Icons of Latvia 8-day tour
Welcome to Latvia! This 8-day trip with a local driver and guide begins and ends in the capital city Riga.
The journey will bring you from the capitals to the tranquility of Baltic nature. You will discover the highlights of Latvia, including Gauja National Park, Latvia's largest and oldest national park. Visit the magnificent Rundale Palace, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. See the blend of Kuldiga's medieval architecture, small winding streets, and natural wonders.
Before returning to Riga, the trip will take you along the Baltic Sea, stopping at Liepaja, a vibrant port city nown as the city “where the wind is born”. These and many more important landmarks of Latvia you will get to know.
Services
Included:
- 7 nights accommodation in double or twin rooms
- Daily breakfast
- English-speaking driver and tour leader throughout the program
- Private land transfers as per the itinerary
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
Excluded:
- International flights
Optional:
- Additional night in Riga
Itinerary at a Glance
Riga
Welcome to Latvia
Riga
Discover Exciting Riga
Turaida - Sigulda
Explore Gauja National Park
Rundale - Kuldiga
The Magnificent Rundale Palace
Kuldiga
Wander in Romantic Kuldiga
Liepaja
See the City Where the Wind Was Born
Kolka - Jurmala - Riga
Relax and Unwind in Jurmala
Riga
Farewell Latvia
Detailed Itinerary
Riga
Day 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
Day 2: Discover Exciting 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.
Turaida - Sigulda
Day 3: Explore 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.
Rundale - Kuldiga
Day 4: 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
Day 5: Wander in Romantic 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
Day 6: See the City Where the Wind Was Born
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 - Riga
Day 7: Relax and Unwind in Jurmala
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 stopping 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.
After leisure time in Jurmala, you will continue to Riga.
Riga
Day 8: Farewell Latvia
Your last day in Lativa 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.
