Latvia & Lithuania: The Baltics

Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first night aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.

Upon arrival at Riga International Airport, a VBT representative or driver will meet you and provide a complimentary car service to your centrally located hotel—perfectly situated for exploring this captivating city at your leisure.

Your stay in Riga begins at the A22 Hotel, a sleek and stylish boutique property located in the city’s elegant Art Nouveau district. Housed in a historic building that once served as the U.S. Embassy, it famously welcomed a young John F. Kennedy in 1939 during his European travels. Today, the hotel seamlessly blends rich history with modern luxury, offering spacious, artfully designed rooms and exceptional hospitality. Just steps from Viesturdārzs Park and a short walk from the historic center, the A22 Hotel is ideally positioned for both peaceful retreat and immersive exploration.

After checking in, enjoy free time to explore Riga. VBT provides city information with helpful recommendations on what to see and do.

For dinner, try one of Riga’s excellent restaurants on your own.

After lunch on your own, meet your VBT trip leaders at the hotel in Riga at 2:00 p.m. They will be wearing VBT staff garments. Please arrive dressed for cycling.

Following a safety and bike-fitting session, begin your ride to Jūrmala, Latvia’s iconic Baltic resort town known for its long stretches of beach, sea breezes, and charming wooden villas. Once a cluster of fishing villages, Jūrmala developed over two centuries into an eclectic and fashionable retreat. During the Soviet era, it became a favorite summer destination for high-ranking Communist Party officials such as Brezhnev and Khrushchev. Today, it continues to attract vacationers with its Art Nouveau architecture, relaxed pace, and lively seaside promenade.

After free time to explore Jūrmala, return to Riga by shuttle.

This evening, gather with your trip leaders and fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner at a nearby Michelin-recognized restaurant featuring elevated Latvian cuisine—the perfect start to your cultural and cycling adventure.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Warm-Up Ride — 25 km (16 miles)

What to Expect:

Today, you’ll follow designated bike paths along sidewalks and paved trails through the seaside forests of Jūrmala. During the summer months, these paths can become busy with both cyclists and pedestrians.

Cumulative Distance Range: 25 km (16 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today begins with a one-hour shuttle north to the seaside town of Saulkrasti, where you’ll visit the Saulkrasti Bicycle Museum—home to Latvia’s largest and most fascinating collection of historic bicycles. The museum offers an engaging look at cycling’s evolution in the region, featuring rare models, vintage gear, and stories from the country’s cycling heritage.

From here, begin your ride along a scenic stretch of EuroVelo 10, pedaling inland along countryside roads and through gently hilly terrain. Midday, pause for lunch at a local café before continuing toward the wooded landscapes of Gauja National Park—Latvia’s largest and oldest national park, renowned for its rolling terrain, sandstone cliffs, and dense forests.

Your ride concludes with a visit to Turaida Castle, a striking red-brick medieval fortress perched above the Gauja River Valley. Originally built in 1214, the castle has been carefully restored and now houses a museum chronicling Latvian history, archaeology, and folklore. Climb the tower for panoramic views over the park and surrounding countryside—a memorable finale to the day’s ride.

In the afternoon, a two-hour shuttle brings you to your overnight stay at Mazmežotne Manor, a beautifully restored 18th-century countryside estate nestled along the banks of the Lielupe River. Surrounded by quiet meadows and woodlands, the manor invites you to step back in time with its historic architecture, peaceful walking trails, and on-site Sugar Beet Museum, which offers a glimpse into Latvia’s agricultural heritage. Small boats are available for hire, perfect for a tranquil paddle on the river. Enjoy time to unwind and explore the serene grounds before gathering for a traditional Latvian dinner in this timeless setting.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Saulkraisti to Turaida — 36 km (22 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s route follows quiet country roads and gently rolling hills.

Cumulative Distance Range: 36 km (22 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning’s ride takes you deep into the heart of the Latvian countryside. From your manor hotel, pedal across a scenic bridge near Mežotne Hillfort, where you’ll catch views of the elegant Mežotne Palace across the river. Continue along quiet riverside country roads to the charming town of Bauska, where you may choose to visit the town’s medieval castle. Then it’s on to the Baroque masterpiece of Rundāle Palace—often called the “Versailles of Latvia”—where you’ll have time to explore the palace and its manicured gardens at your own pace or relax at one of the on-site cafés. Enjoy lunch on your own today before setting off for the second Baltic country on your tour: Lithuania.

