Curonian Spit (reached by boat trip across a lagoon).   The tour includes a visit to the memorable Hill of Crosses near Siauliai before continuing on to Riga,  the captial of Latvia before finishing in Tallin, the capital of Estonia.

A chance to experience more than 500 years of incredible culture and architecture - on a bicycle it's all within your reach!

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Itineraries

DAY 1

Vilnius

Arrival to Vilnius. Individual transfer to the hotel (not included). Check-in at the hotel at 7pm, welcome meeting at the hotel with tour guide.

Day 2

Vilnius - Kaunas (33 km ride), by bus (100 km)

After breakfast a guided city tour of Vilnius, Old Town followed by a bus transfer outside the city. Start your first cycle ride through picturesque countryside with many lakes and gentle hills. En route stop in Trakai, the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, where you may visit the 14th island castle built on a small island in Lake Galvé. Afternoon transfer by bus to Kaunus. Arrive in Kaunus, check-in and optional dinner at the hotel.

Day 3

Kaunus - Klaipeda (35 km ride), by bus 235 km)

Morning bike ride along the Nemunas River cycle trail. Finish the ride with a short cable ferry trip across the river and picnic lunch (included). Bus transfer to the Baltic coast. En route stop in Venté Horn famous for its bird observatory and the 19th Century lighthouse. Arrive in Klaipeda, a modern town at the Baltic Sea. Check in and dinner at the hotel (included).

Day 4

Curonian Spit National Park (58 km ride), by bus or boat (50 km)

Today we go for the longest ride to Nida. Follow the Seaside Cycle Route along the Curonian Spit famous for its amber and fine sand beaches. 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 by bus or boat back to Klaipeda, optional dinner at the hotel.

Day 5

laipeda - Riga (32km ride), 290 km by bus

You cycle to Palanga, the biggest seaside resort in Lithuania, via the Seaside Regional Park, a former soviet military training area. The group tour includes a visit to the Botanical Garden and Amber Museum in the Palace of Count Tyszkiewicz, with over 25000 pieces of amber and 15000 inclusions of insects on display. Afternoon bus transfer to Riga ( capital of Latvia), stopping at the Hill of Crosses (16 km from Šiauliai), the unforgettable place with thousands of crosses on two small hills.

Day 6

Riga - Jurmala Seaside Resort (30 km)

After breakfast there is a guided tour of Riga Old Town, a medieval Hanseativ town which is famous for its Art Noveau buildings. In the afternoon there is free time in Riga or an option to cycle to Jurmala, the largest resort in the Baltic States well known for its long, white-sand beaches, mineral waters and mud with healing properties.

Day 7

Gauja National Park & Bicycle Museum (40 km ride), by bus 50 km

A morning transfer to Saulkrasti and the Latvian bicyle museum after which you start your bike ride to Sigulda – the most popular resort in Latvia. Cycling through Gauja National Park to Saukrasti, en route enjoy spectacular views of Gauja River valley with Gutmana Cave, visit Turaida Castle and the oldest Latvian Church, Krimulda, built in 1205. Finish the ride with a visit to the Latvian bicycle museum followed by a transfer to Riga.

Day 8

Igulda - Saaremaa (38 km ride), by bus (330 km), by ferry (6 km)

The day starts with a transfer to the largest Estonian island of Saaremaa which has preserved all that is best about the old Estonia. With little traffic and flat roads, Saaremaa provides the perfect rural setting for cycling. Travel on picturesque roads along the Baltic Sea coast to the village of Angla, known for its iconic windmills. Transfer then to Mandjala or Kuressaare for a two overnight stays at the seaside.

Day 9

Saaremaa Island (56 km)

You cycle across Saaremaa Island’s wild beauty – Sorve Peninsula, famous for its lighthouse. The day finishes 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 13th Century. There is time also to explore the town and the Bishop’s castle.

