Bus tours

The Baltic States is a haven for the tourist, who loves nature, respects traditions and has an interest in the culture of the local inhabitants. People live in close relationship with the nature here. Due our extensive knowledge we are capable to tailor-made the tour exactly for your groups interests. We like to encourage people to visit traditional crafts workshops, visit working farms and organize tastings of local produce. In this page you find sample itineraries for group tours however we do not run regular fixed date tours.

What is the independent travel?
Overview Tour details
N/A
5 days
Total distance driving 215 km
Latvia

Jacob's Road

Duke Jacob of Courland was a ruler of the Duchy of Courland and Zemgale for 40 years (1642-1682).  There were great changes during his rule, with the ship building industry developing rapidly, the first factories appearing, and agricultural output improving.  The duke had a large fleet that brought grain, meat, butter, wool, timber and all that was manufactured at baronial estates in Zemgale and Courland to Western Europe.  The fleet was so big and strong that its ships sailed not just to Europe, but also all the way to Tobago and Gambia, where colonies were established to bring sugar, coffee and spices to Europe.

The duchy built ships, manufactured paper and saltpetre and wove textiles, brocade and tapestries.  Iron manufacturing was highly developed, and ore was imported from Sweden.  This made it possible to forge nails, anchors, bells, cannons and other firearms.  The duchy produced vodka, vinegar and gunpowder for which there was great demand in Europe, because there were attacks and defences that required it.  As much as 25 tonnes of gunpowder were produced each year.  One of the gunpowder towers is still in Kandava, though it has been rebuilt many times.  The duchy manufactured sails and ropes, as well as hemp ropes.  It was said that the fleet of the Queen of England would not have existed without those ropes.  The duke also thought about selection of grain, bred livestock, improved land with land reclamation and tried to expand output from his fields.

Jacob did not manage to do everything that he wanted to do.  A canal to avoid the Venta rapids was not finished, and plans such as the colonisation of Australia were not finished.  Yet the era of Duke Jacob was a period of great change in the territory of Latvia, and it has not gone unnoticed that the great achievements of the duke occurred on a small plot of European land.  That proves that wise management can ensure lots of progress.

Active season months1-12
N/A
7 days
Total distance driving 673 km
Latvia

Beer and Fish at Kurzeme region

Beer and fish is an important part in the Latvian heritage. The tour introduces you with Latvia through these two fundamental components. While in Riga you have a tasting of the beers from all four Latvian regions and typical snacks as an introduction. Then the tours goes out to the countryside. First stop at the Bauska Brewery which takes pride in their products free of preservatives. Then there is a visit to Rundale Palace and the reconstruction of an ancient Semigalian castle at Tervete. Then visit Tervete Brewery which is a part of multifunctional agrocompany. All their beer ingredients are locally produced. Next day you see how beer is made at home using traditional methods and could taste the difference. Afterwards the tour goes to Liepaja. The city has nice white sandy beach, atmospheric town centre and significant military heritage at Karaosta suburb nowadays used mainly for tourism. Then the route goes into small picturesque town Kuldiga with well-preserved wooden architecture and the widest waterfall in Europe. Another visit to brewery - Uzavas Brewery which specialises in live beer. Then sightseeing of port town Ventspils and fishermen meal and games at small harbour town Roja. Next day you could enjoy morning walk on the beach after which there is a visit to fishermen house to see fish smoking process. Then the route turns back to Riga with an atmospheric bog walk at 'Kemeri National Park on the way and stop at sea resort Jurmala with characteristic wooden villas from 19th century and a lunch at potato restaurant.

By the sea
N/A
5 days
Total distance driving 200 km
Latvia

Light's Road

Ancient trade routes distributed not just products, but also knowledge, culture and everything that was new and unknown.  Pastor Ernest Glück, for instance, may have already started work on a translation of the Bible into Latvian when he travelled from the Daugavgrīva fortress near Rīga to Alūksne.  There he finished his masterpiece and planted two oak trees alongside the manse that are still there.  Glück also established the first school in Vidzeme for Latvian children.  He was a pastor, translator, author and teacher.  Thanks to him, the Hernhutian movement of brethren flourished in Vidzeme after the Great Northern War.  It directed spiritual and political development and brought Latvians closer to their national awakening.