Breaking up the afternoon’s 2.5-hour drive is a stop at the historic pilgrimage site of the Hill of Crosses, a grassy mound in northern Lithuania blanketed with crosses, rosaries, and icons. Dating back to at least the mid-19th century, this deeply symbolic site has survived repeated attempts at destruction—including a Soviet effort in 1961 that leveled more than 5,000 crosses. Today, the number of crosses is estimated to exceed 100,000. In 1993, Pope John Paul II visited the site and proclaimed it a place of “hope, peace, love, and sacrifice.”

Your journey continues into the Samogitian Highlands and Žemaitija National Park—a region rich in cultural heritage, traditional architecture, and natural beauty. A short shuttle brings you to Žemaičių Kalvarija, another revered Catholic pilgrimage site and the starting point of your afternoon ride. Today’s scenic route winds through the highlands on quiet country roads, passing some of the most picturesque villages of quaint Baltic wooden architecture you’ll encounter on tour. Keep an eye out for the stork nests that dot the rooftops throughout this captivating landscape.

Later, arrive at your home for the next two nights: SALA Plateliai Resort, a boutique-style lakeside retreat nestled in the heart of Žemaitija National Park. With your small group enjoying near-exclusive access, you’ll be free to unwind with the resort’s four-star amenities, including a serene spa, tennis courts, and a variety of water activities such as stand-up paddleboarding and pedal boat rentals on Lake Plateliai. Surrounded by pristine forest and manicured grounds, the setting is as peaceful as it is stunning.

This evening (weather permitting), enjoy a traditional Lithuanian barbecue dinner on the resort’s lakeside patio as the sun sets over the water—a perfect end to a richly rewarding day.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Bauska and Rundāle Palace — 31 km (19 miles)

Afternoon: Žemaičių Kalvarija to Sala Resort — 18 km (11 miles)

What to Expect:

The morning ride follows a mix of quiet country roads and stretches of busier thoroughfares, where extra caution is encouraged. You’ll pedal along both banks of the Lielupe River, enjoying peaceful views of the surrounding countryside. Midway through the morning, you’ll dismount to cross the river on foot via a seasonal pontoon bridge near Mežotne Palace. The afternoon ride continues along scenic two-lane country roads—mostly downhill—through small villages and past stunning scenery. With rolling hills and winding roads, traffic is minimal and slow-moving. The route finishes on a bike path that leads you directly to the hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 18 – 49 km (11 – 30 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Begin today’s ride on Žemaitija National Park’s easy lakeside bike path, located right in front of your hotel. Established in 1991, the park was created to preserve the unique natural landscape and rich cultural heritage of this region in northwestern Lithuania.

Lakes cover more than seven percent of the park’s territory, and you’ll cycle around the largest of them—Lake Plateliai. Follow a flat, easy route to the Cold War Museum, a former top-secret Soviet underground missile site. Here, enjoy an included walking tour that offers insight into the Soviet Union’s nuclear arms program during the Cold War era.

Later, continue your ride through the picturesque village of Plateliai, stopping at one of its typical 100-year-old wooden houses with a traditional Samogitian sloped roof.

Pause with your travel mates for lunch at a manor farm—a delicious and educational experience. In the heart of Žemaitija, you’ll learn about Lithuanian cuisine, folklore, and history from your hosts. With this flavorful and well-rounded meal, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and culinary traditions of the region.

Afterward, pedal mostly downhill back to your lakeside resort, where the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. You might take advantage of the spa, or head out onto the lake with one of the resort’s canoes, kayaks, or pedal boats.

This evening, savor an included dinner at the resort.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Loop Ride Around Lake Plateliai — 25 km (15 miles)

What to Expect:

Žemaitija National Park’s bike path around Lake Plateliai is mostly paved, either as a dedicated bike path or bike lane, with the exception of approximately 1.2 miles (2 km) along a main road. Today’s ride is easy, with minimal elevation gain.

