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 Riga’s elegant Art Nouveau district. Housed in a historic building that once served as the U.S. Embassy, it 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, a full-service spa, and exceptional hospitality. Its on-site restaurant, John, holds Michelin recognition and presents a refined menu that highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Perfectly located in Riga’s elegant Art Nouveau district, just steps from Viesturdārzs Park and a short walk from the historic center, A22 Hotel is ideally situated 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—or consider a reservation at John if you’re staying in.

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 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 two-and-a-half-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

This morning, you leave Žemaitija National Park behind and shuttle about an hour toward the coast. Mount your bike and cycle south along a scenic bike path with the Baltic Sea on one side and open countryside on the other—a beautiful stretch of trail leading to the seaside resort town of Palanga. With its extensive network of cycling routes, Palanga is a haven for cyclists. Along the way, you’ll pass through Birutė Park, one of the most picturesque and best-preserved parks in Northern Europe. The park was envisioned by Count Feliks Tyszkiewicz, who also built his palace here in 1897.

Today, the Count’s palace houses Lithuania’s Amber Museum. During an included guided tour, you’ll learn about the formation and extraction of amber and its cultural significance. The museum features one of the world’s largest collections of rare amber pieces, including the famous Sun Stone, which weighs 6.6 pounds and ranks among the largest ever discovered.

Afterward, explore Palanga, Lithuania’s premier summer resort town. With its sandy beaches, pine forests, and lively atmosphere, it’s a beloved destination for both locals and visitors. Once a fishing village and a source of amber, Palanga became a health resort in the 19th century and is now a vibrant cultural hub. Stroll down J. Basanavičiaus Street, lined with international cafés and shops, and enjoy lunch on your own.

Later this afternoon, continue to the seaside city of Klaipėda. Upon arrival, your trip leaders will guide you on a short walking tour of Klaipėda’s medieval Old Town, a charming area of cobbled streets, half-timbered buildings, and German-style architecture.

You’ll be staying tonight and tomorrow night at the Victoria Hotel Klaipėda, a comfortable and modern hotel ideally located near the waterfront. As a VBT guest, you’ll have access to the hotel’s wellness spa, offering a relaxing retreat after a day of riding.

During your free time in Klaipėda, you might choose to visit the Lithuanian Sea Museum, located in Fort Wilhelm, a 19th-century defensive fortress that now houses exhibits on maritime history, marine biology, and seafaring traditions. Or stop by the 235-year-old Švyturys Brewery, home to one of Lithuania’s most beloved beers, for a taste of local brewing culture.

This evening, enjoy dinner on your own at one of Klaipėda’s many restaurants located near your hotel.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Šventoji to Palanga — 25 km (15 miles)

Afternoon: Palanga to Klaipėda — 14 km (8 miles)

What to Expect:

Start your ride by heading out of the city to avoid cycling on sidewalks and busy streets. The bike route to Palanga follows designated bike paths and country roads with some traffic. In Palanga, you’ll ride primarily on paved bike paths that wind through coastal pine forests and Birutė Park. The afternoon ride ends before reaching the city center of Klaipėda to avoid urban traffic and sidewalks. Today’s ride includes very little elevation gain.

Cumulative Distance Range: 25 – 39 km (15 – 23 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, make your way to the city’s port and board a ferry for a 10-minute cruise to Curonian Spit National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today’s ride follows a scenic, designated bike path just a short distance from the Baltic shore.

An easy asphalt bike path spans the entire Curonian Spit, a narrow strip of land that separates the Baltic Sea from the Curonian Lagoon. Interestingly, the southern half of the spit belongs to Russia’s Kaliningrad Oblast, a small exclave just south of Lithuania. Along the way, you’ll cycle through the Nagliai Nature Reserve, renowned for its Grey Dunes. These so-called “Dead Dunes” are anything but lifeless—they are the highest drifting sand dunes in Europe, some rising nearly 200 feet. Marvel at their sweeping forms as you ride among rare plants and pass the ghost sites of four ancient villages buried long ago by sand.

