Route one – Warsaw to Vilnius

Starting out

The route will start just outside Warsaw, the birth place of Marie Curie.

From here we will head North West for an exciting bike ride through the Polish countryside, before crossing the border into Lithuania.

About your destination: Vilnius

The Lithuanian capital Vilnius is often thought of as a baroque city.

The towering spires of churches dominate the skyline, while high walled monasteries, secret courtyards and narrow lanes intensify the historic atmosphere.

The architecture in the Old Town is unique, building having taken place here over a number of centuries resulting in a classic mishmash of styles. See for yourself why UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage site.

Day by day

Day 1 - London to Warsaw

Fly from London to Warsaw.

1. Your bike will be fitted and there will be time to explore.
2. In the evening we'll hear more about the challenge ahead before spending the night at a hotel in the city.

Day 2 - Warsaw to Pultusk

79km approx
Leave Warsaw to start the challenge.

1. After 40km we will cycle along the Zeranski Canal to Praga Polnoc and cross the River Narew.
2. We reach the town of Pultusk, one of the oldest towns of the Mazovia region, staying overnight in a castle.

Day 3 - Pultusk to Niedzica

103km approx

1. The terrain today is fairly flat as we cycle through more of the Polish countryside, heading north.
2. We finish the ride in Niedzica where we'll spend the night in a 14th century Teutonic castle, once the seat of the Teutonic Governors.

Day 4 - Niedzica to Pisz

114km approx

1. We continue cycling west, surrounded by wild meadows and forest land through the Warmia and Masuria regions.
2. The cycling today is all on road except for about 10km over gravel.
3. This area of Poland is often referred to as the "the green lungs". It is one of the last open spaces in Europe where pollution is very low and the landscape is stunning.
4. Here we overnight at the Nad Pisa hotel located on the River Pisa.

Day 5 - Pisz to Augustow

108km approx

1. From Pisz we cycle through northern Poland.
2. The area is a historical region often referred to as the "land of a thousand lakes" though the actual number of lakes is about four thousand. As you would expect the scenery is beautiful.
3. After lunch the ride continues, cycling past small villages and farms and, of course, more lakes.
4. We finish today in Augustow, a small but sprawling town located on the banks of the Netta River.

Day 6 - Augustow to Alytus

110km approx

1. Today we cross the border in Lithuania.
2. We finish cycling in Alytus, the sixth largest city in Lithuania situated on the bank of the Nemunas River.

Day 7 - Alytus to Vilnius

107km approx

1. We start our final day with a 10km off road cycle, but then we rejoin the road and continue our journey over fairly flat terrain.
2. We enjoy the Lithuanian countryside but as we reach Vilnius we will encounter more traffic.
3. We cycle into Vilnius and stay overnight for some well earned rest.

Day 8 - Vilnius

1. We enjoy a free day exploring Vilnius, with the option of a guided tour
2. We mark the end of the stage with a celebration meal.

Day 9

Return flight to the UK.