From Riga: Cēsis, Sigulda & Turaida Castle Tour

Cesis, Latvia



This one day tour will take you to two beautiful cities of Latvia: ancient Cēsis or Wended, and beautiful Sigulda, known as the Switzerland of Latvia. You also enjoy the picturesque countryside, a nature park, and visit 3 medieval castles with your guide.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour explores medieval castles and natural scenery in Northern Latvia, including Cēsis, Sigulda, and Turaida Museum Reserve. It suits history and nature enthusiasts.

Highlights

  • Visit Turaida Museum Reserve and medieval castle
  • Discover the 13th-century monument of Cēsis St. John’s Church
  • Explore medieval castle ruins of Cēsis and Sigulda
  • Enjoy scenic views of Gauja National Park
  • Experience panoramic river views in Gauja Valley

Description

Explore Northern Latvia’s rich history and landscape on this guided tour. Begin with the medieval castle ruins of Cēsis, where candlelit corridors and stairways recreate the 13th-century atmosphere. This site reflects architectural styles from the Livonian period and remains a significant historical landmark.

Visit St. John’s Church in Cēsis, one of Latvia’s oldest medieval buildings dating back to the early 13th century, marking Cēsis as a key German power center from 1237 to 1561.

Next, explore the ruins of Sigulda Castle, originally built by the Order of the Brothers of the Sword in 1207 and later modified by the Livonian Order after 1236.

The tour includes a stop at Gūtmaņala (Goodman's Cave), Latvia’s largest sandstone cave formed over 10,000 years. It is a protected geological site and the country’s oldest tourist attraction.

Finally, visit Turaida Museum Reserve, a heritage site covering 42 hectares with archaeological, architectural, and historical monuments that reveal Latvian culture and history dating back to the 11th century.

Includes

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transportation
  • Professional guide
  • All entrance tickets

Important Information

  • Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking and uneven terrain

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Booking tip: Arrange your tour in advance, especially in summer months, and bring a camera and weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes visits to Turaida Museum Reserve, Cēsis St. John's Church, medieval castle ruins in Cēsis and Sigulda, and the scenic landscapes of Gauja National Park.
Turaida Castle is located within the Turaida Museum Reserve in the Sigulda region of Latvia.
This is a full-day tour covering multiple historic and natural sites north of Riga in Latvia.
Yes, the tour includes stops in Gauja National Park, allowing visitors to experience its natural beauty and panoramic river valley views.
Yes, the tour includes exploring the medieval castle ruins in Cēsis, one of Latvia’s key historical landmarks.
Cēsis St. John’s Church is a 13th-century monument known for its medieval architecture and historical significance in Latvia.
It is recommended to check the official Turaida Museum Reserve website for ticket availability and opening hours before your visit.
Panoramic views of the Gauja River valley are available at several points in Gauja National Park throughout the tour.
The tour typically includes transportation from Riga directly to Cēsis and Sigulda within Latvia for convenience.
Yes, the tour features easy-to-access sites and scenic nature spots suitable for families visiting Latvia.

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.4M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again