We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
Short rides, up to about 4 hours (or 45 kilometres) per day, mainly on flat or gently undulating terrain. You don’t have to be a regular cyclist but you should be reasonably fit and active. Easy grade trips are ideal if you simply want to explore a region by bike at a relaxed pace.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Estonia |
Latvia |
Lithuania |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£1.00 |
£1.00 |
£1.00 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£0.50 |
£0.50 |
£0.50 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£0.50 |
£0.50 |
£0.50 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£2.20 |
£2.20 |
£2.20 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£10.00 |
£10.00 |
£10.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£15.00 |
£15.00 |
£15.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
£13.00 |
£13.00 |
£13.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
|
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
Estonia: Entry visas NOT required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA or CAN citizens.
Latvia: Entry visas NOT required by UK, USA, AUS, NZ or CAN citizens.
Lithuania: Entry visas NOT required by UK, AUS, NZ, CAN and USA citizens.
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Visa regulations in the Baltics are often subject to frequent change so check before you go.
Other nationalities should consult their travel agent or consular office. During this tour we enter Estonia and Latvia twice and Lithuania once, so please ensure your visas are valid for the required number of entries.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus and hepatitis A. Tick-borne encephalitis is recommended by some medical sources if travelling in certain areas of Eastern Europe, at specific times of the year. Check latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Additional Information for your Cycling Tour
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Cycling Safety
Our bikes are serviced frequently: spokes, tyres, gear and brake mechanisms are checked over and tested thoroughly by experienced mechanics before each tour begins.
We strongly recommend that you wear a helmet whilst cycling. We do not provide helmets locally; by bringing your own you can ensure a good fit and that it hasn’t been damaged.
Your tour leader will give a full safety briefing at the start of the tour, along with instructions on how to deal with any minor mechanical problems you may have along the way. Puncture repair kits will be provided locally, when and where necessary during the trip.
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Bike details
Bike hire is included on all Explore cycling trips: you don’t need to bring your own or pay extra to hire one locally. We also provide a support vehicle, spare parts and take care of day to day bike maintenance. All you need bring is your own helmet. If you prefer to use your own saddle or pedals please bring them too, as they can be fitted to your bike for the duration of the tour.
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| Bike Details |
Equipment Provided |
| Bike type: |
Hybrid |
| Bike model: |
Kalkhoff Jubilee 7G |
| Number of gears: |
7 |
| Brakes: |
V-Brake and back pedal |
| Suspension: |
Front |
| Frame range: |
Male - S, M, L, XL
Female - SS, S, M, L
|
| Panniers/bike bag type provided: |
Rear pannier or handle bar bag (10 & 15 Euros cost, arrange and pay on tour) |
| Water bottle holder provided: |
Yes on male bike, No on female bike |
| Water bottle provided: |
No |
| Adjustable handlebars: |
Yes |
| Female saddles provided: |
Yes |
| Gel saddles provided: |
No |
| Option to fit own saddle: |
Yes |
| Option to fit own pedals: |
Yes |
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Climate
Summer days in the Baltics are warm though changeable and only light clothing is needed. Temperatures can reach the mid 30’s in the summer (though usually in the mid to high 20’s). At night temperatures can drop, so bring a warmer sweater. Being a maritime climate it can rain at any time of the year so make sure you have a waterproof or umbrella.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
One main piece of baggage and a daysac for personal items. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. Remember that you'll have to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
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Trek Kit Bag
For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Clothing
Lightweight clothes during the day plus some warmer clothes for colder nights. Take a lightweight rain-jacket. Ladies should take a headscarf for entering churches. There are plenty of chances for a swim in the sea, so you may like to bring a swim suit and towel.
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Footwear
Comfortable shoes or sandals for cycling and walking shoes for optional walks.
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Equipment
Insect repellent. A torch is useful in case of powercuts/emergencies. Sunglasses. Eye mask for sleeping during white nights. A water bottle and for additional comfort you may like to bring a gel seat cover if required.
Please note that a rear pannier or handle bar bag can be provided. There is a 10 or 15 Euro cost per pannier respectively. Please arrange this with your tour leader and payment is made on tour.
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Personal First Aid Kit
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Maps & Books
Books: Insight guide ‘Baltic States’.
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Toll Free USA - 1 800 715 1746 
Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
This is the UK and European website
