Baltic Country Life

Arrival at Rīga International Airport. Free time to explore Rīga. Places of particular interest are the medieval Old Town and the Art Nouveau district included into UNESCO World's Heritage list. Also the Central Market, one of the largest in Europe is worth a visit to see the local products.



Accommodation in Riga.

Breakfast

Sites and attractions en route:

• Ethnographic open-air museum located in a beautiful spot by the lake at pine forest.


• Sigulda where there is one of the Latvia’s most beautiful landscapes of the Gauja National Park and from where is three medieval castles are accessible – Sigulda, Krimulda Castle Ruines and Turaida castle museum complex with its observation tower, functioning estate's houses and sculpture park. Numerous well marked scenic walking  trails along the Gauja river valley;


• Ligatne with nature trails where local wild animals can be watched, sandstone cliffs with small caves where local wine-makers and craftsmen offer their production and tastings;


• Araisi Archeological Museum Park consists of  an reconstruction of  the 9th century' s lake settlement as well as Livonian castle ruins. In the village is also the old wind mill with authentic mechanism;


• Cesis – a charming medieval town with impressive medieval  Livonian castle ruins.  Ancient jewellery workshop located inside the Castle Museum. 

Accommodation in Cesis area.

 

Breakfast

Sites and attractions en route:

• Ungurmuiza Manor only remaining sample in the Baltics of wooden baroque architecture, with old preserved 18th century wall paintings, pleasant park with old oak-trees and Tea House;


• Stop for lunch at Dikli Castle. Renovated Neo-baroque manor which now is a hotel;


• Applied Arts Studio in Staicele – textiles, weaving and goods from nature's materials;


• Cross Latvian/Estonian boarder at Ainaži;


• Pärnu - historic Estonian seaside resort town with elegant villas and sandy beach.

Accommodation in Pärnu.

Breakfast.

Sites and attractions en route:

• The ethnographic Koguva fishing village at Muhu island;


• Traditional weaving and embroidery are still practised and strong in Muhu island. For traditional local crafts visit Handicraft shop at Kuivastu Port;


• Valjala church and hill fort, the oldest church of the island;


• Kaali Meteorit Lake – the most prominent meteorite craters in Europe (the main crater is 110 meters in a diameter and 22 meters in depth);


• Kuressaare. Attractions include impressive and well preserved medieval Bishop' s Castle,  art galleries, artisan shops and cafés, beach and spas.

Accommodation in Kuressaare.

Breakfast.

Sites and attractions en route:

• The Panga cliffs - the highest rock of Estonia;


• Haapsalu – a nice seaside town with the castle where White Lady is in residence, open-air ethnographic museum.

Accommodation in Tallinn.

Breakfast.

A city tour combining walking and a bus. The walking tour includes the Toompea Castle, the 13th century Dome church, the 19th century Russian orthodox Cathedral of Alexander Nevskij, the 15th century town Hall square, the Old Guild built to celebrate Tallinn's membership in the Hanseatic League and St. Olaf's church. The bus tour includes Tallinn’s suburbs and Song Festival Grounds, St. Brigitte’s monastery and Pirita area.

Overnight in a hotel in Tallin.

 

Breakfast.

Sites and attractions en route:

• Jägala waterfall;


• Kolga Estate – one of the most prominent examples of estate architecture in the North Europe;


• Jaani-Tooma rock – one of the largest single-standing boulders at the Baltic sea shores is typical for the Lahemaa National park;


• Käsmu fishing village -  the former Estonian naval center;


• Rakvere castle ruins - the castle was built by Danish crusaders.

Accommodation in Tartu.

Breakfast.

Sites and attractions en route:

• The Estonian university town Tartu attractions:  the first Baltic university and the old observatory on the top of the Toomemägi hill;


• Cross Estonian/Latvian boarder at Ape;


• Stop for lunch at Vecgulbene Estate Complex consisting of two manor buildings built in the 19th century. The Red Manor in the neogothic style and the elegant White Manor in style of a  Renaissance villa. The estate's outbuildings have survived, too, and are now part of the hotel;


• Cesvaine Castle, 19th century Eclecticism. Its romantic park contains more than 70 tree species;


• Goat farm Livi - visit farmstead which specialises in goat breeding, makes high quality cheese.