As you ride, you are following in the footsteps of Neringa, the mythical sea goddess and protector of fishermen, said to have formed the Curonian Spit itself by scooping sand from the sea to shield her people from destructive storms. This legend lives on in the spirit of the land, infusing your journey with a sense of Baltic lore and mystery.

The fresh scent of coastal pine forests accompanies you as you pedal into several charming fishing villages. Your destination is Nida, the spit’s most well-known enclave. Pause here for lunch on your own and enjoy the flavors of the Baltic Sea in one of the local cafés.

Afterward, meet a local craftsman and watch as he skillfully transforms Baltic amber—the fossilized resin for which Lithuania is famous—into elegant jewelry. You’ll learn about traditional techniques and admire this warm-toned gemstone, shaped by nature, polished by hand, and among the most prized in the world.

Then, make your way to a nearby pier and begin your exciting return to Klaipėda. Your captain welcomes you aboard his speedboat for a 90-minute cruise across the Curonian Lagoon. As you trace the length of the spit you just cycled, enjoy stunning views of soaring sand dunes, vibrant fishing villages, and flocks of seabirds in flight. These peaceful waters lie along a critical migratory route for millions of birds each year, adding to the area’s environmental and cultural importance.

This evening, gather with your fellow travelers and trip leaders for a joyous reception and farewell dinner in your hotel’s elegant dining room—the oldest restaurant in Klaipėda, where you’ll enjoy warm hospitality and a delicious end to your Baltic journey.

Today's Ride Choices

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

What to Expect:

Today’s ride is an easy one with minimal elevation gain. You can choose from varying distances—either to the fishing village of Juodkrantė or all the way to Nida. From your hotel, cycle to the port and board the ferry across the Curonian Lagoon. Once on the Curonian Spit, follow a designated bike path through the pine forests of Curonian Spit National Park. The smooth asphalt path winds through the forest near the beach before reconnecting with local roads that lead you into the village of Nida.

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

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, you’ll depart Klaipėda for a scenic four-hour shuttle ride to Vilnius, with a rest break along the way. Upon arrival in Lithuania’s charming capital, you’ll store your luggage at the hotel before setting out on a guided walking tour of Vilnius’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. As you explore its cobblestone streets, your local guide will highlight iconic landmarks such as Cathedral Square, the Presidential Palace, Castle Street, and the creative district of Užupis. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Vilnius at your own pace.

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 welcomed a young John F. Kennedy in 1939 during his European travels. Today, the hotel offers a thoughtfully curated blend of heritage and modern comfort, with spacious rooms, refined interiors, and a full-service spa. 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 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 two-and-a-half-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

This morning, you leave Žemaitija National Park behind and shuttle about an hour toward the coast. Mount your bike and cycle south along a scenic bike path with the Baltic Sea on one side and open countryside on the other—a beautiful stretch of trail leading to the seaside resort town of Palanga. With its extensive network of cycling routes, Palanga is a haven for cyclists. Along the way, you’ll pass through Birutė Park, one of the most picturesque and best-preserved parks in Northern Europe. The park was envisioned by Count Feliks Tyszkiewicz, who also built his palace here in 1897.

Today, the Count’s palace houses Lithuania’s Amber Museum. During an included guided tour, you’ll learn about the formation and extraction of amber and its cultural significance. The museum features one of the world’s largest collections of rare amber pieces, including the famous Sun Stone, which weighs 6.6 pounds and ranks among the largest ever discovered.

Afterward, explore Palanga, Lithuania’s premier summer resort town. With its sandy beaches, pine forests, and lively atmosphere, it’s a beloved destination for both locals and visitors. Once a fishing village and a source of amber, Palanga became a health resort in the 19th century and is now a vibrant cultural hub. Stroll down J. Basanavičiaus Street, lined with international cafés and shops, and enjoy lunch on your own.

Later this afternoon, continue to the seaside city of Klaipėda. Upon arrival, your trip leaders will guide you on a short walking tour of Klaipėda’s medieval Old Town, a charming area of cobbled streets, half-timbered buildings, and German-style architecture.

You’ll be staying tonight and tomorrow night at the Victoria Hotel Klaipėda, a comfortable and modern hotel ideally located near the waterfront. As a VBT guest, you’ll have access to the hotel’s wellness spa, offering a relaxing retreat after a day of riding.

