Self guided Walking in the Baltics

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.

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 (self transfer): Vilnius train station - Pavilnio st. (7 min).

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 (self transfer): Vilnius train station - Trakai - Vilnius.

On this day you will go to Žemaitija national park which is named as the most mystical national park in Lithuania. The park territory is covered with fir forests which are populated by a huge number of protected plant and animal species; remains of ice-age plants were also found here. Not only the birds inscribed on the Red List of Lithuania breed in the park but also the birds protected in Europe, such as the hazel grouse, corncrake and whooper swan which produce a sound similar to a trumpet. The park’s jewel is the biggest and deepest lake in Žemaitija, surrounded by legends, the Lake Plateliai with its seven islands. In the morning take a train from Vilnius to Plunge from which you will be picked by private car and transferred to Plateliai. In the afternoon take a short leisure walk in the surroundings. Train from Vilnius to Plunge 3,5 h. Walk near lake Plateliai.

Today’s walk along the Sheire nature trail will be a true delight for travelers who appreciate the natural environment and are longing for the peace of the forest. Walking on this trail you will touch untreated nature and see true forest life. Take a breath of fresh air and caress the stems of plants swaying in the wind. You will begin walking along the shore of the lake and later get into the forest where you will be accompanied by solemn trees that stretch as far as 50 meters towards the sky. Further onto the trail you will see how the surrounding nature changes from the forest to the swamped lakes and boggy landscapes. Today we offer an optional walk from Plateliai to the Cold War museum (a Cold War Soviet missile base) which is a must visit while staying in the area. Built in the 1960s in secret from the Lithuanian people, the base had enough firepower to flatten most of Europe, and may have played a role in the Cuban missile crisis. There’s a small exhibition on the history of the Cold War in the Baltic countries, and on the construction and role of the base, as well as some Soviet detritus in the gift shop. Please note that this trail is not circular with the length of 11 km one way. If you do not want to walk the way back, you can take a local taxi (contacts will be provided), or alternatively do this trail by bicycle (rental options available in Plateliai). Walking: 2-3 h, 7-8 km. Optional walk - 11 km one way, 22 km round, 6-7hours.

Today you will go to Latvia and start exploring another Baltic country. In the morning you will be picked by a private transfer and taken to the bus station in Plunge where you will take a bus going to Riga. There is no direct and regular train service between Lithuania and Latvia, so today’s transfer will be by bus. In 3,5 hours you will arrive in Riga where you will have the second half of the day exploring it’s charming Old town. Private transfer: Plateliai-Plungė (30 min) Bus: Plungė-Riga (3,5 h) Private transfer: Riga bus station to hotel. Walking in Riga: 2h, 3-4 km.

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. In the afternoon you will take a local train to Gauja national park (Sigulda or Cesis according to availability). Walking: 2-3 h, 5-7 km Private transfer from Hotel to Riga train station. Train: Riga-Sigulda (1h 15 min). Private transfer from Sigulda train station to hotel.

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 the river Gauja valley. Walking: 6-7 h, 12-14 km.

Sigulda is a place where nature lies in close interaction with what has been created by men. Only 2-3 km off the central square of the railway station, there is the deep ravine of the River Vejupite and old valley of the River Gauja, where there are interesting natural objects and relatively unchanged nature. Suitable for those not afraid of climbing up and down the steep slopes of the ravine. A hike is not the easiest one, but definitely worth climbing uphill-downhill for a picturesque view. Walking: 6-7 hours, 12-14 km

Today you will leave Latvia behind and continue to explore the tiniest of the Baltics - Estonia - a wildly beautiful land of pristine forests, biodiverse wetlands and remote offshore islands. Your trip will start in the late morning by a train ride to Valga - a small town on Estonian border (2 hours by train) where you will change trains and continue your trip to Tallinn, Estonia’s capital (3,5 hours train ride). Evening is free at your leisure. Private transfer from Sigulda to Train station. Train: Sigulda-Valga (2 hours), Valga-Tallinn (3,5 hours). Private transfer from Tallinn train station to Hotel.