The highlights of Latvia– local tradition experience

Multi-day tour

The highlights of Latvia– local tradition experience

6 days / 5 nights

Latvia

Riga - Garkalne - Gauja National park - Jurmala

Program

DAY 1: ARRIVAL RIGA

Arrival in Riga, optional transfer to the hotel Konventa Sēta ***or similar, check-in, welcome meeting with your tour leader in the hotel lobby.

DAY 2: DISCOVER RIGA

Founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, Riga is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and boasts a real kaleidoscope of architectural styles. During a guided walking tour we will see the Art Nouveau most famous buildings on the streets of Alberta and Elizabeth.The old town with Riga’s Castle and the Three Brothers houses, which were built between the late 1400s and mid-1600s and are the oldest dwellings in the city.

At lunchtime make a visit to the Riga Central Market. To try, such as smoked meats, pickled vegetables, Latvian bread, seasonal treats, and more. The market opened in 1930 and it consists of five former Zeppelin airship hangars and is one of the largest covered markets in Europe.

DAY 3: ANCIENT TRADITIONS

In the morning we will make a visit to the Latvian Ethnographic Open-air Museum. During the tour we will learn about the Latvian farmer’s life. We will have a degustation (light lunch) of local food like cottage cheese, house made bread and honey.

In the afternoon visit to a household named “Carpenter’s workshop” to learn about the local wood sculpting traditions. Here we get to know typical Latvian trees, work along with experienced craftsmen, try out traditional toys and games. As well as enjoy a very special tea recipe brewed in a bonfire house.

In the evening relax in a cozy guesthouse with sauna access. A local sauna master invites you to a sauna to restore the balance of our mind and body. We stay overnight in a cozy guest house and enjoy the tranquillity that brings Latvian forest.

DAY 4: GAUJA NATIONAL PARK

We enjoy a slow start of the day and continue to the Gauja National park and town of Sigulda. Gauja National park is the largest and oldest National park in Latvia. Take a cable car to enjoy picturesque views over the river Gauja Valley. After, inspired by its beauty you start kayaking down the River Gauja.

In the afternoon we go to the Gauja National park’s most hidden jewel Ligatne and have a local wine degustation. Enjoy the tranquillity of Ligatne. A 19th-century paper mill-town that has till nowadays preserved its charms. On a guided walking tour you discover the history of Ligatne paper factory village which was one of the most modern of its time.

DAY 5: LATVIA’S COAST – JURMALA

In the morning we drive to see the seaside. To visit the vibrant coastal town Jurmala, a chance to go for a swim in the Baltic sea. Walk along Jomas street – the heart of Jurmala.

In the afternoon, do a bike tour and explore Jurmala. In the mid-19th-century holidaymakers began escaping the city to relax in Jurmala and it developed as a resort, often called the ‘’Northern Riviera”. You will cycle along a pine-covered dune, see the expressive wooden architecture, modern villas, and endless sandy beaches. Stop for a swim at one of the 11 established swimming places.

DAY 6: DEPARTURE

Optional transfer to the airport

Services included

2 nights in Riga at hotel Konventa Sēta ***, 1 night in Garkalne at a cosy guest house with sauna access, 1 night in Ligatne at the boutique hotel Zeit, 1 night in Jurmala at hotel Dzintars*** or similar
Transport with English speaking tour leader throughout the itinerary
Riga old town, Art Nouveau and Central market guided walking tour
Entrance in the Latvian open-air museum, tour and food degustation
Carpenter’s workshop
Two-way cable car ticket in Sigulda
Kayak boat rental in Gauja National Park
Ligatne wine degustation
Ligatne guided walking tour
Bicycle rental in Jurmala

Request a tour

Package Price Per Person

EUR 560.00 (double occupancy)
EUR 250.00 (single supplement optional)

Optional Transfers

Transfer airport to Hotel: EUR 35.00 for private car (1-3 persons), EUR 55.00 for private van (4-7 persons)
Transfer Hotel to airport: EUR 35.00 for private car (1-3 persons), EUR 55.00 for private van (4-7 persons)

Tour information

Group size: 2 – 12 persons
Single supplement: If you are travelling alone and prefer privacy you can opt for a private room. If you would prefer a cheaper shared room instead, let us know and we will try to pair you with another Baltic Nature Travel traveller of the same sex. If it won’t be possible, the single supplement is mandatory.

*Note:

Due to very changeable weather, layering is key to enjoying your trip to the Baltics and rain protection is a must-have.

Request a tour

Read our Terms & Conditions thoroughly and carefully before booking

Baltic nature travel

5.0

Based on 14 reviews

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

Next Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

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.