Day 10

Saaremaa & Tallinn (40 km or 30 km ride), by bus (210 km), by ferry (6 km)

Today you cycle to the Kaali meteorite crater, which is listed on the world’s giant craters list and it is the rarest natural wonder of Estonia. You arrivie in Tallinn in the afternoon to enjoy a guided tour of the old town. Tour finishes after breakfast next morning

  • 10 nights accommodation in 3 & 4 star hotels
  • all breakfasts
  • Guide escort on days 2 - 10 ( Group tour only)
  • 1 picnic lunch ( Group tour only)
  • 4 dinners ( Klaipeda, Riga,  Saaremaa & Tallin ~ Group tour only)
  • entrances and excursions as per itinerary (Group tour only)
  • coach transfers as per the itinerary 
  • 21-speed trekking bike/pannier bag (Group tour only)
  • information pack with city guides, tour programme and maps 
  • luggage transfers as per the itinerary 
  • Speed boat from Nida to Klaipeda or transfer by minibus (day 4) 
  • Route description, map, city guides

    €195 supplement for E-bike group tour / €250 supplement self guided tour - limited availability, on request
    €10 helmet (on request, self guided)
    €100 supplement for bike hire on self guided tour (bike hire included in group tour)
    €115 half board supplement for 4 x 3 course dinner package guided tour (4 dinners are included in the group tour)
    €175 half board supplement for 6 x 3 course dinner package for self guided tour
     

VILNIUS

In Vilnius we stay in the Comfort Hotel LT or a similar 3 star hotel

VILNIUS image 1VILNIUS image 1

KAUNAS

In Kaunas we aim to stay in the 4 star Victoria Kaunus Hotel

 

KLAIPEDA

in Klaipeda we spend two nights in the National**** or a hotel of a smiliar standard

 

RIGA

In Riga we spend two nights in the 4 star Hestia Jugend **** or a hotel of a similar standard

RIGA image 1RIGA image 1

SIGULDA

In Sigulda we aim to stay in the 3 star Hotel Sigulda

SIGULDA image 1SIGULDA image 1

SAAREMAA

In Saaremaa we stay in the 3 star Johan Spa**** for two nights,  or a hotel of an equivalent standard.

 

TALLINN

Our final night in Tallinn is in the Hotel Hestia IL Marine or an equivalent 4 star hotel

TALLINN image 1TALLINN image 1

2024 RATES 10 NIGHT GUIDED GROUP TOUR 
€1,600 ( low season ) or €1645 ( high season ) per person sharing
€2,025 ( low season ) or €2095 ( high season ) single room occupancy
Bike hire is included in the guided group tour

2024 RATES 10 NIGHT SELF GUIDED TOUR 
€1,355  ( low season ) or 1,395 (high season) per person sharing
€1,775 ( low season ) or €1845 (high season)  single room occupancy
Bike hire is not included in the self guided tour:
+ €120.00 for Trekking Bike ( 7 and 24 speed options available ) 
+ €270.00 for E Bike

(*) Low Season :   May 27,  August 26 & September 2
(*) High Season :  June,  July,  August 5th & 12th 

Self Guided Tour and Guided Tour dates:

Self Guided Tours start on Mondays ( same day as guided tours )
May: 27 ( low season ) 
June: 10, 17 ( high season ) 
July: 1, 8, 22 ( high season ) 
August: 5, 12 ( high season ) &  26 ( low season ) 
September: 2( low season ) 

How to get to the start point in Vilnius: 

We suggest flying to Vilnius airport which is approx 8kms from the start point (15mins) 

Arrival or departure transfer can be pre-booked for €45 per transfer (1-3 pax) / €70 per transfer (4-7 pax)

As always please contact us in the office for more information (info@cyclingsafaris.com).

What a wonderful trip! Everything was near perfect. Incredible organization and a terrific leader. I have completed five cycling safari tours and plan on another one next summer. The value is incredible, the organization superb.

Dave Kern (Lithuania to Estonia July 2018)

The tour went really well for us, although it was very hot/humid especially at night! Not blaming anyone but myself for picking this time of year. Christina our guide was one of the best ever. The Baltic Seaside and countryside was beautiful and lodging and food were all great. The e-bikes were the best we have used.

James & Helen August 2018

This was a great trip. I loved that we had a bus to take us through both countries so we could bike and ride. We love your company. This was my 5th tour with you.