Of great importance in the Path of Light is Piebalga, which became very important in terms of culture in Latvia.  Culture, science and even politics took on new meaning and sounds.  This is where Kārlis Skalbe, the Kaudzītes brothers, Jānis Poruks, Antons Austriņš and other major figures from the national awakening lived and worked.  The very spiritual aura in this place has not disappeared to this very day.

The fantastic Cesvaine castle has been renovated, and the narrow-gauge railroad between Gulbene and Alūksne is still rolling alone.  The ruins of the Marienburg castle in Alūksne conjure up visions of the hidden wealth of the Order of Templates and the young woman who was bricked into the castle’s walls.  No less intriguing is the story of Marta Skovronsky, who would rise to become Empress Catherine the Great of Russia.

The Madona Regional Research and Art Museum offers a look at the past and present, while the Ate windmill at Kancempji offers a look at more than 4,000 unique items from the history of our countryside, complete with buildings that are more than 100 years old.

Active season months1-12
N/A
5 days
Total distance driving 220 km
Latvia

Mara’s Road

After the establishment of the Livonian state, the pope consecrated this land in honour of the holy Virgin Mary.  This created Terra Mariana or Māra’s Land.  The road between Ludza, Rēzekne and Daugavpils runs along an ancient trading route that once connected Vilnius and Kaunas to Pskov and, later, to St Petersburg and Warsaw.

Very beautiful and poetically picturesque with rivers and lakes that are in Latvia’s forested land and among hillocks that offer a wonderful look at the distant horizon – that is Māra’s Land, which is also known as the Land of Blue Lakes.  Lake Rāzna is the second largest in Latvia, and when the weather is clear, Mākoņkalns Hill or Padebešu Hill is reflected in its water.  Atop the hill are the oldest ruins of fortifications in Latgale, dating back to the Livonian era.

Rēzekne is known as the heart of Latgale, because it has always been the centre for Lettigalian culture and education.  People contributed donations for the 1939 construction of a monument to Māra of Latgale.  It is dedicated to those who fell during Latvia’s independence battles and the liberation of Latgale.  The monument also speaks to the Catholic identity of Latgale.  The monument was rededicated on August 13, 1992, the date of the assumption of the Virgin Mary.  A Catholic festival at Aglona and the monument to Māra of Latgale – these are integral components of this part of Latvia.  The present day is marked out clearly by the new Gors concert hall in Rēzekne, and well as the Zeimuļš student interest education centre.

Daugavpils is Latvia’s second city and an important centre for industry, culture, education and sports.  The Daugavpils pellet factory is unique, and the oldest pellet casting tower in Europe is now open to visitors, as are the restored Daugavpils fortress and the new Rothko Museum.

Not far from Daugavpils are the small Birķeneļi semi-estate and the Rainis Museum.  Latgale was the “land of new days” for the poet, and the museum now hosts gatherings of young artists and craftspeople.  The ancient tradition of ceramic art that is typical specifically of this part of Latvia is still thriving.

Active season months1-12
N/A
5 days
Total distance driving 255 km
Latvia

Freedom’s Road

The historical route from Rīga to Liepāja passes through Dobele, Saldus, Skrunda, Durbe and Grobiņa, and it dates back to the 13th century.  Remnants of Scandinavian settlements near Grobiņa also testify to the antiquity of the region.

