Latvia - Crossroads between Western and Eastern cultures
1
Riga
The tour ecompasses the most significant sights of Riga and begins along the central boulevards of Riga, enjoying the view of the City Canal parks, the Bastion Hill, the Powder Tower, the Latvian National Theatre, the Fine Arts Museum, the Art Nouveau buildimgs of the beginning of the century, the Freedom Monument, University of Latvia, the Opera House, the Daugava River with its bridges and Passenger Terminal. In Old Riga you will see the Dome Cathedral, the Church of St. Peter, the old Guild Houses, the Swedish Gate, the architectural ensemble Three Brothers, St. Jacob’s Church, the Parlament House, Old Riga Castle, and view the many wonderfully restored buildimgs, now housing cosy restaurants, cafes, bars and souvenir shops.
2
Rundale
Enjoy a splendid full-day outing into Zemgale, the “bread basket” of Latvia. Drive through the town Bauska (66 km south of Riga) and visit the ruins of Bauska Castle (15-18th cent.).The highlight of the tour is Rundale Palace (18th cent.), the most beautiful baroque palace in Latvia. The palace is an outstanding example of the early work of Italian-Russian architect Francesc Bartolomeo Rastelli who also designed the famous Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. The professionally renovated palace interiors are decorated 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.
3
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.
4
Sigulda
One of the most picturesque towns in Latvia-Sigulda, often called the Latvian Switzerland, is located about 50 km from Riga in 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 a famous winter sports resort in Latvia because of its bob-sleigh track and the down-hill skiing routes.
5
Cesis
A full day tour to the heart of Vidzeme-the beautiful Latvia Hanseatic town, located about 90 km from Riga. 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 of Church of St. John. Visit the local History Museum dispalyed 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 Klints.
LET'S KEEP IN TOUCH
- Laisvės al. 89-1C, LT-44297 Kaunas
- +370 612 74194
- info@go2baltics.eu
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