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Baltic Traverse: Lithuania, Latvia & Estonia

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Price from
US$ 4,200
Duration
12 Days / 11 Nights
Distance
405 km
Difficulty
Tour Code
MCT-BTL
Next departure
30-May-2027
Number of Cycling Days9
Average Distance Per Day: 45
0
150 Km
Average Climbing Per Day: 112
0
2,250 m
Accommodation
Basic
5 Star
Total Cycling Distance405 kilometres
Bike HireHybrid Bike: US$ 180 to US$ 190, E-Bike: US$ 500
Single SupplementUS$ 590 to US$ 625
*E-bikes are in limited supply, please enquire to reserve one.

About this Cycle Tour

Three countries, three medieval capitals, and the sand dunes, pine forests and islands in between: this is the Baltics end to end by bike. Over twelve gentle, mostly flat days we ride from Vilnius to Tallinn, across Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, on quiet roads and cycle paths that bring us close to the places a bus would pass.

We start in Vilnius, with its baroque old town, and ride out to the island castle at Trakai before following the Nemunas west towards the coast. On the Curonian Spit, a thread of sand and pine between the Baltic and a lagoon, we ride forest cycle paths past shifting dunes. The route then runs up the amber coast, and a transfer carries us over the longer gap into Latvia and Riga, known for its Art Nouveau streets. We cross into Estonia for the coastal ride to Pärnu, then a bus and ferry take us out to the island of Saaremaa, with its windmills, the Kaali meteorite crater and a lighthouse at its southern tip. The transfers skip the dull main roads and keep the riding on the coast, the forests and the islands. We sleep in central hotels, the first across the road from Vilnius Cathedral and two nights on Saaremaa by the sea, before the traverse ends inside the walls of Tallinn.

Join us on this point-to-point traverse of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

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Itinerary

Day 1

We meet at our tour hotel in Vilnius for an afternoon guided walking tour of its Old Town, one of the largest baroque old towns in Europe, past the cathedral, St Anne's red-brick Gothic and the Gates of Dawn. We end the first day with a trip briefing and welcome dinner.

Day 2

Our first ride takes us out of Vilnius to Trakai, once the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, where a red-brick castle sits on an island in Lake Galvė. There is time to stop for kibinai, the baked pastries the town is known for, before we transfer back to Vilnius.

Day 3

From the Baroque Pažaislis Monastery we ride into Kaunas, Lithuania's capital between the wars, then follow the Nemunas west past riverside villages and a red-brick Gothic church, before crossing the river by ferry to Vilkija.

Day 4

We ride a loop around Lake Plateliai in Žemaitija National Park, then descend into a former Soviet missile base, now the Cold War Museum, before reaching the coast at Klaipėda.

Day 5

A day on the Curonian Spit, a sand-and-pine peninsula between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. We ride south through forest past the Hill of Witches and the Dead Dunes to Nida, stopping for the local smoked fish along the way.

Day 6

We ride north up the Baltic coast from Klaipėda, past the Dutchman's Cap cliff to Palanga, Lithuania's main seaside resort, with its long pier and Amber Museum. From the coast we cross into Latvia and its capital, Riga, for the night.

Day 7

On our morning walking tour of Riga, we explore its medieval Old Town and the Art Nouveau streets the city is known for. In the afternoon, we ride on bike paths to Jūrmala, a seaside resort of wooden villas and a long sandy beach on the Gulf of Riga.

Day 8

We cross into Estonia at Ikla and ride the Baltic coast to Pärnu, a flat run past quiet coves and pine woods. Pärnu is a seaside spa town at the mouth of its river, with a wide sandy beach and a small historic centre.

Day 9

Saaremaa, Estonia's largest island, is a rural landscape of juniper, stone walls and windmills. We reach it by bus and ferry, visit the Kaali meteorite crater, then ride quiet flat roads to Kuressaare and its medieval castle.

Day 10

Our final ride runs down the Sõrve Peninsula, a long, narrow finger of juniper and coast reaching south from Kuressaare to a lighthouse at its tip, past gun batteries left from the fighting of 1944.