Cumulative Distance Range: 25 km (15 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leave Žemaitija National Park behind this morning and travel about an hour toward the Baltic coast. Mount your bike and begin your ride south along a scenic path that traces the shoreline—forest and dunes on one side, open countryside and glimpses of the sea on the other. This stretch of trail leads you into the seaside resort town of Palanga, one of Lithuania’s most beloved summer destinations. With its expansive network of cycling routes, sandy beaches, and coastal pine forests, Palanga offers an ideal blend of natural beauty and seaside charm.

Your route passes through Birutė Park, one of Northern Europe’s most picturesque and best-preserved historic parks. Designed in the late 19th century by Count Feliks Tyszkiewicz, the park surrounds his elegant Neo-Renaissance palace—now home to the Amber Museum of Lithuania. During your included guided tour, learn about the origin, formation, and cultural significance of Baltic amber, long prized as “Lithuanian gold.” Admire intricate carvings, jewelry, and fossils within the museum’s world-class collection, including the famed Sun Stone, one of the largest amber specimens ever discovered.

Afterward, take time to explore Palanga’s lively town center, with its cafés, boutiques, and art galleries lining J. Basanavičiaus Street, the town’s vibrant main promenade. Once a humble fishing village and center for amber gathering, Palanga grew into a fashionable 19th-century health resort and remains a highlight of the Lithuanian coast. Enjoy lunch on your own at one of the many seaside cafés or restaurants.

Later this afternoon, continue by bike and shuttle to the historic port city of Klaipėda, Lithuania’s gateway to the Baltic Sea. Upon arrival, join your Trip Leaders for a short orientation walk through Klaipėda’s Old Town, where cobblestone lanes, half-timbered façades, and restored warehouses reflect the city’s Hanseatic heritage.

Spend the evening settling into your comfortable hotel near the waterfront. During your free time, you might visit the Lithuanian Sea Museum, located in a 19th-century fortress on the Curonian Lagoon, or tour Švyturys Brewery, home to one of Lithuania’s oldest and most celebrated beers. For dinner, choose from the many inviting restaurants and bistros located nearby.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Šventoji to Palanga — 14 km (8 miles)

Afternoon: Palanga to Klaipėda — 25 km (15 miles)

What to Expect:

Begin your ride outside the city to avoid busy streets and sidewalks. The morning route follows a combination of dedicated bike paths and lightly traveled country roads leading into Palanga, with minimal elevation gain. In town, cycle along paved trails through coastal pine forests and Birutė Park. The afternoon ride continues on scenic, flat terrain toward Klaipėda, ending before the city center to minimize exposure to traffic.

Cumulative Distance Range: 14 – 39 km (8 – 23 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, make your way to the port and board a short ferry across the Curonian Lagoon to Curonian Spit National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today’s memorable ride follows a scenic, designated bike path that runs parallel to the Baltic Sea.

Stretching for nearly 60 miles between Lithuania and Russia’s Kaliningrad region, the Curonian Spit is a slender ribbon of sand separating the open sea from the tranquil lagoon. Its shifting dunes, windswept pines, and timeless fishing villages make it one of Europe’s most captivating coastal landscapes. As you pedal through this pristine environment, enjoy the cool sea breeze and the scent of pine drifting in from the surrounding forest.

Cycle through the Nagliai Nature Reserve, famed for its dramatic Grey Dunes—towering ridges of sand that rise nearly 200 feet above sea level. Though often called the “Dead Dunes,” they are alive with hardy vegetation and remarkable biodiversity. Beneath them lie the remains of several ancient villages slowly swallowed by drifting sand over the centuries, lending the area an almost mythical quality.

According to legend, the spit itself was formed by Neringa, a giant sea goddess who scooped sand from the sea to protect local fishermen from violent storms. Her spirit still seems to linger in the stillness of the dunes and the rhythm of the waves, giving this landscape a sense of both majesty and mystery.

As you continue south, pass through peaceful fishing settlements where colorful wooden cottages line quiet lanes. Your destination is Nida, the most renowned village on the spit—a beloved summer retreat celebrated for its art, culture, and natural beauty. Enjoy lunch on your own at one of Nida’s cozy cafés, many featuring fresh seafood and regional specialties.

Later, meet a local amber craftsman and observe as he transforms raw Baltic amber into exquisite jewelry. Learn about the stone’s origins, its significance to Lithuanian heritage, and the traditional techniques still used to shape and polish this “Baltic gold.”

