Baltic Outdoors

Lithuania, Estonia9 days

About

A healthy and active outdoor trip through Lithuania and Latvia’s natural paradise of deep whispering forests, blue lakes, pine scented woods and exquisite national parks. Choose from nature walks, fishing trips, canoeing, hiking and biking, and bird watching, and combine with some serious sightseeing in bizarre and beautiful Vilnuis, Lithuania’s bewitching ancient capital – its baroque old town has been declared a World Heritage site.

You should experience it because...

Both the Aukstaitija National Park and the Gauja National Park boast a diverse range of flora and fauna. Take a relaxing walk in these Baltic forests and enjoy the flavours of hand-picked berries, mushrooms and nuts whilst listening to beautiful bird song from woodpeckers, blue tits, and corncrakes.

Nature, adventure and fun

View Latvia’s green and luscious Gauja valley from a height of 42m in a cable car that connects both banks of the Gauja river.

See graffiti dating back to the 16thcentury in the Gutmana Cave, Gauja valley, it’s the largest erosion cave in the Baltic.

Go hiking deep into the Latvian and Lithuanian forests and see if you can spot bears, red deer, elks, wild boars, and foxes.

Aukstaitija National Park has 30 rivers, over 100 lakes, large wooded areas, marshes and villages – perfect for exploring on foot or by bike.

Places covered 9 Days

Day 1 Arrive Vilnius, sightseeing and attractions
Day 2 Vilnuis, sightseeing and attractions
Day 3 Aukstaitija National Park, Lithuania
Day 4 Ignalina – a base for exploring into the Aukstaitija National Park
Day 5 Ignalina – canoeing, camping, outdoor adventure
Day 6 Gauja National Park, Latvia – bird watching, castle ruins
Day 7 Gauja National Park, Latvia – Ligatne Trails
Day 8 Gauja National Park, Latvia – Sigulda
Day 9 Depart for onward travel to Riga.

Days Details
1 Arrive Bizarre, beautiful and bewitching, Vilnius is a fascinating mix of Old Town charm, fairy-tale baroque splendour, and an underlying uniqueness that creates it soul. Unesco has declared this, Europe’s largest baroque old town, a World Heritage site. There are more than 1,200 medieval buildings and 48 churches in the city. See some of these in the panoramic sightseeing tour that also takes in the Old Town and Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, Peter and Paul Church, St. Anne’s Church, the Old University and the Gates of Dawn.
2 Vilnius, sightseeing and attractions Trakai Island Castle is the only Eastern European castle that has been built on an island. Surrounded by the waters of Lake Galve this well-preserved 15th century castle held great strategic importance in its time. Vilnius was founded on 48m high Gediminas Hill, topped since the 13th century by Gedimino Tower. Its walls were ruined during the Russian occupation, but it was restored in 1930 to house the Upper Castle Museum. The16thcentury Gate of Dawn marks the southern border of the Old Town and is the only portal of the original 10 built into the town wall that is still intact. West of Vilnuis gatve, rock ‘n’ roll legend Frank Zappa is immortalised in a bronze bust atop a 4.2m high stainless steel pole. The graffiti on the walls surrounding the memorial is interesting too. See Vilnuis and Lithuania from up high on a hot air balloon flight. Hour long flights depart either early in the morning or in the evening. Champagne is thrown in for good measure.
3 Aukstaitija National Park, Lithuania Around 70% of this beautiful national park comprises pine, spruce and deciduous forests, inhabited by elk, deer and wild board. Its deepest lake is Lake Tauragnas (60.5m deep), and at the top of Ice Hill you can see a spectacular panorama of seven lakes unfolding before your eyes. Make a base at Ignalina, on the edge of the national park, and explore to your heart’s content.
4 Ignalina – a base for exploring into the Aukstaitija National Park Set off from Ignalina into the deepest part of the national park for a camping adventure. Combine with mushroom and berry picking, or a relaxing spot of fishing – take your pick from one of the many lakes. The breeze of fresh forest flowers will overwhelm your senses and you may spot a white-tailed or golden eagle along the way. The Trainiskis Wildlife Sanctuary and Azvinciai Forest are home to 150-200 year old pine trees and they can only be visited with park guides. See the 19thcentury watermill at Ginuciai – supposedly haunted by the devil and nearly 200 years old, and the ancient Bee-Keeping Museum at Stripeikai. Take the wooden sculpture trail around Lake Lusiai and learn all about Lithuanian folklore.
5 Ignalina – canoeing, camping, outdoor adventure Staff at the national park’s information centre will help you make plans for boat rentals, as well as canoe and kayak rentals. Paddle out by canoe on to the national park’s beautiful lakes and set up camp on the lakeshore. The lakes are interconnected by long, winding streams and are perfect for canoeing, fishing and sailing. The Ice Hill, also called Ladakalnis Hill, is an easy hike and offers incredible panoramic views over the water lands below. And for bird-lovers, visit the Vente Ornithological reserve that attracts bird-watchers form all over the world to see migratory birds including the rough-legged buzzard, the long-tailed duck, cranes, eagles and sparrow hawks.
6 Gauja National Park, Latvia – bird watching, Ligatne Trails, caves Much of the area around Sigulda falls within the Gauja National Park, Latvia’s first national park. Here you will find a diverse range of flora and fauna, as well as perfect terrain and waterways for forest and river hiking as well as biking trails and fabulous canoeing opportunities. The historic towns of Sigulda and Cesis are main jumping-off points for exploring the park. Ligatne is one of the most beautiful nature corners in the Gauja National Park. Surrounded by 6 hills and sandstone cliffs, its cliffs, rocks, valleys and caves are home to an outstanding variety of bird life including 8 species of bats. Follow the Ligatne Trails to the Gutmana Cave, the largest erosion cave in the Baltic and most famous for its role in the tragic legend of the Rose of Turaida.
7 Gauja National Park, Latvia – castle ruins,Sigulda, Cesis Spend a day delving into the history of the area. Little remains of Sigulda Medieval Castle, built between 1207 and 1226, and yet this knights’ stronghold is evocative of the medieval era. Medieval Cesis Castle features two stout towers, one of which has a viewpoint overlooking Castle Park, which sits along a scenic lake with lily pads. And on the northern side of the valley is ruined Krimulda Castle & Manor, built between 1255 and 1273, and once used as a guesthouse for visiting dignitaries. Sigulda is a haven for activities and adventure. Whiz down the bobsleigh and luge track, take a breathtaking flight in the Aerodium, have fun in the Tarzan Adventure Park – the largest outdoor adventure park in the Baltics, and climb the Tower of Courgae Vells – the highest climbing tower in Eastern Europe.
8 Gauja National Park, Latvia – exploring, canoeing, hiking, biking Spend a day getting active in the park. Explore the Gauja valley along different mountain bike tourist routes taking in nature, history and local culture along the way. Hire a canoe, kayak, raft or boat and head off for some paddling on the most beautiful lake in Latvia. Mighty sandstone cliffs riseabove the river making it even more spectacular as you peacefully paddle along. Footpaths across the valley of the Gauja are more than 50km long. Take a hike and a picnic along one of these trails, pick some berries and mushrooms, and admire the wonderful flora and fauna.
9 Depart for onward travel to Riga

