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Baltic Capitals
Guided or self-guided cycling tour of the Baltics from Vilnius to Tallinn.
Explore the Baltic coast and the National Parks of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia on very scenic routes. The tour includes the three capital cities – Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn – with their Old towns designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO; the Curonian Spit which was previously closed to visitors; nowadays it is often called the Lithuanian Sahara; the beautiful Gauja River valleys and the largest and most beautiful Estonian island of Saaremaa. Travel from Lithuania in the south, through Latvia and on to Estonia in the north; experience a wide variety of towns, villages and countryside for an excellent introduction to the very distinct characters of these quite different countries.
Highlights
- Vilnius Old Town
- Trakai Castle
- Curonian Spit national park with sand dunes and beaches
- Lithuanian Seaside Cycle Route
- The Hill of Crosses near Siauliai
- Riga Old Town
- The Gauja River Valleys and Turaida Castle
- Tallinn Old Town
- Saaremaa Island with Sorve lighthouse
Learn More
Not sure whether to book a guided or self-guided tour? Learn about the differences between guided and self-guided tours.
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![Riga, Latvia. CC:Diego Delson]()
![Nida, Lithuania. CC:Raido]()
![Tallinn, Estonia. CC:Ben Bender]()
![Traditional Latvian beer in Riga. fdecomite, Flickr]()
![Vilnius, Lithuania. Igor Gubaidulin, Unsplash]()
![The famous Curonian Spit. Dainius Urbanavicius, Unsplash]()
![Livus Square, Riga, Latvia. CC:Tomasee]()
![Dunes at Curonian Spit. Irina Shishkina, Unsplash]()
![Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Tallinn, Estonia. Beau Swierstra, Unsplash]()
![Užupis, a UNESCO Site in Old Town Vilnius, Lithuania. David Iliff]()
![Curonian Spit separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. CC:Asavin]()
![Great architecture in Tallinn, Estonia. Eryka-Ragna, Unsplash]()
![Vilnius, Lithuania. CC:BigHead]()
![Tallinn, Estonia. Karson, Unsplash]()
![Nida, Lithuania. CC:Otto Magnus]()
![Curonian Spit - a natural wonder. CC:Kontis Satunas]()
![Vilnius, Lithuania. Victor Malyushev, Unsplash]()
![Sklandrausis, a traditional Latvian dish. Liga Eglite, Flickr]()
![Nida, Lithuania. CC:Brunswyk]()
Traveler photos
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Daily program
The itinerary differs slightly based on the which tour package is booked. Both itineraries are detailed below.
Self-guided tour itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Vilnius, Lithuania
Arrive in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania for more than 600 years. Settled into your hotel and prepare for the welcome meeting and tour briefing which will be held in the hotel at 7:30pm (19:30).
Overnight in VilniusDay 2: Vilnius – Trakai Insular Castle – Kaunas (cycling 21 miles/33 km, transfer 47 miles/75 km)
After breakfast a guided tour of Vilnius Old Town. Afternoon trip to Trakai, the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Here you may visit the famous 14th century Gothic island castle erected on a small island in Lake Galvė. Start your first cycle ride through picturesque countryside on gentle hills, then transfer by coach to Kaunas.
Overnight in KaunasDay 3: Along the Nemunas River: Kaunas – Klaipėda (cycling 22 miles/35 km, transfer 136 miles/220 km)
Morning bike ride around Kaunas and further on picturesque cycle trail along the Nemunas River. En route you may stop in Zapyškis famous for its unusually small 14th century gothic church. Finish the ride with a bus transfer to the Baltic coast. Arrive in Klaipėda, a modern town at the Baltic Sea.
Overnight in KlaipėdaDay 4: Curonian Spit National Park (36 miles/57 km, transfer 31 miles/50 km)
Today you will go for the longest ride of the tour, following the route 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 Klaipėda.
Overnight in KlaipėdaDay 5: Klaipėda – Palanga Resort – Hill of Crosses – Riga (cycling 20 miles/32 km, transfer 180 miles/290 km)
Early morning ride to Palanga through the Seaside Regional Park, a former soviet military training area. Palanga is the well-known Lithuanian seaside resort. Enjoy a break here; perhaps visit the renowned Botanical Park, Amber Museum and the 470m pier heading out into the Baltic Sea. Afternoon transfer to Riga (Latvia). En-route stop at the Hill of Crosses, the unforgettable sight of thousands of crosses on two small hills. Continue to Riga, the capital city of Latvia.
