Route four – Talinn to St Petersburg

Starting from Tallinn

The challenge begins in the capital of Estonia and home to a stunning medieval Old Town on the World Heritage list.

From here we head east along the north east coast of Estonia through the largest national park in the country, where we will see the unspoiled coastal scenery of rural Estonia at its best.

About your destination: St Petersburg

As we cross the border into Russia we continue to follow the coastline. We will finish this challenge in St Petersburg, which has been called the Venice of the North due to its palace lined waterways.

It is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in Europe.

Day by day

Day 1 - London to Tallinn

Fly London to Tallinn.

1. Upon arrival in Tallinn we transfer to our hotel.
2. The afternoon will be spent bike fitting and, if time permits, on an optional tour of the town.
3. We stay overnight.

Day 2 - Tallinn to Kasmu to Rakvere

90km approx

1. We begin by cycling along the National Bike Road on Estonia's northern coastline, visiting the Lahemaa National Park (the Land of the Bays) en route.
2. The park covers a long stretch of coast with several peninsulas and bays. Natural attractions include forests, lakes, rivers and bogs, along with many sites of historical and archaeological interest.
3. Tonight we overnight in Rakvere.

Day 3 - Rakvere to Kohtla-jarve to Narva

118km approx

1. We start today along a bike road parallel to the coast, but later on some of our cycling is on gravel roads as we pass through some amazing places.
2. After a short section on the main road we arrive at Narva, a town on the border with Russia.
3. Here we stay overnight.

Day 4 - Cycling Narva to Koskolovo

80km approx

1. From Narva, we enter Russia and head towards St. Petersburg, staying close to the sea.
2. This stretch of the road is quite well laid out for bikes and along the way we will see orthodox churches and remnants of the Russian empire.
3. We then cycle along the Luga River and Delta to Kurgolovo.
4. After this it's on to the other side of the peninsula to Koskolovo for our overnight stop.

Day 5 - Cycling Koskolovo to Sosnovy Bor

80km approx

1. We have a beautiful day's cycling along the coast where, in some parts, we will be surrounded by dunes.
2. The highest dunes are a strip over 30 metres high and 100 metres wide at the shores of the Gulf of Finland, which they separate Batareynaya Bay from the Goravaldayskoye Lake.
3. We cycle through Koporye, a historic village which is home to some of the most impressive medieval ruins in Russia, including a wooden fortress built by the Teutonic Knights in 1240.
4. We stay overnight in the coastal town of Sosnovyj Bor.

Day 6 - Sosnovy Bor to St. Petersburg

90km approx

1. The final day of the challenge sees us follow the Baltic coastline all the way into St Petersburg, the wonderful city of Peter the Great.
2. As we get closer to St Petersburg the surroundings become more built up before we finish our finish in the city centre.

Day 7 - St Petersburg

1. A free day to enjoy St Petersburg or take part in an optional tour.
2. This is a remarkable city that has seen many tumultuous events, not least two revolutions in 1917.
3. Tonight we have a special meal together to celebrate our achievements.

Day 8 - St Petersburg to London

Return flight to London.