ITINERARY: 5 DAYS IN LATVIA
DAY 1 RIGA
Arrival in Riga
Meet English speaking guide at airport and transfer to hotel
Overnight in Riga
DAY 2 RIGA
Breakfast at hotel
Optional: First part of the day: Riga city tour (3 hours)
During the walking part of the tour you will enjoy the beauty of the ancient Hanseatic city, while strolling through the cobble-stone, picturesque streets of the Old Town. In Old Riga you will see the Dome Cathedral which boasts one of the world’s largest pipe organs, St. Peter’s Church with magnificent views of the city from its steeple, the old Guild Houses, the Swedish Gate, the architectural ensemble Three Brothers, St. Jacob’s Church, the Parliament House, Old Riga Castle, and view the many wonderfully restored buildings, now housing cozy restaurants, cafes, bars and souvenir shops.
Optional:
Second part of the day: Tour to Jurmala (4 hours)
Jurmala is the place to enjoy sea breeze, sun, nature, architecture and cultural life. It has 150-year-old resort traditions and has become the largest resort area in the Baltic’s. The look of Jurmala since 19th century has been characterized by its wooden architecture, cottage-style buildings and resort centers. Romantic streets and wooden cottages surrounded by pine trees also nowadays create the vision of the olden days. Stroll along Jomas Street- the most popular pedestrian walkway with its many little restaurants and diverse entertainment. Visit city’s white-sand beach area, which is still largest draw to Jurmala.
DAY 3 RIGA
Breakfast at hotel
Optional: Tour to Sigulda (6 hours)
The Turaida Museum Reserve is the historical centre of Turaida and comprises archaeological, historical and art monuments that tell us about the events that have taken place since the 11th century. Turaida church, one of the oldest wooden churches built by the local rural craftsmen, is situated here. A graveyard was established here for the first baptized Liivs. Under an old linden tree is the legendary tomb of Roze that commemorates a girl who sacrificed herself in the name of love. The “Folk Song Garden”, containing 25 sculptures by Indulis Ranka, is situated on the site of a former ancient Liiv village. It is dedicated to Latvian folk songs and to the lifelong work of their collector Krisjanis Barons.
One of the most picturesque towns in Latvia – Sigulda, often called the Latvian Switzerland. Sigulda is situated in the Gauja National Park and is known as the most popular tourist and leisure destination as well as a famous winter sports resort in Latvia because of its bob-sleigh track and the down-hill skiing routes.
Overnight in Riga.
DAY 4 RIGA
Breakfast at hotel
Optional: Tour to Rundale (6 hours)
Located at a distance of 76 km from Riga, Rundale Palace is a pearl of Baroque architecture in Latvia, standing proud in its original splendour in a fertile plain surrounded by forests. It is Latvia’s version of Versailles and Sans Soucis. Today this place is subtly restored, and it is hard to believe that the Germans used the palace as a granary in World War II. Now the 138 rooms are open to visitors in all their splendour and it is the most significant masterpiece of Baroque architecture in the Baltic States. A French park also designed by F.B.Rastrelli lies in the southern part of the palace territory. It is newly made according to the original design of the 18th century. You have different tour opportunities in Rundale Palace. The short route includes the staterooms (the White Hall, Gold Hall, Grand Gallery), the Duke’s staterooms and the second study of the Duke. The Duke’s former living quarters and the Duchess’ apartments ARE NOT included. The long route includes the staterooms (the White Hall, Gold Hall, and Grand Gallery), the Duke’s former living quarters and staterooms, the Duchess’ apartments and exhibition “Seventeenth to Nineteenth Century Fashion in Latvia”. Continue back to Riga and overnight Overnight in Riga.
DAY 5 RIGA
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer to hotel
