Walking tour in Lithuania and Latvia in 9 days

Arriving to Vilnius. OPTIONAL Airport transfer to Hotel.

A welcome meeting with your tour leader and a welcome drink.
If you arrive earlier — take an easy walk around the old town. Otherwise, you can book an 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 14th century who make "kibinai" the best local pastries in the area.
You will walk around the Trakai town and peninsula and after crossing a bridge over the lake shortly you will reach 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.
In the afternoon you will be picked by a minibus from Trakai and taken to the local countryside hotel/bnb

Overnight in the countryside bnb near Trakai

On this day a long road ahead to Rusne island awaits you, but there is no need to worry, the views will be spectacular and the destination place is charming.
You will visit Vente cape ornithology station where thousands of birds are ringed every year. Vente horn is not only a beautiful corner at the land's end, but also a very important place for all bird lovers and watchers. Every year, millions of birds fly by this place during autumn and spring migrations.
A short tour in the bird catching nets will give you an insight into bird ringing and the most common species that come here. "
Afterwards you will visit another spectacular space - Aukstumala raised bog which is one of the best known areas of raised bog in the world. It was the first bog to be scientifically researched, notably by the botanist Carl Albert Weber.
A 1.2 kilometre-long trail leads your way through the raised bog of Aukstumala. Information is provided at numerous stations and there is a wealth of typical moorland wildlife to observe, with a lookout tower offering wonderful views of the beautiful landscape. The trail starts off as a footpath and continues along a wooden walkway past several observation points.
In the afternoon you will reach you rest place in Rusne where warm dinner will be waiting for you.

Overnight in Rusne

Today after breakfast if the weather conditions allow, you will cross the Curonian lagoon by boat. If the weather is not on our side, you will travel by bus and in the few hours reach a magnificent Curonian Spit Peninsula.
Your luggage will be transferred to your hotel and you will take a half day walk around Nida, a tiny summer resort surrounded by sand dunes and pine forests.
A relaxed day in Nida will introduce you to the town and its main points. You will visit Parnidis dune to get a breathtaking view of Death Valley, reach the lighthouse of Nida which is showing the way for the ships on both sides of the Spit. Go to the Baltic seaside for a swim or sunbathing session and come back through the forest to the lagoon side.

Overnight in Nida or Preila/Pervalka if not available.

You will depart from Nida after breakfast and continue onwards to Latvia. In Latvia you will arrive in Bauska and explore its old town and walk a nature trail nearby.
For centuries Bauska has been a multiethnic town of trade. Its downtown still emits that atmosphere. The main square is crowned by a recently-rebuilt town hall and is surrounded by buildings at least 100 years old. Several old churches as well as a 19th century brewery stands in the area.
The trail set up in the Nature Park “Bauska” will take you on a romantic walk along the picturesque bank of the Memele River to Bauska Castle and further on to Kirbaksala, where the Musa and Memele Rivers join to start the Lielupe River.

In the late afternoon you will arrive at your resting place in one of Latvian manor houses where you will spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Overnight in Latvian countryside - Mezotne palace or similar.

After breakfast you will travel further into Latvian countryside and explore Gauja national park.

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.

Overnight in Sigulda/Cesis

Say your farewell to the beautiful Latvian countryside, but there is no need to be upset as the capital Riga quickly will charm you.
In the afternoon you will explore Riga on foot and have a guided walking tour of the 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.

Overnight in Riga

Optional transfer to the airport.
Optional tour extensions.