This afternoon, return to Klaipėda in style. Step aboard a private speedboat for a spectacular 90-minute cruise across the Curonian Lagoon, tracing the length of the spit you cycled earlier. Along the way, admire sweeping dunes, quaint fishing villages, and the ever-changing light over the water. These serene waters lie along one of Europe’s major migratory bird routes, and flocks of seabirds often accompany your journey.

This evening, gather with your Trip Leaders and fellow travelers for a festive farewell dinner, celebrating your remarkable Baltic adventure and the friendships forged along the way.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Klaipėda to Juodkrantė — 25 km (16 miles) | Juodkrantė to Nida — 33 km (20 miles)

What to Expect:

Enjoy an easy, scenic ride with minimal elevation gain. Choose your preferred distance—ride as far as Juodkrantė or continue all the way to Nida. Begin by cycling to the port for the short ferry crossing to the Curonian Spit. Once there, follow a smooth asphalt path through pine forests and dunes, with sections near the beach offering refreshing sea views. The route winds gently along the coast before joining local roads that lead into Nida.

Cumulative Distance Range: 25 – 58 km (16 – 36 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, depart Klaipėda for a comfortable four-hour drive to Vilnius, Lithuania’s captivating capital. Settle in and enjoy the passing scenery—broad stretches of pine forest, open fields, and glimpses of small towns along the way. A short rest stop is planned en route.

Upon arrival in Lithuania’s captivating capital, store your luggage at your centrally located hotel before setting out to explore Vilnius’s UNESCO-listed Old Town—one of the largest and best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. A guided walking tour introduces the city’s rich blend of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and neoclassical architecture, shaped by centuries of diverse cultural influence.

Stroll through Cathedral Square, framed by the iconic white bell tower, and admire the elegant Presidential Palace and Castle Street (Pilies Gatvė)—lined with artisan shops, amber galleries, and cafés. Continue to the creative district of Užupis, a bohemian enclave affectionately known as the “Republic of Artists,” where whimsical sculptures and murals reflect the city’s independent spirit. Along the way, your local guide shares insights into Vilnius’s layered history—from its medieval origins to its modern-day vibrancy.

Check-in time at your hotel is typically 3:00 p.m.; your room may not be ready upon arrival, but the hotel will gladly store your luggage so you can begin exploring right away. After your tour, enjoy the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure. You might browse local boutiques, visit an art gallery, or linger at an outdoor café to sample Lithuanian specialties such as cold beet soup (šaltibarščiai) or potato pancakes (bulviniai blynai).

Lunch and dinner are on your own today. Your City Highlights include curated suggestions for restaurants, museums, and additional sights to help you make the most of your stay in Vilnius.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After an included breakfast this morning, complimentary transportation to Vilnius Airport will be provided (approximately a 20-minute drive, depending on traffic) for your departing flight.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After lunch on your own, meet your VBT trip leaders at the A22 Hotel in Riga at 2:00 p.m. They will be wearing VBT staff garments. Please arrive dressed for cycling.

The A22 Hotel is a sleek and stylish boutique property located in Riga’s elegant Art Nouveau district. Housed in a historic building that once served as the U.S. Embassy, it famously welcomed a young John F. Kennedy in 1939 during his European travels. Today, the hotel seamlessly blends rich history with modern luxury, offering spacious, artfully designed rooms and exceptional hospitality. Its prime location—just steps from Viesturdārzs Park and within walking distance of Riga’s historic center—makes it the perfect base for your brief stay in the Latvian capital.

Following a safety and bike-fitting session, begin your ride to Jūrmala, Latvia’s iconic Baltic resort town known for its long stretches of beach, sea breezes, and charming wooden villas. Once a cluster of fishing villages, Jūrmala developed over two centuries into an eclectic and fashionable retreat. During the Soviet era, it became a favorite summer destination for high-ranking Communist Party officials such as Brezhnev and Khrushchev. Today, it continues to attract vacationers with its Art Nouveau architecture, relaxed pace, and lively seaside promenade.

After free time to explore Jūrmala, return to Riga by shuttle.

