DAY 1 (SUNDAY): ARRIVAL

Arrival at the Riga International Airport. Optional transfer to the hotel. Check in to the hotel. Welcome meeting.

Overnight in Riga, hotel Rija Domus*** or similar.

DAY 2 (MONDAY): ART NOUVEAU PEARLS IN RIGA

Founded in 1201 by German bishop Albert, Riga is the largest of three Baltic capitals. It is known for its outstanding diversity of Art Nouveau buildings that can easily compete with Paris or Barcelona. On our guided walking tour, you will see the most famous pearls of this style. Later you will explore the Old Town, see Riga Castle, as well as Three Brothers, the oldest dwellings in the city. Around lunchtime you will visit the Riga Central Market, one of the largest covered markets in Europe. The market was opened in 1930, and it consists of five former Zeppelin airship hangars. Feel free to wander around the market and taste smoked meat, pickled vegetables, Latvian rye bread, seasonal treats and other local products.

Afternoon is reserved for an optional hiking tour to Kemeri National Park. This hike brings you to Kemeri – a former sulfur water and mud resort town. Once famous, it has fallen from its former glory, only architectural monuments are left to speak of the former splendor of the Kemeri resort. You will go for a 10 km hike around Kemeri historical resort, Black Alder Swamp and the Great Swamp of Kemeri.

Overnight in Riga, hotel Rija Domus*** or similar.

DAY 3 (TUESDAY): HILLY HIKE, CURVES OF THE GAUJA, AND A PAPERMILL VILLAGE

On this day you will go to Sigulda and enjoy a 15 km hike up and down the hills in the Gauja National Park. This hike guarantees one of the most scenic views in Latvia where the valley of the Gauja River curls between hills as far as the eye can see. You will be able to enjoy not only the beauty of nature, but also take a look at the Krimulda Manor and Sigulda Medieval Castle. In the late afternoon you will visit a papermill village Ligatne that still looks almost the same as in the 19th century. During the walking tour around this lovely village, you will learn about the paper industry and life in the papermill village. In the evening you can enjoy an optional Ligatne wine degustation that takes place in the romantic Anfabrika cliff cellar in candlelight.

Overnight in Ligatne, boutique hotel Zeit or similar.

DAY 4 (WEDNESDAY): SANDSTONE CLIFFS AND A LAKE FORTRESS

In the morning you will go for a 10 km hike along the Ligatne River. The surrounding area of Ligatne is rich with sandstone rocks, cliffs and outcrops, they will undoubtedly surprise you with their magnificence and beauty. You will have not only a wild adventure along the Ligatne River, but also walk through the Ligatne Nature Trails. There you will have a chance to see various species of wild mammals living in Latvia. The afternoon is reserved for the Araisi Archaeological Park, a recreated ancient settlement from the 9th-10th centuries located on an island in the middle of a lake. This is a perfect place for trying to sense Latvian pagan roots.  You will finish your day in Cesis.

Overnight in Cesis, the hotel Cesis*** or similar.

DAY 5 (THURSDAY): THE MEDIEVAL GEMSTONE CESIS

Cesis is the third oldest town in Latvia, and is often called a medieval gemstone. It attracts tourists with lovely streets and the beauty of natural treasures in the Gauja National Park. The charming ruins of the Cesis Medieval Castle will invite you to explore the history and feel the medieval spirit in candlelight. Later you will go for a 10 km hike along the ancient Gauja River valley on Cirulisi Nature Trails. You will also visit Rucamavots, a spring with a special growling sound.

Overnight in Cesis, hotel Cesis*** or similar.

DAY 6 (FRIDAY): HIKE ALONG THE GAREZERI LAKES AND THE SEA

The afternoon is reserved for a 14 km hike along the Garezeri Lakes and the Baltic Sea. Garezeri translates as Long Lakes, and on this hike you will understand why. The lakes are surrounded by beautiful pine-tree woods. Second part of the hike stretches along the beach that offers very fine sand and a scenery of natural and unbuilt coastline. Later you will return back to Riga.

Overnight in Riga, hotel Rija Domus*** or similar.

DAY 7 (SATURDAY): DEPARTURE FROM RIGA

Optional transfer to the Riga International Airport.

• Riga Art Nouveau  and the Old Town
• Gauja National Park
• Paper-mill village Ligatne
• Araisi Archaeological Park
• Cesis Medieval Castle
• Garezeri Lakes and the Baltic Sea

• 04 – 10.06.2023
• 02 – 08.07.2023
• 16 – 22.07.2023
• 06 – 12.08.2023
• 20 – 26.08.2023

**Individual departure date can be requested.

Welcome meeting in the hotel at 19:00

1 – 12 persons per group

Adults: 680€ (for a double room)

Children (< age 18): 640€ (for a double or triple room)

**Single supplement: 270€

The single supplement is mandatory for solo travelers

• 5 overnights in centrally located 3-star hotels with breakfast;
• 1 overnight in a boutique hotel in Ligatne with breakfast;
• Welcome meeting with the tour leader;
• English speaking driver and tour leader throughout the program;
• Transportation per program;
• Walking tour in Riga, Ligatne and Cesis
• Hiking tour in Sigulda, Līgatne, Cēsis and Garezeri;
• Entrances in Ligatne Nature Trails, Araisi Archaeological Park, and Cesis Medieval Castle.

• Hiking tour to Ķemeri National Park: 50 EUR per person;
• Ligatne wine degustation: 30 EUR per person;
• Transfer from Riga airport to the hotel: 55 EUR for private car (1 – 3 persons) or  75 EUR for private minivan (4-6 persons);
• Transfer from hotel to Riga airport: 55 EUR for private car (1 – 3 persons) or  75 EUR for private minivan (4-6 persons).

• Any meals or drinks;
• Hiking equipment.

Easy hike with few steep climbs. The terrain is mostly small footpaths through the woods. The hiking tours also include walking around the town, along the beach, boardwalks and countryside roads.

Please make the booking two weeks in advance.