LATVIA
SIGHTSEEING TOURS

The Open-Air Museum
The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum is one of the show-pieces of Latvia's cultural heritage, founded in 1924. Situated 10 km from Riga centre in a pine forest on the banks of Jugla Lake, the museum consists of some 90 traditional rural buildings: farmhouses, windmills, fishermen's huts and churches that have been assembled here from the four provinces of Latvia: Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Latgale, Zemgale. During summer weekends folk dancing displays and concerts are held in the museum premises. Pre-booked meal opportunity in the museum pub Priedes Krogs.

Kurzeme
Journey along the coast of Riga Gulf via the resort town Jurmala and fishermen's villages will take you to the heart of Kurzeme - one of the four ethnographic provinces of Latvia. En route you will stop at Shlockenbeck Castle-Manor (15-18 cent.) and Jaunmoku Palace (1901) near Tukums. Enjoy the beauty of the small towns. In the town of Talsi take a chance to visit the local museum displayed in the Baron Firks’s Palace. Impressive is the view of Talsi ancient castle mound on the lakeside. Walk in the old town, visit the local Lutheran Church. The tour continues on to town of Kuldiga via Stende. In Kuldiga you will see the River Venta Cataract,the old aquaduct bridge, St.Catharine’s Church and the old town. The way back to Riga will lead you through the towns of Sabile and Kandava. In Sabile a chance to view the most Northern vineyard in the world, marked in the Guiness Book of Records, and enjoy the landscape of the Abava River Valley. In Kandava see the old town, the ancient castle mound and the local Church. Return to Riga. 

Rundale
Enjoy a splendid full-day outing into Zemgale, the "bread basket" of Latvia. Drive through the town of Bauska (66 km south of Riga) and visit the ruins of Bauska Castle (15-18th cent.). The highlight of the tour is Rundāle Palace (18th cent.), the most beautiful baroque palace in Latvia. The palace is an important example of the early work of Italian-Russian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli who also designed the famous Winter Palace in St.Petersburg. The professionally renovated palace interiors are decoarated with authentic 18th cent. furniture, paintings and china. The most impressive are the Golden Hall, the White Hall, the bedroom of the Duke of Courland Johan Ernst Biron. The palace boasts a beautiful French-style park. Pre-booked meal opportunity in the palace restaurant.

Sigulda
One of the most picturesque towns in Latvia - Sigulda, often called the Latvian Switzerland, is located about 50 km from Riga on the Gauja River valley. 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. There is a bob-sleigh track and down-hill skiing routes. Experience a genuine whiff of the Middle Ages, a time of romantic legends, castles and heroic figures, visiting the ruins of the 13th cent. Crusader Castle, and the 19th cent. Kropotkin’s Palace in the outskirts of Sigulda. By coach you will travel down into the river valley, enjoy the landscape and the walk to the sandstone grottoes on the ancient river bank. A short drive along the steep road up the hill will take you to the 13th cent. Turaida Castle. A chance to view ‘ the garden of gods’ from the 30 m tall fortification tower. Visit the local history museum. Relaxing walk in the adjoining sculpture park, dedicated to Latvian folklore. The tour involves considerable walking, so flat-heel shoes are very much welcome. Opportunity to pre-book a meal in one of the restaurants in Sigulda.

Cesis
A full day tour to the heart of Vidzeme - the beautiful Latvian Hanseatic town, located about 90 km from Riga. Before reaching Cesis, you will stop at the site of the Castle on Araisi Lake, dating back to the 9th cent. In Cesis enjoy a stroll through narrow streets and feel the amiable small town atmosphere. You will see the 13th century Order of Knight's Castle and the soaring Gothic tower of the 13th century Church of St.John. Visit the local history museum displayed in the New Palace and enjoy a walk in the Palace park. Short drive through the countryside will take you to the picturesque Gauja River banks at the highest sandstone cliffs in Latvia - Erglu Klintis.

Opportunity to pre-book a meal in one of the restaurants in the town of Cesis.

Latgale
Visit to the most remote and the most beautiful province of Latvia - the lake district Latgale. The route will take you along the Daugava river via several former ancient port-towns with the history dating back to crusaders' and vikings' times (Ikskile, Lielvarde, Aizkraukle, Koknese) to Catholic Mecca - Aglona and to the very heart of Latgale - the town of Rezekne. In Aglona you will visit Aglona Basilica (15-18th cent.). In 1991 the Basilica was renovated for the visit of the Pope of Rome. A local guide will introduce you to the town of Rezekne. The province of Latgale is popular for the very specific Latgale ceramics. You'll enjoy local hospitality while visiting a potter's workshop. Pre-booked lunch opportunity in Rezekne.

Pedvale Open-Air Art Museum
Pedvale is located near town of Sabile in Kurzeme province, only 115 km from Riga, the capital of Latvia. The World’s Cultural Heritage Fund has nominated Pedvale among the 100 World’s unique and most endangered monuments. Upon arrival the guide will take you along a path to enjoy the view of the deep ravines and flat slopes, vast arable fields and peaceful meadows, brooks, creeks and water springs with crystal-clear water. You will be surprised by the objects of art, modern installations and sculptures as well as the monuments of architecture. Enjoy the far vistas to the Sabile town and to the opposite side of the primeval valley of Abava River with an ancient castle mound of Curonians, the Hanging Hill and the famous Vineyard Hill, the most Northern open-air vineyard in the world. The tour involves considerable walking, so flat-heel, comfortable shoes are very much welcome. Pre-booked meal opportunity in the local restaurant.