Highlights
- Explore Cēsis Medieval Castle by candlelight with a lantern in hand
- See the red-brick castle at Turaida Castle & Museum Reserve in Gauja Valley
- Visit Sigulda medieval ruins in Gauja National Park
- Taste warm Latvian dark rye on a visit to an artisan bakery
- Photograph the Gauja River valley landscape nicknamed 'Switzerland of Latvia'
Description
I'd love to welcome you on this excursion. My hope is to give you a well-planned day in Latvia, shaped around our small group and worth your ten hours.
We drive east from Riga for 90 minutes and reach the town of Cēsis. Our first stop is at an award-winning local bread maker that specializes in traditional recipes using spelt, rye and other heritage grains. They walk us through the process and offer us fresh breads for tasting. As we make our way towards Cēsis Castle, I give you a short walking tour of the old town, pointing out noteworthy buildings and sharing local stories.
We explore the medieval part of Cēsis Castle for 90 minutes with a fancy little candlelit lantern for the vibe. I offer a running commentary on the history of the castle - from the Northern Crusades that brought the Livonian Order warrior-monks to this region, all the way to the arrival of Ivan the Terrible! During the summer months there are additional activities in the castle grounds that further add to the immersive experience.
We break for lunch at a local buffet restaurant (you pay directly to the restaurant). If required, I help you choose dishes and explain local delicacies on the menu. In the van, I also talk about my favourite Latvian drinks and snacks and suggest what to try during your stay. When possible, I may bring a small complimentary sample of a Latvian sweet or drink for tasting, but this is not part of the tour price.
After lunch we take a short drive to Turaida Castle, where you can climb the tower for a spectacular view of the Gauja valley and surrounding area. I offer you insights into the museum complex and the legend of Roze and Gutman's Cave. The other quiet highlight here is the Folk Song Park, a hillside set with 25 granite sculptures by Indulis Ranka, opened in 1985 on the 150th birthday of Krišjānis Barons. Barons collected and published over 200,000 Latvian dainas, short four-line folk verses that hold the memory of an entire culture, and this hillside became one of the gathering points of the late-1980s Singing Revolution that led to Latvia's restored independence in 1991.
Then we make our way to the Sigulda Castle ruins (not as elaborate as Turaida Castle). For those who like, there are plenty of souvenir shops in the castle complex, including a cafe that does a cacao ceremony (seems to be the fad in Riga this year!).
Finally we make it to the Emperor's View, where Russian Tsar Alexander II stood in 1862 and enjoyed the most breathtaking view of the River Gauja snaking its way through the valley landscape. The viewing point was installed that year for his visit, 67 metres above the river. This is a major photography vantage point, the view that earned this landscape its 'Switzerland of Latvia' nickname. The last impression would indeed be the most lasting impression!
We arrive back in Riga by early evening. By then, I hope you leave feeling you've used your day well, seen something special, and made warm memories of Latvia.
Includes
Guided full-day tour (approx. 10 hours)
Licensed Latvian guide, English- and Latvian-speaking (Russian, German, or French on request)
Small group, maximum 7 guests
Pickup and drop-off in central Riga (Triangula Bastion or Grand Hotel Kempinski)
Transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus (~200 km round trip)
Entrance to Cēsis Medieval Castle
Entrance to Sigulda Medieval Castle ruins
Entrance to Turaida Castle & Museum Reserve
Artisan bread maker visit with tasting
Cultural and historical commentary throughout the day
Excludes
Lunch (pay at the local cafeteria in Cēsis)
Personal purchases and souvenirs
Tips or gratuities (optional)
Important Information
- This is a full-day tour of around 10 hours with a relaxed but steady pace.
Expect moderate walking. Cēsis Castle has uneven medieval surfaces and stairs; Turaida involves hillside walking and tower steps. Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
Weather in Latvia can change quickly — please dress for the season and bring a light jacket or rain protection.
Pickup is from two fixed meeting points in central Riga (Triangula Bastion or Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga). We do not collect from individual hotels.
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