Day 11

We travel north to Tallinn, the Estonian capital and our final destination. A guided walking tour leads through its medieval Old Town, the walls and towers, Town Hall Square and the upper town of Toompea. In the evening a farewell dinner marks the end of the journey through three countries.

Day 12

The tour ends after breakfast in Tallinn. If you are staying on, the city has more to explore, from the Seaplane Harbour to the Kalamaja district and a day trip out to Lahemaa National Park.

Elevation Profiles

Day 2 - Vilnius → Trakai → Vilnius Ride 44km. +283m / -220m.
Day 2 - Vilnius → Trakai → Vilnius Ride 44km. +283m / -220m.

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Tours in: LatviaLithuaniaEstonia

Baltic Traverse: Lithuania, Latvia & Estonia
Tour CodeMCT-BTL
12Days
11Nights
DestinationsLithuania, Latvia, Estonia
Tour MeetsVilnius (Lithuania)
Tour EndsTallinn (Estonia)
Fly in toVilnius Čiurlionis International Airport (VNO)
Fly out of Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL)
Group Size4-16 riders
Minimum Age18 (on scheduled departures)

Activity Profile

9Cycling days
405kmTotal cycling distance
45kmAvg distance / day
112mAvg climbing / day

Pricing

PriceUS$ 4,200 to US$ 4,450
Bike Hire (Hybrid Bike)US$ 180 to US$ 190
Bike Hire (E-Bike)US$ 500
Single SupplementUS$ 590 to US$ 625
*E-bikes are in limited supply, please enquire to reserve one.

What's Included

  • SpiceRoads jersey
  • Water bottle
  • Support vehicle
  • Guide(s)
  • Meals (as indicated)
  • Accommodation
  • Snacks and drinks
  • Entrance fees
  • Ferry/boat fares

What's Excluded

  • International flights
  • Airport pick up
  • Airport drop off
  • Visa fees
  • Alcohol
  • Tips

Departures

30 May - 10 Jun 2027
20 Jun - 01 Jul 2027
25 Jul - 05 Aug 2027
19 Sep - 30 Sep 2027

Trip Profile

We ride a total of 405 km over 9 cycling days. Days average 45 kilometres and around 112 metres of climbing, so the riding stays gentle. The week starts close to Vilnius, runs along the Baltic coast, and eases when we cross to Saaremaa. We follow the Seaside Cycle Route beside the sea, ride forest paths across the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and trace the Nemunas River below Kaunas. Off the bike we walk the old towns of Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn, eat Karaite kibinai in Trakai and reach the Kaali meteorite crater on Saaremaa. The hardest day climbs 283 metres over 44 kilometres on the ride out to Trakai.

The trip is fully supported, and your guide's expert knowledge of the area and terrain means that you always know what is coming up in terms of distance and difficulty. This makes a tremendous difference, as does the constant supply of water and refreshments along the way.

Suitability

This tour suits anyone with a basic level of fitness who is comfortable spending several days on the bike in a row. The riding is short and mostly flat: nine days averaging 45 kilometres and about 112 metres of climbing, with the longest day reaching 65 kilometres and the most climbing only 283 metres. No day asks for sustained climbing or technical riding, and you need no previous experience with hills or long distances. To settle into an easy rhythm, plan to ride two or three times a week in the weeks before you travel, with one longer ride at the weekend to get used to back-to-back days. This trip is best for riders who want a relaxed pace with time for culture, coast and food between the kilometres.

Biking Conditions

We ride almost entirely on sealed surfaces: quiet countryside lanes, secondary roads, and long stretches of dedicated cycle path. The Seaside Cycle Route carries us along the Baltic on its own paths near Palanga, Jūrmala and into Pärnu, and the Curonian Spit adds a paved cycle path winding through pine forest between the dunes and the lagoon. Saaremaa gives us flat island roads with little traffic. Roads stay calm for most of the week, with more cars near the coastal resorts and on the approaches to towns. While much of the route is on quiet countryside roads with minimal traffic, we will be regularly sharing the roads with other vehicles, including cars, motorbikes, and buses.

We generally ride rain or shine, but we can adjust the planned route based on the guide's discretion or your comfort. It's all part of the adventure! Throughout the ride, the support vehicle is always nearby to offer refuge to any weary cyclists.

