Discovery of Unspoiled Wonders of Latvia and Lithuania in 14 days Trip 

DAY 1. Arrival in Riga

Optional transfer from airport to your hotel.

Overnight in Riga.

DAY 2. Riga exploring

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 3. Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum and 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 4. White sand beach at Latvian seaside

Today in the morning drive to Latvian coast to Jurmala where a fine white sand beach stretches all along the Gulf of Riga.

Jurmala is one of the oldest resorts on the whole Baltic coast with a long tradition also as a spa resort. It used to be a very elegant and fancy spot during the 1930s and very popular amongst all citizens after WWII. Today it is still a very popular holiday destination with over 30 km of long white sand beach, pure air and mild climate. Besides beautiful beaches You will also see the city centre with picturesque wooden houses, interesting monuments and modern spas’ buildings. You will also be able to take a walk along Jomas Street – central promenade of Jurmala.

On the outskirts of Jurmala there is one more natural wonder - Kemeri national park with its picturesque bogs. Kemeri national park is a natural wonder inhabited by thousands of migrating birds and was once a popular resort for medical tourism and healthy bathing in sulfuric water and sludge. While the times of healthy bathing are long gone, tourists come here to soak in the unique beauty of the region and explore the ruins of a bygone era. Kemeri bog is a real gem for nature lovers with it’s undersized pine trees, deep pools, tiny dark lakes and the flavour of wild rosemary.

If you travel with children while visiting Jurmala you can pay a visit to Jurmala Aquapark (OPTIONAL) which is the biggest indoor water park in Northern Europe. In fact it is an exciting adventure not only for the kids, but for the adults as well.

Overnight in Jurmala.

DAY 5. Wonders of South Latvia - Rundale palace and Bauska

Today you will be driving to the South of Latvia and explore the Southern Zemgale region, the highlight of which will be Rundale palace which is not mistakenly called Baltic Versailles.

On the way to Rundale we highly recommend stopping at Jelgava - a 4th biggest city in Latvia and home to the biggest in the Baltic states baroque castle built by famous Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. An interesting fact that Jelgava palace was the official residence of Louis XVIII before he became King of France. Often overshadowed by a nearby Rundale palace which is more visited by tourists, Jelgava offers many surprises to visitors which can be discovered through significant historical objects, beautiful parks and fantastic architectural monuments.

After a forty minute drive from Jelgava you will arrive at Rundale palace. The Magnificent Rundale palace was a summer residence of the Duke of Courland and now welcomes travellers from all over the world to admire it's wonderful garden and architecture. It is known as the most outstanding Baroque and Rococo art monument in nowadays Latvia. A Baroque palace cannot be imagined without the French garden, an elaborate architectural framework devised of green plantings that should manifest the triumph of art over nature. Both the palace and the garden were designed in the 16th century by an Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli.

Spend the rest of the day in a small charming Bauska town. The peaceful settlement never ceases to attract visitors with its exceptional natural beauty. While visiting Bauska do not miss the 15th-16th century Livonian Order castle situated on a picturesque spit of land where the Musa and Memele rivers converge into the Lielupe. on a which was a residence of the Dukes of Courland.

Overnight in Bauska BnB

DAY 6. Hill of Crosses - Klaipeda

Today you will go to Klaipeda, Lithuania’s only harbour town. 

After crossing into Lithuania, an hour drive from Latvian border you will reach the Hill of Crosses, one of the most extraordinary sites in Lithuania. The old 14th century hillfort is covered in more than 100.000 crosses that symbolize Lithuanian nationalism and beliefs. Some of the crosses are devotional, while others are memorials to many people deported to Siberia. They vary greatly in size: a few are finely carved folk-art masterpieces and some are accompanied by mournful statues of the Virgin Mary. This is definitely a place where you will learn and better understand the local community’s difficult past, learn of its unshakable faith, and feel hope for the future.

Later continue driving to Klaipeda. After a short rest your local guide will pick you from the hotel and 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.

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

Overnight in Klaipeda.

DAY 7. Fascinating Curonian Spit

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 and Zemaitija National park.

On these days you will be free to travel at your own pace and stop in as many stops along the routes we prepared for you.

In the morning with your rented car head towards the ferry port on the way to Curonian spit. Just 5 min away on the ferry and you will be moved to a totally different world - full of nature magic and cosy settlements along the route. The main sites of the 50 km Curonian Spit peninsula are Juodkrante, Hill of Witches, Cormorant colony, Grey dunes and Nida.

Juodkrante 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.

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.

All along the way to Nida you will be following the Baltic sea coast, so if it feels tempting, you may even have a dip in the cool Baltic Sea waves.

Overnight in Neringa BnB.

DAY 8. Day at leisure with the bikes

Today you will have one more day to enjoy Curonian spit at your own pace. The bicycles will be available for you to explore lesser visited spots that would be hard to access by car.

Overnight in Neringa BnB.

DAY 9. Zemaitija National Park

In the morning you will return to Klaipeda and drop your rental car. With the local train travel to Plunge where your driver will be waiting for you who will take you to Plateliai homestead.