Overnight in RigaDay 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. In the afternoon free time in Riga or cycling on a bicycle path to Jurmala, a renowned Latvian seaside resort well known for its long, white, sand beaches, mineral waters and mud with healing properties. We recommend that you take the opportunity to bath in the sea and try cycling along the beach – its well worth it! In the evening take a local train back to Riga (30 minutes; not included in tour cost).
Overnight in RigaDay 7: Riga and Gauja National Park (cycling 25 miles/40 km, transfer 36 miles/50 km)
Morning transfer to Saulkrasti, where you may visit the Latvian bicycle museum. Start your bike ride to Sigulda, the most popular resort in Latvia. Cycling through Gauja National Park, en route enjoy spectacular views of Gauja River valley with Gutmana Cave, Turaida Castle and the oldest Latvian Church, Krimulda, built in 1205.
Overnight in SiguldaDay 8: Sigulda – Saaremaa (cycling 24 miles/38 km, transfer 205 miles/330 km + ferry 4 miles/6 km)
Morning transfer to the largest Estonian island of Saaremaa which has preserved all that is best about 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 where the iconic windmills are located. Transfer to Mändjala or Kuressaare, check into your hotel for 2 overnight stays at the seaside.
Overnight in Mändjala or KuressaareDay 9: Saaremaa Island (cycling 34 miles/55 km, transfer 25 miles/40 km)
Enjoy a day ride across Saaremaa Island’s wild beauty – Sorve Peninsula famous for its lighthouse. Historically, the peninsula had considerable military significance, dominating the Irbe Strait and the Baltic Sea route to Riga. You may finish the day 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.
Overnight in Mändjala or KuressaareDay 10: Saaremaa and Tallinn (cycling 25 miles/40 km, transfer 130 miles/210 km + ferry 4 miles/6 km)
Take a morning ride to the Kaali meteorite crater which is listed on the world's giant craters list and it is the rarest nature wonder in Estonia. En route stop in Kuressaare, the capital of Saaremaa, a home to one of the finest preserved medieval Episcopal Castles in the Baltics, dating from 13th century. Transfer by minibus to Tallinn. In the afternoon arrive in Tallinn, check-in at the hotel followed by a guided tour of Tallinn Old Town.
Overnight in TallinnDay 11: Tallinn, Estonia
Breakfast at the hotel. End of the tour.Guided tour itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Vilnius
Individual arrival in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania for more than 600 years. Check-in at the hotel and prepare for the welcome meeting with your tour guide at 7:30pm (19:30).
Overnight in Vilnius.Day 2: Vilnius – Trakai Insular Castle – Kaunas (cycling 21 miles/33 km, transfer 59 miles/95 km)
After breakfast enjoy a guided 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 century island castle built on a small island in Lake Galvė. Afternoon transfer by bus to Kaunas.
Overnight in Kaunas.Day 3: Along the Nemunas river: Kaunas – Klaipeda (cycling 22 miles/35 km, transfer 136 miles/220 km)
Explore Kaunas by bike followed by a ride on a picturesque cycling trail along the Nemunas River. En route stop in Zapyškis, famous for its unusually small 14th century gothic church. Finish the ride and take a bus transfer to the Baltic coast with a picnic lunch along the way (included). Arrive in Klaipeda, a modern town at the Baltic Sea.
Overnight in Klaipeda.Day 4: Curonian Spit National Park (cycling 36 miles/58 km + boat or bus ride 50km)
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 Klaipėda.
Overnight in Klaipeda.Day 5: Klaipeda – Palanga Resort-Hill of Crosses – Riga (cycling 20 miles/32 km, transfer 180 miles/290 km)
Early morning ride to Palanga through the Seaside Regional Park, a former soviet military training area. Arrive in Palanga, the biggest Lithuanian seaside resort for a tour which includes a visit to the Botanical Garden and the Amber Museum in the Palace of Count Tyszkiewicz, with over 25000 pieces of amber on display.Afternoon bus transfer to Riga, the capital city of Latvia. En-route stop at the Hill of Crosses, the unforgettable sight of thousands of crosses on two small hills. Arrive in Riga, check-in and dinner at the hotel (included).
