Winter Self-drive Latvia - Baltic Nature Travel

Self-drive winter experience in Latvia

Self-drive

Winter experience in Latvia

7 days / 6 nights

Riga - Sigulda -Rundale - Kuldīga - Kemeri - Jurmala - Riga

November - March

Program

DAY 1. ARRIVAL IN RIGA

Welcome to Riga! Pick up your rental car at the Riga airport and check into the hotel.

Overnight: Riga at AC Hotel Riga by Marriott**** or similar.

DAY 2. DISCOVER RIGA

Founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, Riga is the largest of three Baltic capitals, and boasts a real kaleidoscope of architectural styles. Take a guided walking tour to see the Art Nouveau most famous buildings on the streets of Alberta and Elizabeth, as well as the Old Town with Riga’s Castle and the Three Brothers houses, oldest dwellings in the city.

Make a visit to the Riga Central Market, one of the largest covered markets in Europe. Taste smoked meat, pickled vegetables, Latvian bread, seasonal treats, and more. The market opened in 1930, and it consists of five former Zeppelin airship hangars.

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight: Riga at AC Hotel Riga by Marriott**** or similar.

DAY 3. GAUJA NATIONAL PARK / RIGA – SIGULDA (DRIVE 50~ KM)

In the morning, drive to the heart of the Gauja National Park and Sigulda town, also known as the Little Switzerland of Latvia. In Sigulda you’ll visit the bobsleigh track and go for a Soft bob ride. On the ride you’ll slide down 16 turns and over 1200m. This activity promises to deliver an adrenaline-fuelled experience that will last long in the memory.

Next adventure is waiting for you at Sigulda Castle Quater. 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.In one of the historical buildings participate in a walking stick workshop. Making walking sticks in Sigulda has more than 200 years old history. Already in the 19th century, the guidebooks say that “a walking stick can be bought from a boy for a walk along Sigulda’s ravines.”

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight: Sigulda at Sigulda Hotel*** or similar.

DAY 4. LATVIA’S PALACE | SIGULDA – RUNDALE CASTLE – KULDIGA (DRIVE ~300 KM)

After breakfast drive to Rundale Palace and on a guided tour immerse yourself in the Latvia’s most beautiful palace. The Rundale Palace is like a time capsule of 18th-century, a beautifully preserved and restored Baroque architecture ensemble. It is built by Italian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who also created for the Russian tsars Winter and Tsarskoye Selo Palaces. Afterwards continue to Kuldiga.

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight in Kuldiga at Jekaba Seta hotel*** or similar.

DAY 5. MOST ROMANTIC TOWN IN LATVIA | KULDIGA

Kuldiga is an architectural gem! Join a guided walking tour to see the romantic blend of Kuldiga’s architecture, small winding streets and channels. The heart of the town is the Venta River and the Ventas Rumba, the widest waterfall in Europe. Discover this charming place at a slow pace. Free time in the afternoon.

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight in Kuldiga at Jekaba Seta hotel*** or similar.

DAY 6. SNOWSHOEING IN KEMERI NATIONAL PARK | KULDIGA – KEMERI – JURMALA (DRIVE ~90 KM)

In the morning, discover the Kemeri National Park on a guided snowshoeing tour. The Kemeri town was one of the most popular resorts in the whole Soviet Union, and has remained its charm also nowadays. Kemeri is known for its sulfur water springs and large bog territories. After the tour continue to Jurmala. Latvia’s most famous resort town Jurmala stretches 30 km along the seaside. Take a break from the city on the sandy Jurmala beach. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the pine forest dunes without any rush.

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight: Jurmala at Kurshi hotel and Spa**** or similar.

DAY 7. DEPARTURE FROM RIGA

Departure day, drop off the rental car at the Riga airport.

Meals included: Breakfast

Tour map

Request a tour

Price in double occupancy

Two persons travelling is 910 EUR per person.

Included

6 overnights per program in centrally located 3-star / 4-star hotels;
VW Polo or similar car rental for 7 days;
Walking tour in Riga, and Kuldiga;
Soft Bob ride in Sigulda bobsleigh track;
Snowshoeing tour in Kemeri National Park;
Rundale Palace tour.

Not included

Any meals or drinks not mentioned in program;
Gratitudes.

How to dress

In winter, temperatures often drop well below zero degrees Celsius. Please, dress accordingly to the weather forecast! Due to very changeable weather, layering is the key to enjoying the tour. Any warm and comfortable shoes are good enough for this tour.

Request a tour

Read our Terms & Conditions thoroughly and carefully before booking

Baltic nature travel

5.0

Based on 15 reviews

Michael Warden

2024-06-15T13:26:11+0000

Valdis took my wife and I in June 2024 from Riga to Kuldiga to see the Venta waterfalls. He told us a lot of... interesting information and gave me the inspiration to walk across the falls. He was very considerate regarding the time to spend at each location and the speed of walking through the township. I would recommend this tour for anyone wanting to see the Latvian countryside - we really enjoyed the tour with Valdis - Thank you very much.read more

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

Victor Papin

2020-10-04T15:43:17+0000

Great welcoming & service, great hike.