Many things happened on the road and around it that were directly linked to the establishment of the Republic of Latvia and to its subsequent freedom battles.  At the Tīreļpurvs swamp, Latvian riflemen demonstrated their battel capabilities and heroism during the so-called Christmas battles, thus proving that a new country had been born.  The trails of the swamp are open to visitors, and there is an historical exhibition at the Mangaļi homestead.  Rīga is clearly marked along this route by the Latvian National Theatre, where independence was proclaimed in 1918.  Later the hostile attack of Bermont’s forces was stopped at the banks of the Daugava, and the superior force was ejected from Rīga and Latvia.

Approximately 70 km from Rīga is the Pikšas museum, which is the birthplace of Latvian President Kārlis Ulmanis and a good example of farming between the two world wars.  The museum of Colonel Oskars Kalpaks at Airītes offers a look at battles that occurred in the region and at things that Kalpaks did during World War I and the subsequent liberation battles.  There were battles near Skrunda and Saldus, and it was in Liepāja that German General von der Goltz conducted a coup that led Latvia’s temporary government to seek refuge on the ship the Saratov, upon which it sailed to Rīga after the city’s liberation.  Liepāja has always been an important port, and once it offered passenger services all the way to New York.

Active season months1-12
N/A
7 days
Total distance driving 669 km
Latvia

Milk Tour of Kurzeme and Zemgale

During this tour you experience the different ways of using milk either for edible products or body treatments.

From Riga, through historic sea and spa resort Jurmala, the route goes to goats farms where you taste cheeses as well as exclusive ice-cream from goats milk. Then visit Dundaga Castle and try local diary products there. At Roja experience local traditions having fishermen meal and attractions Then the route goes along unspoiled seaside beaches of Cape Kolka to well maintained town of Ventspils from where it turns inland to the picturesque Kuldiga with well preserved wooden architecture. Further on enjoy beautiful Milk Manor where you could experience lavish spa treatments based on milk. There is also Milk Museum located where you can follow the milk route from a cow to the tables, also possible to try some old fashioned practical jobs like butter making. Further on the tour turns sweet. Visit candy factory in Saldus where traditional hand-made toffees are made. Then on menu is ice-cream at Druva. Next - sightseeing at Jelgava which used to be the main seat of the Duke of Courland. Visit cheese producer at Eleja and before returning to Riga visit splendid Rundale Palace which is regarded as a beautiful pearl of the Baltics.

By the sea
N/A
5 days
Total distance driving 350 km
Latvia

Baltic's Road

The Baltic Way was a unique demonstration at the Baltic, European and global level.  Never before had the residents of three countries joined hands in a single chain to link the capital cities of the three nations – Vilnius, Rīga and Tallinn.  The historical event occurred on the evening of August 23, 1989 and involved some two million people to recall events that had happened 50 years before – the conclusion of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact that allowed the two superpowers of the day, Germany and the USSR, to divide up spheres of influence in Europe before the new world war.  The Baltic States lost their independence as a result of the pact.

The chain of demonstrators was some 600 km long, marking out the Baltic Way from Bauska to Rīga and then on to Sigulda, Cēsis, Valmiera and Rūjiena.  The route was known and used in the 14th and 15th century, or even earlier.  Testimony to this is given by the mighty castle hill at Mežotne and the ancient port alongside it.  The Bauska Castle was an important fort during the age of Livonia and, later, one of the residencies of the dukes of Courland.  Sigulda was well fortified on the banks of the Gauja River, with three stone castles nearby.  It was also a health spa.  Līgatne is important in industrial terms because of the paper factory that is there.  Āraiši is another ancient trade crossroad with a lake castle, ancient church, castle ruins and a famous windmill.  Cēsis is one of the historical diamonds of Vidzeme with its old town, the old and new castle, and the majestic views of the ancient Gauja River valley at the cliffs of Ērgļi.  Valmiera boasts of his St Simon’s Church, the Dāliņš stadium, its own theatre and the youthfulness of its own university college.  In Rūjiena, there is a monument to the Bugler of Tālava, which was carved by Kārlis Zemdega and installed in 1937 to commemorate the liberation of Rūjiena.  The monument survived all of the years after the war.  The engraving, “the bugler had to die, but the Latvians heard his call,” is very much in line with the Baltic Way on August 23, 1989.

