Latvia the specials tour

Day 1

Riga
Arrival at the airport and transfer to hotel.

Day 2

Riga
Today discover the most remarkable sights of Riga like Dom Square and St. Dom Cathedral. Attend St. Jacobs Church and enjoy the skyline of Riga from St. Peter's Church tower. The tour will take you to Riga Castle , which was founded in 1330 but today serves as the official residence of the President of Latvia as well as home for the Museum of Latvian History and the Museum of Foreign Art as well as the Great and Small Guild Halls, the fortification wall of Riga, the Swedish Gate, the  Parliament building, the Monument of Liberty. The Powder Tower and city walls will make you feel the essence of the medieval era. Overnight in Riga.

Day 3

Riga – Sigulda (55km/1h) – Birini (23km/35min) – Igate (17km/20min)
Drive to Sigulda. The town is situated on a picturesque stretch of the Gauja River valley and is known as the "Switzerland of Vidzeme" because of the reddish Devonian sandstones which forms rocks and caves on both banks of the river. Situated  here are a few of the most important historical monuments like Turaida Medieval Castle built in 1214,  Sigulda New Castle, and sculpture garden - Dainu Hill, the biggest internal erosion cave in the Baltic States - Gutmanis Cave. The route continues to Birini Manor which is built between 1857 and 1860 and is located near a lake. In 1860 August von Pistolkorss built the main building on the castle ground which remains today. The main Building is designed in a neo-gothic and semicircular style. The building had a rich décor of sculptures and bas relief’s which were lost during the First World War. The interior of the castle is done in Renaissance style. Birini Manor is surrounded by a wonderful park ideal for leisurely walks. Continue the route through the Gauja National park which is situated on the both sides of the ancient river-valley of the river Gauja to the Igate Palace built in 1880 in the neo-renaissance style. Near the castle there is a romantic park and an old water mill, with a pub serving traditional Latvian dishes. Overnight in Igate Palace.

Day 4  

Igate – Ungurmuiza (150km/3h) – Cesis (125km/2h) - Dikli (57km/1h)
 On the way to the old Hansaetic town the Cesis route will pass Ungurmuiza Manor, the oldest wooden baroque manor preserved in Latvia.  The manor house was built by Baron von Campenhausen in 1732 as the family house. At present the manor house is being restored to its former splendour.  Ungurmuiza is situated in the Gauja National Park and wonderful landscapes and protected sites of nature are found in its vicinity including ancient trees, caves and cliffs, lakes and castle mounds. Visitors can enjoy the special atmosphere of the manor house by taking a walk in the park beneath the huge oak-trees or enjoying tea in the Tea House. Drive to Cesis. In the afternoon sightseeing in Cesis – in the garden of the castle ruins there is a workshop of a traditional jewellery, which can  also be visited. The history of Cesis is linked to Cesis Medieval Castle around which the town was built. Rebuilt and expanded several times through the reigns of the Russians, Polish and Swedish. Cesis Castle acquired its architectural pattern at the beginning of the 16th century. The Cesis church and the old castle ruins with the beautiful castle park are places that allow you to relax and enjoy yourselves. Drive to Dikli Manor built in 1896 in the style of neo-baroque. There are collections of valuable antique furniture, fireplaces and interior articles inside the manor. The origins of Dikli Manor date to the 16th century. Historically a home to barons and baronesses, the palace is now a hotel that welcomes guests who want to relax, celebrate a special event, or do business in a unique atmosphere. Overnight in the Dikli Manor.

Day 5

Dikli – Taagepera (95km/1h40min) – Sangaste (55km/1h) – Tartu (70km/1h10min)
The history of the Taagepera castle, situated on the Latvian border, begins in the 16th century, when it belonged to the von Rehbinders. Continue with drive to Sangaste castle. In it there is a remarkable Gothic-style vestibule, magnificent festive halls and an English-style Hunting hall. On the estate you can see the castle, rectangular stable with an open courtyard in its centre, dairy, stable, granary and water tower. Drive to Tartu. Visit the first Baltic University and the old observatory on the top of Toomemägi hill. Overnight in a hotel in Tartu.

Day 6  

Tartu - Alatsikvi – Rakvere – Vihula Manor
From Tartu  drive straight to the Alatskivi Manor. In 1628 Swedish king Gustav Adolf II presented the manor as a gift to his secretary Johan Adler Salviusele. The Alatskivi manor house copies design elements of Scotlands Royal Balmoral Castle. Alatsikvi Manor also has a beautiful park. En route have a stop in Rakvere to see the Rakvere castle ruins. Continue with a drive to Vihula Manor - one of the most picturesque Estonian manor ensembles with 2 main buildings and 25 other historical buildings and structures placed in perfect balance with each other and with the surrounding nature. Overnight in Vihula Manor.

Day 7  

Vihula Manor - Lahemaa National park – Tallinn
The route leads along the northern Baltic Sea coast of Estonia through the oldest Baltic National park – Lahemaa. En route visit such attractions as Sagadi Manor. The history of the baroque Sagadi Manor dates back more than 500 years. The Sagadi manor complex is an architectural monument of national importance, and it is rare due to its completeness. Trip continues to the Palmse Manor which is one of the most grandiose manor house ensembles in Estonia. Palmse Manor shows a wonderful overview of Estonian manor life and architecture through the centuries. Drive to Kolga Manor which was the largest manor in Estonia. With its 50000 hectares of land and many other smaller manors nearby, it was almost the size of some smaller German duchies. It was already founded as a manor in the 13th century and belonged to the Cistercian monastery, located on the Swedish island of Gotland. Continue to Tallinn. Free time to explore the city - Holy Spirit Church, the 600 years old Gothic Town Hall, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the world`s oldest functioning Pharmacy on the Town Hall Square and the 159 meters high Oleveste Church which was the highest structure in the world in the 16th century. Visit the Toompea Hill which offers breathtaking views over the city. Toompea Castle, built in the 13thand 14th centuries, is the seat of the nation`s parliament. Overnight in Tallinn.

Day 8

Tallinn
Transfer to airport.

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