Adventure and Outdoors in the Baltic States in 16 days 

DAY 1.

Arrival to Vilnius. Optional transfer from airport to your hotel.

Overnight in Vilnius.

DAY 2. 

Today your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you on a spectacular journey around Vilnius Old Town as well as a quirky bohemian district of Uzupis, that is a self-proclaimed republic.

In this 2,5 hours walking tour You will be guided through impressive Gothic and Baroque churches, our Cathedral square, Presidential Palace, Vilnius University, Jewish Quarter. You will pass through the Gates of Dawn and City Gate remaining from medieval fortifications. You will walk the narrow streets that turn into an open air gallery called Artworks on Literatu str and finally you might get a chance to spot some locals drying their laundry in the narrowest street of Vilnius.

You will visit the quirkiest and most vibrant area of Vilnius – Uzupis republic. It is home to bohemian people, who declared their independence and have their constitution – take Your passport to get a stamp!

For the afternoon we prepared a few suggestions to round up your day - be it an ancient crafts workshop during which you will learn the old ways of amber, leather or ceramic processing or a flight on a hot air balloon which will definitely leave you in awe about the magnificent beauty of Lithuania’s capital. Please check the optionals section.

Overnight in Vilnius.

DAY 3.

In the morning you will pick up your rented car and will go exploring Lithuania’s oldest national park in Aukstaitija. For the next two days you will travel at your own pace following our prepared itinerary. Aukstaitija national park is often called the natural paradise of deep, whispering forests and blue lakes.

On this day we suggest visiting Dubingiai town that lies on Asveja shore, the longest lake in Lithuania. You will see Dubingiai castle that is now just the ruins, but used to be one of the most important and luxurious residences in the whole Grand Duchy of Lithuania and belonged to the Radvilos the most influential noble family in Lithuania.

Later you will go to Labanoras wood, which is also called the Sherwood of Lithuania due to it’s thick primal forest. Hike on the forest trail, climb up the viewtower and have a picnic on the lakeshore and in the afternoon arrive at the local homestead where the hosts will welcome you with homemade dinner.

Overnight at the local homestead or BnB.

DAY 4. - Aukstaitija National Park

Today you will explore the national park from water level by kayaking through interconnected lakes. Kayaks and needed equipment will be available to you and you will be brought to the starting and/or ending place of your kayaking route. You will have all day to explore and enjoy this huge expanse of wilderness of Northeastern Lithuania.

Nature of Aukstaitija National park is unbelievable - along the shores of crystal clear lakes you will see the footprints of the last Ice Age, pass through steep sandy cliffs and protruding roots of trees that are gliding slightly into the water. The region is not only famous for its nature, but also for the cultural heritage where you can visit ancient ethnographic villages and learn about the ways of living in the past, see many wooden sculptures, churches and several museums.

Along the lakes there are numerous camping and resting places where you will be able to get out of the water, have a picnic or take a swim in the pristine waters.

In the evening you may try a favourite self treatment and relaxation experience of many Lithuanians - a local sauna at the homestead which is a real delight after a long and active day.

Overnight at the local homestead or BnB.

DAY 5 - Returning to Vilnius, train to Klaipeda.

Today you will return to Vilnius where you will drop your rental car and take a train to Klaipeda. Train ride takes approximately 4 hours, so you will have time to gaze through the window at the green landscapes of Lithuanian countryside or sit back and relax.

Upon arriving at Klaipeda you will be picked by a private transfer and brought to your local hotel.

Overnight in Klaipeda.

DAY 6 - Exploring Klaipeda

In the morning you will meet your local guide at the hotel who will take you on a 2 hours walking tour around the town. You will discover the town where German roots meet Lithuanian traditions and walk through the compact, cobblestoned Old Town to learn about its history and past as once upon a time this was a large and prosperous commercial sea port.

In the afternoon you could even take a self guided trip to the beach and have a dip in the Baltic sea.

