Experience romantic medieval castles and their historical environment, a reconstructed fortified settlement on an island where Latvian ancestors once lived, a village with unique wooden dwelling houses, an old manor surrounded by a century-old apple orchard, a 200-year-old paper mill once considered to be one of the most modern industrial companies in Europe, the once top-secret Soviet bunker intended to serve as a shelter for Latvia’s Communist elite in case of a nuclear war, nature trails that provide a great opportunity to observe intact landscapes and wild animals, caves and cellars carved directly into the underlying bedrock, outstanding views of the ancient valley of Gauja river, unique regional tastes, organic products from local farmers, vast varieties of local beers and wonderful wines from locally harvested berries, welcoming and friendly locals, and finally a traditional Latvian sauna ritual performed by a traditional spa master using authentic birch whisks. All these great adventures and experiences await you in a Gauja National park where you will be captivated by its connection to nature as well as the kindness of its local people. A place where you can reduce your stress levels and simply relax.
This itinerary can be modified according to your wishes. You can combine ideas from our other itineraries or request your own preferences. Together we will create the best experience for you.
Welcome to Riga. Private transfer to the hotel. Overnight.
Breakfast in the hotel. Meet with your local guide. 3 hour guided tour around the old town of Riga. Free time for personal exploration in the city. Overnight in Riga.
Breakfast in the hotel. Meet with your local guide. Departure to Gaujas National Park to visit Sigulda medieval castle and park, to ascend Turaida’s castle tower and walk in a museum-reserve territory containing the castle, the buildings of a baronial estate, the wooden church, the cemetery, the folk song Hill and the park. Continue to Karli. Overnight in a family-run ancient manor. Homemade dinner. Overnight.
A hearty and delicious local breakfast. Meet with your local guide. Departure to Araisi to visit the archaeological park of lake castle. Continue to Cesis. Visit the castle complex to explore the park and medieval town. Local beer and snack tasting in beer house located within the historic buildings of the old town brewery. Return to Karli. Free time for personal exploration in surroundings of Amata river. Homemade dinner. Overnight.
A hearty and delicious local breakfast. Meet with your local guide. Departure to Ligatne for leisurely walking excursion in its nature trails, visiting of the traditional wooden village and a former paper mill worker’s apartment. Lunch at a slow food restaurant offering organic products from local farmers. Visit to Soviet bunker. Return to Karli. Homemade dinner. Overnight.
A hearty and delicious local breakfast. Free time for personal explorations. Departure to a family-run winery. Degustation by candlelight in a romantic natural cave of various wines produced from berries, fruits and even flowers. Continue to Krimulda. A trip by cable car passing over the Gauja river and through the old valley, overlooking charming landscapes. Traditional Latvian sauna experience conducted by a local spa master. The ritual takes app. 3-4 h and includes the scrubbing with herbal scrub, the traditional swatting with birch switches which is part massage, part aromatherapy and the tempering with cold water. Departure to Riga. Overnight.
Breakfast. Free time for personal exploration. Overnight.
Departure to the airport. Salutations and see you again!
