The medieval castles and estates of Vidzeme

Arrival in Riga
Free time in Riga.
Overnight in a 4* hotel in Riga.

Breakfast.
Pick-up your bike at the hotel.
Cycling: hotel - train station (0,5 h), Sigulda - Turaida - Ragana - Bīriņi (~29 km)
Take a train from the Riga Central Railway Station to Sigulda. (55 km, ~1h)
Sites and attractions en route:
-Sigulda medieval castle ruins and baronial estate
-Turaida museum reserve with Livonia Order castle.  There is an observation tower and a sculpture garden on the banks of the Gauja river. Also working estate support buildings (smithy, stables etc.)
-Bīriņi Manor (built 1857-1860) located near a lake and surrounded by wonderful park good for leisurely walk.

Overnight at Manor in Birini.

Breakfast.
Sites and attractions en route:
-Igate Manor (1880) – built in the style of Renaissance, at the castle there is a romantic park and an old water mill, which grains flour for next door pub serving traditional Latvian dishes. Good place for lunch.
-Ozolmuiža Manor built in 18th century, partly survived 19th century's park. Early classicism.
-Dikļi Manor (1896) – built in the style of baroque. There are collection of valuable antique furniture, fireplaces and interior articles inside the manor, good restaurant.

Overnight at Manor in Dikli.

Breakfast.
-Sightseeing of the centre of Valmiera with its St.Simon Church, castle ruines where city's history museum is located with nice views to the river Gauja.
-The route goes through peacful forests along the banks of the river Gauja with beautiful sandstone outcrops.
-Sightseeing in the town Cēsis – charming old town, the ruins of mighty  Livonian Order Castle and the new castle. In the garden of the castle there is a workshop of a traditional jeweller, which can be also visited.

Overnight in hotel in Cēsis.

Breakfast.
-Lielstraupe castle (13. century) – combination of different styles while rebuilt through the centuries. The building is united with a church.
-Ungurmuiža manor – the oldest wooden baroque manor in Latvia with well preserved wall paintings  and surrounded by centuries old oaks.
-Old fashioned Ligatne ferry operated by the power of stream
-Līgatne village- distictive log houses from 19th century built for workers at Ligatne Paper Factory.
 Optional: Soviet Secret Bunker – if you have an interest in Cold War history then this is a place to visit. Well preserved retreat for leading elite on the occasion of a nuclear war.
Take a train from Ligatne to Riga. Cycle from train station to hotel.

Overnight in a 4* hotel in Riga.

Breakfast.
Free time to explore Riga.

Departure.