Lovable Latvia
3 Nights in Riga
3 Nights in Riga
3 Nights in Riga
Riga's story is one of resurrection. After being damaged by fighting in World War II, the city has returned to beautiful prominence after two decades of independence. Riga really has come a long way, earning UNESCO World Heritage status and being named the European Capital of Culture for 2014. This is a lovely city that takes art and culture seriously, with a packed classical music calendar and events held nightly. You’ll find plenty to enjoy in this Baltic capital. Exploring the city, you’ll have the largest market and bazaar in Europe on-hand, as well as the largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture in the world. You could spend days wandering around admiring these beautiful buildings. But there’s more to do. The city is rich in museums, galleries and concert halls, so your cultural calendar will be full during your stay. And the nightlife is excellent too, with fine restaurants, boutique bars and cute cafes. Rundale and Sigulda are both gorgeous castles and palaces reachable for a day trip.
Riga's story is one of resurrection. After being damaged by fighting in World War II, the city has returned to beautiful prominence after two decades of independence. Riga really has come a long way, earning UNESCO World Heritage status and being named the European Capital of Culture for 2014. This is a lovely city that takes art and culture seriously, with a packed classical music calendar and events held nightly. You’ll find plenty to enjoy in this Baltic capital. Exploring the city, you’ll have the largest market and bazaar in Europe on-hand, as well as the largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture in the world. You could spend days wandering around admiring these beautiful buildings. But there’s more to do. The city is rich in museums, galleries and concert halls, so your cultural calendar will be full during your stay. And the nightlife is excellent too, with fine restaurants, boutique bars and cute cafes. Rundale and Sigulda are both gorgeous castles and palaces reachable for a day trip.
Day 1
Day 1 - Arrival in Riga
We will arrange for a driver to meet you upon your arrival at Riga airport and take you to your centrally located accommodation.
Riga From On High
What better way to start your visit to a new city than admiring the view from above? From St. Peter's Church in the old town, the Stalinist Latvian Academy of Sciences, mountainous National Library (also known as the Mountain of Light), or the Riga Radio and TV Tower (the tallest structure in the EU), extraordinary views of Riga and even the sea are easy to find. If you'd like to accompany great views with excellent drinks, we can recommend the best rooftop bar in the city so you can kick back with cocktails.
Day 2
Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Riga
Introducing Riga
Today you’ll be exploring the beautiful city of Riga and its UNESCO-listed Old Town. Historically an important trading port on the Baltic Sea, Riga had a strategic advantage for invaders, which resulted in periods of Polish, German, Swedish and Soviet rule all leaving their mark. You’ll walk through the winding streets of the Old Town to take in the sublime architecture as your guide makes the past come alive for you with stories. Your guide will meet you at your accommodation for this 2-hour tour, and will bring you back to your accommodation, or suggest places for further exploration.
Artful Architecture: Art Nouveau Tour
Riga’s Old Town is protected by UNESCO, in large part because of the gorgeous Art Nouveau buildings in the center. We suggest taking a look at some of them today. The style accounts for about 40% of Riga’s buildings, so there’s plenty to see. Alberta Street and the so-called Quiet Center, where the embassies are located, are great places to start. If you would prefer the company of an expert local guide to make sure you don't miss any of the best and most impressive details, we can arrange that for you.
Day 3
Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Riga
Central Market Private Tour
Come and discover what Latvian food is all about, what the locals eat, and where they do so. This excursion will show you many local specialties, allowing you to taste and experience them. Find out about the history of the Riga Central Market (housed inside giant zeppelin hangars), with seasonal foods and more. This is a tasting tour, so be prepared to try quite new foods and beverages. The tour is a walking tour with tastings within the market, instead of gourmet restaurants, providing an authentic taste of Latvian food, with real locals.
Riga Canal Boat Group Tour
Back in the old days, before the Daugava rider was bridged, small boats used to transport locals across the river, and Riga's smaller waterways. The larger boats made up the "river tramway," while the smaller ones were "river taxis." Step aboard one of these historic vessels, and see boulevards, parks, squares, fountains, bridges, markets, and the old harbor as you cruise the canal that once formed the city's moat. For the tour's climax, you'll head down the river, taking in majestic panoramas of Old Riga’s spires and the modern and Soviet buildings of the left bank.
Day 4
Day 4 - Traveling to Liepaja by Private Transfer
2 Nights in Liepaja
2 Nights in Liepaja
2 Nights in Liepaja
Liepaja has two faces, attracting different types. The city is mostly known as a beach resort, with its gardens, park, musical festivals, showy concert hall, and sandy stretch. Among Latvians, Liepaja is also known as the "city where the wind is born," thanks to its Chicago-like gusts (which power the country's largest wind farm nearby). Liepaja's other side is especially clear in the district of Karosta (Latvian for "War Port"), home to many of the city's Russian-speakers. One of imperial Russia's main port, Liepaja (then known as Libau) is the port from which most Russians Jews sailed to the New World. One of the Czar's main naval bases, then made into one of the Soviet Union's secret cities, Karosta is ringed by fortifications, many of which are slowly falling into the sea. Follow the fortifications far enough, and you'll find a massive menorah, a memorial to the city's Jews, who were murdered there by the SS. While today known for its shore, this humble town played a major role in American history, as the port from which many Poles, Lithuanians, Jews, and Russians embarked for new lives in the New World.
