Castles, Manors and Palaces of Latvia

• Free time in Riga.


• Overnight in a hotel in Riga.


• Pick-up your bike at the hotel.

• Breakfast.


• Take a train from the Riga Central Railway Station to Sigulda.


• Ride: Sigulda - Turaida - Ragana - Bīriņi (29km)

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 in a manor.

• Breakfast.

Ride: Bīriņi - Igate - Limbaži – Pociems - Ozolmuiža - Dikļi (69km).

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 18^th century, partly survived 19^th 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 and spa.


• Overnight in a manor.

• Breakfast.

Ride: Dikļi - Valmiera - Cēsis - Kārļi (73km)

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  Sightseeing of the entre of Valmiera with its St.Simon Church, castle ruines where city's history museum is located with nice views to the river Gauja.

  
  


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  The route goes through peacful forests along the coast of the river Gauja with beautiful sandstone outcrops.

  
  


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  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.

  
  


• Accommodation and dinner at the country hotel.

• Breakfast.

Ride: Kārļi - Līgatne - Straupe - Ungurmuiža - Cēsis (44 km)

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  Historic Līgatne village - log houses from 19^th 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.

  
  

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  Have a relaxing snack at Laču Miga guest house.

  
  


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  Old fashioned Ligatne ferry operated by the power of stream

  
  


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  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.

Accommodation in Cesis area.

• Take a train back from Cēsis to Riga.


• Overnight in hotel in Riga.

• Breakfast.


• Take a train from Riga Central Railway Station to Tukums.

Ride: Tukums - Jaunpils (40 km)

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  Tukums historic centre with the tower of the former Livonian Order Castle

  
  


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  Durbe Manor built in Classicims style and its park

  
  


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  Medieval Jaunpils Castle remained its ancient look to nowdays

  
  


• Overnight at the castle.
  

• Breakfast

Ride: Jaunpils - Annenieki - Dobele - Tērvete (43 km)

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  Ancient Semigalian castle mound and Dobele Livonian Order Castle Ruines

  
  


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  Dobele Crafts Studio where can observe the working process and buy some local suvenours

  
  


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  Tērvete Nature Park has scienic landscape and it is a home of more than 70 endangered plants. There is also one of the highest ancient Semigalian castle mound located.

  
  


• Accommodation at the guest house in Tērvete area.

• Breakfast

Ride: Tērvete- Pilsrundāle -Bauska (66km)

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  Vilce Nature Park with ancient castle mound. Trails and viewing platform. Nice place to relax.

  
  


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  Rundale Palace – the Baltic pearl of Roccoco and Barogue style

  
  


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  Bauska Castle located on the scienic spot between two rivers Mūsa and Mēmele. The tower of castle provides good panoramic view.

  
  


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  Mežotne Manor – elegant Classicims style built 1798-1803, surrounded with English style landscape park

  
  


• Accomodation and dinner at the manor.

• Breakfast

Ride: Bauska - Emburga – Jelgava (40 km)

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  Jelgava Palace – the former residence of the Duke of Kurzeme and Zemgale. Nowdays it houses the University of Agriculture. For tourists there is open Buriel Chambers of Dukes' family where their sarcofagus lay.

  
  


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  Historic Centre of Jelgava

  
  


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  St Simon and St Anna' Orthodox Church – the first one in the Duchey of Kurzeme and Zemgale

  
  


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  Taka a train from Jelgava to Riga

  
  


• Accommodation in hotel in Riga.

Departure