Imagine hiking in one of Europe’s best hiking destinations, where you can wander around for days or even weeks in the beautiful surroundings of Gauja National Park in Latvia. The area is famous for breathtaking views, wonderful sandstone outcrops, caves, wild flora and fauna, natural springs and architectural monuments – providing the perfect ingredients for nature lovers seeking their next big adventure.
This seven day hiking tour includes a blend of culture, historical interest, nature trails and amazing scenery. Starting in the capital Riga, you’ll visit the city’s main attractions before heading to the Gauja National Park, immersing yourself in nature and spending time in the small traditional villages of Sigulda, Ligatne the and medieval town of Cesis, with stops on route for admiring the beautiful scenery and allowing you time to discover the magic of Latvia.
From £989 per person (excluding flights)
This is based on two people sharing a room for 6 nights in a four-star hotel with breakfast, including return airport transfers, welcome meeting with the tour leader, transportation throughout, walking city tours, guided hiking tours (10-15 km daily), wine tasting experience and entrance to Ligatne Nature Trails and Cesis Medieval Castle.
This roughly converts to 1,177 EUR | 1,276 USD
Departure days: This is a set 6 night tour, with flexible arrival days valid from April to October with a minimum of two people. Please note, the accommodation is most likely to be those mentioned on the itinerary but are subject to availability.
On arrival at Riga airport, you will be met and transferred to the four-star Wellton Riga Hotel and Spa or similar, your base for two nights. Check-in and meet the Tour leader in the early evening who will share the itinerary information and answer any questions you may have.
The rest of the day and evening is free for you to explore the city and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
Riga is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and known for its outstanding diversity of Art Nouveau buildings, Included is a guided walking tour where you’ll see the most famous examples of this style, also visiting the Old Town, Riga Castle, as well as Three Brothers, the oldest dwelling in the city. Afterwards you’ll also visit the Riga Central Market, one of the largest covered markets in Europe. It opened in 1930, and consists of five former Zeppelin airship hangars. You’ll have time to wander around the market and taste some local delicacies such as smoked meat, pickled vegetables, Latvian rye bread and other seasonal treats.
In the afternoon you’ll take a tour to Jurmala by train. Jurmala is a popular seaside resort famous for its wonderful wooden architecture from the 20th century and white sandy beaches. Stroll along Joma street, a lively pedestrian street with plenty of restaurants and cafes, or simply enjoy the beach.
Afterwards, you head back to Riga for the evening and overnight stay
Today you travel to Sigulda in Gauja National Park, approximately 1 hour away. From here you’ll enjoy a 15 km hike in the park, with several hills to negotiate, but guaranteeing one of the most scenic views in Latvia where the valley of the Gauja River curls between the hills as far as the eye can see. You’ll enjoy not only the beautiful landscapes, but also take a look at the impressive sandstone outcrops and the biggest cave in the Baltics - Gutman Cave, as well as historical sites such as Krimulda Manor and Sigulda Medieval Castle.
Tonight is spent in Sigulda, at the four-star Spa Hotel Ezeri, or similar.
Today you will visit the papermill village Ligatne, which appears unchanged since the 19th century. There is a short walking tour around this lovely village, giving you an insight into life in the papermill village.
Later, get ready for a hike along the Ligatne Nature Trails. The surrounding area of Ligatne is rich with sandstone rocks, cliffs and outcrops, where hopefully, you’ll have a chance to see various species of wild animals living in this area, such as elk, deer, wild boar and many more. The trails were established to educate visitors about Latvian nature
In the evening, you’ll visit a romantic Anfabrika cliff cellar under candlelight, where you sample wine degustation, a sensory evaluation of wine using sight, smell and taste and learn about the local produce.
Overnight in Ligatne, at Boutique Hotel Zeit, or similar.
Cesis is the third oldest town in Latvia, and is often called a medieval gemstone. It attracts visitors with its lovely streets and the beauty of natural treasures in the Gauja National Park which encase the town. On a city tour you’ll see highlights including the City Hall, Merchant House, St John’s Church and the charming ruins of the Cesis Medieval Castle invites you to explore the history under candlelight, where you’ll receive a lantern to climb its towers.
Afterwards, you’ll go for a hike to see the beautiful sandstone cliffs along the ancient Gauja River Valley, enjoying the wonderful nature. Later, you’ll transfer to Amata Village for an overnight stay at the four-star Karlmuiza Manor Hotel or similar
In the morning, get ready to walk the Amata Trail, one of the most scenic hiking routes in Gauja National Park. Highlights on the hike include the impressive sandstone formations - these outcrops date back 350-400 million years when the sand grains got carried by the rivers and deposited in the sea, compacting together. On the trail you’ll experience the natural beauty from various viewpoints - a beautiful way to end your hiking adventure.