Dianne Mc Kee (Lithuania to Latvia 2012)

This tour was one of my best. The organization was perfect. It was more or less a study trip. They let us know so much about their countries.
The bikes were good German Kalkhoff bikes. Hotels were excellent.
Altogether: This trip exceeded all expectations.

Cäcilia C. (Lithuania to Latvia 2012)

I have come back from the cycling tour from Vilnius thru Tallinn, and it has been a sheer pleasure. Our guide Vilmante has done an excellent job and accompanied us very friendly. The bikes were very good, no problems whatsoever. All the hotels were a great place to stay and had been chosen with care. Food was delicious as well, mostly homemade just as I appreciate.
Thanks a lot, and I will continue to recommend your site and travels through Europe by bike.

Charlotte (Lithuania to Latvia 2013)

We had a great time. This was our 10th trip. The guides were wonderful and we enjoyed being with them.
Bicycles were good and no complaints.
Tours and countries were great. Would return in a minute.

Olli Sovio (Lithuania to Estonia 2015)

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For single travellers, we organise accommodation on a twin sharing basis. Please note it may not be possible on all our tours and a single supplement will be applied.

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If you have been on a previous tour, there is a €50.00 discount on our week long tours in Ireland (unfortunately this discount does not apply to other European trips)

A €250.00 deposit is required for each person booking on a holiday. The Balance payment is required two month prior to the starting date. The deposit is forfeited in the event of a cancellation of your booking. The balancing payment is also non-refundable in the event of the cancellation occuring within 14 days of the tour starting date. All transactions are taken in Euro.

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Please ensure that you have read the terms and conditions before proceeding.

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Booking Conditions

Irish Cycling Safaris Ltd (“the Company”) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:

  • The contract is between the Company and the client, being any person travelling or intending to travel on a tour operated by the company. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to Irish law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when the company sends a confirmation. It is at this point that a contract between the company and the client comes into existence. Before your booking is confirmed and comes into existence the company reserves the right to increase or decrease brochure prices. The company or their agents reserve the right to decline any booking at their discretion.
  • To secure a booking the Company or their agent requires a completed booking form and the necessary deposit. (Full payment if travel within 60 days). The first named client must be over 18 years of age. Clients booking by telephone, by website/E-mail or fax will be deemed to have signed the booking form and read and accepted our terms of booking. The person signing, or being deemed to sign, the booking form warrants that he/she has full authority to do so on behalf of all persons whose names appear thereon, and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions.
  • The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges applicable at the time, must be paid to the company or their agents not later than 60 days before departure. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date the Company reserves the right to cancel your booking and cancellation charges will apply. If any cheque is dishonoured we reserve the right to charge €25 to cover administration costs.
  • Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on a tour organised by the Company. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel insurance with protection for the full duration of the tour in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate cover.
  • An administration fee of €25 per booking plus any additional costs incurred will be charged if a confirmed booking is changed or transferred to a different departure date or tour, up to 60 days prior to departure. Thereafter all changes will be treated as cancellations and subject to the relevant charges. Changes are subject to availability. For an administration fee of €25 you may request a credit voucher. This must be redeemed within 12 months of issue and must be used against a new booking. The voucher is non transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. In certain circumstances, which the Company considers reasonable, the booking may be transferred to another suitable person; however the tour arrangements must remain the same and will only be allowed if all suppliers agree to accept the name change. If a transfer is allowed an administration charge of €25 per person will be charged plus any extra charges levied by suppliers.
  • Should the client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written notification is received by the company or their agent as a percentage of the total tour price, including surcharges as follows:

    > 60 days before departure – retention of deposit

    60-14 days before departure – 50%

    < 14 days before departure – 100%

  • Clients are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of, a valid passport and any visas and vaccination certificates required for the whole of their journey. Information about these matters or related items (climate, clothing, baggage, personal items etc) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.
  • Should the client have a reason to complain, you must immediately notify our representative and the relevant supplier. If the client’s complaint is not dealt with satisfactorily at the time, they must write to us with full details of the complaint within 28 days of the end of the tour. Failure to notify complaints entirely within accordance of this clause will diminish or extinguish the client’s ability to claim compensation.
  • The company provides all services on a “ground only” basis. The client is responsible for arranging their own travel to the designated start points of each tour. The company cannot accept any liability for any delay/cancellation in your transportation and cannot offer any refunds for lost holiday time.
  • Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of the Company’s employees, tour leaders and agents whilst on the tour with the company. If in the opinion of such persons the health, level of fitness or conduct of a client at any time before or after departure appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a tour the client may be excluded from all or part of the tour without refund or recompense. In the case of ill health the company may make such arrangements as it sees fit and recover the costs thereof from the client. If a client commits an illegal act the client may be excluded from the tour and the Company shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. If you are affected by a condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect you or affect other people’s enjoyment or active participation of the tour, you must advise us at the time of booking. No refund will be given for any unused services.
  • The Company will use its best endeavours to operate all tours as advertised. However, it reserves the right to change any of the facilities, services, prices or itineraries described in our brochure/website. If a major change is necessary or deemed advisable, the company will advise the client as soon as reasonably possible, if there is no time before departure. A major change does not apply to a change of transport or named accommodation, but is usually considered a major change in itinerary or change in duration of a client’s holiday. If advised of a major change before departure, the client will have the choice of accepting changes (at additional cost if applicable), purchasing another available tour from the company, or cancelling the tour with a full refund.

    Provided that the major change is not as a result of situations outside the company’s control or consolidation, compensation will be paid as follows:

    Notification Period Given / Compensation Per Person

    More than 30 days: Nil

    14-30 days: €40

    Less than 14 days: €50

     
  • Force Majeure. We regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by reasons of circumstance amounting to “force majeure”. In these conditions “force majeure” means any event which we the supplier of services in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, epidemics or health risks and all similar events outside our control.
  • The company reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances but will not cancel a tour less than 4 weeks before departure except for “force majeure”, consolidation, or the client’s failure to pay the final balance. Unless the client fails to pay the final balance, the company, upon cancellation will return all monies paid to it, or offer the client an alternative holiday of comparable standard if available (if less expensive than original we will refund the difference, if more expensive, the client will have to pay the difference). Compensation will not be payable (1) where the company is forced to cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care or (2) where an insufficient number of people book the clients chosen holiday and we notify we are cancelling for this reason not less than 28 days before departure. In all cases our liability is limited to offering the above choices and the compensation payments (where applicable) set out in clause 11. No compensation is payable if we notify you of cancellation more than 8 weeks before departure. We cannot be held responsible for any costs or expenses you may have as a result of cancellation.
  • Client’s bookings are accepted on the understanding that they appreciate the risks inherent in adventure travel and that they undertake the tours featured in our programme at their own volition. Our obligations, and those of any suppliers providing any service or facility involved in any travel arrangements you book with us, are to provide services and facilities with reasonable care and skill. Facilities will be provided to the realistic minimum standard recommended by the regulatory authorities responsible.
  • Bike Hire: The equipment including all accessories supplied is let out on hire. The equipment remains the property of the company and the Client will not sell, hire out or otherwise part with the possessions thereof.

    The Client undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear accepted). The company shall be entitled to charge the client for any damages caused to equipment during the period of hire. In event of a breakdown, other than a result of the Clients misuse, the company will use its best endeavours to repair or procure repair of the equipment.

    The company will not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, through breakdown or other defect in the equipment or other circumstances beyond the company’s control. The Client shall indemnify the company with respect to all costs, claims, expenses and demands suffered or incurred which arise directly or indirectly out of the use of the equipment during the period of hire. The company reserves the right to charge the client for partial or full settlement of any claim. In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost, the company reserves the right to call upon the client to indemnify the company the replacement of the equipment. However, should the equipment subsequently be returned in a satisfactory condition, the company undertakes to refund the clients indemnity within 14 days.

    The Client will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use, will not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and will immediately notify the company in the event of breakdown or loss of equipment.

  • Clients bringing their own bikes do so on the proviso that their equipment is in a suitable condition for participation in a tour. Responsibility for maintenance of bicycles brought by clients rests with the client. The company will endeavour to accommodate such clients, but cannot guarantee that correct tools and spares will be available, given the wide range of possibilities that exist.