Thriving vibes of Riga

The best way to get to Riga is through its international airport. You can take a taxi from the airport, it is absolutely safe and simple. We trust the quality and rates of a Red taxi company. At the same time, if you are a fan of the “full service” travel concept, we will take care of your transfers as well.

Get lost in Riga. This is what we suggest on the day of your arrival. I do not mean that you have to get confused in the old city or on the tram station. I mean, explore the central part of Riga on your own. Find your first experiences and tastes. On the next day, you will have what to tell or to ask your guide.

Today, we will explore the biggest city of the Baltic States. I was founded in 1201 by German bishop Albert of Livonia. Riga is known for its Art Nouveau architecture and importance in the Hanseatic League. You will see the Freedom Monument, a forty-meter high column with a statue of Milda on top of it. You will walk by the Riga Canal in Esplanade Park.

We’ll drop by the Dome Cathedral, famous for its extraordinary organ music and a midday 20 minutes performance – concerto piccolo. The last organ was installed in 1880′ and has over 6700 pipes. The Great and Small Guilds’ houses will tell us about the commercial history of Riga city. Just next to the guilds stands one of the most promoted buildings in Riga – the Cats’ house. It is surrounded by a legend about a merchant and his attempt to join the Great Guild.

Next up, we visit the iconic “Three Brothers” – a trio of houses nestled next to each other, built over different centuries. It is a great example of evolving architecture in Riga. We’ll also see St. Peter Church, famous for the highest spire in Latvia.

Will see an eclectic House of Blackheads, which is the most impressive commercial structure on the Town hall square. We’ll walk through the Beer-brewers street and leave the Old City through the Swedish Gate.

We top off the day tour exploring Riga’s famous district of Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) architecture. You admire the residences constructed in the years 1885-1915. These most ornate houses were designed by a famous architect of Jewish origins, Michail Eizenshtein.

Today we will focus on nature and history. We’ll visit Sigulda, a peaceful natural area with ancient castles, historic caves, and spring water. So-called the “Switzerland of Latvia”, Sigulda lies on the banks of the Gauja river. We’ll tour the ruins of Sigulda Castle, once important fortification of Livonia’s knights, destroyed by Grand Duke of Lithuania Algirdas. 

We will visit the Gutman caves, one of the biggest in the Baltics. Long ago, travelers started scratching their names on the sandstone walls. 

Following is the visit the Turaida Castle museum, which has a lot of stories to tell. Once it was a village of Livs, the small ethnic group in the area. Another highlight is a walk in the stone sculpture park learning about singing revolution and resistance to Soviet regime. 

On the way we will see a Wooden church built in 1751 and still functioning today on holidays. And of course, Turaidas castle itself is proud to show the Bishop Albert’s chapel, and 32 meters Don John tower.

You can order additional excursions or spend some time on your own. We will be happy to help you with additional transfers and guides if needed.