Overnight in Riga.Day 6: Riga and Jurmala Seaside Resort (cycling 19 miles/30 km, transfer 12 miles/20 km)
After breakfast a guided tour of Riga Old Town, a medieval Hanseatic town famous for its Art Nouveau buildings. In the afternoon free time in Riga or cycling to Jurmala, the largest resort in the Baltic States well known for its long, white, sand beaches, mineral waters and mud with healing properties. Transfer back by coach to the hotel in Riga
Overnight in Riga.Day 7: Gauja National Park and Bicycle Museum (cycling 28 miles/45 km, transfer 31 miles/50 km)
Morning transfer to Saulkrasti. After visiting the Latvian bicycle museum, start your ride to Sigulda, the most popular resort in Latvia, in the Gauja River Valley. Cycling through Gauja National Park, enjoy spectacular views of Gauja River valley with Gutmana Cave and Turaida Castle. En route visit Krimulda Church (1205) which is the oldest in Latvia.
Overnight in Riga.Day 8: Sigulda – Saaremaa (cycling 24 miles/38 km, bus transfer 205 miles/330 km + ferry 3 miles/6km)
Morning transfer to the largest Estonian island of Saaremaa which has preserved all that is best about 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 were the iconic windmills are located. Transfer to Mandjala or Kuressaare, check into the hotel for two overnight stays at the seaside. Dinner at the hotel (included).
Overnight in Mandjala or Kuressaare.Day 9: Saaremaa Island (cycling 34 miles/55 km, transfer 31 miles/50 km)
Enjoy a day ride across Saaremaa Island's wild beauty–Sorve Peninsula famous for its lighthouse. Finish the day 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 13thC. Free time to explore the town and the Bishop’s castle.
Overnight in Mandjala or Kuressaare.Day 10: Saaremaa and Tallinn (cycling 23 miles/37 km or 198miles/28 km, transfer 130 miles/210 km + ferry 3 miles/6km)
Morning ride to the Kaali meteorite crater which is listed on the world's giant craters list and it is the rarest nature wonder in Estonia. In the afternoon transfer by coach to Tallinn. Arrive in Tallinn, check-in at the hotel followed by a guided tour of Tallinn Old Town. Farewell dinner in a city restaurant (included).
Overnight in Tallinn.Day 11: Tallinn
Breakfast at the hotel. End of the tour. Individual departure.Surface and terrain
This tour is mainly on quiet roads or a dedicated bicycle paths. The terrain is varied and rolling with some gradual hills on some riding days (some steep ups and downs in the Gauja River valley) and dead flat most of the tour.
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
Comfort Hotel LT, Vilnius
www.comforthotel.comVictoria Hotel, Kaunas
www.hotelvictoria.ltOld Mill Conference, Klaipeda
www.oldmillhotel.ltHestia Hotel Jugend, Riga
www.hestiahotels.comHotel Sigulda, Sigulda
www.hotelsigulda.lvSaaremaa Thalasso Spa, Mandjala
www.saarehotell.eeOR
Johan Spa Hotell, Kuressaare
www.johan.eeHestia Hotel Ilmarine, Tallinn
www.hestiahotels.comInterested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
How to get there
Tour start
Nearest airport: Vilinus (VNO), LithuaniaTour end
Nearest airport: Tallinn (TLL), Estonia
Nearest bus station: Tallinn airportPrivate transfers are available for a fee at the start and end of this tour.