Klaipeda is also known as the beer cradle, where the first and longest living brewery “Svyturys” is still working and offers some tasting tours in the brewery. You can opt for the tour and experience it yourself!

Overnight in Klaipeda.

DAY 7. Self guided cycling trip from Klaipeda to Juodkrante

The next three days will bring you to a National Geographic movie-like sceneries with dark forests, moving sand dunes and tiny villages at the UNESCO world heritage site Curonian spit peninsula.

In the morning you will pick your bikes, take a short ferry ride over the Curonian lagoon and start exploring this magical peninsula. Travel at your own pace, so you can stop wherever you want and choose the sites you want to visit. Riding distance of the day from Smiltyne to Juodkrante is around 20km, so you will have plenty of time to get an overview of the whole Northern part of the peninsula or even visit the Sea museum and Ethnographic fishermen’s homestead.

In the afternoon you will arrive in Juodkrante where you will stay overnight. The village is famous for the Amber Bay - a place where amber mine was operating in the 19th century and where the famous Juodkrante amber treasure was discovered with the ancient figurines dating back to the Neolithic age. The copy of this treasure you will later see at the Amber gallery in Nida.

Your luggage in the morning will be transferred to your BnB in Juodkrante.

Overnight in Juodkrante.

DAY 8. Self guided cycling trip from Juodkrante to Nida

On this day another spectacular 35 km stretch awaits you. You will be cycling through a forest, a desert, Baltic sea coast and Curonian lagoon coast. 1 km south of Juodkrante you will pass one of the largest in Europe great cormorant and grey heron colony where an unusual setting with an apocalyptic movie-like scene is waiting for you. In fact a recent award winning documentary “Acid Forest” was filmed in this place and tells the story about this dying forest with leafless trees overtaken by thousands of ancient black birds ruining the area with their acid-fortified feces.

The other stop on the way to Nida is Pervalka Grey dunes - a white sand desert that tells a story of the settlements long gone under the moving sand. Also do not miss Vecekrug dune, the highest dune of Lithuanian part of the Curonian spit. You will be gifted with 360 degrees views of the vast majestic beauty.

While in Nida, you can visit a Nobel prize winning author Thomas Mann memorial museum and find out about the life and work of this famous writer.

Your luggage in the morning will be transferred to your BnB in Nida.

Overnight in Nida.

DAY 9. Nida-Klaipeda-Riga

Today in the morning you will be transferred to Klaipeda with a private transfer and from there you will take a bus to Riga. Coach ride to Riga takes around 4 hours.

Upon arrival to Riga you will be picked from the station and transferred to your hotel in Riga.

The afternoon is free for you to rest and explore Riga on your own.

Overnight in Riga.

DAY 10. Riga walking tour

Today your local guide in Riga will pick you up from the hotel and take you for the 2 hours walking tour of Riga old town.

In Riga while meandering its narrow streets and ancient alleyways you will discover the must visit sites and some hidden corners. Founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, Riga is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and boasts a true kaleidoscope of various architectural styles. The walking tour of the Old Town includes Riga Castle, Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, Swedish Gates, Three Brothers, Large and Small Guild House and the Freedom Monument.

In the afternoon you can continue exploration on your own or choose some optional tours to your liking.

Overnight in Riga.

DAY 11. Gauja National Park

In the morning pick up your rental car in Riga which will allow you to explore more of Latvian countryside.

On the way out from Riga, a visit to Latvian Open air museum is highly recommended. 

It is usually too short a time to visit all the countryside, so this museum is a must visit for those who want to get to know 4 Latvian cultural regions - Kurzeme, Ziemgale, Latgale and Vidzeme. Being one of oldest and largest open air museums in Europe, this one introduces authentic architecture and culture from all geographical zones of Latvia. Just a 10 minute drive from Riga centre you will find yourself in the green forest, have a good chance to walk in the fresh air and visit old houses, settlements and learn about the old way of living in Latvia. It must also be mentioned that all the houses and artefacts are real - transferred here from the original places where they were actually built. You can visit a museum on your own or book an optional guided tour with a local guide who will introduce the most interesting parts of Latvian history.