Accommodations

We stay in central 4-star hotels, with a simpler 3-star on Saaremaa, each within walking distance of an old town or the sea. Rooms are en-suite with Wi-Fi, and breakfast is included every morning.

In Vilnius we are on a short street off Cathedral Square, the cathedral and its bell tower across the road and Gediminas Tower on the hill a few minutes further. Kaunas puts us beside Laisvės Avenue, and Pärnu five minutes from the main square.

On Saaremaa we stay in Kuressaare's park and sports grounds by the sea, ten minutes from the centre, with the castle and its moat nearby. A cycle path starts at the door and runs along the coast out of town, if your legs still want it.

Please be aware that some older or more characterful properties may show signs of wear and the service pace can be more relaxed than you might be used to.

For larger groups we may occasionally split the group between nearby properties or substitute a similar hotel if the listed one is not available.

Day 1: Meet in Vilnius

We meet in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, for an afternoon guided walking tour of the Old Town, one of the largest baroque old towns in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. We pass the cathedral and its free-standing bell tower on the square, the red-brick Gothic of St Anne's Church, and the Gates of Dawn, the last surviving gate of the old city wall. The lanes are tight and walkable, and on the hill above the centre stands the brick tower of Gediminas, the remnant of the upper castle.

In the evening, we gather for a briefing on the week ahead, then sit down to a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Please let us know if you need assistance with airport transfers or pre-tour hotel bookings.

Amberton Cathedral Square Hotel Vilnius
Dinner

Day 2: Vilnius → Trakai → Vilnius

After breakfast and a bike fitting, we ride out of Vilnius for the first time. The route leaves the city through Vingis Park and follows quiet roads past Lentvaris and open farmland to Trakai.

Trakai was once the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Its red-brick Trakai Island Castle sits on an island in Lake Galvė, reached by footbridge, and we follow the lakeshore to Užutrakis Manor, a neoclassical house in a lakeside park.

There is time to stop for lunch on your own at one of the Karaite cafés. The Karaim, a Turkic community brought here in the fourteenth century, are known for kibinai, baked pastries filled with mutton, and Trakai is the place to eat them.

We transfer back to Vilnius (approx. 30 minutes), where the evening is free to find dinner in the Old Town.

Amberton Cathedral Square Hotel Vilnius
Breakfast
Ride 44km
+283m
-220m

Day 3: Vilnius → Kaunas

We leave Vilnius this morning and transfer to Kaunas (approx. 1 hour), where the ride begins at Pažaislis Monastery, a seventeenth-century Baroque church and cloister on the wooded shore of the reservoir.

From there we ride into Kaunas, Lithuania's capital between the two world wars and known for the modernist architecture of that era. We pass through the Old Town where the Nemunas meets the Neris, then follow the Nemunas west out of the city.

The river road runs past Kačerginė and Zapyškis, where a red-brick Gothic church stands on the riverbank. Lunch is your own, at a café in one of the riverside towns, before we cross the Nemunas on a small ferry to Vilkija, a town on the slopes above the river.

A short transfer returns us to Kaunas (approx. 45 minutes) for the night, with dinner on your own.

Best Baltic Hotel Kaunas
Breakfast
Ride 54km
+167m
-212m

Day 4: Kaunas → Klaipėda

We transfer west from Kaunas into Žemaitija National Park (approx. 2.5 hours), a region of lakes and forest that Lithuanians know as Samogitia, with its own dialect and identity. The ride is a loop around Lake Plateliai, the largest lake in the park, on quiet roads and bike paths by the shore. We visit the Cold War Museum, set inside a former Soviet underground missile base at Plokštinė, where the silos and control rooms now hold an exhibition, and pause for lunch nearby. From the park we transfer to Klaipėda on the Baltic coast (approx. 1 hour), a port city at the mouth of the Curonian Lagoon. The evening is free to wander the old town, with its half-timbered houses, and find your own spot for dinner.