Tips on getting to and from your tour
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Dates
Self-guided: May 29; Jun 12; Jul 3, 24; Aug 7, 14, 28; Sep 4, 2023 (minimum 2 participants; additional dates available May-Sep with minimum 6 participants)
Guided: May 29; Jun 12; Jul 3, 24; Aug 7, 14, 28; Sep 4, 2023 (minimum 2 participants)
Low season: May 29, 2023 - Jun 11, 2023, Aug 21, 2023 - Sep 14, 2023
High season: Jun 12, 2022 - Aug 20, 2023Prices
Self-guided tour package
Per person, double occupancy €1255 Single use room (1 person/1 room) €1645 Guided tour package
Low Season High Season Per person, double occupancy €1499 €1545 Single use room (1 person/1 room) €1889 €1925 Bike Rentals
Self-guided package Guided package Hybrid trekking bike €99 included Electrically assisted bike €249 €195 Cyclecross bike €249 n/a Gravel bike €299 n/a Helmet €10 included (on request) Additional Services
Self-guided package Guided package Optional dinner plan* €175 €115 Extra Nights, Tallinn
Per person, double occupancy €55 Single use room (1 person/1 room) €99 Extra Nights, Vilnius
Per person, double occupancy €40 Single use room (1 person/1 room) €69 Transfers
Vilnius airport to first hotel, per vehicle (1-3 persons) €35 Final hotel to Tallinn airport, per vehicle (1-3 persons) €35 Vilnius airport to first hotel, per vehicle (4-7 persons) €59 Final hotel to Tallinn airport, per vehicle (4-7 persons) €59 Included services
Self-guided tour includes:
- 10 nights accommodations in hotels, including all taxes
- Breakfast daily
- Luggage transfers and transfers as per itinerary by air-conditioned minibus
- Individual information package (city guides, maps, and program)
- Emergency contact numbers for English/German-speaking representatives
- Guided tours in Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn (any additional entrance fees are payable individually)
- Speed boat from Nida to Klaipeda or transfer by minibus (Day 4)
- Return ferry ticket to Saaremaa Island
- GPS tracks
Guided tour includes:
- 10 nights accommodations in hotels, including all taxes
- Breakfast daily
- Guided 2-hour city tours in English in the capital cities: Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn
- Luggage transfers and support vehicle throughout
- Individual information package (city guides, maps, and program)
- English speaking guide escort on days 2-10
- 1x picnic lunch (Day 3)
- 4x dinners (3 courses with coffee/tea in Klaipeda, Riga, Saaremaa, and Tallinn)*
- Welcome meeting with a glass of beer or wine
- Mineral water at your disposal on cycling days; reusable waterbottle
- Rent of trekking bicycle with waterproof pannier
- Transfers as per itinerary by air-conditioned coach/minibus
- Speed boat from Nida to Klaipeda or transfer by minibus (Day 4)
- Ferry tickets to/from the Curonian Spit and to/from Saaremaa Island
- Entrance to: Amber museum in Palanga, Saulkrasti Bicycle Museum and Angla Windmill Park in Saaremaa
*Dinner plans available at additional cost:
Self-guided tour (6x dinners, 3-courses €175/person)
Guided tour (additional 4x dinners, 3-courses €115/person)
Bike rentals
Bikes available to rent (must be reserved in advance at time of booking):
- Hybrid touring/trekking bike: (included in cost of guided tour package)
- 7-speed Shimano Nexus hub gears & back-pedal break OR
- 24-speed Shimano derailleur gears & free-wheel
- Electrically assisted bike*: Pedelec with Bosch driving system (VDV, Kalkhoff), 8-speed Shimano Nexus hub gears and back-pedal break OR free wheel
- Cyclecross bike: KONA Jake with 20-speed gears (available only on self-guided tour)
- Carbon gravel bike: SILVERBACK Siablo CF with 10-speed gears (available only on self-guided tour)
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Rental bikes are equipped with a waterproof pannier (1 per bike), handlebar bag (with plastic cover) and tachometer (1 per self-guided group).
Equipment available to rent for an additional fee:
- Waterproof Ortlieb handlebar bag
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.Helmets:
Helmets are available for rent (€10), please be able to provide your head circumfirence (in cm) or helmet size (S, M, L, XL) . We recommend, for safety and hygiene purposes, that you bring your own helmet or plan to purchase one upon arrival.
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Route Map
Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.
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Reviews
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★★★★★ Mariag July 17, 2019
much more than I expected
The tour was the perfect way to get to know both the landscape and the history/culture of the baltic republics
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 29 to July 9
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Kirk June 6, 2019
Fantastic tour, exceeded all expectations
The Baltic Capitals Tour is ideal for getting to know all three countries. Our guide brought history to life, making the stories of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia exciting and fun. The pace was leisurely enough to allow for great sightseeing, and the biking was delightful. An amazing and unforgettable experience.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 19, 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Yeow September 16, 2018
- What was the date of your tour?
- 2 september 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Baltic biker September 15, 2018
- What was the date of your tour?
- August-September 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Lynn September 9, 2018
Fascinating history and culture in this area
It was very interesting to see the three Baltic capitals, but the long distances between them requires too much time spent on the bus. Riders considering this tour should look carefully at details regarding biking distances and bus transfer distances.