This evening, gather with your trip leaders and fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner at a nearby Michelin-recognized restaurant featuring elevated Latvian cuisine—the perfect start to your cultural and cycling adventure.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Warm-Up Ride — 25 km (16 miles)

What to Expect:

Today, you’ll follow designated bike paths along sidewalks and paved trails through the seaside forests of Jūrmala. During the summer months, these paths can become busy with both cyclists and pedestrians.

Cumulative Distance Range: 25 km (16 miles)

Included Meals: Dinner

Today begins with a one-hour shuttle north to the seaside town of Saulkrasti, where you’ll visit the Saulkrasti Bicycle Museum—home to Latvia’s largest and most fascinating collection of historic bicycles. The museum offers an engaging look at cycling’s evolution in the region, featuring rare models, vintage gear, and stories from the country’s cycling heritage.

From here, begin your ride along a scenic stretch of EuroVelo 10, pedaling inland along countryside roads and through gently hilly terrain. Midday, pause for lunch at a local café before continuing toward the wooded landscapes of Gauja National Park—Latvia’s largest and oldest national park, renowned for its rolling terrain, sandstone cliffs, and dense forests.

Your ride concludes with a visit to Turaida Castle, a striking red-brick medieval fortress perched above the Gauja River Valley. Originally built in 1214, the castle has been carefully restored and now houses a museum chronicling Latvian history, archaeology, and folklore. Climb the tower for panoramic views over the park and surrounding countryside—a memorable finale to the day’s ride.

In the afternoon, a two-hour shuttle brings you to your overnight stay at Mazmežotne Manor, a beautifully restored 18th-century countryside estate nestled along the banks of the Lielupe River. Surrounded by quiet meadows and woodlands, the manor invites you to step back in time with its historic architecture, peaceful walking trails, and on-site Sugar Beet Museum, which offers a glimpse into Latvia’s agricultural heritage. Small boats are available for hire, perfect for a tranquil paddle on the river. Enjoy time to unwind and explore the serene grounds before gathering for a traditional Latvian dinner in this timeless setting.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Saulkraisti to Turaida — 36 km (22 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s route follows quiet country roads and gently rolling hills.

Cumulative Distance Range: 36 km (22 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning’s ride takes you deep into the heart of the Latvian countryside. From your manor hotel, pedal across a scenic bridge near Mežotne Hillfort, where you’ll catch views of the elegant Mežotne Palace across the river. Continue along quiet riverside country roads to the charming town of Bauska, where you may choose to visit the town’s medieval castle. Then it’s on to the Baroque masterpiece of Rundāle Palace—often called the “Versailles of Latvia”—where you’ll have time to explore the palace and its manicured gardens at your own pace or relax at one of the on-site cafés. Enjoy lunch on your own today before setting off for the second Baltic country on your tour: Lithuania.

Breaking up the afternoon’s 2.5-hour drive is a stop at the historic pilgrimage site of the Hill of Crosses, a grassy mound in northern Lithuania blanketed with crosses, rosaries, and icons. Dating back to at least the mid-19th century, this deeply symbolic site has survived repeated attempts at destruction—including a Soviet effort in 1961 that leveled more than 5,000 crosses. Today, the number of crosses is estimated to exceed 100,000. In 1993, Pope John Paul II visited the site and proclaimed it a place of “hope, peace, love, and sacrifice.”

Your journey continues into the Samogitian Highlands and Žemaitija National Park—a region rich in cultural heritage, traditional architecture, and natural beauty. A short shuttle brings you to Žemaičių Kalvarija, another revered Catholic pilgrimage site and the starting point of your afternoon ride. Today’s scenic route winds through the highlands on quiet country roads, passing some of the most picturesque villages of quaint Baltic wooden architecture you’ll encounter on tour. Keep an eye out for the stork nests that dot the rooftops throughout this captivating landscape.

Later, arrive at your home for the next two nights: SALA Plateliai Resort, a boutique-style lakeside retreat nestled in the heart of Žemaitija National Park. With your small group enjoying near-exclusive access, you’ll be free to unwind with the resort’s four-star amenities, including a serene spa, tennis courts, and a variety of water activities such as stand-up paddleboarding and pedal boat rentals on Lake Plateliai. Surrounded by pristine forest and manicured grounds, the setting is as peaceful as it is stunning.