Navalis Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch
Ride 24km
+102m
-106m

Day 5: The Curonian Spit

A short ferry takes us across the strait from Klaipėda to the Curonian Spit (approx. 10 minutes), a narrow peninsula of sand and pine between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

We ride south on the Seaside Cycle Route, a paved path through the forest. At Juodkrantė we pass the Hill of Witches, an open-air trail of wooden folk carvings, and a long-standing colony of grey herons and cormorants in the pines. Further on, the Dead Dunes rise above the lagoon, sand that buried whole villages as it shifted. Lunch is your own in one of the villages along the spit, where the local smoked fish is the thing to order.

The ride ends at Nida, a fishing village near the southern tip, where we have free time among its timber cottages and the high dunes above the water.

We transfer back to Klaipėda (approx. 1 hour). Dinner is on your own, perhaps aboard the Meridianas, an old sailing ship moored on the river that now serves as a restaurant.

Navalis Hotel
Breakfast
Ride 59km
+103m
-99m

Day 6: Klaipėda → Riga

From Klaipėda we ride north up the Baltic coast, on the Seaside Cycle Route through the pine woods of the Coastal Regional Park. We pass the clifftop of the Dutchman's Cap and the small fishing village of Karklė, with the sea on our left for much of the morning.

The ride reaches Palanga, Lithuania's busiest seaside resort, where a long wooden pier runs out into the Baltic and the Amber Museum sits in a manor park, amber being the fossil resin the sea still washes up along this coast. We stop for lunch on your own on Palanga's pedestrian street, then ride on to Šventoji, close to the Latvian border.

From there a long transfer takes us into Latvia and on to Riga (approx. 4 hours), its capital. We arrive in the evening, and the night is free to find dinner in the city.

Hestia Hotel Jugend or similar
Breakfast
Ride 42km
+104m
-102m

Day 7: Riga → Jūrmala → Riga

This morning, a guided walking tour takes us through Riga, its medieval Old Town around the House of the Blackheads on Town Hall Square, and the Art Nouveau streets the city is known for, with their carved faces and flowing stonework. Lunch is on your own in the centre. In the afternoon, we ride out of the city on bike paths to Jūrmala, a resort strung along the Gulf of Riga. Wooden villas from the late nineteenth century stand among the pines, and a wide sandy beach runs for kilometres along the shore. There is time to walk the beach or swim before we transfer back to Riga (approx. 40 minutes). Dinner is at a restaurant of your choosing.

Hestia Hotel Jugend or similar
Breakfast
Ride 31km
+80m
-88m

Day 8: Riga → Pärnu

A transfer north from Riga brings us to the Estonian border at Ikla (approx. 1 hour 40 minutes), where the riding begins in Estonia, the third country of the trip.

From the crossing we follow the Baltic coast, a flat run of coastal roads past quiet coves, sandy shores and pine woods, with the option of a shorter distance if you prefer and the support vehicle covering the rest. The final stretch from Uulu into Pärnu runs on cycle paths. We break at a local restaurant on the way, where lunch is your own.

We finish in Pärnu, a seaside town at the mouth of its river that grew up as a spa resort, with a wide sandy beach and a small historic centre. The evening is free to walk the beach promenade, and dinner is on your own.

Parnu Hotel
Breakfast
Ride 65km
+71m
-74m

Day 9: Pärnu → Saaremaa

A bus and ferry carry us out to Saaremaa (approx. 3 hours 30 minutes), the largest of Estonia's islands and a quiet, rural place of juniper scrub, stone walls and old wooden windmills.

On the way we stop at the Kaali crater, a round lake in a wooded bowl gouged out by a meteorite that fell here thousands of years ago. The riding is a short, flat stretch through farmland and along the coast, on roads with little traffic. There is a lunch stop en route, on your own.

We reach Kuressaare, the island's main town, where a medieval stone castle stands in its moat and park near the harbour. Dinner is your own, in the streets around the castle.

Staadioni Hotel
Breakfast
Ride 27km
+25m
-38m

Day 10: Kuressaare → Sõrve Peninsula → Kuressaare

Our last ride heads down the Sõrve Peninsula, the long, narrow tongue of land that runs south from Kuressaare to a lighthouse at its tip. We ride out along it on quiet roads, through open juniper fields and low coast, with the sea drawing closer on both sides as the land narrows. Heavy fighting reached the peninsula in 1944, near the end of the war, and concrete gun batteries and a war memorial still stand among the fields. At the southern point, the tall lighthouse looks out across the strait toward Latvia. Lunch is at a restaurant en route. From the tip, we transfer back to Kuressaare (approx. 45 minutes). The evening is free, with dinner on your own around the town square.