Liepaja has two faces, attracting different types. The city is mostly known as a beach resort, with its gardens, park, musical festivals, showy concert hall, and sandy stretch. Among Latvians, Liepaja is also known as the "city where the wind is born," thanks to its Chicago-like gusts (which power the country's largest wind farm nearby). Liepaja's other side is especially clear in the district of Karosta (Latvian for "War Port"), home to many of the city's Russian-speakers. One of imperial Russia's main port, Liepaja (then known as Libau) is the port from which most Russians Jews sailed to the New World. One of the Czar's main naval bases, then made into one of the Soviet Union's secret cities, Karosta is ringed by fortifications, many of which are slowly falling into the sea. Follow the fortifications far enough, and you'll find a massive menorah, a memorial to the city's Jews, who were murdered there by the SS. While today known for its shore, this humble town played a major role in American history, as the port from which many Poles, Lithuanians, Jews, and Russians embarked for new lives in the New World.
Day 4
Day 4 - Arrival in Liepaja
Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the center of Liepaja.
A Bountiful Beach
Day 5
Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Liepaja
Find the Wind's Birthplace
Go beyond Liepaja's dazzling white beach, and explore "the place where the wind is born," delving into its culture and Art Nouveau architecture. While today known for its shore, this humble town played a major role in American history, as the port from which many Poles, Lithuanians, Jews, and Russians embarked for new lives in the New World.
Karosta, the "War Port"
Day 6
Day 6 - Traveling to Cesis by Private Transfer
The most relaxed way to get to Cesis is with a private transfer. Our driver will pick you up at your accommodations, based on the time of your choosing, and take you directly to Cesis. Please note that, at around five hours, this is a fairly long drive, so we only suggest making stops for lunch and toilets along the way. The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon or minivan. We can also arrange an upgrade to a more luxurious class of vehicle for an extra fee.
2 Nights in Cesis
2 Nights in Cesis
2 Nights in Cesis
Cute Cesis' most obvious feature is its eponymous castle, constructed by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword, crusaders wanting to build a castle in their new homeland, in the early 13th century. The castle attained its new half-ruined appearance more than 350 years later, when the poor garrison blew themselves up rather than surrender to Ivan the Terrible. A year later, Ivan himself lost a battle for the town, which had been retaken by a desperate alliance of all of his enemies, and which became a turning point against him. Indeed, until recently, the city was mostly known for the battles that have swirled around it. Latvians and Estonians both know the town for the battle fought over it in 1919 during the Latvian War of Independence, when an allied German army changed its mind and tried to seize Latvia for itself (Estonians say they won the battle with Latvian help, and Latvians insist they won with Estonian help). In recent years, the town has transformed into a hip treasure, drawing artists and environmentalists, who are working to turn the town into an example of what Latvia can be.
Cute Cesis' most obvious feature is its eponymous castle, constructed by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword, crusaders wanting to build a castle in their new homeland, in the early 13th century. The castle attained its new half-ruined appearance more than 350 years later, when the poor garrison blew themselves up rather than surrender to Ivan the Terrible. A year later, Ivan himself lost a battle for the town, which had been retaken by a desperate alliance of all of his enemies, and which became a turning point against him. Indeed, until recently, the city was mostly known for the battles that have swirled around it. Latvians and Estonians both know the town for the battle fought over it in 1919 during the Latvian War of Independence, when an allied German army changed its mind and tried to seize Latvia for itself (Estonians say they won the battle with Latvian help, and Latvians insist they won with Estonian help). In recent years, the town has transformed into a hip treasure, drawing artists and environmentalists, who are working to turn the town into an example of what Latvia can be.
Day 6
Day 6 - Arrival in Cesis
Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the center of Cesis.
Day 7
Day 7 - Your First Full Day in Cesis
Delve Into the Medieval
Cesis, with the medieval castle ruins at its heart, is one of Latvia's most beautiful, and romantic, destinations. On this tour, you'll wander the Old Town, learning the stories behind its parks and buildings, the town's old traditions regarding jewelry, and its pivotal role in the Latvian War of Independence before heading to the castle. From the castle tour, you'll enjoy a view of the town, as you learn about the crusaders who built the castle, and the pagan hillfort it replaced. Carrying lanterns, you'll descend into the dungeon, to learn why the garrison of this Latvian Masada chose to blow themselves up rather than surrender to Ivan the Terrible's besieging army.
Ready Your Taste Buds
Day 8
Day 8 - Departure Day
Based on your flight time, we will arrange a transfer from your accommodation to Riga airport. The journey time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
What's Included
Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.
Riga
Liepaja
Cesis
package excludes:
- Flights to and from Europe.
- Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
- Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
- Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
- Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.
A Travel Advisor who speaks your language
We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation
Your trip is customized for you by an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions
We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day
Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road
Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out
Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.Glowing Reviews from Our Guests
Our recent 3 week trip to the Baltics and Finland was excellent. We are 2 couples, both well travelled and JayWay was outstanding with their planning, booking and execution. We highly recommend JayWay for a first class travel experience.
Visited : Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland
Itinerary : Vilnius, Klaipeda, Liepaja, Riga, Tallinn, Helsinki
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