Exodus Cycle the Baltics

• Cycle in the Baltic states through three countries
• Explore three fascinating capital cities
• Visit the fairytale Trakai castle

• All breakfasts
• All accommodation
• Local bike hire
• All transport and listed activities
• Tour leader throughout
• Flights from London

• 9 days cycling with full vehicle support
• 80% tarmac roads, 20% gravel paths
• Group normally 6 to 16 plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
• 10 nights hotels, all en suite
• Pace: Leisurely: 10-13km/6-8miles an hour

  Terrain: Low altitude; 80% tarmac, 20% cycle paths, gravel and coastal tracks

Day 1 Fly to Tallinn; transfer to hotel.

On arrival there should be some time to explore Tallinn. Tallinn is a fascinating historical city with many sites to explore.

Day 2 Explore Tallinn; transfer to the Lahemaa N.P. for a scenic ride.

This morning there is some free time to further explore Estonia’s capital (timings will be confirmed by the guide in the welcome briefing). In the afternoon leave Tallin behind and drive out of the city (approx. 1h), you will begin your first ride through National Park Lahemaa. The park, one of the last unspoilt regions of the Baltic Coast, extends over 700 square kilometres. Its nature is rich and unique. Here you will cycle through thick woods, marshes and lakes.

Day 3 Full day riding through Lahemaa N.P.

Today have a full day to explore the largest national park in Estonia and one of the biggest in Europe. Embark on a circular route taking in as many of the parks wonderful attractions as possible. Starting from Palmse Hotel (the former park manor house), pass Sagadi manor, the 400 year old fisherman’s village of Altja, the popular seaside resort of Vosu, and Kasmu village which is home to the fisherman’s museum.

Day 4 Transfer to Peipsi and cycle along the shore of the lake; transfer to Tartu.

Start the day with a bus transfer to the shore of Peipsi Lake (approx. 1.5h), then start cycling from the 17th Century fisherman’s village of Mustvee. From here pass through ancient towns and churches. Following an old Russian tradition, villages in Peipsi only have one street. Because of this, the shore of Peipsi Lake is one long street with lots of small settlements dotted along it.

Day 5 Cycle through ‘Estonian Switzerland’ to Otepaa; transfer to Riga.

This area is known as ‘Estonian Switzerland’ because of its stunning scenery and pine forests. As you would expect, there are a few hills on today’s ride, though nothing too steep and challenging with the gradient not going above 7%. Once over the hills, cycle through beautiful forest and meadows and past Lake Puhajarve on your way to Sangaste town.

Day 6 Cycle to Jurmala; transfer to Riga for the night.

Your journey today will start in the bustling town Riga, Latvia’s largest town and capital city. The city has a mediaeval old town which is famous for its wooden buildings and art nouveau architecture.

Day 7 Transfer to Sventoji; cycle to Klaipeda.

Begin your ride in Sventoji on a beautiful cycle route to Klaipeda, which lies along the Baltic Coast. On the way pass Palanga, a traditional bucket and spade seaside town with a long stretch of sandy beach. It’s a really fun place to stop, have a wander around, a dip in the sea, and see one of the most favoured seaside towns among Lithuanians. Visit the Palanga Botanical Gardens and manor house which is now home to the amber museum.

Day 8 Transfer to the Curonian Spit N.P; explore by bike.

It was home and inspiration for two summers to the author Thomas Mann and its affluent feel and tranquillity encourages the feeling that you are on a holiday within a holiday. From here we explore the 68km long Curonian Spit. The high dunes (up to 60m) running along the spit have encouraged the local people to refer to the area as the ‘Lithuanian Sahara’.

Day 9 Transfer to Kintai village; cycle to Vente Cape and Silute; transfer to Vilnius.

Start the day with a bus transfer to Kintai village (approx. 45mins), and from here cycle through dense green forests and beautiful meadows to Vente Cape. There is a lot of wildlife at Vente Cape as it is a popular resting place for birds on their migration, and it’s home to one of the first bird ringing stations in Europe. Visit the 11m high lighthouse which offers breathtaking views of the lagoon and golden sand dunes of the Curonian Split; the lighthouse is a fascinating place, built in 1863 when the cape was still part of Germany.

Day 10 Transfer to Trakai; cycle around town and visit Trakai Castle; return to Vilnius.

After breakfast, transfer by bus to the small village of Semeliskes(approx. 1h). From here you have a picturesque ride over undulating terrain to Galve Lake. Here the magical and famous Trakai Castle sits, as if floating on its own island in the middle of the lake – it’s a truly magical place.

Day 11 Explore Vilnius; fly to London.

Transfer to Vilnius airport; fly to London.

Hotels
10 nights in 3-star hotels, all with en suite facilities in good locations. There are some fantastic hotels on this trip, including two nights in a converted distillery set in the magnificent grounds of the Lahemaa National Park.

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.