Hiking Adventure in Gauja National Park
multi-day group tour

Hiking Adventure in Gauja National Park

  • 7 days / 6 nights
  • Latvia
  • Riga - Sigulda - Līgatne - Cēsis - Lilaste - Riga
  • April - November

Program

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 impressive Licu-Langu Cliffs.

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.

Highlights

  • 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

Tour map

Reserve this trip
*Tour dates
  • 02 – 08.07.2023
  • 16 – 22.07.2023
  • 06 – 12.08.2023
  • 20 – 26.08.2023
  • 03 – 09.09.2023
  • 17 – 23.09.2023

**Individual departure date can be requested.

Starting time

Welcome meeting at 19:00

Group size

Maximum are 12 persons per group

**Price per person

Adults: 680€ (for a double room)

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

**Single supplement: 270

Single supplement

The single supplement is mandatory for solo travelers

Included
  • 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.
Optional
  • 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):
  • In Riga 4-star hotel Wellton Riga hotel & spa for 3 overnights: 100.00 EUR per person.
Not included
  • Any meals or drinks;
  • Hiking equipment.
Level of difficulty

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.

Note:
Reserve this trip
Baltic nature travel
5.0
Based on 13 reviews
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Tom Moore
Tom Moore
2022-11-19T14:17:21+0000
Had a fantastic hike with Valdis today. He's really friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend him.
Zijian Hua
Zijian Hua
2022-10-16T08:47:16+0000
Valdis is an experienced guide, a local from Riga. He has a wealth of knowledge and is always able to tell you... interesting history along the way. The route plan of the hiking is also reasonable. In autumn, the fallen leaves near Sigulda are also very beautiful. If you are planning to do an outdoor hike in Latvia too, then don't hesitate to join a walking group organized by Valdis.🇱🇻read more
Sheila Dunk
Sheila Dunk
2022-06-04T01:33:30+0000
Absolutely brilliant day out with Valdis, we didn’t stop talking from the moment he picked me up. He was knowledgeable... about the area, answered all my questions about Latvia and was just delightful to be with.The area of the hike was stunning, we got some good spots for views and pictures, the weather was beautiful and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend the day. The hike isn’t difficult, plenty of ups and downs and with a decent level of fitness anyone can do this hike.read more
Betti Sewell
Betti Sewell
2020-11-28T17:19:37+0000
The hike was beautiful and Valdis was relaxed, helpful and informative. Highly recommended.
Chris Palin
Chris Palin
2020-11-15T07:39:38+0000
Had a great experience with Valdis. The hike was really interesting with lots of points of interest including an... abandoned bob sleigh track. A great guide, fantastic day out.10 out of 10 I would definitely recommend to anybodyread more
Elisa Bozzotto
Elisa Bozzotto
2020-10-31T21:30:28+0000
I love the atmosphere in the group and the offered trails. They show a part of the countryside that is still not yet... well know but definitely worth seeing. With woods that look like the one from a fairy story book and really good company it's definitely a suggested tou experience for the lovers of outdoors activities..The guide is super available and offer explanations and curiosity. Particularly useful is the description of how to reach the starting point with public transport (even with the specific schedule time). So I definitely recommend it 😉read more
Lina Kulikauskaite
Lina Kulikauskaite
2020-10-31T18:04:12+0000
Nicely chosen trail 🍂🌲very friendly and supportive guide. Had a lot of fun! Looking forward for next trip 👣📸
Kristīna Kļimoviča
Kristīna Kļimoviča
2020-10-05T05:49:53+0000
I am very grateful to Valdis for leading our hike through the Gauja National Park near Sigulda. It was the perfect... combination of the city sightseeing and enjoying nature. Valdis made stops at the most remarkable objects both in the city and in nature and told the most important things, which were neither too much nor too little. He really took good care of the group. Thank you for this day! Highly recommended!read more
Victor Papin
Victor Papin
2020-10-04T15:43:17+0000
Great welcoming & service, great hike.
Oskars Ikstens
Oskars Ikstens
2018-04-27T12:18:35+0000
Zane Kurševa
Zane Kurševa
2018-04-22T14:12:43+0000
Armīns Maslovskis
Armīns Maslovskis
2018-04-22T13:39:50+0000
Liene Lote Čemme
Liene Lote Čemme
2018-03-01T14:27:46+0000
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What travelers say about us

Artur Iwański
Artur Iwański
2023-05-03
A very good and interesting guide. Customized trips - which is very useful. If you want to get to know Latvia (which is worth it!) there is no one better. Highly recommended.
Giovanni Paolo Palamara
Giovanni Paolo Palamara
2023-01-07
Very interesting trip. Definitely worth it!
Eddie Mantle
Eddie Mantle
2022-12-05
Very professional. Valdis, guided a group of 8 around Mangasala, Riga, giving us a fascinating insight into the military history there. Looking forward to the next tour.
Zijian Hua
Zijian Hua
2022-11-02
Valdis is an experienced guide, a local from Riga. He has a wealth of knowledge and is always able to tell you interesting history along the way. The route plan of the hiking is also reasonable. In autumn, the fallen leaves near Sigulda are also very beautiful. If you are planning to do an outdoor hike in Latvia too, then don't hesitate to join a walking group organized by Valdis.
bllhmn
bllhmn
2022-10-31
I took the tour in Lilaste. The train ride was very relaxing. The lakes and coast were amazing. It is great exercise and a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
John B
John B
2022-10-30
Great hike at Lilaste. Friendly tour guide. Definitely looking forward to the next hike. Highly recommended for those who want a short break from the daily routine.
Rachel Pamplin
Rachel Pamplin
2022-10-18
I enjoyed I enjoyed my tour of Cesis: Medieval Heritage and Natural Treasures! I loved being able to do a little of many things. Exploring the old city, touring a medieval castle, and a walk through a national park. The scenery was amazing and my guide was knowledgeable and helpful! As a single female, I felt safe the entire time and and would recommend to others!

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Baltic Nature Travel
Baltic Nature Travel
Baltic Nature Travel