DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN RIGA

Arrival in Riga. Optional private transfer from the airport to the hotel. Check in to the hotel.

Overnight: Riga

DAY 2: DISCOVER RIGA

Founded in 1201 by German bishop Albert, Riga is the largest of the three Baltic capitals. Riga is famous for its sophisticated Art Nouveau architecture – about 40% of the city center consists of Art Nouveau buildings, more than in any other city in the world. Walk around the city center and explore the most famous Art Nouveau buildings on Alberta Street and Elizabetes Street, as well as visit the Riga Art Nouveau Center. This lovely museum creates an atmosphere of the era and educates about Art Nouveau. Later, discover the jewels of the lovely Old Town: House of the Blackheads, City Hall Square, Riga Cathedral, St. Pether’s Church, Riga Castle, the oldest dwellings in the city – Three Brothers, and others. Let your intuition guide you through the cobblestone streets of Riga Old Town.

When you feel hungry, dive into the rich and colorful aisles of the Riga Central Market, one of the largest covered markets in Europe. Riga Central Market was opened in 1930, and it consists of five former Zeppelin airship hangars. Riga Central Market is a perfect place for tasting local products, such as smoked meat and fish, pickled vegetables, rye bread, Latvian craft beer, various dairy products, and seasonal treats.

Overnight: Riga

DAY 3: RIGA – SIGULDA

This day brings you to the Gauja National Park, the largest and oldest national park in Latvia. Sigulda is one of the most popular places in the Gauja National Park where you can enjoy truly scenic views of the Gauja River valley and countless hiking trails that go up and down along the river. In order to see the most beautiful landscapes of Sigulda, make sure to visit Emperor’s View and Paradise Hill, or enjoy a fun ride in the cable car that brings you across the river valley. We suggest choosing one of the hiking trails or even combining several of them and going for a day hike, so you can experience the best of what the Gauja National Park offers.

If you are interested in medieval architecture and history, pay a visit to Sigulda Medieval Castle or Turaida Museum Reserve. If you prefer 19th and 20th-century history, national romanticism interiors, and art exhibitions, leave some time for exploring Sigulda New Castle. Don’t forget to climb the tower as it offers a magnificent view of the Gauja River valley and both of the other castles.

Overnight: Sigulda

DAY 4: SIGULDA – LIGATNE – CESIS

Keep exploring the Gauja National Park by driving to the nearby historical paper mill village Ligatne which still allows to experience the 19th century vibe. Once, Ligatne paper mill produced such high-quality paper that it was used for the most important documents of the Russian Empire. Today, Ligatne is a peaceful and calm village, perfect for nature and history lovers. Walk around the historical village, explore its sandstone caves, used as cellars for storing different food products, or stop by the local winery to buy some fruit wine. If you are looking for a wild hiking adventure, follow the Ligatne River until it flows into the Gauja River.

Later drive to Cesis, a medieval gemstone of Latvia. Go for a romantic walk around its charming Old Town and visit Cesis Medieval Castle, the best preserved medieval castle in Latvia that invites you to explore medieval history walking around the castle ruins in candlelight. If you feel like diving even deeper into the history, visit Cesis New Castle too. If not for the history, then at least for the wonderful panorama from its tower. If you still feel full of energy, go and visit the natural wonders of Cesis – Cirulisi Nature Trails, Red Cliffs, or Eagle Cliffs.

Overnight: Cesis

DAY 5: CESIS – RUNDALE – KULDIGA

In the morning say goodbye to the Gauja National Park and drive to the magnificent Rundale Palace, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. The palace surprises its visitors with impressive baroque architecture, wonderful interiors, and breathtaking paintings on the ceilings. After visiting the palace, stroll around its wonderful gardens. In Rundale, you will feel like visiting a smaller-scale Versailles.

Later drive to Kuldiga, one of the most romantic and charming towns in Latvia which is often compared to Venice. Kuldiga is a very popular weekend getaway destination thanks to its lovely blend of cobblestone streets, historical 16th to 18th-century architecture, small canal meandering through the town, and the widest waterfall in Europe – Ventas Rumba. Discover Kuldiga at a slow pace – wander around the Old Town, enjoy some good food and drinks, and look inside art galleries, designer stores, and museums.

