If you wish to experience the unique culture and nature of Latvia and Lithuania, this is the tour for you. From the cobblestone streets of Riga Old Town to the vibrant bohemian neighborhoods in Vilnius, you’ll travel quite a bit on this journey and make numerous stops along the way. Lace up your hiking boots as you’re about to hike to some of the most spectacular natural sights in these two Baltic states and taste all sorts of local delicacies along the way.
You’ll begin your adventure in Riga Old Town and proceed to explore some of Latvia’s most renowned natural attractions, such as the Kemeri bog and Sigulda. As you cross the border to Lithuania, your first stop will be the legendary Hill of Crosses. While this experience is hard to beat, you’re sure to be fascinated with the lovely Vilnius Old Town, medieval Trakai Castle and the spectacular natural landscapes you’ll encounter. Hiking in Visaginas and an authentic sauna experience will be the perfect way to cap off this 7-day adventure. Your trip will be led by an experienced tour guide who will gladly share stories and introduce you to local flora and fauna during your hikes.
Please note that no meals are included during most days. Please prepare the food you’ll want to bring on the hike yourself.
An experienced local guide will take you for an eventful walk around Riga, the biggest of all the Baltic capitals. Ancient alleyways, St. Peter’s Church, the Freedom Monument, Riga Castle and many more architectural monuments and styles will surprise...)
An experienced local guide will take you for an eventful walk around Riga, the biggest of all the Baltic capitals. Ancient alleyways, St. Peter’s Church, the Freedom Monument, Riga Castle and many more architectural monuments and styles will surprise you during this 2-hour sightseeing tour.
Before the end of the tour, you will stop at Riga Central Market to meet local farmers and experience what true Latvian food tastes like. The handmade cheese, various meats, bread and drinks you’ll get to try are made according to authentic recipes that locals cherish.
Your tour guide will pick you up first thing in the morning and you’ll take a picturesque drive to Kemeri National Park. This natural wonder is home to thousands of migrating birds. Plus, back in the day it prided itself as an established medical tou...)
Your tour guide will pick you up first thing in the morning and you’ll take a picturesque drive to Kemeri National Park. This natural wonder is home to thousands of migrating birds. Plus, back in the day it prided itself as an established medical tourism resort, where people flocked to soak in the sulfuric water. While those days are a thing of the past, people still visit the area for its unique beauty, its groves of small pine trees and its deep pools.
Afterword, you’ll be transported down to the coast, where you’ll hike along the beach. You’ll cover a small stretch of the Baltic Coast Way, which passes by tiny fishermen villages. You’ll even get a chance to stop and try some traditional Latvian smoked fish!
In the morning, you will take a train to Gauja National Park along with your guide. It’s one of the most spectacular natural areas in Latvia. It has a rich biodiversity, unique landscapes, natural springs, as well as cultural and historical monuments...)
In the morning, you will take a train to Gauja National Park along with your guide. It’s one of the most spectacular natural areas in Latvia. It has a rich biodiversity, unique landscapes, natural springs, as well as cultural and historical monuments.
You will hike past medieval castle ruins, massive forests, sandstone outcrops and steep cliffs that present a magnificent view of Gauja River Valley.
Our private transportation will take you from Riga to Vilnius. You’ll make one very significant stop on the way, the Hill of Crosses. The site is on numerous lists of must-see places in the world for a reason. The hillfort is covered with over 100,00...)
Our private transportation will take you from Riga to Vilnius. You’ll make one very significant stop on the way, the Hill of Crosses. The site is on numerous lists of must-see places in the world for a reason. The hillfort is covered with over 100,000 crosses (although it’s practically impossible to keep count!), symbolizing how strong the belief systems of Lithuanian people are. Some are tiny and were left there simply as a gesture, while others stand grand and tall as monuments to people exiled to Siberia. The bottom line is, this is an experience you’ll never forget.
On day five, a local guide will make sure you see the best of Vilnius. Gothic and Baroque churches, Presidential Palace, Vilnius University, the Jewish Quarter and many other architectural masterpieces are included in your sightseeing tour. On top of...)
On day five, a local guide will make sure you see the best of Vilnius. Gothic and Baroque churches, Presidential Palace, Vilnius University, the Jewish Quarter and many other architectural masterpieces are included in your sightseeing tour. On top of that, you’ll pass the Gates of Dawn and the City Gate remains from medieval fortifications. One street, that also turns into an open-air gallery, is so narrow you might feel like you’re in someone’s backyard. And you might see some locals drying their laundry on the balcony!
There is no tour of Vilnius without visiting Uzupis. The unique old town is drenched in bohemian spirit. You’ll find signs of artistic activity on every corner – literally! You’ll also notice that many buildings, statues and outdoor establishments are decorated in funky ways. The district has symbolically declared its independence, but you can get your passport officially stamped if you wish!
The day will end with a beer tasting journey, as two of the biggest beer fanatics in the area will introduce you to some never-before-tasted local craft beers. It’s going to be an experience, that’s for sure!
Day six will begin with a trip from Vilnius to the Varnikai bog, which is where your hike begins. The area is known for its rich biodiversity and massive forests. You’ll even have a chance to see a wild animal, so get excited! A clearly marked trail ...)
Day six will begin with a trip from Vilnius to the Varnikai bog, which is where your hike begins. The area is known for its rich biodiversity and massive forests. You’ll even have a chance to see a wild animal, so get excited! A clearly marked trail will lead you on a journey through the forest. At the end, you’ll get a majestic view of Igelis bog and lakes.
You will proceed hiking over several bridges and past a local village until you arrive at a beautiful resort town with a rich medieval history, Trakai. The town is very tranquil and peaceful, so you will get some well-deserved rest while admiring the views of the medieval Trakai Castle that sits in the middle of Trakai Lake. The town has been home to the Karaim community since the 14th century. Their legendary pastries, kibinai, are a savory delicacy you can get pretty much at any restaurant in Trakai and it’s simply a must-try.
In the evening, you’ll catch a train to Vilnius.
You’ll start the day off early with a train to Visaginas. A local guide will meet you there and take you on yet another beautiful hike through dense forests passing by lakes and swamps. They will introduce you to local flora and fauna (you’ll get to ...)
You’ll start the day off early with a train to Visaginas. A local guide will meet you there and take you on yet another beautiful hike through dense forests passing by lakes and swamps. They will introduce you to local flora and fauna (you’ll get to try what’s edible!) and might even help you to spot a wild animal. As you stop for lunch, your guide will prepare a traditional meal over a campfire and encourage you to participate in the process.
After the remaining short bit of hiking, you will reach a sauna. That means three straight hours of relaxing heat as well as plenty of local herb tea Lithuanians make especially for the sauna.