Staadioni Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch
Ride 59km
+73m
-77m

Day 11: Kuressaare → Tallinn

We leave Saaremaa behind and travel north to Tallinn (approx. 4 hours), the Estonian capital and our final destination. You have time to find lunch in one of the Old Town's cafés. In the afternoon a guided walking tour leads us through the medieval centre, along its ring of stone walls and towers, the cobbled lanes around Town Hall Square, and up to Toompea, the upper town, where the view runs over the red roofs to the sea. In the evening we gather for a farewell dinner, raising a glass to a journey that has carried us through three countries, from Vilnius to Tallinn.

Hestia Hotel Europa or similar
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12: Tallinn departure

After breakfast the tour ends in Tallinn.

If you are staying on in Tallinn, there is plenty to explore. The Seaplane Harbour is a maritime museum set in 1917 seaplane hangars on the waterfront, with a submarine you can go inside. The Kalamaja district north of the Old Town has wooden houses and the Balti Jaam Market, good for a slow morning and lunch. Further out, Lahemaa National Park spreads along the coast to the east, a day among bogs, pine forest and old manor houses.

Please let us know if you need assistance with post-tour hotel bookings. We are happy to help you organise these final details for your journey home or an extended stay in the capital.

Breakfast

Disclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.

Nuts & Bolts

Bikes

Because some people can't imagine going on a trip without their own beloved bicycle, we do not provide them as part of this tour. However, you can hire bikes locally for the price listed in the tour pricing section. We provide high-quality hybrid bikes by Gudereit or similar. E-bikes by Husqvarna or similar are also available. If you bring your own bike, we recommend a hybrid, though a gravel or touring bike will also work. Whichever bike you choose, please ensure it is in excellent mechanical order before arrival.

Bike Repairs

Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.

Safety

Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.

Guides

You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.

The Nitty Gritty

Estonia

Passports and Visas

Estonia is a member of the Schengen Area. Citizens of the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not require a visa for short-term tourism and are permitted to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. All visa-exempt travellers are required to obtain a valid ETIAS approval prior to arrival. This digital registration is linked to your passport and remains valid for three years. Additionally, the Entry/Exit System (EES) is operational at all borders, involving a biometric registration of facial images and fingerprints upon your first entry into the Schengen zone. For citizens of the EU, Switzerland, and Norway, entry is permitted with a valid National ID card or passport. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure.

Health & Insurance

No specific vaccinations are mandatory for entry to Estonia. It is advisable to be current on standard boosters such as Tetanus and Hepatitis A/B. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential and should specifically cover cycling activities and medical evacuation. If you are an EU citizen, ensure you carry a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). UK citizens should carry a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to access reciprocal state-provided healthcare for necessary medical treatments.

Weather

The prime cycling season in Estonia runs from late May to early September.

  • The Best Window: July and August offer the warmest temperatures, typically ranging between 18°C and 23°C, and the longest daylight hours.
  • The Northern Light: In midsummer, the sun barely sets, providing nearly 19 hours of daylight for riding.
  • Coastal Conditions: The western islands can be windy, and weather can shift quickly from clear skies to brief Baltic showers.
  • Gear: High-quality, lightweight waterproof layers are essential. Even in summer, evenings can be cool, so a warm mid-layer is recommended.

Food

Estonian cuisine is a fusion of Scandinavian, German, and Russian influences, focused on local and seasonal produce. You should try Leib (traditional black rye bread), which is central to every meal. Fresh fish, particularly smoked herring and perch from the Baltic, are island staples. Other favourites include Mulgipuder (a hearty mash of potatoes and barley) and forest-foraged ingredients like chanterelles and wild berries. Estonia has a sophisticated modern dining scene, particularly in Tallinn, where traditional flavours are reimagined with Nordic flair. We cater to all dietary requirements; please notify us at the time of booking.