Active season months1-12
N/A
6 days
Total distance driving 324 km
Latvia

Castles, Manors and Wine at Vidzeme region

This tour combines local wine making traditions with an ancient charm of countryside with several medieval castles and baronial estates.

The tour goes to Sigulda where on the steep banks of Gauja valley sits three castles. Visit Turaida and Sigulda medieval castles and then go to Krimulda Manor to try their wines. There is also a visit to a family wine maker in Sigulda. Next day there is an excursion of historic village of Ligatne and tasting of local wines located at the sand cave typical for the area. Further on the route there is an impressive Cesis medieval castle ruins and Ungurmuiza Manor which is an only preserved sample of wooden baroque manor architecture in the Baltics. Overnight is at former Dikli Manor which is now an upmarket hotel. Next day the route goes along the coast where is museum of the biggest liar in the world - Munchausen. You can also stroll along sandy beach there. Then visit farm of local winemaker and taste his various wines and then visit Birini Manor for a dinner and have relaxing stroll into their huge park before returning to Riga.

Castles and manors
N/A
6 days
Total distance driving 554 km
Latvia

Milk Tour of Vidzeme

From Riga the route goes to the goats farm where to enjoy funny and cute animals and try exclusive cheeses. Then visit Mālpils Manor and taste the selection of local cheeses made from cows' milk. Afterwards the route turns towards Daugava river to Skriveri for some gorgeous home made ice-cream and traditional hand-made toffees "Gotiņa". Further on head to the legendary Koknese castle ruins. Next day the route goes to the ethnographic working farmstead located in picturesque spot of Jaunpiebalga and family cheese and macaroni production in Rauna. Nearby there are clay production established within the former brick factory where the hand-made ceramics creation can be observed. Then sightseeing in Cesis with its old town and medieval Livonian Order Castle. Further on the route goes to hemp growing farm where to taste them prepared traditional way. Then you have an excursion and tasting at the Rujiena ice-cream factory. Stay at the former mill where ancient wool processing equipment are still used and can be seen. Heading back to Riga the route follows the coast line. Visit the museum of the biggest liar in the world - Munchausen, where you are entertained with his fantastic adventure stories, visit the lamprey fishermen and have a stroll on sandy beach.

By the sea Local lifestyle
N/A
6 days
Total distance driving 775 km
Latvia

Gifts of Nature: mushrooms, berries, plants at Kurzeme region

Latvians live in close connection with nature and annual circle of life. The ancient knowledge how to use the goodies of the nature is still very much alive. Wild mushroom and berry picking is very popular as well as collecting of herbs and flowers for teas and infusions. This tour is trying to give an insight of various angles how to use and enjoy nature's resources. The route goes to Kemeri National Park which is rich of flora and also interesting for its sulphur springs which water is used to improve several health related problems. Then you visit farm which specialises on herbs and teas where owner is keen to share her knowledge about different properties of the plants and how they can be used. Then there is a sightseeing at picturesque Kuldiga and proper fishermen soup on bone fire by the coast at Pavilosta. Next day short trip in the river by traditionally made fishermen boat and experience trip how to make meals using wild products. Sightseeing at Liepaja with white sandy beach and exiting military heritage. Overnight at the Pape Nature Reserve. There is a chance to fish in the lake and learn traditional fish smoking technique. Visit Rucava tradition house where you can feel and see ancient cultural environment and try typical meal. Then you visit Shitaki mushroom grower and could taste them. Afterwards visit to herbal tea growers and producers. Excursion to reproduction of ancient Semigalian Castle. Next day wild mushrooming expedition into forest awaits and preparation of collected ingredients. In the afternoon visit to the producer of products from birch juice where you could learn how to extract the juice from the birch tree and try its juice and sparkling wine. Then back to Riga.

