Grand Latvia tour 12 days / 11 nights
The best is enjoyed slowly – a new slogan of Latvia, which exactly fits to our Grand Latvia tour. During the tour you will slowly get a taste of what Latvia is about: Riga, Ventspils and Liepaja, see the ancient small towns Kuldiga and Cesis, enjoy beautiful lakes in the Country of Blue Lakes - Latgale, get impressed by Old Castles and Marvellous Palaces of South Latvia, get a soul and eye satisfaction in green Latvian Switzerland - Sigulda.

Day 1: Arrival Riga
Arrival in Riga, meeting and transfer to the hotel, check in.
Overnight in Riga.

Day 2: Riga
The day starts with the strolling down the narrow cobbled streets of Old Riga, enjoying the ancient aura of the place and the unique medieval architectural monuments, which have been lucky enough to have survived two world wars. Highlights of this walking guided tour impresses: the Dome Cathedral, dating back to the 13th century, St. Peter;s Church, St. Jacob's Cathedral, housing the seat of Roman Catholic Cathedral, the Three Brothers private residence complex, Riga Castle, St.George's Church, nicknamed the white stone castle, the Holy Spirit Convent, the Dannenstern House, the House of the Blackheads, Small and Great Guildes and others. Most famous Riga Art Nouveau buildings examples on Elizabetes and Alberta streets are also included in the tour. Optional lunch at the Medieval restaurant of Riga. Afternoon we visit one of the oldest open-air museums in Europe - Riga Ethnographic Open Air Museum, which was founded in 1924. Historical dwellings, peasants', fishermen's and artisans' homesteads, a tavern and windmills have been gathered here from all over Latvia. Masters of 18 different crafts demonstrate their work: spoon-carvers, bee-keepers, potters and others. The collection contains 100000 items.
Overnight in Riga.

Day 3: Riga – Jurmala – Kuldiga – Ventspils
Guided departure to the largest seaside resort in the Baltic States - Jurmala. The town of Jurmala takes pride in its wooden architecture, a unique characteristic of the city since the 19th and early 20th century. Here Art Nouveau, National Romanticism, and Functionalism coexist in harmony. After city sightseeing tour you will have a free time for a pleasant walk on the beach to enjoy a view on Jurmala sand dunes, Gulf of Riga blue water and take a deep breath of healthy Jurmala air - pine forest trees mixed with the sea. Further continue to charming little town of Kuldiga, which is famous for the widest waterfall in Europe – Ventas Rumba, streching for 249 m in width. After lunch and seeing the best parts of Kuldiga including Old Town and the 19th century red brick bridge across the River Venta we head to the sea gates of Latvia – Ventspils.
Overnight in Ventpils.

Day 4: Ventspils - Liepaja
A morning walk on the cobbled lanes of Ventspils Old Town, the Livonian Order Castle (1290), the port disctrict Ostgals and stop by the Anchor Trail to admire see a 6 m high 23-ton anchor. Afternoon guided departure to another Latvian port and tradionally regarded town of music and culture – Liepaja. International Piano Festival, International Organ Music Festival, Baltic Beach Party are just some of the names of the events to enjoy.
Overnight in Liepaja.

Day 5: Liepaja - Jaunmoku Castle
Liepaja walking tour starts with the Art Nouveau buildings in the town centre and continues to the distinctive wooden arhcitecture at the Seaside Park. Further the way of the town discover lies to Karosta (Naval Port) and labyrinths of the Northern Fort. After lunch guided departure to Jaunmoku Castle, combining Neo-Gothic shapes with elements of Art Nouveau. The castle was built in 1901 as a hunting palace for George Armitstead, a Mayor of Riga City.
Overnight in Jaunmoku Castle.