Drink

The tap water in Estonia is safe and of excellent quality. We provide ample water and local snacks during every ride. Estonia has a vibrant craft beer culture and a history of spirit production. A popular local non-alcoholic drink is Kali, a fermented bread beverage similar to kvass. For a unique taste of Estonian history, try Vana Tallinn, a dark, spice-infused rum liqueur often served in coffee. Please note that alcohol during meals is not included in the tour price.

Solo Travellers

SpiceRoads does not charge a mandatory single supplement for solo adventurers. We will arrange for you to share a room with another traveller of the same gender in twin-share accommodation. If a match is not available, you will receive a single room at no additional cost. If you prefer to guarantee your own private room for the duration of the trip, a single supplement is available at the rate listed in the tour pricing.

Extra Expenses

Estonia offers excellent value, though prices in Tallinn are higher than in the rural islands. You should budget for personal incidentals such as café stops for "fika," traditional knitwear, or local juniper-wood handicrafts. Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for exceptional service in restaurants and for your support crew.

Money

The currency is the Euro (€).

  • Digital Payments: Estonia is one of the most digitally advanced nations in the world. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, from remote island kiosks to city boutiques.
  • ATMs: Cash machines are widely available in all towns and major ports.
  • Cash: While cards are the norm, it is useful to carry a small amount of cash for small purchases at local village markets or for tips.

Lithuania

Passports and Visas

Lithuania is a member of the Schengen Area. Citizens of the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not require a visa for short-term tourism and are permitted to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. All visa-exempt travellers are required to obtain a valid ETIAS approval prior to arrival. This digital registration is linked to your passport and is valid for three years. Additionally, the Entry/Exit System (EES) is operational at all borders, involving a quick biometric registration of facial images and fingerprints upon your first entry into the Schengen zone. For citizens of the EU, Switzerland, and Norway, entry is permitted with a valid National ID card or passport. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date.

Health & Insurance

No specific vaccinations are mandatory for entry, though it is advisable to be current on standard boosters such as Tetanus and Hepatitis A/B. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential and should specifically cover cycling activities and medical evacuation. If you are an EU citizen, ensure you carry a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). UK citizens should carry a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to access reciprocal state-provided healthcare for necessary treatments.

Weather

The prime cycling season in Lithuania runs from May to September.

  • The Best Window: June, July, and August offer the warmest weather and the longest daylight hours, with temperatures typically ranging between 18°C and 25°C.
  • Shoulder Season: May and September are excellent for riding but can be significantly cooler, particularly in the early mornings and late evenings.
  • Coastal Conditions: On the Curonian Spit and along the Baltic coast, sea breezes can cause temperatures to drop rapidly.
  • Gear: Even in the height of summer, we recommend carrying a lightweight waterproof layer and a warm fleece for cooler evenings.

Food

Lithuanian cuisine is hearty and reflects a deep agricultural heritage. You should try the national dish, Cepelinai, which are large potato dumplings stuffed with meat or curd. During the summer months, the bright pink Saltibarsciai (cold beetroot soup) is a refreshing staple served with hot boiled potatoes. Other highlights include Kibinai pastries and the beloved snack Kepta Duona, which is fried rye bread rubbed with garlic. Most meals are served family-style, and we cater to all dietary needs. Please notify us of any requirements at the time of booking.

Drink

The tap water in Lithuania is of high quality and is safe for drinking. We provide ample water and local snacks during every ride. Lithuania has a world-class brewing tradition with a thriving craft beer scene. For a non-alcoholic traditional alternative, try Gira, a refreshing drink made from fermented rye bread. Another local favourite is Krupnikas, a sweet and potent honey liqueur often spiced with cloves and cardamom. Please note that alcohol during meals is not included in the tour price.

Solo Travellers

SpiceRoads does not charge a mandatory single supplement for solo adventurers. We will arrange for you to share a room with another traveller of the same gender in twin-share accommodation. If a match is not available, you will receive a single room at no extra cost. If you prefer to guarantee your own private room for the duration of the trip, a single supplement is available at the rate listed in the tour pricing.

Extra Expenses

Lithuania remains an affordable destination by European standards. You should budget for personal incidentals such as post-ride snacks, traditional amber jewellery, or intricate wood carvings. Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small gratuity for exceptional service in restaurants and for your support crew is a common gesture of appreciation.

