Tour Overview
Welcome to Latvia! Throughout the Latvian countryside are scattered many lovingly restored castles and manor houses where you can stay and savor the delights formerly only available to the Latvian aristocracy. On this program, you will see the cultural and historical heritage left behind in Latvia by rulers over the course of several centuries- fourteen outstanding castles and manors along with ancient castle ruins. The route weaves through Gauja National Park and the seaside of the Baltic Sea.Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Riga, LatviaWelcome to Latvia! Today when you arrive in Riga, you will be met by a local iExplore Representative and driven by private car to your hotel. The Hotel Gutenbergs is located in the heart of Old Town, next to Dome Square. The main building was built at the end of the 19th century and reminds one of a prosperous Riga’s or a country baron’s house. Its 9 feet high ceilings, vast corridors with comfortable recreation areas and ormolu candelabra. Everything here- the paintings, engravings, antique fancy articles, old books in the guest rooms and corridors- are like a story about the history of Riga. Pretty rooftop terrace. Enjoy a private city tour of Riga. This panoramic tour encompasses the most significant sights: Bastion Hill, Powder Tower, Latvian National Theater, Fine Arts Museum, Art Nouveau Buildings, Freedom Monument, University of Latvia, Latvian National Opera House, and a walking tour of the picturesque streets of the Old Town, the Dome Cathedral, the Church of St. Peter, the old Guild Houses, the Swedish Gate, St. Jacob’s Church, Parliament House and Old Riga Castle.
Hotel Gutenbergs
Dinner Day 2: Riga- Sigulda- Turaida- Birni
After breakfast we’ll leave for Sigulda in the Gauja National Park- a mountain region that has long been cherished as Latvia’s most beautiful. Ancient oak forests, the cave-lined banks of the Gauja River, medieval castles and wild flowers. Experience a gentle whiff of the Middle Ages, a time of romantic legends, castles and heroic figures, visiting the ruins of the 13th century Livonian Order’s master Castle in Sigulda. The deeply moated castle, which included a convent, is now a crumbled ruin. It was built by the Crusader’s Order of the Sword Bearers who came here as soon as they arrived in Latvia in 1207. They used large boulders and stuck them together with mortar mixed with eggs and honey. A short drive down into the river valley, enjoying the landscape en route, brings us to the 13th century Turaida Castle- the former residence of the Bishop of Riga and a chance to view the ‘Garden of the Gods’ from the 90 foot high fortification tower and visit the local history museum. Tonight you will overnight in a castle- the Hotel Birini Pils. The castle was built in 1860 in a neo-gothic style with some Renaissance interior details. Perhaps the most impressive feature is the entrance hall with its wooden staircases and balconies. The estate covers a huge territory with forest walking trails, Italianate Park, ancient vaults and lake. Activities on offer include horse riding, cycling and boat hire.
Hotel Birini Pils
Breakfast, Dinner Day 3: Birni- Igate- Limbazi- Cesi- Dikli
After breakfast we will depart Birini on a route that takes us through the Gauja National Park, which is situated on both sides of the ancient river-valley of the River Gauja. Sandstone cliffs and dense forests are typical of the park. Today you will visit many castles en route: Igate, Leilstraupe, Cesis and Ungurmuiza Manor. Igate Castle (1880) is built in a neo-renaissance style, near the castle there is a romantic park and an old water mill and a pub serving traditional Latvian dishes. Lielstraupe Castle (13th century) : unique with its construction the castle building is united with a church. Ungurmuiza Manor House: the oldest wooden manor in Latvia and is adorned with distinguished paintings from 1750-1762. Then we arrive in Cesis for a sightseeing tour. Cesis is a pleasant, wide-open town, which was a popular cultural center during both the National Awakening and First Independence. Its attractive yellow & white two and three story buildings date back several centuries. Here you will walk the Old Town, visit the ruins of Cesis Castle, the castle gardens and the new castle, which now houses a museum. Spend the night in a castle-hotel. Diklu Pils was built in 1896 in a neo-baroque style and has been fully renovated as a luxurious hotel. There is beautiful interior detailing throughout, with splendid tiled fireplaces in many halls. The ground floor has been reconstructed as a cozy restaurant, billiard room and spa. The estate has numerous outbuildings and a landscaped park.
Hotel Diklu Pils
Breakfast, Dinner Day 4: Dikli- Cesvaine- Marciena
After breakfast we depart for Valmiera for a short tour of the town. Valmiera has an ancient castle and was once a member of the Hanseatic League. An observation tower near the castle gives a good view of the valley. Next, visit Cesvaine Castle (1890-1897)- built in a very unusual mixture of architectural styles with walls made from granite, Cesvaine is truly unique. The neo-renaissance interior has partly survived, with an ornate carved wooden staircase, ceiling ornaments and stucco detailing. Afterwards, we continue to Marciena Manor. We will spend time at the Manor walking in the beautiful surroundings on the lake and enjoying the peace and calmness or enjoy the natural herb and water treatments in the Spa complex, which offers many kinds of baths: stone, hay, Eros, coniferous, thermal body wrap, pool, sauna, chocolate and hot stone massages. Overnight at the Marcienas Muiza Spa Hotel. The hotel, with 34 rooms, is located at the luxury building and other houses of the manor and there are several restaurants.
Marcienas Muiza Spa Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner Day 5: Marciena- Koknese- Nauska- Rundale- Mezotne
After breakfast we head for Koknese, where the stone castle of Koknese’ archbishops was built in 1209. We continue to Bauska, where we visit the Bauska Castle, which was built in 1443 and was one of the last castles of the Livonian Order. The walls and one of the towers remained intact over the years, but the remaining four towers have been rebuilt. The fortress ruins and the castle’s central tower viewing platform are open to the public. Further on we come to Rundale and visit Rundale Palace (18th century)- a beautiful baroque palace in Latvia. The palace is an important example of the early work of Italian-Russian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who designed the famous Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. The professionally renovated palace interiors are decorated with authentic 18th century furniture, paintings and china. The most impressive are the Golden Hall, the White hall, and the bedroom of the Duke of Courland Johan Ernst Biron. The palace also boasts a beautiful French-style park. Tonight we stay at the palace hotel Mezotne Pils. This Empire-style palace was built in 1802, and was the property of Princess Charlotte von Lieven, a governess of the Russian Emperor Pavil I. The manor is surrounded by an English park.
Mezonte Pils
Breakfast, Dinner Day 6: Mezotne- Jurmala- Riga
This morning after breakfast we depart for Jelgava for a short visit to Jelgava Palace (1738-1772), built by architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli. The palace was formerly the winter residence of Ernest Johan Biron, Duke of Kurzeme. Now it houses an agricultural college, though is contains a museum and the vaults of the Dukes of Kurzeme, which are open to visitors. Then, we continue driving to Jurmala- the largest and most popular resort in the Baltic Sea region. It stretches along some 15 miles of coastline. People from all over the world come to enjoy Jurmala’s clean air, curative mineral springs and mud baths, all in the setting if a virgin pine forest. Here you will enjoy a sightseeing tour as well as some leisure time. Afterwards, we continue to Riga and check in to the Garden Palace Hotel. This most elegant and unique 4* hotel was opened at the beginning of 2007. The 19th century building is superbly located in the heart of Riga, with ample opportunities for entertainment.
Garden Palace Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner Day 7: Depart Riga
After breakfast you will be driven to the airport for your flight home.
Breakfast
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