Stay : Discovering Latvian diversity
More than 3 weeks in Latvia is quite imaginable as the country is so rich in discoveries. We indicate the minimum time needed to travel around the country, but it takes half a day per object. If you are interested in visiting the whole country, you should consider a trip of at least a month and a half (one week per region and 4 days for Rīga).
Summary of the stay
Best time to go
22 days
€€ - Charm and comfort
Detail of the stay : Discovering Latvian diversity - 22 days
Day 1: Visit to the old town of Rīga
Steps: Rīga
Early in the morning, start by visiting the covered market halls, the largest in Europe. These are former zeppelin hangars. Enter the old town through the Old Port Gate, a reminder of how caravans from Asia used to bring their goods to Rīga. Then climb the bell tower ofSt. Peter's Church to admire the view over the city. Then take Skarnu Street to Dome Square, the center of the old town, where you'll find the Dome (not to mention the Protestant cathedral), home to one of Europe's finest organs. Stroll through the maze of streets that make up Rīga's historic center and discover the many historic buildings of Old Rīga. Bordering the old town, along boulevard Basteja, is the Opera House. Not far away, on Brivibas Street, the city's main thoroughfare, stands the Freedom Monument.
Day 2: New town and Art Nouveau
Rīga is known as the European city with the largest number of Art Nouveau architectural masterpieces. These buildings were constructed at the turn of the century, when Rīga was one of Europe's wealthiest cities. Over a period of twenty years, around 700 Art Nouveau houses were built in the center of Rīga, and it has to be said that competition among architects is fierce. Each house owner wants to convey a message through the symbolism he chooses to adorn the facade of his home. The symbols most often chosen are animals (for example, the peacock represents wealth), mythological characters, nymphs, Greek sculptures and lots of flowers. It's this legibility of facades that sets Rīga apart from other cities with Art Nouveau-style buildings. Probably some of the most famous and impressive Art Nouveau buildings can be found on Alberta Street, which owes its entirety, with the exception of No. 12, to Eisenstein, the father of the famous filmmaker (whose best-known film is Battleship Potemkin). But above all, don't miss the famous buildings on Smilsu, Skunu, Valnu, Valdemara, Caka, Ausekla, Brivibas, Miera, Avotu streets...
In the evening, enjoy a cocktail while admiring the sunset and the panoramic view of Rīga from the 26th floor of the Hotel Latvia (Sky Bar).
Day 3: Resort of Jūrmala
Steps: Jūrmala
A relaxing day in the seaside resort of Jürmala, with walks along the beach and spa sessions in one of the hotels facing the sea. The long sandy beach with its pine trees invites you to take a walk. A stroll that can easily be extended in the alleys of the city, which is full of wooden houses of various architectural origins: Russian, Finnish, Swedish or German.
Day 4: Tukums and surroundings
Steps: Tukums
Head west towards the Kurzeme region to reach the town of Tukums. The restored tower of the Livonian Order castle houses a museum dedicated to the people of Tukums. If you're fond of beautiful buildings, be sure to visit the neo-Gothic Jaunmoku castle and its superb park near Tukums.
CHÂTEAU DE JAUNMOKU
Day 5: Kuldiga Getaway
Steps: Kuldīga
From Kurzeme, go to Kuldiga, a charming small town along Venta River. You will discover the largest waterfalls in Europe.
Day 6: Along the coast
Steps: Engure
You will then head north to reach the coast and follow it to Kolka. On the way, it would be a shame not to stop at the Engure lake. This lake is located in the heart of a nature reserve where you can follow the 3.5 km long orchid trail dedicated to 22 species of these rare plants, contemplate from its observation towers the 122 species of birds that find refuge in the reserve. Continuing north, you will pass through a series of fishing villages. Stop at the beaches between Roja and Kolka: it used to be one of the best places to collect amber washed up by the Baltic, but not anymore.
Day 7: Wild nature and traditions
Located at the tip of the country, Kolka offers a magnificent panorama of wild beaches and wooded dunes. Take advantage of your stroll to observe the phenomenon of crossed waves. Heading west, you'll pass through Sliteres Park, home to deer, reindeer, buzzards and a wide range of bird species. Take a break in the village of Mazirbe and learn about the Livonian people, the original inhabitants of Latvia.
