Baltic Capitals: Historic Cities of Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn

Day 1: Arrival in Vilnius

Arrive in Vilnius, a city that has been Lithuania’s heart and soul for over six centuries, and known for having one of the largest preserved medieval old towns in Eastern Europe. After your individual transfer to the hotel, settle in and enjoy your first evening wandering through cozy courtyards, cathedral squares, or sampling traditional Lithuanian dishes.

Overnight in Vilnius.

Day 2: Vilnius – Trakai Insular Castle – Kaunas
cycling 16 miles/25 km, transfer 71 miles/115 km

After breakfast, enjoy a guided walk through Vilnius Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll see landmarks like Gediminas Tower, Cathedral Square, and hidden courtyards that reveal centuries of political and religious history. In the afternoon, travel to Trakai, once the medieval capital of Lithuania and home to the Trakai Island Castle. This red-brick Gothic fortress appears to float on Lake Galvė and originally served as a residence for the Grand Dukes. Your cycling adventure begins from here, pedaling through gentle hills, forests, and lakeside villages before transferring by minibus to Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city and inter-war capital.

Overnight in Kaunas.

Day 3: Along the Nemunas River: Kaunas – Klaipėda
cycling 23 miles/40 km, transfer 136 miles/230 km

In the morning, cycle along peaceful riverside paths following the Nemunas River, Lithuania’s longest waterway and an important historical trade route. On the way, explore Kaunas Old Town and finish your ride in Zapyškis, famous for its tiny Gothic church. Afterwards, transfer by minibus to Klaipėda, Lithuania’s only seaport, and a city influenced by German, Scandinavian, and Lithuanian heritage. You’ll check in for two nights near the Baltic Sea.

Overnight in Klaipėda.

Day 4: Curonian Spit National Park
36 miles/57 km, transfer 31 miles/50 km

Today offers one of the most memorable cycling routes of the journey as you ride along the Curonian Spit, a narrow strip of sand separating the Baltic Sea from the Curonian Lagoon. This UNESCO-protected landscape features giant sand dunes, pine forests, and quaint fishing villages. Your destination is Nida, a resort famous for its dunes and colorful wooden houses. After sightseeing, return to Klaipėda by bus or boat.

Overnight in Klaipėda.

Day 5: Klaipėda – Palanga Resort – Hill of Crosses – Riga
cycling 23 miles/36 km, transfer 180 miles/290 km

Ride along the coast through Seaside Regional Park to Palanga, Lithuania’s most famous beach resort. Palanga’s highlights include its botanical gardens, the Amber Museum housed in a former palace, and a long wooden pier reaching into the sea. Later, travel toward Latvia, making a stop at the Hill of Crosses, where pilgrims have placed thousands of crosses over generations as a powerful symbol of faith and national identity. By evening, you’ll arrive in Riga, Latvia’s lively capital and a former Hanseatic trading city.

Overnight in Riga.

Day 6: Riga and Jurmala Seaside Resort
cycling 19 miles/30 km, train transfer 16 miles/25 km

After breakfast, you may take part in a guided tour of Riga Old Town, a medieval Hanseatic town famous for its Art Nouveau buildings. There'll be free time this afternoon to spend enjoying extra sightseeing in Riga, or cycling the lovely bike path to Jurmala, a renowned Latvian seaside resort well known for its blissful white sand beaches, mineral waters, and mud with healing properties. We recommend taking a dip in the sea and exploring the beach - it's well worth it! In the evening, take a local train back to Riga (30 minutes; not included in tour cost).

Overnight in Riga.

Day 7: Riga – Pärnu
cycling 41 miles/65 km, transfer 71 miles/115 km

Travel by bus to Estonia, then begin cycling along peaceful coastal roads framed by wetlands, forests, and seabirds. This stretch often surprises travelers with its tranquility and wildlife. Arrive in Pärnu, Estonia’s “Summer Capital,” known for beach life, spa culture, and pastel wooden architecture.

Overnight in Sigulda.

Day 8: Pärnu – Saaremaa - Kuressaare
cycling 31 miles/50 km, transfer 81 miles/130 km + ferry 4 miles/6 km

A morning transfer brings you to the ferry toward Saaremaa, Estonia’s largest island and a place where old traditions still thrive. Cycle through quiet rural landscapes with stone fences, juniper fields, and coastal views. Highlights include Angla Windmill Hill and Kaali Crater, formed by a meteorite over 4,000 years ago, one of Europe’s rare natural landmarks. Arrive in Kuressaare, known for its medieval charm.

Overnight in Kuressaare.

Day 9: Saaremaa Island
cycling 35 miles/56 km, transfer by minibus 31 miles/50 km

Enjoy a day ride through Saaremaa Island’s wild beauty, including a cycle over the Sorve Peninsula, famous for its picturesque lighthouse. Historically, the peninsula had considerable military significance, dominating the Irbe Strait and the Baltic Sea route to Riga. You will finish the day in Kuressaare, the capital of Saaremaa, home to one of the finest preserved medieval episcopal castles in the Baltics, dating back to the 13th century.

Overnight in Kuressaare.

Day 10: Kuressaare -–Tallinn
cycling 26 miles/41 km, transfer 124 miles/200 km + ferry 4 miles/6 km

Return by ferry to the mainland, then ride toward Tallinn along scenic coastal routes. Stop at Keila-Joa Waterfall and admire Türisalu Cliffs overlooking the Gulf of Finland. Arrive in Tallinn, Estonia’s fairy-tale capital filled with towers, stone walls, and red-roofed houses. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the medieval Old Town.

Overnight in Tallinn.

Day 11: Tallinn

Breakfast at the hotel. End of the tour.

Don't want the tour to end? Add a superb cycling day tour in Tallinn to the end of your itinerary! Arriving a day early? Make the most of Vilnius on a variety of day tours.