Self Guided Walking in Lithuania and Latvia in 12 Days

Arriving to Vilnius. OPTIONAL Airport transfer to Hotel. Overnight in Vilnius.

If you arrive earlier - take an easy walk around the old town. Otherwise, you can book extra day to explore Vilnius more.

Overnight in Vilnius.

Today you will explore a regional park which is within Vilnius city boundaries. You will take a short train ride, will walk along the river, walk up and down some hills and through the forests - and everything without really going out of town.

Pristine Pavilniai Regional Park is a protected area that includes the 65 m height Puckoriai rock exposure at the Vilnia river valley. 20 thousand years old formations are visible from the lower side after 1 km easy hike from a restaurant located in a former mill.

Walking 4 h, 10 km.

Public transport: Vilnius train station - Pavilnio st. (7 min).

Overnight in Vilnius.

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.

Private transfer: Trakai - Countryside accommodation.

Luggage transfer from Vilnius to Countryside accommodation.

Overnight in the countryside hotel/BnB near Trakai. Tony resort or similar.

On this day you will move to the Western coast of Lithuania and explore Klaipeda surroundings.

Early morning a private transfer will pick you from Countryside and take you to Vilnius train station to catch your 4 hour train to Klaipeda. Train journeys let you avoid highways and get a glimpse of the Lithuanian countryside.

Upon arrival to Klaipeda, you will drop your luggage at the hotel and stretch your legs before going on a breathtaking walk on the Baltic sea coast.

The afternoon offers you a very spectacular 7 km circular walk along the Baltic sea coast. You will walk through a thick forest, discover ancient hillfort, have a glimpse to a WW2 fortifications and bunkers lying just on the sandy beach and discover The cliff of the Dutchmans Cap (a parabolic dune emerged 24.4 m from the sea) which is constantly eroded by the beat of the waves and falls to the seaside by the slant of 20-22 meters height.

Private transfer from Countryside to Vilnius train station - 30 min.

Train from Vilnius to Klaipeda - 3,5-4 hours.

Walk in Karkle along the Baltic sea shore - 7 km, 3 hours.

Public transport or taxi (not included) - from Hotel to Karkle for a walk.

Overnight in Klaipeda.

Your private transfer will pick you and your luggage in the morning from Klaipeda and you will be dropped at the Grey dunes – another picturesque trail in the Nagliai nature reserve (get a ticket from the ranger - 2€). There you will start the day’s walk and will be going further south along the coast of Curonian lagoon to Preila. Before entering Pervalka village you can have your picnic lunch in front of the smallest beacon in Lithuania which is also one of the most picturesque places in all Curonian lagoon.

From Preila you have an option to continue walking along the lagoon coast until Nida (another 12 km), but if it is too challenging, you can take a local bus from Preila bus stop and get to Nida by bus.

Hiking for the day: 6 hours (15 km, elevation gain – 47 m)

Additional hike: Preila-Nida (12 km)

Accommodation: Hotel or BnB in Nida.

In Nida you can decide if you want to have a more relaxed day while resting on the beach or follow our prepared route that lets you enjoy the highlights of this unique resort town. There are many different paths in Nida that you can follow, but on our route you will not miss the most important sites - such as a wonderful Parnidis dune with a breathtaking view of 360 degrees, Nida lighthouse, Baltic sea coast, ancient cemetery and the memorial museum of Nobel prize winner in literature Thomas Mann.

Hiking for the day: 10 km, 4-5 hours.

Accommodation: Hotel or BnB in Nida.

On this day the private transfer takes you to Klaipeda bus station where you will catch the bus to Riga.

Afternoon at leisure in RIga.

Transfer time from Nida to Klaipeda: 1 hour

Bus ride from Klaipeda to Riga: 5 hours

Overnight in Riga.

In the morning you will continue exploring Riga on foot and in the afternoon

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.

Walking: 2-3 h, 4-5 km

Overnight in Riga.

In the morning, you will take a local train to Gauja national park (Sigulda or Cesis according to availability).
After arrival to Sigulda, you will drop your luggage at the hotel. After that you will take a spectacular hike in one of the most beautiful nature areas of Latvia.

The Gauja National Park often called Switzerland of Latvia by locals is the largest and oldest of the national parks in Latvia, characterized by great biological diversity, variety of landforms, natural springs, sandstone outcrops, picturesque views and unique natural, cultural and historical monuments.

During this day you will have a very picturesque walk in Sigulda and hike medieval castle ruins, hills, caves, cliffs, impressive forests and wonderful sights of river Gauja valley.

Walking: 6-7 h, 12-14 km.

Train from Riga to Sigulda.

Overnight in Sigulda.

In the morning you will take a train to Cesis and drop your luggage at the hotel.

Today you will discover another gem of Latvian countryside - Cesis medieval town, a former Hansa city. 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.

Overnight in Cesis.

Train from Sigulda to Cesis: 45 minutes.

Walking: 2-3 h, 4-5 km

Overnight in Cesis

Today you will discover another gem of Latvian countryside - Cesis medieval town, a former Hansa city. 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, After strenuous hikes in Sigulda, Cesis will be a relief. It's a relaxing walk mainly in the forest, rivers, streams and lake shores. Ciruleisi nature trails will let you admire the beauty of the Gauja River valley, revealing the history of the area. Gauja River is a crucial part of the life of the locals so do not miss the chance to explore it. Diverse dorset with various tree species and surfaces will let you know about the different periods of the area. Explore various habitats, plant species and another natural heritage in the depth of nature walking narrow paths of the Gauja River valley.

Hiking of the day: 17 km, 5,5 h.

Today is the last day crowning your Lithuanian and Latvian exploration. If you feel that you would like to extend your stay, options are available.

No transport or accommodation included for this day.

Optional transfers available.

Tour extension options available.