Later you will continue driving to Sigulda which is the entry to spectacular Gauja national park often called the Switzerland of Latvia. Sigulda offers many walking, cycling and sightseeing routes around the area that lets you better understand Medieval Latvian history and enjoy some breathtaking views of Gauja river valley. We prepare a list of the most important sites to visit, and if you would like to have a guide with you, you can book an optional guided tour of Sigulda.

Overnight in Sigulda BnB. Depending on availability the accommodation may be booked in other towns as well.

DAY 12. Gauja National Park

On this day you can choose either one of our prepared self guided walks around Sigulda or take a road trip to Cesis and Valmiera.

Cesis –  is characterized as a typical European medieval town and you can see it strolling around the old town. The emblem, a defensive stone wall, Town Hall and other characteristic elements of the medieval city, in Cesis can be dated back to at least the 14th century.

Valmiera, the northern gateway to Gauja National Park, delights visitors with its beautiful nature and its cultural and historic monuments, along with hosting interesting cultural and sporting events, and providing breathtaking stories and legends.

In Valmiera you can also book a tour in the craft brewery and taste different kinds of local beers and soft drinks. Valmiermuiza is a small manor brewery near Valmiera. The beer is produced from the highest quality ingredients, following the principles of slow brewing. While visiting the factory, you will have a chance to find out how the rich history of the manor has influenced the production of the beer. During a 1,5 hours brewery visit you will experience, and witness with your own eyes, how they brew fine beer from a combination of Valmiermuiza well water, delicious malt, aristocratic hops and natural yeast. An integral part of any visit is discovering and sampling our wide range of brews.

Overnight in Sigulda BnB. Depending on availability the accommodation may be booked in other towns as well.

DAY 13. Riga-Tartu

Today you will drive to Riga to drop your rental car and catch the bus going to Tartu.

Bus ride from Riga to Tartu takes around 3,5 hours by a comfortable modern coach equipped with a number of amenities that lets you use your time exactly as you wish.

In Tartu you will be picked by a local driver and taken to your hotel.

In the afternoon your guide will pick you from the hotel and will take you on a 2 hours walking tour around Tartu.

Tartu lays claim to being Estonia’s spiritual capital, with locals talking about a special Tartu vaim (spirit), created by the time-stands-still feel of its wooden houses and stately buildings, and the beauty of its parks and riverfront. Tartu was the cradle of Estonia’s 19th-century national revival, and escaped Soviet town planning to a greater degree than Tallinn. Its handsome centre is lined with classically designed 18th-century buildings, many of which have been put to innovative uses.

Overnight in Tartu.

DAY 14. Tartu-Tallinn

In the morning you will be taken by private transfer to Tartu train station and comfortable 2,5 hours train ride to Tallinn. Upon arrival to Tallinn a driver will pick you at the station and take you to your hotel, where you will drop your luggage, freshen up and prepare for a walking tour around Tallinn old town.

In the afternoon your guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you on a journey around Estonian capital.

Tallinn is a charming blend of medieval tranquility and modern urban life. The medieval Old Town is a busy place in the summer with its many shops, galleries, souvenir markets, outdoor cafés and restaurants. The sightseeing tour takes us around the old medieval city walls and into the Old Town where we see Toompea Castle, Dome Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, medieval Old Town Hall and Great Guild Hall.

Later you can continue exploring on your own or take an optional tour to KUMU art museum.

Overnight in Tallinn.

DAY 15. Bog Shoe Walking in Lahemaa National Park (Optional).