€ 1,800 per person	(Prices are in Euros and exclude international flights)
Price Per Person in Twin Sharing Accomodation
(Prices are in Euros and exclude international flights)
All rates mentioned are an approximate price per person on a twin-sharing basis, and are based on a minimum of 6-9 adults travelling together. Rates are subject to change based on the number of passengers and the time of year. (Flights, visas, travel insurance, lunches & dinners, personal expenses not included. There may be some itinerary activities not included also – please ask). Inclusions : - Traditional ,Boutique or Heritage accommodation where possible or Quality accommodation (on a twin-sharing basis) in centrally located 4*Hotels . -Meals – breakfast in all destinations - Internal Travel as applicable -Guided sightseeing excursions as per the itinerary as applicable -All arrival and departure departure transfers -Entrance and excursion costs as indicated Travel is based on private coaches and is inclusive of Expert Local guides ..Get in Touch to discuss on how we could tailor the trip to suit you .

Low Season
Shoulder Season
High Season

The Best time to visit the Baltics is from May to October during Late spring , Summer and Autumn This is when the flowers are beginning to bloom and you can begin to explore the outdoors and enjoy gloriously sunny days .Most Locals head to the woods or the Lakes to make the most of ideal weather and enjoy barbeques after soaking up the sunshine . Winters can be cold and temperatures as low as -20 degrees in December or January.

CUSTOMIZE ITINERARY INQUIRE NOW

Can’t find the perfect itinerary?

BUILD YOUR OWN CUSTOMIZE EXISTING

Want us to get in touch?

or talk to an expert on +91 9845095098

About Us

Freedom Holidays is passionate about creating inspirational tailor-made travel to Europe and beyond. Our business is your pleasure and our expert and dedicated team is here to listen to your travel needs down to the ‘nth’ degree, leaving you ‘free’ to enjoy your holiday of a lifetime with no gimmicks, no hassle, and no stress. What makes us different? With 14 years experience of providing quality tailor-made customised holidays with an ‘off-the beaten-track’ themed approach, we take you to well-known destinations as well as far flung locations (or a mixture of both), leaving you safe in the knowledge that you will be looked after every step of the way.

Our accreditations