Atpūta laukos

Self-drive tours


Visiting castles and baronial estates

Latvia, Estonia (7 days, ~1100 km)

On this tour, you will see the cultural and historical heritage left behind in the Baltic States by rulers over the course of several centuries – six outstanding castles in Latvia and seven in Estonia, along with ancient castle ruins. The route weaves through two national parks - the Gauja National Park in Latvia and the Lahemaa National Park in Estonia. You will see the most beautiful highlands of the Baltic States, as well as the impressive seashore in Northern Estonia. You will spend time in enchanting small Baltic towns and visit important centres of culture and history, including Tartu and the two capital cities – Riga and Tallinn. Accommodations is organized at baronial estates and castles whereever its possible.
General information:
  • Route: Riga – Limbaži – Cēsis – Rūjiena – Valga – Otepää – Tartu – Rakvere – Lahemaa Nationalpark - Tallinn
  • Individual
  • Hire car
  • Length of the route: ~1100 km
  • 7 days (including Riga and Tallinn)
To read feedback about this tour please click here

1st day / Rīga
Arrival in Rīga
Optional: pick up the hired car at the airport.
Free time in Riga.
Overnight in the hotel**** in Rīga.

2nd day / Rīga - Sigulda - Turaida - Bīriņi (~77 km, 100% Asphalt)
Breakfast.
Sites and attractions en route:
- Sigulda medieval castle ruins and baronial estate.
- Turaida museum reserve with the ruins of a Livonia Order castle.  There is an observation tower and a sculpture garden on the banks of the Gauja river
- Bīriņi Manor (built 1857-1860) located near a lake and surounded by wonderful park good for leisurly walk.
Overnight in Manor Bīriņi.

3rd day / Bīriņi - Igate - Limbaži - Straupe - Cēsis - Dikļi (~120 km, 100% Asphalt)
Breakfast.
The route leads through the Gauja national park which is situated on the both sides of the ancient river-valley of the river Gauja. Sandstone cliffs and holes and dense forests are typical for the park. Sites and attractions en route:
- Igate Manor (1880) – built in the style of neorenaissance, near the castle there is a romantic park and an old water mill, where there is a pub serving traditional Latvian dishes.
- Lielstraupe castle (13. century) – the castle is unique because it’s building is united with a church.
- Ungurmuiža manor – the oldest wooden baroque manor in Latvia.
- Sightseeing in the town Cēsis – the old town, the ruins of the castle of the Livonian Order and the new castle. In the garden of the castle there is a workshop of a traditional jeweller, which can be also visited.
- Sightseeing in the town Valmiera.
- Dikļi Manor (1896) – built in the style of neobaroque. There are collection of valuable antique furniture, fireplaces and interior articles inside the manor.
Overnight in the manor Dikļi.

4th day / Dikļi – Valmiera - Naukšēni – Taagepera - Sangaste - Otepää – Tartu (230 km, 90% Asphalt, 10% gravel road).
Breakfast.
Sites and attractions en route:
- Sightseeing in the town Valmiera.
- Naukšēni manor (1843) with a nice park and several household buildings.
- Taagapera castle (1912) in Estonia – built in the style of art nouveau.
- Sangaste castle
- The castle mount in Otepää.
In the evening sightseeing on the town Tartu, a visit to the first Baltic university and the old observatory on the top of the Toomemägi hill is recommendable.
Overnight at the hotel 4* in Tartu.
5th day / Tartu - Alatsikvi – Rakvere – Lahemaa Nationalpark (~210 km, 100% Asphalt)
Breakfast.
Sites and attractions en route:
- Alatsikivi castle (18.-19. century) with a beautiful park.
- The castle ruins in Rakvere.
- Vihula manor (19. century) with a nice park and an interesting pond system in the surroundings.
Overnight in manor-hotel Vihula.

6th day / Lahemaa National Park - Tallinn (~110 km, 100% Asphalt)
Breakfast.
The route leads along the northern Baltic sea coast of Estonia through the oldest Baltic national park – Lahemaa. For the park huge stones at the seaside and small fishermen’s’ villages are typical. Sites and attractions en route:
- Sagadi manor (1749-1750), there is a forest museum in the manor.
- Palmse manor (18. century) - one of the most beautiful in Estonia with a large park.
- Kolga Manor (17.-18. century)
In the evening free time in Tallinn.
Overnight in the in Tallinn.

7th day / Tallinn
Breakfast.
Drive back to Riga (330 km)
Hand over the hired car at the Riga International Airport / Departure from Riga.
Or hand over the hired car in the Airport of Tallinn / Departure from Tallinn.
Package price: from 390.00 EUR*
*Minimum number of persons - 2.
*A price of the tour can change in case the planned guest houses/hotels are fully booked and we have to choose other accommodation sites.
*Prices may change due to changes in national tax legislation or other independent reasons.
*Single supplement for 1 person needed. Single supplement per person during the whole tour (6 nights):250,00 EUR

Services included:
  • 6 overnights in hotels 4**** or manorhotels (double or TWIN room with WC, shower and breakfast)
  • Maps and detailed description of the itinerary.
Extra costs:
  • Hired car
  • Additional night in Riga 4* hotel: from 75 EUR
  • Additional night in Tallinn 4*hotel: from 100 EUR
  • Tickets and entrances to the attractions and sites
Information & booking - tel: +371 67617600, e-mail: lauku@celotajs.lv