This evening (weather permitting), enjoy a traditional Lithuanian barbecue dinner on the resort’s lakeside patio as the sun sets over the water—a perfect end to a richly rewarding day.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Bauska and Rundāle Palace — 31 km (19 miles)

Afternoon: Žemaičių Kalvarija to Sala Resort — 18 km (11 miles)

What to Expect:

The morning ride follows a mix of quiet country roads and stretches of busier thoroughfares, where extra caution is encouraged. You’ll pedal along both banks of the Lielupe River, enjoying peaceful views of the surrounding countryside. Midway through the morning, you’ll dismount to cross the river on foot via a seasonal pontoon bridge near Mežotne Palace. The afternoon ride continues along scenic two-lane country roads—mostly downhill—through small villages and past stunning scenery. With rolling hills and winding roads, traffic is minimal and slow-moving. The route finishes on a bike path that leads you directly to the hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 18 – 49 km (11 – 30 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Begin today’s ride on Žemaitija National Park’s easy lakeside bike path, located right in front of your hotel. Established in 1991, the park was created to preserve the unique natural landscape and rich cultural heritage of this region in northwestern Lithuania.

Lakes cover more than seven percent of the park’s territory, and you’ll cycle around the largest of them—Lake Plateliai. Follow a flat, easy route to the Cold War Museum, a former top-secret Soviet underground missile site. Here, enjoy an included walking tour that offers insight into the Soviet Union’s nuclear arms program during the Cold War era.

Later, continue your ride through the picturesque village of Plateliai, stopping at one of its typical 100-year-old wooden houses with a traditional Samogitian sloped roof.

Pause with your travel mates for lunch at a manor farm—a delicious and educational experience. In the heart of Žemaitija, you’ll learn about Lithuanian cuisine, folklore, and history from your hosts. With this flavorful and well-rounded meal, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and culinary traditions of the region.

Afterward, pedal mostly downhill back to your lakeside resort, where the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. You might take advantage of the spa, or head out onto the lake with one of the resort’s canoes, kayaks, or pedal boats.

This evening, savor an included dinner at the resort.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Loop Ride Around Lake Plateliai — 25 km (15 miles)

What to Expect:

Žemaitija National Park’s bike path around Lake Plateliai is mostly paved, either as a dedicated bike path or bike lane, with the exception of approximately 1.2 miles (2 km) along a main road. Today’s ride is easy, with minimal elevation gain.

Cumulative Distance Range: 25 km (15 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leave Žemaitija National Park behind this morning and travel about an hour toward the Baltic coast. Mount your bike and begin your ride south along a scenic path that traces the shoreline—forest and dunes on one side, open countryside and glimpses of the sea on the other. This stretch of trail leads you into the seaside resort town of Palanga, one of Lithuania’s most beloved summer destinations. With its expansive network of cycling routes, sandy beaches, and coastal pine forests, Palanga offers an ideal blend of natural beauty and seaside charm.

Your route passes through Birutė Park, one of Northern Europe’s most picturesque and best-preserved historic parks. Designed in the late 19th century by Count Feliks Tyszkiewicz, the park surrounds his elegant Neo-Renaissance palace—now home to the Amber Museum of Lithuania. During your included guided tour, learn about the origin, formation, and cultural significance of Baltic amber, long prized as “Lithuanian gold.” Admire intricate carvings, jewelry, and fossils within the museum’s world-class collection, including the famed Sun Stone, one of the largest amber specimens ever discovered.

Afterward, take time to explore Palanga’s lively town center, with its cafés, boutiques, and art galleries lining J. Basanavičiaus Street, the town’s vibrant main promenade. Once a humble fishing village and center for amber gathering, Palanga grew into a fashionable 19th-century health resort and remains a highlight of the Lithuanian coast. Enjoy lunch on your own at one of the many seaside cafés or restaurants.

Later this afternoon, continue by bike and shuttle to the historic port city of Klaipėda, Lithuania’s gateway to the Baltic Sea. Upon arrival, join your Trip Leaders for a short orientation walk through Klaipėda’s Old Town, where cobblestone lanes, half-timbered façades, and restored warehouses reflect the city’s Hanseatic heritage.