Day 8: Heading for Ventspils
Steps: Ventspils
Leaving the park, you will follow the coast to Ventspils, not forgetting to visit the fishing villages along your route and especially the ghost town which still houses a science centre whose main interest is the radio antenna whose diameter reaches 32 m², allowing you to study the sky. French scientists are often present on site. However, this place is very difficult to find because there is no sign indicating its location.
Day 9: Ventspils, capital of the coast
Steps: Ventspils, Rīga, Liepāja
Ventspils, Riga's rival. Visit the old town and the Livonian Order Castle. Dine in the former Upis customs warehouse on the quayside of the old port. Stroll through the streets of the old town or the parks along the beach, and there's rarely a concert or show that doesn't take place. The best way to discover Liepaja is to follow the silver notes etched into the city's cobblestones (Liepaja is Latvia's musical capital, especially for its rock sound).
CHÂTEAU LIVONIEN
Day 10: Liepāja, former Soviet naval base
Steps: Liepāja
Extend your itinerary along the coast to Liepāja, the other major city on the west coast. Formerly a Soviet naval base, Liepāja is undergoing a revival and its cultural life is on a par with that of Rīga. If you're in the mood for adventure and unusual situations, take part in the reality show at Karosta prison, built in the 19th century by the Russian Tsar for his garrisons (you'll still see ruins of the royal barracks). You'll experience the life of a prisoner in Soviet times, and be warned: it's not all rosy... especially when you're a French spy!
PRISON DE KAROSTA
Day 11: Pape National Park
Steps: Liepāja
Just 20 minutes south of Liepāja by road, you can visit Pape National Park, famous for its bison and wild horses. Then take the A9 road inland. En route, visit the town of Saldus and its verdant parks.
PARC NATUREL PAPE (PAPES DABAS PARKS)
Day 12: Architectural wonders
Steps: Jelgava
Turn to Jelgava where you can admire its baroque castle as well as its Orthodox church, both built on order of Anna Ivanovna, for his lover Ernest Biron, the Duke of Curonian, according to the plans of the famous Italian architect Rastrelli.
Day 13: Bauska Castle
Steps: Bauska
Bauska is home to a 13th-century castle built by the Livonian order to defend the nearby Lithuanian border.
Day 14: From palace to palace
Steps: Rundale
Continue your tour with a visit to Rundāle Palace , nicknamed the "Latvian Versailles", a Baroque and Rococo architectural monument unique in Latvia. If you're a lover of fine buildings, take the opportunity to visit the village of Mezotne and stroll through the English garden of its neoclassical palace, an architectural gem that has been completely renovated and now houses a hotel with majestic rooms at affordable prices.
PALAIS DE RUNDĀLE (RUNDĀLE PILS)
Day 15: Lakes Route
Discover the land of lakes, with wilderness dotted with charming villages.
Day 16: On the shores of Lake Kovsa
Steps: Rēzekne
Stop off at Rezekne on Lake Kovsa, and visit the remains of its castle, the Orthodox church and the Latgale Museum of History and Culture.
MUSÉE DE L'HISTOIRE ET DE LA CULTURE DU LATGALE
Day 17: Discovery of Daugavpils
Steps: Daugavpils
Visit of Daugavpils where you discover its magnificent fortress of the Tsariste era.
Day 18: Gauja National Park
Steps: Parc National De Gauja
Discover the Gauja National Park. Its center is in Ligatne, with a wildlife park where the region's animals live in semi-liberty, and around which a number of cottages have been set up.
Day 19: Stopover in Līgatne
Steps: Līgatne
Also visit the village of Līgatne, with its wooden houses, 18th-century paper mill and incredible top-secret Soviet-era bunker. And don't miss the lovely village of Cesvaine.
Day 20: Cēsis, a traditional Latvian city
Steps: Cēsis
Stroll through the medieval streets of Cēsis, the former capital of Livonia. Discover its castle, erected in 1209 by the order of the Porte-Glaive and Teutonic knights, as well as its beautiful alleys and park.
Day 21: Nature walks and ancient myths in Sigulda
Steps: Sigulda
Sigulda is located in the most hilly part of the Vidzeme region. On the hillside, you'll find the ruins of its castle and the amazing bobsleigh run, which can be enjoyed in both winter and summer. You can also visit the Guttman caves along the Gauja river and Turaida castle, which looks like something out of a fairy tale. Ask us about the legend of the Rose of Turaida...
Day 22: Last day in Latvia
Back to Rīga.
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