New Tour

Baltic Traverse: Lithuania, Latvia & Estonia

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)
405kmTotal cycling distance
45kmAvg distance / day
112mAvg climbing / day

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.

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

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.

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