Today you will not find the sand dunes anymore, but will be surrounded by forests and lakes in the Zemaitija National park which is known as the most mystical national park in Lithuania. The park territory is covered with fir forests which are populated by a huge number of protected plant and animal species; remains of ice-age plants were also found here. Not only the birds inscribed on the Red List of Lithuania breed in the park but also the birds protected in Europe, such as the hazel grouse, corncrake and whooper swan which produce a sound similar to a trumpet. The park’s jewel is the biggest and deepest lake in Zemaitija, surrounded by legends, the Lake Plateliai with its seven islands.

Starting with Plateliai you can have a walk along it’s pristine lake and continue to a Sheire nature trail which will be a true delight for travelers who appreciate the natural environment and are longing for the peace of the forest. Walking on this trail you will touch untreated nature and see true forest life. Take a breath of fresh air and caress the stems of plants swaying in the wind. You will begin walking along the shore of the lake and later get into the forest where you will be accompanied by solemn trees that stretch as far as 50 meters towards the sky. Further onto the trail you will see how the surrounding nature changes from the forest to the swamped lakes and boggy landscapes.

In Plateliai you will stay at the local homestead where the true local hospitality is awaiting you. Tonight the hosts will prepare a hearty welcome dinner which will give you a taste of Samogitian tradition and customs.

Overnight at the homestead in Plateliai.

DAY 10. Self guided cycling around Plateliai and Cold War Museum visit

Today you will have bicycles available to explore the bigger surrounding area and make a circle around Plateliai lake. On the route you will have a chance to visit the Cold War museum - a former Soviet Nuclear Missile base, the most visited museum of Lithuania situated in the middle of the forest.

Built in the 1960s in secret from the Lithuanian people, the base had enough firepower to flatten most of Europe, and may have played a role in the Cuban missile crisis. There’s a small exhibition on the history of the Cold War in the Baltic countries, and on the construction and role of the base, as well as some Soviet detritus in the gift shop.

In the afternoon return to your homestead for another cozy evening. For those who would like to try Lithuanian sauna, one will be available as every homestead has it - Lithuanians love their saunas!

Overnight at the homestead in Plateliai.

DAY 11. Plunge to Vilnius by train

In the morning after having said farewell to your hosts you will be transferred to the train station in Plunge and take a train to Vilnius. A ride takes approximately 3 hours, so you will have time to gaze through the window at the green landscapes of Lithuanian countryside or sit back and relax.

Upon arrival to Vilnius you will be transferred to your hotel for a leisure evening in Lithuania's capital.

Overnight in Vilnius.

DAY 12. Charming Vilnius discovery

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 13. From Vilnius to the Countryside among the Lakes - Self guided trip

Today after a short train ride you will find yourself in the cosy medieval town surrounded by picturesque lakes and forests.

Trakai, located 30 km from Vilnius is a historical capital of Lithuania and it’s beauty leaves no one indifferent.

Locals take a day trip there and we invite you for one as well. See Trakai Castle, lakes and beautiful views around. Trakai used to be a medieval residence of Lithuanian Grand Dukes. Once a significant and powerful town, nowadays the town is enjoying tranquility and the status of summer resort with its only 5000 residents. The town is also famous for it's Karaim community living here since the 14th century who make "kibinai" the best local pastries in the area.

This day offers two hikes to choose - a shorter one around the Trakai town and peninsula and a longer one with an extension to Varnikai Reserve that will lead you through an old forest and meadow offering nature lovers an opportunity to enjoy spectacular views and the rich natural biodiversity found here.

Walking:

Short route - 2 h, 7 km

Long route - 5 h, 15 km

Public transport: Vilnius train station - Trakai - Vilnius.

Overnight in Vilnius.

DAY 14. Departure day

Departure day. Optional transfer to the airport.

• 13 nights accommodation in 3* hotels and BnB's with breakfast
• 1 local dinner at the homestead
• Guided walking tours in Riga, Klaipeda, Vilnius
• Rental car for 7 days (pick up in Riga Day 2, return in Klaipeda Day 9. Based on economy car Toyota Yaris or similar
• Private transfer from Plunge train station to Plateliai and back
• Train tickets Klaipeda-Plunge, Plunge-Vilnius
• Canoeing rental on day 10, no guide included
• Bike rental on day 8 and 10
• Picnic basket for canoeing trip
• Private transfer from Train station to hotel (if applicable)

• Flights
• 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”
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Ferry tickets from Klaipeda to Curonian spit
• Ecological tax in the Curonian spit
• Entry pass for cars in Jurmala

• Arrival transfer from the airport to hotel
• Departure transfer from the airport to hotel
• Riga Central Market group private tour 2 h - 1-4 persons
• Optional Turaida Museum reserve tour
• Guided Tour at the Latvian Open Air Museum
• Optional visit to Water Amusement Park in Jurmala
• Optional tour in Rundale palace - must be booked in advance (entrance tickets payable separately)
• Optional guided tour in Bauska
• Brewery tour and beer tasting in Klaipeda
• Optional sauna at the homestead
• Optional Historic fine dining dinner in Vilnius
• Optional Ancient Toy Museum Visit
• Optional Hot Air Balloon ride
• Optional Kybyn making lesson

• 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.