BICYCLE TOURS & MOUNTAIN BIKING

Vilnius – Riga (ME)

Aside from the German and Russian occupations from 1941 to 1991, Latvia and Lithuania have little in common. While for centuries Lithuania has maintained a close relationship with Poland, Latvia was more under German, Russian and Swedish influence. These differences are even reflected in the landscapes: the area of rolling hills and tree-lined lanes between Vilnius and the Nemunas River delta are reminiscent of northeast Poland, while Latvia is more Scandinavian. The huge sand dunes of the Courland Spit present a landscape unique in Europe.

Tour Details

Day 1: Sunday
Vilnius - Kaunas (15 miles)
The trip starts with a half-hour train ride to your departure point in Trakai. A short ride along Lake Galva brings you to the Gothic island castle of Trakai. The castle was primarily used in the 15th and 16th centuries for state receptions and various celebrations. After visiting this impressive and wonderfully situated edifice you'll head out through a wholly unspoiled landscape. On the way to Semeliskes, the route leads us through woods, past lakes and lonely farms. The town itself offers gaily painted traditional Lithuanian wooden houses. You'll reach the former capital of Kaunas by bus (one hour). Tonight's lodging is the comfortable "Hotel BW Santakos." (Swimming pool) This evening you'll sample Lithuanian specialties.

Day 2: Monday
Kaunas - Ventaine (25 miles)
After a tour of the old quarter of Kaunus, a bus will bring you close to Silute in the Memel District. This area of birch forest, moors, fishponds and tree-lined roadways once belonged to East Prussia. After cycling through this wonderfully natural landscape you'll reach the Nemunas River delta and finally the Courland Lagoon. Tonight you'll sleep at the waterside "Hotel Ventaine." (Swimming pool)

Day 3: Tuesday
Ventaine - Klaipeda (32 miles)
This morning, you'll explore the Courland lagoon during a 1-1/2 hour boat ride through the Nemunas River delta and across the lagoon to Nida. The interplay of sand dunes, forest and sea gives this area a unique character. Nida, a fishing colony, is considered the loveliest town on the spit. It was also the summer residence of author Thomas Mann whose house you will visit. A short walk brings you into the great dunes, and an impressive panorama. From here you'll explore the entire length of the Lithuanian spit, reaching Klaipeda in the late afternoon. There you’ll be welcomed at the comfortable "Hotel Navalis."

Day 4: Wednesday
Klaipeda - Kuldiga (25 miles)
The day begins with a bike tour around the well preserved old-town of Klaipeda. Although 60% of the town was destroyed in 1945 with the arrival of the Red Army, this part remained largely unscathed. A highlight is the Theater Square, home to the famous Simon Dach fountain featuring the "little Anne of Tharau” - a symbol of the city. A short ride through the city park brings you to the bike route, which leads along the coast, through wonderful pine forests and a beautifully landscaped botanical garden before reaching Palanga. This coastal resort town dates from the mid-nineteenth century and its wooden villas are similar to the German Baltic seacoast style. From here you'll follow a traffic-free route to the superb and nearly empty beach of Sventoj where you can test the waters. A two-hour bus trip brings you across the Latvian border to Kuldiga in Kurzeme. You'll spend the night in the friendly but simple"Hotel Jana Nams."

Day 5: Thursday
Kuldiga - Sabile (34 miles)
You'll first visit the charming city of Kuldiga, whose center is composed almost entirely of 18th and 19th Century wooden houses. Then cycle across an old brick bridge over the Venta River which affords a view on the "Ventas Rumbas" (rapids). From here you'll discover the Scandinavian character of Kurzeme with open fields, deciduous forests and wonderful light. In the late afternoon you'll reach the Abava river valley near Sabile. Tonight you'll enjoy the rustic log cabin style hotel "Viesu Nams Imulas."

Day 6: Friday
Sabile - Riga (20 miles)
Dotting the landscape on the way to Riga are former estates of the Baltic nobility, in various states of renovation or disrepair. Charming small villages are reminders of the country life of the early 20th Century. The cycling stage ends on a rise overlooking pastoral Kurzeme before taking a one-hour bus ride to Riga. "The Pearl of the Baltic” impresses with its rich and imposing Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau architecture, as well as the bustling metropolitan life. In the late afternoon there is an in-depth city tour. Tonight you'll be treated to the modern and luxurious "Hotel Reval Latvia." Located on the edge of the city park, it affords a fabulous view over the old city. Celebrate a gourmet farewell in a well-know restaurant of the historical city center.

Day 7: Saturday
Riga - (0 miles)
The beautiful Art Nouveau architecture of Riga is the subject of a special guided visit this morning. Your journey ends in the late morning after the tour. A taxi coupon for a transfer to the airport is included in the trip price. For those who would like more time to discover this multi-faceted city, the "Hotel Reval Latvia" offers discounts to guests booking through Rotalis.

Arrival:
The best way to reach the Baltic states is by plane. Please note that the trip begins on Saturdays in Vilnius, Lithuania and ends on Saturdays in Riga, Latvia. Both have well connected international airports. The start hotel in Vilnius is the Hotel Artis, located in the historic center, and your room will be ready starting at 2:00 p.m. It can be reached by taxi from the airport in about 25 minutes. Your tour begins with a guided visit of the old town at 5:00 p.m.