Latvia

Categories Baltic Tours Semi-escorted Tours Independent Tours Chauffeured Tours

Latvia is one of Europe's Last hidden treasures. The country is plotted with small picturesque medieval towns, country castles, museums and folk parks, ruined fortresses and, occasionally, grand palaces. Everywhere you will find intriguing evidence of distinctivelLatvian customs, crafts and culture, and of a determination to preserve and restore the best of the nation's heritage. The access to the Baltic Sea and the important Daugava River made early the area to an important point on the trading routes from North Europe to Russia and Byzantium. But the location brought not only wealth but also strive and throughout the centuries the area was subjected to foreign rule - all or various parts of country were governed at different times by Germany, Sweden, Poland, Russia and Soviet Union. As a matter of fact Latvia has only existed as an independent state for two short historical periods - during the 2 world wars in the last century and again from August 1991 when Latvian independence was restored in the aftermath of the collapse of the Soviet Union. After centuries of foreign domination, Latvia is again transforming herself into an economically and politically stable democracy, ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Itinerary

Arrival in Riga, assisted arrival transfer to hotel, check in at Hotel Astor Riga****. 15.00 – 18.00 Riga city sightseeing tour, incl. walking tour of the Old Town with St. Peter’s Church, Dome Cathedral (entrance), Freedom Monument, Opera Building and Boulevard Circle.

Breakfast, 09.00 – 16.00 excursion to Gauja National Park, incl. visit to Sigulda village with it’s Castle ruins, visit to Turaida and its Episcopal Castle (entrance), Gutman’s Cave and photo stop on the bridge over Gauja river, return to Riga.

Breakfast, 09.00 – 14.00 excursion to famous Rastrelli’s Rundale Palace (entrance) – visit to palace and park, return to Riga, leisure.

Breakfast, 10.00 transfer to Jurmala, arrival and city sightseeing tour of the city, 14.00 check in at Hotel Jurmala Spa

Full day at leisure in Jurmala to investigate on your own.

Transfer to the Riga airport for the flight home.

Notes