Day 6: Jaunmoku Castle – Jelgava Palace – Bauska Castle – Rundale Palace – Mezotnes Castle
Today our tour is full of Castles and Palaces. From the morning we leave already discovered Jaunmoku Castle and head to the magnifient Jelgava Palace, which can be seen from the bridge across the Lielupe River. At present, the Latvia University of Agriculture is located here, but earlier it was a residence of the Duke of Kurzeme. After we continue to Bauska Castle complex consisting from ruins of Livonia Order Castle and residence for the Duke of Courland. Not far from Bauska Castle complex is located marvellous Rundale Palace which is an example of Baroque and Rococo architecture of outstanding brilliance. Lunch at the restaurant of Rundale Palace will make you feel really special. After good food we continue to Mezotnes Castle for overnight. This significat classical style building (1802) has been renovated in 2001. The castle is surrounded by a well kept English landscape park. Exclusive guest rooms with authentic furniture and accessories from the times of princes' von Liven (the beginning of the 19th cent.).
Overnight in Mezotnes Castle.

Day 7: Mezotnes Castle - Daugavpils
Today we continue our Grand Latvia tour to Eastern Latvia side, which is widely called Land of Blue Lakes and its main town – Daugavpils. “Ancient stones of the fortress and splendid Art Nouveau in the heart of the city, low-rise wooden houses with finely carved bluish-grey shutters and geraniums on the windowsills in the part of the city called Forstadt - create the peculiar feeling of being at home, being safe. It accompanies all those, who have been born here or have lived here for some period of time", writes poetess Anna Rancane about Daugavpils. Afternoon sightseeing tour of the city.
Overnight in Daugavpils.

Day 8: Daugavpils – Aglona Basilika - Dagda – Raznas lake
Leaving Daugavpils early morning we go to the most important Catholic church in Latvia – Aglona Basilika. Every year on 15th August thousands of piligrims gather here to celebrate Assumption of Mary. The church has a huge collection of paintings, sculptures and art objects, Miracle-Worker Virgin Mary of Aglona icon (17th century) among them, usually veiled and only uncovered during religious celebrations. It is widely believed that the icon possesses healing properties. Further continue to small Dagda town, lunch and sightseeing here. Afterwards we drive to Latvian second largest lake - Raznas lake. Evening to enjoy beautiful nature and sights by the lake.
Overnight by Raznas lake.

Day 9: Raznas Lake – Rezekne – Lubans lake
Relaxing day which can be called “from lake to lake” starts with the Rezekne sightseeing tour. The attraction of Rezekne city is hidden not only in its tidiness and green ornament but also its culture historical inheritance. In spite of the fact that the World War II destroyed the biggest part of the historically remarkable and ancient buildings, many of them are sight worthy today. Afternoon departure to the largest lake of Latvia - Lubans lake. Enjoy nature of Eastern Latvia at your leisure. Overnight by Lubans lake.

Day 10: Lubans Lake – Cesis
From morning we departure to small ancient town Cesis and its medieval Cesis Castle. During the walk on the cobbled streets and alleyways of Cesis Old Town you will see old buildings with traditional red tiled roofs, hidden courtyards and restored facades. Another must-see in Cesis is St.John's church, first built at the end of the 13th century as the largest church in the region. The church organ fills the surrounding streets with its music.
Overnight in Cesis.

Day 11: Cesis – Sigulda
Just half an hour drive from Cesis lies beautiful Latvian town – Sigulda, which often is called as Latvian Switzerland. We visit Turaida Museum Reserve, which is Sigulda's protected cultural monument. The Turaida Castle Museum Park covers 42 hectares of land and encompasses items of natural, cultural and historical importance. The most prominent feature is the soaring red brick tower of the restored 13th century Turaida castle, providing a breathtaking view across the Gauja river valley from its very top.
Overnight in Sigulda.

Day 12: Riga departure
Transfer to Riga International airport, which is located about 1,5 hour drive from Sigulda.
We are looking forward to see you in Latvia again!

Price per person:
Depends on your group size (starting with 1 person). To receive our special offer for Grand Latvia tour please contact us info@grandbaltics.com.