Oskars Ikstens

2018-04-27T12:18:35+0000

Zane Kurševa

2018-04-22T14:12:43+0000

Armīns Maslovskis

2018-04-22T13:39:50+0000

Liene Lote Čemme

2018-03-01T14:27:46+0000

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What travelers say about us

EXCELLENT

36 reviews on

SisterBliss66

2024-11-02

Great day out - lovely walk in Gauja - Līgatne trail - in the crisp autumn air followed by the paper mill. Then on to Sigulda Castle and Gutman Cave. Valdis was very knowledgeable and we had some interesting conversations about the places visited, history, culture and lots more besides. Friendly guy, fluent in English. It was awesome getting out of Riga to see more of the country.

Jane Bower

2024-09-30

My partner and I (69 and 75) are just back from a 17 day self-drive tour put together with the help of Valdis from Baltic Nature Travel. It was an absolutely delightful and fascinating experience. We asked for quirky or unusual accommodation and a mix of hotels and self-catering - great fun. We went at our own pace and chose what to see. Everything was beautifully organised - a couple of small hitches were dealt with straight away on the phone. We are well-travelled but didn't know these stunning countries at all. Our overall impression is CLEAN and GREEN. Thank you, thank you for such a unique and special holiday.

Andrew Golding

2024-09-16

First Class Personal Tour of the Baltic Republics organised by Valdis: a bespoke, friendly, intelligent, safe and varied introduction to this wonderful part of the world. Wholly recommended.

David Morris

2024-09-10

Excellent booking experience - very easy and all the information we needed. Hire car arrived at the hotel as arranged and the handover was excellent. All the hotels that were booked for us were great and the itinerary was really wide-ranging and interesting. Estonia people were almost always friendly and helpful, and the restaurant food was great. Would definitely recommend Baltic Nature Travel and Estonia as a destination

Karen Green

2024-07-23

Valdis, the owner of Baltic Nature Travel, is a terrific tour organizer. His advance communication and arrangements were unfailingly responsive, prompt and helpful. On the trip, we had different guides as well as drivers in the different cities (Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn.) In each case, they were well-informed and on time at the meeting point. We never needed to worry or contact the guide (though we were provided with their information.) Every hotel Valdis chose for us was of a very good standard, well-run, clean, exceptionally well located, and with wonderful breakfasts. The restaurants he recommended were also excellent – we learned to just go where he suggested! The tour was an exceptionally good value. In sum, we couldn’t have been more pleased. Our trip was wonderful and we left wanting to see more of the Baltics' beauty. If we do go again, we would unquestionably work with Valdis. In the meantime, we will recommend him to all of our friends.

Lucía Gómez

2024-07-17

Fantastic Self-Guided Hiking Experience! We recently completed a self-guided hike in Gauja National Park, which was wonderful. The trails were serene, and we rarely encountered other hikers. The provided materials and app were excellent and highly accurate. The hotels, luggage transfer, and overall transportation arrangements were flawless. Highly recommend this experience!

Paul Green

2024-07-12

Anna Brish was a fantastic tour guide for understanding Jewish history and culture in Vilnius. She was friendly, deeply knowledgeable, eager to answer our questions and accommodate our specific interests. Anna does other tours and we would take any of them, she’s amazing!

James Cornez

2024-07-11

Myself and my best friend came across this company whilst researching options to travel in Latvia and we are very pleased we did. Valdis was very amenable during the planning process by arranging video calls with both of us so we could better understand what was on offer for us to do. He compiled an 8 day itinerary for us that did not disappoint starting in Riga for 2 days. We paid for an optional 3hr walking tour which was very worthwhile to see the main sites of the city. Janis took us on the tour who is a great guy that gives you plenty of interesting information, ready to answer any questions regarding Latvian history/culture. We chose the self driving option to see as much of Latvia as possible which I would definitely recommend if you want to have more than just a city break. It took us to varied places ranging from the heavily forested and pretty areas of Sigulda (where we did a fun kayaking tour on the Gauja river) and Cesis to the pleasant coastal cities of Liepaja and Ventspills. Overall, definitely the company to approach if you want to authentically explore Latvia!

Esther A

2024-06-21

Valdis and his team helped us to organise a guided 16 day trip across Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Helsinki. We had a very enjoyable experience! Coming from Singapore and not knowing Valdis beforehand, we were initially worried about language and logistical challenges. All these were unfounded as Valdis and his guides were not only knowledgeable but also responsive, helpful and flexible. We had some minor hiccups during the trip but Valdis was able to resolve them very promptly. I would highly recommend engaging Valdis for your next trip!