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 28, 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 6
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- No
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★★★★★ Anneohio June 21, 2018
Absolutely fantastic
We were unfamiliar with the Baltic states but wanted to visit and learn about them and bike. This trip exceeded all expectations! Our guide was informative, showed us many places while biking (as well as in the capital cities) and he was a whole lot of fun, drawing the group together. The biking routes are ideal....along the shoreline, through forests, often arriving at a castle or spectacular view. The hotels were excellent/great breakfasts and well located in towns. The schedule of trip was calibrated nicely to have a longer stay in Riga midway on the trip (a chance to do laundry, take a rest day--if desired, and sightsee....OR ride)
We rode at a good pace...everyone could keep up (one woman had a e-bike) and the distances worked well each day. I loved the two longer days on the bike because of the scenery, but on "travel" days we also had really nice rides through interesting landscape (after all, we also saw and learned about three countries)One of the very best trips we've taken (and we've taken many).
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 27
- How many tours have you completed?
- 8
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Chelle October 11, 2017
Our guide was excellent. The trip was as advertised, and very enjoyable. I think we should have spent an extra day in Tallinn and one less day in the previous location. The stairs in the Riga hotel were difficult for some people.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 3/9/2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Ronb September 25, 2017
Good value for money way to see the Baltic countries with great guide.
Our guide Romas was excellent. Lots of stories about where we visited. Most hotels very good with useful location. Easy riding. Bus always available if somebody wanted to rest. Great way to see Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Riga hotel not up to the standard of the others though it had perfect location.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 27th Aug 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 10
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ jjgomez0371 June 15, 2017
Exceeded Expectation!!!
First time on a bike tour. So happy I chose the Baltic Capitals. Tour had a great mixture of cycling and sightseeing at various locations. The capitals are absolutely breathtaking...fairy-tale castles, lovely cobblestone streets.
The countryside during the cycling was absolutely gorgeous. The bus support was fantastic. If for some reason you couldn't cycle or something happened to the bicycle, the bus was there to take care of everything.
The hotels were very nice with very good breakfasts. The included meals were very good too. I was really surprised.
All in all and fantastic experience. The best part was meeting and sharing experiences with my fellow cyclists.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 28
- How many tours have you completed?
- First one
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ eboneo June 14, 2017
Great first trip by bike
Perfect way no know this great contries!! The hotels, bike paths, guides, all was perfect!! The perfect tour for your first trip by bike in europe.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 28th, 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- one
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ MarcieB September 14, 2016
Cycling and Coach Travel through Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia
Our tour consisted of 25 cyclists and 2 guides plus coach driver (1 English-speaking guide and 1 German-speaking guide). Over a period of 11 days and 10 nights our group experienced a series of amazing adventures that included walking tours of each capital (Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn), biking through rolling hills en route to Kaunas, cruising along the Curonian Spit National Park (where we visited the bird observatory at Vente Horn to experience the release of an Eurasian Sparrow hawk) and a catered meal of delicious pancakes (sweet and savory) by a local farm family. Before arrival in Riga, Latvia, we stopped at the very moving Hill of Crosses where thousands of believers have planted crosses to profess their varied faiths. Day 6 offered a) either a day of riding on the beach or b) touring around Riga. We elected to ride to Jurmala where we were actually able to cycle on the beach for what seemed a very long time (picture endless white sand beaches). Thanks to the Cycling Club of Perth, Australia, there were coffee/tea breaks that broke up the intense cycling. I say intense, because for a recreational cyclist, the pacing felt like I was pedaling hard and fast to keep up with the group. About 4 members of our group had E-bikes and, in retrospect, I would have opted for one as well. The cycling through National Parks was particularly beautiful and the trails varied from packed gravel to rocky causeways. The only busy day of riding with traffic came on a Friday when we cycled through Gauja National Park in the Gauja River valley. Our time on the island of Haapsalu was very relaxing and the ferry ride to Hiiumaa Island was a nice respite before tackling the 55 km of island riding to view some outstanding lighthouses. Our farewell dinner at the Hotel was filled with heartfelt toasts and praise for our guides and bus driver. There were several opportunities to experience the local culture (Amber Museum in Palanga, castles, botanical gardens, resorts and even a family wool factory).