Money

The currency is the Euro (€).

  • Card Acceptance: Lithuania is highly digitised, and credit or debit cards are accepted in almost all shops, restaurants, and hotels.
  • ATMs: Cash machines are plentiful in cities and regional towns, accepting most international cards.
  • Cash: While digital payments are the norm, it is useful to carry a small amount of cash for use in the most remote forest regions or for small purchases at local village markets.

Latvia

Passports and Visas

Latvia is a member of the Schengen Area. Citizens of the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not require a visa for short-term tourism and are permitted to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. All visa-exempt travellers are required to obtain a valid ETIAS approval prior to arrival. This digital registration is linked to your passport and remains valid for three years. Additionally, the Entry/Exit System (EES) is operational at all borders, involving a biometric registration of facial images and fingerprints upon your first entry into the Schengen zone. For citizens of the EU, Switzerland, and Norway, entry is permitted with a valid National ID card or passport. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date.

Health & Insurance

No specific vaccinations are mandatory for entry, though it is advisable to be current on standard boosters such as Tetanus and Hepatitis A/B. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential and should specifically cover cycling activities and medical evacuation. If you are an EU citizen, ensure you carry a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). UK citizens should carry a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to access reciprocal state-provided healthcare for necessary treatments.

Weather

The prime window for cycling in Latvia is from May to September.

  • The Best Window: June, July, and August offer the most consistent warmth and long daylight hours, with temperatures typically ranging between 18°C and 24°C.
  • Shoulder Season: May and September provide crisp, clear riding conditions, though temperatures can drop significantly once the sun sets.
  • Coastal Winds: When riding along the Baltic coast, be prepared for occasional sea breezes which can make the air feel cooler than the forecast suggests.
  • Gear: A lightweight, high-quality waterproof shell is recommended for any Baltic journey, as brief summer showers are common.

Food

Latvian cuisine is a soulful reflection of the northern landscape, focusing on earthy, seasonal ingredients. You must try the national dish, Pelekie Zirni (grey peas with bacon and fried onions). Dark rye bread, known as Rupjmaize, is a staple of every meal and is often used even in desserts like bread pudding. Smoked fish is a coastal speciality, particularly herring and sprats, while potato pancakes served with sour cream are a beloved comfort food. Most meals are served family-style, and we cater to all dietary needs. Please notify us of any requirements at the time of booking.

Drink

The tap water in Latvia is safe and of high quality. We provide ample water and local snacks during every ride. Latvia has a storied brewing tradition, and sampling local craft beer is a highlight of the rural experience. For a non-alcoholic option, try Kvass (or Gira), a refreshing fermented bread drink. The most iconic beverage is Riga Black Balsam, a potent herbal liqueur with a secret recipe dating back to the 18th century, often enjoyed in coffee or as a post-ride digestif. Please note that alcohol during meals is not included in the tour price.

Solo Travellers

SpiceRoads welcomes solo adventurers and does not charge a mandatory single supplement. We will arrange for you to share a room with another traveller of the same gender. If no match is available, you will receive a single room at no additional cost. If you prefer to guarantee your own private room for the duration of the trip, a single supplement is available at the rate listed in the tour pricing.

Extra Expenses

Latvia offers excellent value compared to its Nordic neighbours. You should budget for personal incidentals such as artisanal snacks, traditional linen textiles, or high-quality amber jewellery. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill or leaving a small gratuity for exceptional service in restaurants and for your support crew is a common gesture of appreciation.

Money

The currency is the Euro (€).

  • Card Acceptance: Latvia is highly digitised, and credit or debit cards are accepted in almost all hotels, restaurants, and shops.
  • ATMs: Cash machines are widely available in Riga and regional hubs, accepting most international cards.
  • Cash: While cards are the norm, it is useful to carry a small amount of cash for use in the most remote rural areas or for purchases at local village markets and craft stalls.

General booking info

If this is the tour for you here's what you need to do to confirm your place:

FLEXIBLE BOOKING CONDITIONS

Booking a SpiceRoads cycling adventure is easy and we try to do everything possible to make sure you have full flexibility and peace of mind. We do not require a deposit to hold your place on a tour and once full payment has been made your money is protected in our client account and you have the flexibility to cancel or change your booking if needed.