Accommodation in Madona area.

Breakfast.

Sites and attractions en route:

• Krustkalni Nature Reserve with walking trails and observation tower;


• Traditional bakery Liepkalni. Visitors can observe the baking process and purchase the bread. There is also information trail;


• Scenic Koknese castle ruins with park on the banks of the Daugava river;


• Walking board-trail at the Cena Heath. There is a 5 km circular trail with viewing tower. Vast bog sceneries  as well as old military road.

Accommodation in Skrunda area.

Breakfast.

Sites and attractions en route:

• Embute Nature Park is a scenic territory with walking trails. There are several historic monuments in it - hill fort, manor house, castle and church ruins;


• Lively Liepaja with its old town, promenade, nice beach and also impressive military history;


• Cross Latvian/Lithuanian border;


• Palanga is a busy beach resort with an excellent and very informative Amber Museum.

Accommodation in Silute area.

Breakfast.

Sites and attractions en route:

• Take a boat to Nida, Curonian Spit for  a relaxing day trip without the car. There is a famous white sand dune, charming Nida village with traditional architecture and Thomas Mann House.


• The delta of the river Nemunas and the island Rusne with a small ethnographic open-air museum, restored church and lighthouse.

Accomodation in Silute area.

Breakfast.

Sites and attractions en route:

• The valley of the river Nemunas with beautiful vistas from various castle mounts;


• The cape of Vente - a popular bird observation place, particulary during autumn migrations. Possibility to visit bird ringing station and climb up to the Vente lighthouse;


• Kaunas was a Lithuanian capital between wars (1920-40). The attractions include Town Hall at the Old Town, some churches as well as pedestrian Laisves Avenue with shops, cafés and restaurants. Here are also located the State Museum to the most prominent Lithuanian artist Mikolajus Konstantinas Čiurlionis;


• Rumsiske – open-air museum with a vast collection featuring the heritage of rural life in Lithuania.

Accommodation in Drunskininkai.

Breakfast.
Sites and attractions en route:

• Drunskininkai is a Lithuanian historic  health resort town. Here is also the Memorial Museum of the Lithuanian most prominent artist Mikolajus Konstantinas Čurlionis. Nearby is fascinating Gruto Park where exhibition was based on the Soviet time monuments demolished during 1989-91 restoration of independence; 


• Džukija National Park includes several well preserved traditional farmsteads and villages worthwile a visit. The visitor center  is located at Marcinkonys.  The park is a good place to experience Lithuanian crafts and traditions. For example to see ancient bee keeping traditions as well as to try special Džukija Pie.

Accommodation in Vilnius.

Breakfast.

Vilnius is included into UNESCO World's Heritage list. It attracts visitors with its many churches, mostly in Baroque  style, atmospheric Old Town and hilly relief which provides scenic views.

Accommodation in Vilnius.

Breakfast.
Sites and attractions en route:

• Picturesque Trakai  Castle built on an island in the lake (14th-15th century). Here is also a museum of Karaites, a Tatargroup which settled here during 14th century. Chance to taste their meals at several cafés in Trakai;


• Kernave, UNESCO World Heritage site boasts four impressive ancient mounds with wonderful panorama. There is also interesting museum featuring the sites archeological finds;


• Cross Lithuanian/Latvian boarder

Accommodation in Bauska area.

Breakfast.
Sites and attractions en route:

• Visit medieval Bauska Castle park located on the stop where two rivers Musa and Memele forming the Lielupe river. The tower provides a wonderful panoramic view to the surrounding.


• Rundāle Palace – the grandest palace in the Baltics, built by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, court architect from St. Petersburg. It is an outstanding Baroque and Rococo architectural monument with carefully restored interior.


• Return to Riga.

Accommodation in Riga.

Breakfast.
Departure.