Route three – Riga to Talinn

Starting from Riga

Situated on the edge of the Baltic Sea, Estonia and Latvia have only recently become countries we hear more about, having shed their Soviet heritage to become very much independent.

The cities and towns are home to cobbled streets, beautiful painted houses and many medieval quarters, making for a stunning bike ride through a largely undiscovered part of Europe.

About your destination: Tallinn

The challenge finishes in Tallinn, a city which has retained much of its medieval history.

Day 1 - London to Riga

Fly from London to Riga.

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

Day 2 - Riga to Cesis

120km approx

1. The challenge begins with some beautiful scenery as we cycle past glacial hillocks and ponds.
2. We are travelling through Sigulda, the most popular resort in the country, known locally as the Switzerland of Latvia.
3. From here we continue through the Gauja National Park to Cesis, one of the Latvia's prettiest and oldest Hanseatic towns, famous for its 13th century castle of the Order of Knights.

Day 3 - Cesis to Valka (Latvia) / Valga (Estonia)

100km approx

1. This morning we get back on our bikes for the last day in Latvia.
2. Heading north, we travel through forests and meadows and past sandstone cliffs and caves in the ancient valley of the Gauja River.
3. We finish today in the unique twin town of Valka and Valga. The town is divided between Latvia and Estonia and is known as a different name by each country.

Day 4 - Valka (Latvia) / Valga (Estonia) to Parnu

120km approx

1. We leave Valka and cycle west to the Gulf of Riga, through the town of Staicele, on picturesque roads along the Salaca River.
2. We reach Ainazi and cross the border into Estonia, continuing to cycle through fishing villages along the Baltic Coast.
3. We spend the night in Parnu, the summer capital and most popular resort in Estonia.

Day 5 - Parnu to Haapsalu

110km approx

1. We continue in a westerly direction today and cycle along the Matsalu Nature Reserve, a wetland and major water bird habitat.
2. This region of Estonia is considered one of the most intriguing, with coastal vistas, national parks and the islands of Hiiumaa and Saarmaa.
3. We stay overnight in Haapsalu, a town on the peninsula in Haapsalu Bay.

Day 6 - Haapsalu to Tallinn

129km approx

1. The final day of the challenge sees us cycle to Tallinn.
2. The highlight of the day is a visit to Keila-Joa, a small village on the high coastal cliffs of Estonia where we have time to explore the beautiful cascading waterfall.
3. The it's back on the bikes for the final stretch to Tallinn.

Day 7 - Tallinn

1. We have a free day in Tallinn to explore this medieval city either independently or as part of a tour.
2. Tonight there is a special meal to celebrate the achievements of the week.

Day 8 - Tallin to London

Return flight Tallinn to London.