Spend the evening settling into your comfortable hotel near the waterfront. During your free time, you might visit the Lithuanian Sea Museum, located in a 19th-century fortress on the Curonian Lagoon, or tour Švyturys Brewery, home to one of Lithuania’s oldest and most celebrated beers. For dinner, choose from the many inviting restaurants and bistros located nearby.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Šventoji to Palanga — 14 km (8 miles)

Afternoon: Palanga to Klaipėda — 25 km (15 miles)

What to Expect:

Begin your ride outside the city to avoid busy streets and sidewalks. The morning route follows a combination of dedicated bike paths and lightly traveled country roads leading into Palanga, with minimal elevation gain. In town, cycle along paved trails through coastal pine forests and Birutė Park. The afternoon ride continues on scenic, flat terrain toward Klaipėda, ending before the city center to minimize exposure to traffic.

Cumulative Distance Range: 14 – 39 km (8 – 23 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, make your way to the port and board a short ferry across the Curonian Lagoon to Curonian Spit National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today’s memorable ride follows a scenic, designated bike path that runs parallel to the Baltic Sea.

Stretching for nearly 60 miles between Lithuania and Russia’s Kaliningrad region, the Curonian Spit is a slender ribbon of sand separating the open sea from the tranquil lagoon. Its shifting dunes, windswept pines, and timeless fishing villages make it one of Europe’s most captivating coastal landscapes. As you pedal through this pristine environment, enjoy the cool sea breeze and the scent of pine drifting in from the surrounding forest.

Cycle through the Nagliai Nature Reserve, famed for its dramatic Grey Dunes—towering ridges of sand that rise nearly 200 feet above sea level. Though often called the “Dead Dunes,” they are alive with hardy vegetation and remarkable biodiversity. Beneath them lie the remains of several ancient villages slowly swallowed by drifting sand over the centuries, lending the area an almost mythical quality.

According to legend, the spit itself was formed by Neringa, a giant sea goddess who scooped sand from the sea to protect local fishermen from violent storms. Her spirit still seems to linger in the stillness of the dunes and the rhythm of the waves, giving this landscape a sense of both majesty and mystery.

As you continue south, pass through peaceful fishing settlements where colorful wooden cottages line quiet lanes. Your destination is Nida, the most renowned village on the spit—a beloved summer retreat celebrated for its art, culture, and natural beauty. Enjoy lunch on your own at one of Nida’s cozy cafés, many featuring fresh seafood and regional specialties.

Later, meet a local amber craftsman and observe as he transforms raw Baltic amber into exquisite jewelry. Learn about the stone’s origins, its significance to Lithuanian heritage, and the traditional techniques still used to shape and polish this “Baltic gold.”

This afternoon, return to Klaipėda in style. Step aboard a private speedboat for a spectacular 90-minute cruise across the Curonian Lagoon, tracing the length of the spit you cycled earlier. Along the way, admire sweeping dunes, quaint fishing villages, and the ever-changing light over the water. These serene waters lie along one of Europe’s major migratory bird routes, and flocks of seabirds often accompany your journey.

This evening, gather with your Trip Leaders and fellow travelers for a festive farewell dinner, celebrating your remarkable Baltic adventure and the friendships forged along the way.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Klaipėda to Juodkrantė — 25 km (16 miles) | Juodkrantė to Nida — 33 km (20 miles)

What to Expect:

Enjoy an easy, scenic ride with minimal elevation gain. Choose your preferred distance—ride as far as Juodkrantė or continue all the way to Nida. Begin by cycling to the port for the short ferry crossing to the Curonian Spit. Once there, follow a smooth asphalt path through pine forests and dunes, with sections near the beach offering refreshing sea views. The route winds gently along the coast before joining local roads that lead into Nida.

Cumulative Distance Range: 25 – 58 km (16 – 36 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, depart Klaipėda for a comfortable four-hour drive to Vilnius, Lithuania’s captivating capital. Settle in and enjoy the passing scenery—broad stretches of pine forest, open fields, and glimpses of small towns along the way. A short rest stop is planned en route.

The tour officially concludes at approximately 12:30 p.m. upon arrival at our post-tour hotel, Hotel PACAI in Vilnius, Lithuania.

For the August 24, 2026 and August 31, 2026 departures, the post-tour hotel will instead be the Grand Hotel Vilnius.

Included Meals: Breakfast