Mushroom picking
N/A
5 days
Total distance driving 671 km
Latvia

Wine and traditions at Kurzeme region

From Riga the tour goes through historic sea resort Jurmala to Pure Chocolate museum where you could see production and taste some. Then the tour goes to Sabile where there is small Wine Hill which history dates back to 16th century. You visit local wine producer who will show his gardens and talk about grape growing in the Latvian climate nowadays. Afterwards tasting of the seasonally available drinks. Then you visit small picturesque town Kuldiga and have some wine tasting there. Next day there are eco wine tasting at Aizpute and Durbe and then go to the city of Liepaja with lovely sandy beach, arty atmosphere and significant military heritage at Karaosta suburb. Then the route follows up the coast line. At Pavilosta you have a trip in traditional fishermen boat and at Alsunga singing and demonstration of local traditions by Suiti women. Culturally colourful community which heritage is listed in UNESCO. Then walk along the steep sea cost at Jurkalne and enjoy the best maintained port town of Ventspils. Next day there is a visit to local fishermen and see fish smoking process, then walk along Cape Kolka where the open sea meets the Riga Bay. Turning back to Riga you have a visit and tasting at wine maker in Talsi.

By the sea Local lifestyle
N/A
8 days
Total distance driving 340 km
Latvia

Daugava's Road

The Daugava River is known as our river of destiny, the Daugava of our hearts, or our beloved mommy.  It is a large and full-blooded artery of water that has flowed through our land and our history.  The Vikings were aware of the river during the 5th century AD.  Krāslava is the site of an ancient castle hill, and the fearless sailors were well aware of it in that downriver from it, the ships could sail with raised sails.  It is known in Viking sagas as Dynasaiforgarðr.

Goods from the East sail down the river to Rīga, where it is reloaded into seafaring ships for delivery to Europe.  That has been the case for many centuries.  Many powers wanted to control and govern the process, as is seen in the large number of castle hills, castles and populated areas around the river’s banks.  The majestic ruins of the Koknese Castle, Krustpils, the grassy and mighty castle hill at Aizkraukle, another one at Daugmale.  The unique fortresses at Daugavgrīva and Daugavpils are like large keys that lock or unlock this mighty and ancient trade route.  Under the water in the Daugava are the ruins of the ancient Ikšķile Castle that was built by St Maynard himself.  It is seen as the first brick building in the Baltic States.  Nearby is Death Island, where Latvian riflemen fought for the future of their country and their land, defending each square metre of land.  The Daugava proved insurmountable for Bermont’s troops, and the riflemen defended Rīga successfully.

The curves of Daugava are unique.  The village of Slutišķi is particularly known because the Daugava there is just like it has been in the past.  The high dolomite shorelines and canyons that once made the Daugava unique in all of Northern Europe have now been lost in the reservoirs of hydroelectric power plants, as has the eternally weeping cliff of Staburags, the Liepavotu stream and the Pērse waterfall.  The age of national renaissance in Latvia importantly began with a battle against the construction of another power plant on the Daugava, which would have fully destroyed the beauty of the noble river.  We managed to protect it, if only a small part of it, but we succeeded.  We must not stop!

Active season months1-12
N/A
7 days
Total distance driving 597 km
Latvia

Beer, cheese and bread at Vidzeme and Zemgale regions

The tour will guide you through the Latvia using its main tastes. Out of Riga you visit a farm which specialises in grain growing and bakes great cracknels and makes regional dishes using whole-meal grains. Afterwards there is a visit to Bauska Castle locates between two rivers and Bauska Brewery which takes pride in their produce free of preservatives. Then there is a visit to ethnographic museum at Ausekli Mill where you could try to make your own traditional piragi (bacon pasties). Further on the route cross the river Daugava and there is a stop at home -made ice-cream cafe to try savoury ice- cream salads.

