Weekend in Riga

3 days / 2 nights tour

Latvian capital Riga is one of the oldest cities on the Easter shore of the Baltic sea. As far as by 12th century the city was trading center on the Baltics and the most successful time for the city was the end of 19th – beginning of 20th century when Riga was one of the major ports of Russian Empire. From that times we can enjoy majestic building of Art Nuveau, signs of long and complicated history in the constructions of the Old Town of Riga.

Riga Old Town is on the UNESCO World Heritage list but the city offer much more – night clubs, all sorts of restaurants, cozy cafes just for your dining experience. You can take great relaxing boat trips on Daugava river and Riga channel, bike, segway or just waking tours in the Old Town and Art Nuveau district.

Classical music lovers will enjoy organ concerts at Riga’s Dome, National Opera Theater shows, concerts at the Great Guild. Modern music fans will enjoy numerous clubs with live performances from folk to heavy metal music.

Expand your city break by getting acquainted with Latvian nature. Relax at Gauja National Park called Latvian Switzerland for it's steep banks of Gauja river covered with forests. Get a glimpse of medieval castles on the banks of Gauja. You can also enjoy sightseeing tour to Jurmala to admire wooden architecture of the first half of 20th century or take a tour to Rundale Palace – summer home of the Duke of Courland built by famous architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli.

More information is available on the website of Riga’s Tourist Office.

No matter if you are young or older you will find your joy visiting Riga.

Day 1: Arrival to Riga. Accommodation in a hotel of your choice. An afternoon walking tour of Riga.

Day 2: Morning trip to Gauja National Park, afternoon free.

Day 3: Departure.

Extension:

Day 4: Free day in Riga or a trip to Rundale or Jurmala.

Day 5: Departure

Day 1: Afternoon walking city tour of Riga includes it's most famous architectural monuments: 13th century St. Peter's Church, St. George's Church, St. John's Church, 14th century Riga Castle, Big and Small Guildhouses, medieval dwelling houses “Three Brothers” and the Dome Square with its famous Dome Cathedral boasting one of the biggest organs in Europe.

Day 2: Morning tour to Gauja National Park (50 km from Riga), often referred to as Latvian Switzerland. Enjoy beautiful vistas of the Gauja River Valley, visit 13th century Turaida Castle, now housing a small History Museum, relax walking in the adjoining Sculpture Park, featuring works of Latvian sculptors.

Free afternoon to explore Riga at your own pace.

Day 3: Private transfer to the airport.

Optional

Trip to Rundale Palace

A tour to Rundale Palace (80 km from Riga) one of the most beautiful Baroque palaces in Latvia designed and built by the famous Italian architect F. B. Rastrelli. Next to the palace - one of most beautiful parks in the Baltic countries.

Sightseeing tour to Jurmala

Visit most famous Latvian seaside resort town famous for golden beaches and wooden recreational architecture from 1st half of 20th century.

Optional extension

Day 3: A day on your own. Find your own Riga at your own pace. Interesting and numerous museums of Riga could keep you busy for a whole day. Those who opt for a relaxed day may just sip Latvian beer at a sidewalk open air café-bar in the Dome Square and watch life go by.

Day 4: Private transfer to the airport.

Here are some ideas for extra activities during this trip