Cesis: Medieval Heritage and Natural Treasures
Hiking tour from Riga
Cesis: Medieval Heritage and Natural Treasures
Program
Cesis is a medieval gemstone and the third oldest town in Latvia. It attracts tourists with lovely streets and the beauty of natural treasures in the Gauja National Park. Charming ruins of the medieval castle invite you to explore the history and feel the medieval spirit in a candle light.
Despite the wars, the old town has remained almost unchanged. On the city tour you will see such highlights as the City Hall, Merchant House, Princess House and St. John’s Church. Eight hundred years long history of Cesis is visible not only on the streets but also in Cesis castle complex. Inside the medieval castle you will receive a lantern and climb up its towers. Afterwards, nature is waiting for you! You will go for a short, about six kilometers long hike to see beautiful red sandstone cliffs along the ancient Gauja River valley and enjoy our wonderful nature.
Highlights
- Cesis old town
- St. John’s Church
- Cesis medieval castle complex
- Ancient Gauja River valley
Transportation
We will pick you up at your given address and bring you back.
Tour map
Price
1-person group: 180€
2 – 2 person group: 220€
3 – 3 person group: 240€
4 – 4 person group: 300€
5 – 5 person group: 320€
6 – 6 person group: 340€
7 – 7 person group: 360€
8 – 8 person group: 380€
Included
- Transportation from Riga and back
- Cesis city tour in English;
- Entrance in Cesis Castle Complex;
- Tour of the Cesis Medieval castle in English;
- 6 km hike on the Cīrulīši nature trail (easy hike).
Excluded
- Lunch
What to bring with you
- 1 l of water per person as a minimum
How to dress
- Please, dress accordingly to the weather forecast! Due to very changeable weather, layering is key to enjoying the hike, and rain protection is a must-have. Any comfortable shoes are good enough for this tour.
Dona Zavislan
2023-09-25T14:40:43+0000
I loved this tour and it was a highlight of my five days in Latvia. After spending a few days in Riga, I wanted to... explore more of the country and do some hiking. I considered renting a car for the day, but this tour provided just what I was looking for and so much more without the expense and hassle of a car rental and figuring out where to go. I was picked up and dropped off at my hotel and was able to enjoy the drive and an opportunity to see area surrounding Riga. Guide Valdis is a native Latvian and has a lot of experience hiking and much knowledge about the area and Latvia. The 15 K hike was rigorous, but doable. I found the park gorgeous and peaceful. We hiked through a forest, along the river, crossed bridges, explored caves and sandstone carvings and passed other notable places. Valdis made the hike very interesting with stories and he pointed out other activities available in this beautiful park and surrounding area. We stopped midday for a lovely picnic. Valdis also gave me information about other places to consider exploring in Latvia. A perfect day and I highly recommend this tour.read more
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
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
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
2020-11-28T17:19:37+0000
The hike was beautiful and Valdis was relaxed, helpful and informative. Highly recommended.
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
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
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
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
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What travelers say about us
EXCELLENT
36 reviews on
Carmen Daams
2023-09-22
I took the Kuldiga trip with Valdis. The experience was amazing. The entire day was great. He is a great guide, and knows a lot of interesting information. He would definitely make your whole experience even better. Kuldiga is such a captivating city, very unique with a very special style and soul. If you are visiting Latvia, don't hesitate to take this trip, it is a "must".
Stanley Wallerstein
2023-08-29
Great Tour and great guide. Baltic Nature Travel is excellent.
Maria M Andrade
2023-08-28
Valdis organized an absolutely wonderful 10 day trip to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania trip for my sister, a friend, and myself. He arranged all details including our private chofer and tour guide up the last detail. He went far and beyond when he knew I had an accident in Estonia. We met him Latvia and he make us feel welcome. He recommended the most amazing restaurants for us and he took care of my doctor needs where he was the interpreter. In every country we had the best guys one can possibly ask for. All hotels were walking distance from city centre. Thank you Valdis we will always remembered this trip!!!!
Sarah Daniels
2023-08-21
Thank you, Valdis, for helping my family have a wonderful two week trip to the Baltics! Your advice and recommendations were very helpful, and our tour guides in 4 different cities were each outstanding! I highly recommend a vacation in the beautiful and fascinating Baltics, and I highly recommend using Valdis to help you plan it.
Rita Derencius
2023-08-09
Tours and tour guides, Tomas and Mindaugas, exceeded my expectations. We were able to curate our tour of Lithuania. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and adapted the tour based on our input. Valdis was responsive and easy to work with. Extremely happy we chose to have private tour guides. Best trip ever!
Deniz Demirors
2023-08-08
Valdis did amazing job to organize us a 15 day, 14 night self drive adventure trip to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Thanks to his valuable advise before and immaculate documentation with names of the locations, guides etc we had a magical experience. We hiked, biked, walked, beached and off course drive all over in all 3 beautiful countries. We felt very safe. Everyone we met were very friendly. The car was delivered to our first hotel in Tallinn and picked up from last hotel in Vilnius. They were professional and kind people. We encountered few minor issues but Valdis resolved very promptly so our program was not impacted. We met him in Riga as he was our guide. Thanks to Valdis & his team of guides we had an unforgettable time and experience. Valdis is very gently, kind, hears his clients wishes and makes adjustments in his existing programs. Job well done Valdis. Thank you very much.
Catherine Herway
2023-06-24
These are the only places on earth where eastern and western architecture can now meet in harmony. The architecture tells a social history translated into excellent English on this tour! The hotels were clean, comfortable, and safe. The food was outstanding as well, I only wish I had more time!
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
2023-01-07
Very interesting trip. Definitely worth it!
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