CONFIRMING YOUR BOOKING

Just complete our online booking form or send your booking details offline (email or post), and we will confirm your participation. No deposit is needed to confirm your place on a SpiceRoads tour.

You are advised to read our Booking Conditions in full before you make your payment and should you require further clarifications of any of the conditions below, please email us or call our office.

TRIP STATUS

There is a minimum number of participants (usually 2) required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to Depart'. Once a trip is guaranteed to depart you are free to book your flights and make other travel arrangements. If the trip status is ‘Limited’ will mean we have only a small number of spaces available for booking. If you are unsure about the trip status, please email us or call our office.

BOOKING ONLINE

From the tour page, click the 'Book Now' link. All departures for this tour will appear, just select the date you'd like to travel. For the next steps, you'll need to know the names of the people travelling. If you wish you can also provide extra details such as passport numbers, height (for bike hire), or you can add that later by logging into Manage My Trip (we'll set up an account for you automatically if you don't already have one). Our system will contact you from time to time to fill in the missing information, as it will be required before departure. However, if the trip that you are booking offers a child discount, you will have to fill out the date of birth of each rider (so we can calculate the appropriate discount).

If you are having any problems please send us an email, or give us a call (+66 026 3295) and one of our travel specialists will assist you with your booking.

BOOKING OFFLINE

Just call us or send an email indicating which trip you want to join and we will happily send you a list of questions and process your booking for you.

DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS

We do not require a deposit or full payment to book a place for you on a tour.

The balance of the tour’s cost (final invoice) will need to be paid 60 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights.

In the case where a booking is made when there are less than 60 days until the tour departure date, the tour’s cost should be paid in full within 72 hours of receiving an invoice from SpiceRoads. Payment can be made by credit card using our online payment gateway or by bank transfer. When making payment online you will need to confirm that you have read these booking conditions during the "checkout" process, which equates to agreeing to the terms of services and stipulations as indicated in this document.

In all cases, tour fees need to be paid “in full” before participation in a tour. No person(s) will be allowed to join a tour without fully settling their invoice and receiving a confirmation number from SpiceRoads.

The exception can be made for last-minute miscellaneous fees that can be paid locally (visas, additional local hotel bookings, etc.) can be settled on the day of arrival.

FULL FLEXIBILITY FOR TOUR CANCELATIONS

If the tour is cancelled or postponed by SpiceRoads because we didn't make the trip numbers and the tour can’t run, we will make a full cash refund (by bank transfer or on your credit card).

If the tour is cancelled for any other reason, including due to Covid related travel restrictions, we will give you a full credit (with no deductions for admin or any other small-print item) to use on any SpiceRoads tour with no time limit. (Exceptions being flights, special permits and other non-refundable items and these will be advised when booking the trip).

Before paying for your tour, you can cancel your booking with no charge and up until 40 days before departure, you can change your booking to another travel date or move your booking onto another SpiceRoads tour with no charges.

If you need to cancel after you have made full payment, please see our cancellation policy.

Loyalty Riders Club

For those who have been on several long tours with us, we reward customer loyalty by offering repeat customers a special discount off the tour price (excludes single supplement and bike rental). If this is your fourth scheduled tour or more you will receive a 5% discount. If this is your eighth scheduled tour or more we will extend a 10% discount. The discount will be reflected in your online booking, but please contact us if any questions. Loyalty discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Note: Only tours of 7 days or more will be applicable for a loyalty discount.

International Flights

International flights, to and from the start and finish points are not included in the tour price. Once your tour is Guaranteed to Depart you can book your flight. Please contact us for advice before arranging flights for the best arrival and departure times. We would only cancel a trip for an extreme circumstance, but in that case, where we cancel your trip, we cannot be liable for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made. Please claim any losses from your travel insurance that you acquired when you booked your holiday.

Newsletter

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Contact Us

145 Soi Pridi Banomyong 14 (Mee Suwan 3)
Sukhumvit 71 Road, Phra Khanong Nuea, Watthana
Bangkok, Thailand 10110
Tel: +66 (0) 2 026 3295
Email: info@spiceroads.com
Website: www.spiceroads.com