During your free time in Klaipėda, you might choose to visit the Lithuanian Sea Museum, located in Fort Wilhelm, a 19th-century defensive fortress that now houses exhibits on maritime history, marine biology, and seafaring traditions. Or stop by the 235-year-old Švyturys Brewery, home to one of Lithuania’s most beloved beers, for a taste of local brewing culture.

This evening, enjoy dinner on your own at one of Klaipėda’s many restaurants located near your hotel.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Šventoji to Palanga — 25 km (15 miles)

Afternoon: Palanga to Klaipėda — 14 km (8 miles)

What to Expect:

Start your ride by heading out of the city to avoid cycling on sidewalks and busy streets. The bike route to Palanga follows designated bike paths and country roads with some traffic. In Palanga, you’ll ride primarily on paved bike paths that wind through coastal pine forests and Birutė Park. The afternoon ride ends before reaching the city center of Klaipėda to avoid urban traffic and sidewalks. Today’s ride includes very little elevation gain.

Cumulative Distance Range: 25 – 39 km (15 – 23 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, make your way to the city’s port and board a ferry for a 10-minute cruise to Curonian Spit National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today’s ride follows a scenic, designated bike path just a short distance from the Baltic shore.

An easy asphalt bike path spans the entire Curonian Spit, a narrow strip of land that separates the Baltic Sea from the Curonian Lagoon. Interestingly, the southern half of the spit belongs to Russia’s Kaliningrad Oblast, a small exclave just south of Lithuania. Along the way, you’ll cycle through the Nagliai Nature Reserve, renowned for its Grey Dunes. These so-called “Dead Dunes” are anything but lifeless—they are the highest drifting sand dunes in Europe, some rising nearly 200 feet. Marvel at their sweeping forms as you ride among rare plants and pass the ghost sites of four ancient villages buried long ago by sand.

As you ride, you are following in the footsteps of Neringa, the mythical sea goddess and protector of fishermen, said to have formed the Curonian Spit itself by scooping sand from the sea to shield her people from destructive storms. This legend lives on in the spirit of the land, infusing your journey with a sense of Baltic lore and mystery.

The fresh scent of coastal pine forests accompanies you as you pedal into several charming fishing villages. Your destination is Nida, the spit’s most well-known enclave. Pause here for lunch on your own and enjoy the flavors of the Baltic Sea in one of the local cafés.

Afterward, meet a local craftsman and watch as he skillfully transforms Baltic amber—the fossilized resin for which Lithuania is famous—into elegant jewelry. You’ll learn about traditional techniques and admire this warm-toned gemstone, shaped by nature, polished by hand, and among the most prized in the world.

Then, make your way to a nearby pier and begin your exciting return to Klaipėda. Your captain welcomes you aboard his speedboat for a 90-minute cruise across the Curonian Lagoon. As you trace the length of the spit you just cycled, enjoy stunning views of soaring sand dunes, vibrant fishing villages, and flocks of seabirds in flight. These peaceful waters lie along a critical migratory route for millions of birds each year, adding to the area’s environmental and cultural importance.

This evening, gather with your fellow travelers and trip leaders for a joyous reception and farewell dinner in your hotel’s elegant dining room—the oldest restaurant in Klaipėda, where you’ll enjoy warm hospitality and a delicious end to your Baltic journey.

Today's Ride Choices

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

What to Expect:

Today’s ride is an easy one with minimal elevation gain. You can choose from varying distances—either to the fishing village of Juodkrantė or all the way to Nida. From your hotel, cycle to the port and board the ferry across the Curonian Lagoon. Once on the Curonian Spit, follow a designated bike path through the pine forests of Curonian Spit National Park. The smooth asphalt path winds through the forest near the beach before reconnecting with local roads that lead you into the village of Nida.

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

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, you’ll depart Klaipėda for a scenic four-hour shuttle ride to Vilnius, stopping along the way for a rest break. Your tour ends upon arrival at our Post-Tour hotel in Lithuania’s charming capital.

Included Meals: Breakfast