Today we prepared an adventure that will let you get to know Estonian nature. Lahemaa National Park is known for its bogs and we invite you to discover one of them by hiking on it (optional tour). This will be the experience of a lifetime as you will be walking on the soft sphagnum moss which feels like soft carpet. You will be using bog shoes that will prevent from sinking through the moss. You will discover places that otherwise would be impossible to reach on your own by foot.

The tour takes around 5-6 hours including the transfers from Tallinn. During the hike you will have a picnic with sandwiches, hot tea and a sweet snack.

Otherwise if you decide not to pt for this adventure, you can stay in Tallinn and explore more of the hidden corners of the capital of Estonia.

Overnight in Tallinn.

DAY 16. Departure.

Departure day. Optional transfer to the airport.

• 15 nights accommodation in 3* hotels and BnB's with breakfast
• 1 local dinner at the homestead
• Guided walking tours in Vilnius, Klaipeda, Riga, Tartu,Tallinn
• Rental car for 6 days on tour days 3-5 and 11-13. Price based on economy car Toyota Yaris or similar
• Kayak rental on day 4, no guide included
• Train tickets Vilnius-Klaipeda, Tartu-Tallinn
• Train or bus tickets (upon availability) Riga-Tartu.
• Bus ticket from Klaipeda to Riga
• Private transfer Nida to Klaipeda on day 9
• Private transfer from train station to hotel in Klaipeda
• Private transfer from Riga bus station to hotel day 9
• Private transfer to hotel from Tartu station day 13
• Private transfer from Tartu hotel to train station day 14
• Private transfer from Tallinn train station to hotel day 14
• Lahemaa park bogshoe walking with picnic
• Bike rental on tour days 7-8
• Luggage transfer during bicycle trip day 7-8

• Plane tickets to and from the Baltic states
• Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Petrol/Gasoline
• Admissions and activities other than those noted in itinerary
• Beverages, snacks, lunches, dinners unless otherwise noted in itinerary
• Guaranteed late check-out
• Any service not specifically listed under “included”
• Optional tours and services;
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Entrance to museums and attractions not mentioned in the itinerary.

Optional arrival transfer from airport to hotel

Optional departure transfer from hotel to airport

Lithuania:

Optional Hot Air Balloon ride over Vilnius

Optional Fine dining in Vilnius 6 course Lithuanian historical dinner

Optional Local beer tasting in Vilnius

Ancient Toy museum visit and education in Vilnius - 1-4 persons

Ancient Toy museum visit and education in Vilnius - 5-8 persons

Traditional candle making workshop - 75 EUR per group up to 5 persons

Amber processing workshop - including making your own pendant - 112EUR per group up to 4 persons

Optional sauna at the homestead in Aukstaitija

Brewery tour and beer tasting in Klaipeda

Latvia:

Art Nouveau private tour including Art museum visit

Riga Central Market group private tour 2 h - 1-4 persons

Guided Tour at the Latvian Open Air Museum

Guided walking tour in Sigulda - 2 hours

Valmiermuiza brewery tour and beer tasting (3 samples) - group 1-4 persons

Valmiermuiza brewery tour and beer tasting (3 samples) - group 5-8 persons

Estonia:

Optional guided tour at KUMU art museum (entrance tickets bought separately) - group 1-10 persons

Bog Shoe Walking in Lahemaa National Park - 1-4 persons

Bog Shoe Walking in Lahemaa National Park - 5-8 persons

• More than 60 days before tour start date – 10% of tour price will be charged .10% is non-refundable, as this represents our direct cost of booking and preparing your tour.
• 59-35 days before tour start date – 25% of tour price will be charged. 25% is non-refundable, as this represents our direct cost of canceling any arrangements made for your tour.
• 34-22 days before tour start date – 75% of tour price will be charged. 75% is non-refundable, as this represents our direct cost of canceling any arrangements made for your tour.
• 21-0 days before tour start day – 100% of tour price will be charged. 100% is non-refundable, as this represents our direct cost of canceling any arrangements made for your tour.