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 28, 2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- Seven
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ nunn August 28, 2016
Glad we went
We vacillated on taking this tour because of age and stamina. We called Biketour and asked about the tour. They said we could do it. The cycling is not difficult/technical, it is the pace that was difficult. We had to cover 800+ miles between cycling and bus in 9 days. There is a time-line that had to be kept to get us to the each destination. It was not a leisurely pace for us. One of us could not have done the tour if it were not for the guide suggesting to get an e-bike. It saved the trip. The Baltic tour company did a great job with logistics and getting us through the Baltics and the guides were awesome. We enjoyed meeting and making new friends on the tour. It was our first guided tour and took some adjusting on our part. We enjoyed the trip.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 7/31/16
- How many tours have you completed?
- 10
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ quin101 July 18, 2016
Beautiful area but hectic pace
We did experience the Baltic Countries and we went to places we never would have seen. But, there are issues about the tour, that others should be aware of, the cycling was much faster then we thought, often cycling on roads, busy roads,it was not a relaxed pace, one guide for 15 riders, people often got lost/left behind. We never arrived to the hotel until at least 8pm No free time, no time to shop, take pictures. We feel the guide was unorganized, no care for the slower riders. When we booked this tour it was rated as a 1 in difficulty. This is too low for the terrain and pace that we encountered.
That said we are still glad we did the tour as we did see beautiful and interesting places. I hope the company makes some changes to the tour to make it more enjoyable to all.- What was the date of your tour?
- June 19
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- No
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★★★★★ JEAN1999 July 16, 2016
Unforgettable Experience
Tour did not meet my expectations.
The pace was actually 12 to 15 mph and not 8 -9 mph as advertised, we always seemed to be late; and the only time that could be made up was during the riding. I would not describe the pace as casual. Unless you were a strong rider or had an e-bike, we felt we could not stop for pictures for the fear of getting lost. One rider dropped a bottle at the start of the ride and by the time it was put away, she could not see anyone up the road and did not know which way to go, so she decided to get on the sag wagon. On-going bicycle problems which should have been resolved the first day. Riders kept getting 'lost' due to inadequate group management which caused delays. Some riders kept having problems with their bikes, brakes improperly adjusted, loose handlebars (to store the bikes in the trailer, handlebars are loosened), group start riding despite not everyone being ready. Riders brought much more luggage than is recommended and there was inadequate space on the bus for all the luggage which ended up in aisle. Every seat on the bus was occupied; back row of bus has inadequate viewing and cannot hear instructions, sight descriptions over the speakers. One bus driver had unhealthy health habits, such as directly drinking from the 5 liter jugs used to fill up rider water bottles; he was always the first off and last one on despite record temperatures (one time after everyone got on-board, he went for a smoke with bus off); the other two drivers kept bus comfortable at all times and never got lost using their Garmin. Five nights were in hotels without AC, which is generally not a problem except that we had near record temperatures of 32 deg C on those days. Even though riding miles on the beach is considered 'fun', most of us did not consider it safe having to dodge bathers and children (it was record heat and the beach was very crowded). Your suggested tipping is ridiculous; seasoned Europeans riders within our group recommended a maximum of 20 Euros per person for the entire trip (bus driver was tipped separately). We had 15 riders, two guides would have been helpful to avoid losing riders along the way. I had never been on a multi-day bike tour, but others in the group had been on several and they did not think this tour met expectations.
Now the positives. The bus broke down on the worst possible day but we were able to proceed after a 6 hour delay for a new bus to arrive (this was handled well). The tour guide was very knowledgeable and had lots of information to share.
I will post more details on TripAdvisor- What was the date of your tour?
- 06/19/2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- First multi-day tour
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- No
-
BikeTours.com staff reply from Lindsay Nash July 17, 2016
Dear Jean,
I know we've already been in touch with others in your party regarding your feedback on this tour but I just want to reiterate our apologies for your experience. We've taken this feedback to the operator so they'll know about it as well. In the past, we've only received very positive feedback and we're sorry this wasn't your experience.
-
★★★★★ Ronald June 15, 2016
Endless amazing surprises.
Marvellous cities,beautiful uncrowded countryside,and endless Baltic beaches - a great backdrop for a wonderful tour through centuries of tumultuous history brought into focus by our two fantastic Lithuanian guides. This is what great travel is all about. Ron Orieux. Vancouver.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 30 2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
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