Overnight: Kuldiga

DAY 6: KULDIGA – JURKALNE – VENTSPILS

This day brings you to the western coast of Latvia, offering you beautiful and picturesque views, as well as wild beaches untouched by civilization. First, make a stop at Jurkalne, a small village that is known for the Jurkalne Seashore Bluff and one of the few Catholic churches in the Kurzeme region. Peek inside the church, because something unexpected awaits you there – a model of a ship hanging from the ceiling. Jurkalne is also a perfect place for enjoying a calm and peaceful time at a wild beach – go for a leisurely walk along the seaside, and listen to the waves and seagulls.

Later drive to Ventspils, a colorful and lively port city. Ventspils offers a wide range of exciting activities for everyone. One of the most scenic views can be found on the Ostas Street Promenade that stretches along the Venta River – big and small ships waiting for their next trip, old warehouses, an impressive collection of buoys that always surprise with their huge size, and some of the cow sculptures, an iconic symbol of Ventspils. If you are interested in history, go to Livonian Order Castle, the oldest medieval fortress in Latvia. In order to explore the traditional lifestyle in the region, visit the Seaside Open-Air Museum. In the evening, go for a peaceful walk on the Southern Breakwater or enjoy a sunset from the beach.

Overnight: Ventspils

DAY 7: VENTSPILS – KOLKA – KEMERI – JURMALA – RIGA

Continue driving along the Baltic Sea. On your way, discover the Slitere National Park and stop by tiny Liv fishermen villages such as Mazirbe, Kosrags, and Kolka. Walk around the villages and explore the fishermen’s lifestyle, try out some smoked fish or local dishes. When you reach Kolka, go for a short walk to visit Cape Kolka, a windy place on the beach where the water of the Gulf of Riga meets the waves of the open Baltic Sea. Next, continue driving along the coast and stop by such fishermen’s villages as Roja, Kaltene, and Mersrags, offering some open-air art, stony beaches, and a lovely lighthouse.

In the afternoon arrive in the Kemeri National Park. Make a short stop at Kemeri village, a former sulfur water and mud resort. Explore the center of the village: Kemeri water tower, sulfur water spring Kirzacina, Love Island, and Kemeri Hotel. Later head to the Great Kemeri Bog Boardwalk, a must-visit sight in the Kemeri National Park. The bog is a magical place with an inexplicable beauty at any time of the year. Follow the boardwalk and enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the bog – vast landscapes, tiny pine trees, mysterious mist, dark lakes, and the dizzying smell of marsh Labrador tea.

Before returning to Riga, visit Jurmala, a popular seaside resort that is famous for its wonderful wooden architecture from the 20th century and fancy lifestyle.

Overnight: Riga

The price for two people in a double room:

• 3-star hotels: 540.00 EUR per person
• 4-star hotels: 680.00 EUR per person

Single supplement: 230.00 EUR

• Rental car Toyota Auris or similar per program for 5 days
• Rental car delivery on Day 3 and drop off on Day 7 at the hotel
• Accommodation per program
• Well planned itinerary
• Support during the trip
• Roadbook (sightseeing objects, hiking routes, and other recommendations)

• 3h walking tour in Riga, Cesis, Kuldiga, or Ventspils: price for each tour is 120.00 EUR
• 5h hiking tour in Sigulda or Cesis: price for each tour is 250.00 EUR
• 4 h Bog Shoeing tour in Kemeri National Park per person is 90.00 EUR
• 5h Kayaking on Gauja River per person is 90.00 EUR
• 3 h Bicycle tour in Jurmala per person is 70.00 EUR
• Ride with a summer bob in Sigulda per person is 40.00 EUR
• 3h Sklandrausi traditional cooking class: price per person is 70.00 EUR
• Private transfer from/to the airport: 55 EUR for private car (1 – 3 persons)

Read our Terms & Conditions thoroughly and carefully before booking