A ride on Viking ship around the legendary Koknese castle ruins and a visit to Cesvaine Castle is next. Then you have a visit to the goats farm and cheese tasting which is followed by cows cheese tasting at nearby production. Overnight is at Vecgulbene Manor with spa facilities. Next day you have a chance to make your own traditional black bread accompanied with humorous stories and instructions by the baker-lady. While the bread is baking there is another cheese tasting and visit to producer at Trikata. Then visit to Valmiermuiža Brewery which produces upmarket beer and promotes Latvian beer drinking tradition as a component in every celebration. Charming provincial town of Cesis with mighty medieval castle ruins, narrow ancient streets and home of famous Cesis brewery next. Historic brewery building there is nowadays only a tourism object but production is moved into big, modern building. It is the second largest beer producer in Latvia nowadays. Visit to the Cesis Brewery followed by excursion at Araisi windmill and having a traditional mill's porridge there. Then excursion at the Turaida Castle before returning to Riga.  

N/A
6 days
Total distance driving 866 km
Latvia

Crafts and food of Latgale

For the introduction into the Latvian craftsmanship make a visit to the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum in Riga where skillful masters will show you traditional skills. Out of Riga visit birch juice and wine maker which tells and shows how the birch juice is extracted and how preserved. You could taste it as well. Then go the area connected with ancient historic legends. Visit the museum of famous Latvian hero Lacplesis to see there Lielvarde Belt where the story is written using ancient secret symbols. At Koknese have a Viking boat trip around the picturesque Koknese castle ruins. Then visit farm which grows hemp and makes traditional hemp butter, goats farm and home-made traditional beer producer. Latgale region is famous for its pottery schools and "black" ceramics. You visit few workshops on the way as well as Ludzas Crafts Centre which provides great insight into local traditions. At the typical Latgalian farm try traditional sauna ritual and have proper regional meal. Further on stop at the Aglona Basilica which is a pilgrimage place. But for stomach pleasures visit Bread Museum, farm which produces tasty cheeses and other healthy diary products as well as visit herbal tea maker and learn there few health tips. Sightseeing of Daugavpils historic centre, impressive 19th century' s fortress are followed by visit to Lead Shot Factory where is a biggest shot towers in Europe which still works. On the way to Riga visit impressive Baltic pearl - Rundale Palace.

Local lifestyle
N/A
5 days
Total distance driving 370 km
Latvia

Liv's Road

Historians say that the Livs or Livonians lived in the territory of Latvia long ago, starting in the 10th century.  They populated Northern Kurzeme and the river banks of the Daugava and Gauja rivers.  They asked the first German tradesmen who appeared in the area about the price of textiles at the market in Visby.  This means that they were familiar with the island of Gotland.  The Livonians were courageous and spiritually strong seafarers, because only strong men can live with the sea, go fishing and seal trapping, and take root in the by no means fertile sands of the seashore.

The territory between Ģipka and Ovīši is known as the Livonian coastline.  There are still romantic seashore fishing villages of Livonian origin, as well as Cape Kolka, where the great Latvian activist Krišjānis Valdemārs insisted that it was the centre of Europe.  Livonians all along the seashore responded to his call by taking part in building sailing ships all the way up to Ainaži, where there was a maritime school.  That allowed the ships to sail to the far corners of the world, thus creating a century of sailing ships.  This wasn’t possible without the Livonians.  Also on the coastline are the oldest lighthouses in Latvia, with the one at Ovīši still serving as a star that shows the route for seaborne ships that are heading for Rīga.

The Livonian heritage is also seen in the tradition of fishing for lamprey eels – something that is still very much in place in Carnikava, Svētciems and Salacgrīva.  Old-time fishing equipment that cannot be seen anywhere else is on display in the latter town.

The Latvian nation emerged when the Livonians flowed together with the Lettigalians, the Livonians joke.  It may be that there is some truth in the anecdote.  Liv or Livonian culture, lifestyles and history are closely linked to Latvia and cannot be separated from it.

Active season months1-12