Cycling the Untamed Beauty of the Baltics

If you’re an experienced traveler, you might just be looking for a place that’s a little off the beaten path. After all, who wants to stand in line to view a famous building or monument? Most of us would rather be cycling a peaceful country road or scenic bike path—stopping along the way for stunning photos of a seaside vista, then pedaling on for lunch at a picturesque café in a charming medieval square. That’s why, here at VBT, we’ve fallen in love with the Baltics—no crowded tourist traps, tidy city streets, and gorgeous coastal and pastoral bike rides make our new Latvia & Lithuania: The Baltics Guided Tour an exceptional adventure for anyone who wants to discover a fresh destination ahead of the crowds.

Orderly and Art Nouveau

One of the most wonderful things about cycling the Baltics is the cleanliness of the cities. “It always amazes me when I visit Baltic cities like Riga and Vilnius,” says VBT Trip Designer Katerina Bacevicius. “These are places that haven’t yet seen a huge boom in tourism, and everything is very friendly, walkable, and well-maintained.” Starting in the Latvian capital of Riga, you’ll enjoy the 5-star amenities of your sumptuous hotel in the city center—well within easy reach of local attractions. Perhaps pay a visit to the Latvian National Museum of Art, the Doma Cathedral, or take a stroll around Bastejkalna Park . “Our hotel in Riga is in the nicest part of the city, which is the Art Nouveau section,” says Katerina. “Latvia has some of the highest concentrations of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe, and this section of Riga is truly stunning.” After meeting your local trip leaders, your warm-up ride takes you along a scenic bike trail through rich arboreal forests to the seaside resort town of Jūrmala, which has a beautiful pedestrian street full of shops and restaurants just waiting to be explored.

To truly appreciate the history of Latvian architecture, a spin through the peaceful Latvian countryside brings you to one of Europe’s most stunning palaces. “Often called the ‘Versailles of Latvia,’ Rundāle Palace is just exquisite,” says Katerina. “Our visit is the perfect chance to juxtapose aristocratic Latvian opulence with the pastoral countryside.” Here, you’ll have a chance to fully explore the palace and grounds, perhaps pausing for lunch at a café where you’ll have a splendid view of the surrounding countryside.

Speaking of lunch: the diverse and delicious local cuisine makes an impression throughout this Baltics adventure. “We’ll have a cooking class and home-hosted traditional lunch at a local manor,” says Katerina. “Žemaitija is an area with a strong cultural identity, and they have their own unique style of cuisine.” Traditional dishes include kastinys (sour cream and herb dip), and Žemaičių blynai (potato pancakes stuffed with meat.) This culinary journey is as much about taste as it is about the traditions at the heart of Baltic culture.

The Curonian Spit is an Environmental Wonder

The Curonian Spit is a narrow strip of land between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon—and it’s also a UNESCO Heritage site. “My favorite ride of the week, hands down, is our ride on the Curonian Spit,” says Katerina. “Along the way, there’s a great little stop with an optional walk at the Hill of Witches—a sculpture park featuring whimsical wooden depictions of figures from Lithuanian folklore.” Due to its vulnerable location, the Curonian Spit has always been buffeted by changing tides and other environmental factors, and the local people have made herculean efforts to protect this unique natural landscape and preserve their traditional way of life. As you spin along the gorgeous coastline, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Nagliai Nature Reserve and the remarkable expanse of the Grey Dunes—the highest sand dunes in Europe.

In the charming village of Nida, you’ll meet a local craftsman for a fascinating workshop on one of the region’s most valuable natural resources. “Amber is sometimes referred to as Lithuanian gold,” Katerina explains. “It periodically washes up on shore along the Curonian Spit. Here, we’ll meet a local jeweler who will lead a workshop on amber polishing, and everyone will get to try out his techniques to create their own amber amulet.” Afterwards, a boat ride on the Curonian Lagoon is the perfect opportunity to spot some of the region’s local bird species—including sea eagles, peregrine falcons, swallows, and sandpipers.

A Touch of Nobility in Vilnius

As the tour concludes in Vilnius, you’ll enjoy a delightful stay at a luxurious 5-star hotel with an incredible history. “In Vilnius, we’ll stay at the Hotel Pacai, which is one of my favorite hotels in the world,” Katerina explains. “The building was once a palace that housed Lithuanian nobility and visiting dignitaries, such as Napoleon Bonaparte. There are many beautiful Baroque touches throughout the property.” This exquisite capstone to your Baltics adventure is the perfect way contrast the gorgeous Lithuanian countryside with an exploration of its beautifully-maintained capital city.