Riga

   Latvia is neither very large nor very small. It's a country cozily nestled between Estonia and Lithuania on the shore of the Baltic Sea, also known as the Amber Sea. The territory of Latvia (24,900 square miles) is inhabited by over 2.5 million people. Latvian language is one of the most ancient European Languages. Together with Lithuanian, Latvian forms the Baltic branch of the Indo-European group of languages. Although Latvia occupies only a small territory, the variety of its nature is large. This is determined by its geographical location, the history of its development and the local characteristics.You won't see smoking volcanoes or geysers, cloud-covered mountain tops or boundless plains in Latvia. However, Latvia will surprise you with other generous gifts of Mother Nature. Tree-covered hills alternate with grain-fields and pastures of the flatlands and massive forests. Along picturesque riverbanks the uncovered basic strata form cliffs and crags in which the water has carved caves. Numerous lakes sparkle at the bottom of hills. The forests and waters are full of wildlife.

Riga is often called a “small Paris”; it is the city with its own face, coming from the city’s history, dating back many centuries. But still, the city doesn’t look old, years that are passing by just add to its beauty. The charm of the city is so unique that it hardly can be understood. You can just feel it, walking along Riga’s streets.
Riga is so diverse in its character that everybody can find there the corner, which he wishes to visit again and again. There are especially many such corners in the Old Town - the most ancient part of the city that has been preserved from the 13th century. Inhabitants of Riga are especially proud of it, as there are so many unusual things about its history. During ages Riga was surrounded by a stone wall, and has been developing in a restricted space: you will pass through a complicated labyrinth of narrow streets; one can even lose his way, if he is there for the first time.
Riga is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture; there is no other European city with so many buildings and architectural ensembles built at the end of the last century, having all the features of this style. For this, Riga is nominated by UNESCO experts as the world's architectural monument.
Today Riga is a large European city, political, economic and cultural center of the Baltic region, a home for almost one million people. There are all the opportunities offered to spend a wonderful time in Riga, and at the same time it remains a real historical and cultural treasury.
During the tour, which including the most significant sights of Riga and begins along the central boulevards of Riga, you will enjoying the view of the City Canal parks, the Bastion Hill, the Powder Tower, the Latvian National Theatre, the Fine Arts Museum, the Art Nouveau buildings of the beginning of the century, the Freedom Monument, University of Latvia, the Opera House, the Daugava River with its bridges and Passenger Terminal. In Old Riga you will see the Dome Cathedral, the Church of St. Peter, the old Guild Houses, the Swedish Gate, the architectural ensemble Three Brothers, St. Jacob's Church, the Parliament House, Old Riga Castle, and view the many wonderfully restored buildings, now housing cosy restaurants, cafes, bars and souvenir shops.

Open Air Museum – the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum is one of the show-pieces of Latvia’s cultural heritage, founded in 1924. Situated 10 km from Riga center in a pine forest on the banks of Jugla Lake, the museum consists of some 90 traditional rural buildings: farmhouses, windmills, fishermen’s huts and churches that have been assembled here from the four provinces of Latvia: Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Latgale, Zemgale. During summer weekends folk dancing displays and concerts are held in the museum premises.

The Dome Cathedral – was founded in 1211 with its present interior dating from the 17th century. The Cathedral contains a number of art treasures but undoubtedly the finest is the organ. The current organ, which is over one hundred years old, replaced the 16th century one. It was built in 1883-1884 by the German firm Walker&Co. – Ludwigsburg and was the biggest and technically most advance organ of its time. The interior also includes paintings, wood and stone carvings of historical interest.

“Three Brothers” – a collection of medieval buildings. The oldest dates back to the 15th century.

Castle of Riga – originally that of the Castle of the Livonian Order built in the 1330s. During a clash between the Order, and the citizens of Riga the castle was destroyed. The present building was completed in 1515 and is a prime of the medieval architecture.

Sigulda and Gauja National Park - one of the most picturesque towns in Latvia - Sigulda, often called the Latvian Switzerland, is located about 50 km from Riga in the Gauja River valley. Sigulda is situated in the Gauja National Park and is known as the most popular tourist and leisure destination as well as a famous winter sports resort in Latvia because of its bob-sleigh track and the down-hill skiing routes. Experience a genuine whiff of the Middle Ages, a time of romantic legends, castles and heroic figures, visiting the ruins of the 13th cent. Crusader Castle, and the 19th cent. Kropotkin’s Palace in the outskirts of Sigulda. By coach you will travel down into the river valley, enjoy the landscape and the walk to the sandstone grottoes on the ancient river bank. A short drive along the steep road up the hill will take you to the 13th cent. Turaida Castle. A chance to view “The garden of Gods” from the 30 m high fortification tower. Visit the local History Museum. Relaxing walk in the adjoining sculpture park, dedicated to Latvian folklore.