Route two – Vilnius to Riga

Starting from Vilnius

We begin the challenge in Lithuania's graceful and enchanting capital city of Vilnius, winding through the famous lakes and beautiful countryside until we reach Riga on the Baltic coastline.

Lithuania and Latvia are two small but remarkable countries, having shed their Soviet shackles to achieve full independence.

The towns and cities we ride through along the way are home to cobbled streets and beautiful painted houses, making for a stunning bike ride through a little discovered part of Europe.

About your destination: Riga

Riga is somewhat different to Vilnius as it has always been a big part of the Baltic. As a major costal city it has a strong industrial and business side as well as a beautiful Old Town to discover.

Day by day

Day 1 - London to Vilnius

Fly from London to Vilnius.

1. Upon arrival we then transfer to our hotel.
2. In the afternoon we'll have the bike fitting and, if time permits, an optional tour of the famous Old Town, designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
3. We stay overnight in Vilnius.

Day 2 - Vilnius to Alytus

97km approx

1. We begin our challenge by cycling west towards Trakai, which is famous for its historical National Park.
2. It's a beautiful day's cycling and we will ride along roads with lake views on both sides – partly because there are over 200 in the area.
3. The terrain is mainly flat, with 10km on good off road. We finish in Alytus, the sixth largest city in Lithuania, situated on the bank of the Nemunas River.

Day 3 - Alytus to Kaunas

75km approx

1. After breakfast we leave Alytus and experience the Lithuanian countryside first hand, cycling through agricultural farmland and many small villages.
2. Lithuania is widely known for its lush forests, 4000 lakes and flat, fertile land.
3. We finish today in Kaunas, the second largest city in Lithuania, which boasts a thriving cultural centre and another beautiful Old Town.

Day 4 - Kaunas to Anyksciai

110km approx

1. We leave the city and head back into the picturesque countryside of the Anyksciai district.
2. Archaeological evidence indicates that people lived here as far back as 9000 BC, in a region that features 76 lakes.
3. We overnight in the town of Anyksciai in the north of the country, a small winery town on the edge of the Lithuanian wetlands.

Day 5 - Anyksciai to Birzai

120km approx

1. Today we reach glaciated terrain in the north of Lithuania.
2. It's the longest day of the challenge but a beautiful one, with stunning scenery en route.
3. We finish in Birzai where we overnight.

Day 6 - Birzai to Riga

110km approx

1. It's the last day of cycling as we head into Latvia and on to Riga, our final destination.
2. We'll have a chance to see one of the most famous palaces in northern Europe, built in the 18th century by Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli.
3. Rastrelli's finest work was the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, the scene of many dramatic events and now the world famous Hermitage Museum. Rastrelli's second masterpiece is in Rundale, south of Riga.

Day 7 - Riga

1. We have a free day in magnificent Riga, to explore independently or take part in tour.
2. In the evening we have a special meal together to celebrate our achievements from the week.

Day 8 - Riga to London

Return flight from Riga to London.