The best of Latvia in 10 days

Riga

Tag 1: Welcome to Latvia

Welcome to the capital of Latvia! Riga is the capital of Latvia and the largest city of the three Baltic countries. It is situated right on the Baltic coast at the mouth of the River Daugava. A great place to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Latvia.

Founded more than 800 years ago, Riga's historic district is home to many medieval buildings, Art Nouveau dwelling houses, Gothic churches, and historic wooden structures, creating an interesting mix of architectural styles.

Riga

Tag 2: History Comes Alive in Riga

After breakfast, you will head straight to the Old Town for a morning walking tour of Riga. You will visit such medieval landmarks as the 14th century Riga Castle; the Cathedral, built in 1211; the 15th-century St. Peter’s Church; the Swedish Gate, a fortification built in 1698 as a part of defensive city walls, and more.

The afternoon is reserved for a guided walking tour of Other Riga in order to explore the “Moscow suburbs”. You will visit the impressive Soviet Stalin-era skyscraper - The Academy of Sciences. It was the first skyscraper in the republic. Enjoy a great panoramic view from the top of this landmark!

Later you will explore the vivid and busy life of the Riga Central Market, located in the old Zeppelin hangars. This market is very popular among locals as everyone can find what they need – you will see plenty of local and seasonal produce as well as products coming from overseas.

Sigulda - Turaida

Tag 3: Discover Gauja National Park

You will enjoy a slow start of the day and continue to the Gauja National Park, the largest and oldest national park in Latvia. You will listen to the medieval Latvian legend of the Rose of Turaida and see ancient sights like the Castle ruins in Turaida and Sigulda.

To cap the experience, you will hop in a cable car for a fun and scenic ride 141 feet (43 meters) above the unspoiled Gauja Valley. This trip affords views of the woods, countryside castles, and even a bobsled track.

Cesis - Sigulda

Tag 4: Cesis, the Medieval Gemstone

After breakfast, head to Cesis, the medieval gemstone and the third oldest town in Latvia. Cesis is full of lovely streets and charming ruins of the medieval castle. Despite the wars, the old town has remained almost unchanged.

On the guided walking tour you will see such highlights as the Roze Square, Princess House, and St. John’s Church. The eight hundred years long history of Cesis is visible not only on the streets but also in the Cesis Castle complex. Inside the medieval castle, you will receive a lantern and climb up its towers.

Rundale - Kuldiga

Tag 5: The Magnificent Rundale Palace

In the morning, you will reach the magnificent Rundale Palace, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. On the guided tour of Rundale Palace, you will see the impressive Baroque palace and gardens complex situated in the plains of southern Latvia, offering a little bit of Versailles in the Baltics. It was commissioned by the Duke of Courland in 1736 to be used as his summer residence. Today it is a museum. After Rundale, you will continue to Kuldiga.

Kuldiga

Tag 6: Discover Kuldiga

In the morning you will join a guided walking tour to see the blend of Kuldiga's medieval architecture, small winding streets, and natural wonders.

One of the town's highlights is its riverside, where you will see the widest waterfall in Europe, stretching 800 feet (249 m) across the Venta River.

After exploring the town's charms, the rest of the day is free to enjoy at your leisure.

Liepaja

Tag 7: The Vibrant Port City of Liepaja

The next stop is Liepaja, a vibrant port city with its own character. Liepaja is known as a city “where the wind is born”.

To catch the wind, you will join a guided walking tour. Liepaja has an artistic soul and is known for its rock musicians. There is even an alley of fame where many famous Latvian bands and musicians have placed their handprints.

Kolka - Jurmala

Tag 8: Jurmala, the Most Famous Resort Town in Latvia

In the morning, you will continue along the Baltic coast to Cape Kolka, where the Baltic Sea meets Riga Bay.

After, you will continue towards Riga, passing by various fishing villages and stop in Jurmala, the most famous resort town in Latvia. Jurmala is famous for its white-sand beach and elegant wooden houses built in the Art Nouveau style.

Kemeri

Tag 9: See an Old Resort and a National Park

In the morning, you will head from Jurmala to Kemeri, 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.

Kemeri is located within the Kemeri National Park which is known for its great biological diversity, especially, bogs and swamps. In Kemeri National Park, you will visit the historical resort. See the wet broadleaf forest, small pine trees, deep pools, and tiny dark lakes on the Black Alder swamp and Great Kemeri Bog boardwalk, allowing you to see absolutely wild nature without getting your feet wet.

Riga

Tag 10: Farewell Latvia

Your last day in Latvia has sadly arrived. Take one last morning to enjoy the beautiful city of Riga. Stroll through the streets, eat some delicious last meals, and do some last-minute souvenir shopping.

Soon, it will be time to pack your bags. Your friendly driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport. It may be the end of your trip, but you'll have memories from your amazing vacation in Latvia that will last you a lifetime.