A Baltic gem with picturesque landscapes, historic architecture, vibrant culture, and beautiful seaside cities
Latvia Tours
Our Best Latvia Tours
Activities in Latvia
Top 5 Latvia Tour Highlights
1. Riga
Riga, the capital of Latvia, is renowned for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture and charming medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city buzzes with energy, featuring vibrant markets, lively nightlife, and a rich array of cultural events. Its picturesque riverfront and expansive parks offer a relaxing contrast to the urban hustle, making Riga a dream destination for both history enthusiasts and modern explorers.
2. Jurmala
Jurmala is a picturesque seaside resort town known for its long sandy beaches and charming wooden architecture. The town’s tranquil atmosphere, combined with its therapeutic mineral waters and lush pine forests, makes it a popular spot for those seeking relaxation and wellness.
3. Cēsis
Cēsis is a historic town in Latvia renowned for its medieval charm and well-preserved castle ruins. The town’s cobblestone streets and picturesque buildings offer a glimpse into its interesting history, while its vibrant cultural scene includes art galleries and local festivals. Surrounded by lush forests and scenic landscapes, Cēsis is a perfect blend of historical intrigue and natural beauty.
4. Gauja National Park
Gauja National Park, Latvia’s largest protected area, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including deep river valleys, lush forests, and dramatic sandstone cliffs. The park offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, from hiking and canoeing to exploring ancient castles and caves.
5. Kuldīga
Kuldīga, often called the “Venice of Latvia,” is a charming town known for its picturesque streets and historic architecture. The town’s highlight is the Venta Rapid, Europe’s widest waterfall, which adds a unique natural beauty to Kuldīga’s quaint, old-world atmosphere.
Mandy Liebig Cycle the BalticsI honestly had no idea what to expect when I booked this cycling trip, but wow – what an absolute gem! The route took us to charming medieval towns, along stunning coastlines, and through peaceful national parks, showing us a side of these countries you’d likely otherwise miss. The absolute highlight for me was cycling Lithuania’s Lake District, where we pedaled past gorgeous lakes and through pine forests, discovering adorable wooden villages that looked straight out of a storybook. The unexpected moments made it unforgettable – like when our guide insisted we try this tiny restaurant that only served dried fish (I was skeptical), but it turned out to be the best meal of the entire trip. Every evening, our small group would gather over wine and local beer, laughing about the day’s adventures. From the incredible old town of Tallinn to tucked-away fishing villages, every day brought something new to discover, while the thoughtfully planned routes made the journey challenging yet incredibly rewarding. If you’re on the fence about this trip, just book it.
Teresa Markle Discover the BalticsThis is my 8th Exodus trip since 2017. I appreciate the variety in the cultural tours, such as Discover the Baltics. Over the 12-day period, we visited all three capitals of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, explored historic towns (Tartu, Kaunas, Cesis, and Klaipeda), learned about architecture (Art Nouveau in Riga and Jarmala), trekked in national parks, visited famous churches, took a crash course on Soviet occupation at famous museums, and enjoyed free time to explore on our own. The pace is brisk. Be prepared to board your bus at 9 am each day to begin your tour. There are several long days on the bus as we typically visited two venues. I highly recommend this tour.
Exodus should replace two of the hotels used. They were poor. I did not like being assigned a tiny room with a twin bed.
My Top 12 Memories of the Baltic Republics
1. Meandering the cobblestone streets of Old Town Tallinn, Estonia
2. Foraging for berries in Tartu National Park
3. Riding a giant adult swing between Estonia and Latvia
4. Admiring the red roofed homes of historic Cesis
5. Roaming in the sculpture garden at Gauja National Park
6. Visiting the Art Nouveau Museum in Riga, Latvia
7. Admiring the colorful wooden houses in Jurmala, a 19th century seaside village
8. Learning the etiquette of “fan flirtation” at 18th-century Rundale Palace
9. Walking the trail of tears at the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania
10. Searching for seaside stones at the Curonian Spit, a Unesco World Heritage site between the Curonian Lagoon and Baltic Sea
11. Taking a boat ride on the lake in Trakai, the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania
12. Discovering Vilnius’ old town with our Exodus Travel guide
Is Latvia worth visiting?
Absolutely, Latvia is worth visiting! The country offers a rich blend of historical charm, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Cities like Riga and Cēsis boast stunning architecture and historical sites, while places like Jūrmala and Gauja National Park offer beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Latvia’s unique blend of old-world charm, scenic beauty, and modern vibrancy makes it a compelling destination for travelers.
Is Latvia safe for visitors?
Yes, Latvia is generally considered safe for visitors. It has low crime rates and is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. As with traveling to any country, it’s always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings, follow local guidelines, and take standard safety precautions to ensure a pleasant and safe trip.
FAQs on Latvia Tours
Where is Latvia?
Latvia is located in Northern Europe, along the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. It is one of the three Baltic States, sharing borders with Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, and Belarus and Russia to the east.
When is the best time to visit Latvia?
Summer, from June to August, is the most popular season to visit Latvia, with warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and a range of festivals and outdoor activities, making it ideal for exploring cities, beaches, and national parks. Autumn, from September to November, offers cooler weather and fewer tourists, along with beautiful fall foliage in forested areas and parks. Winter, from December to February, can be enchanting with snow-covered landscapes and festive Christmas markets, perfect for those who enjoy winter sports or holiday atmospheres. Spring, from March to May, brings milder temperatures and blooming nature, making it a great time for hiking and enjoying the awakening landscapes.
What is Latvia best known for?
Latvia is best known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant cities. The country is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, particularly in its capital, Riga, which features a wealth of Art Nouveau buildings and a historic old town that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Latvia’s natural beauty includes picturesque beaches, dense forests, and dramatic sandstone cliffs, such as those found in Gauja National Park.
What country did Latvia used to be?
Latvia was part of the Russian Empire before gaining independence in 1918. It then became one of the Baltic States until it was occupied and annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940. After a brief period of Nazi German occupation during World War II, Latvia was re-occupied by the Soviet Union until it regained independence in 1990.
What currency do they use in Latvia?
Latvia uses the euro (€) as its currency.
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