This long tour of Latvia includes some of the best and most beautiful parts of Jūrtaka in Latvia. Hikes along the sea alternate with trips and excursions in the cities. You will go along the coast of the Baltic Sea from Mazirbe to Kolka, seeing Slītere National Park and Livonian villages. You will see Engure Nature Park and the overgrown seaside meadows that are suitable for bird watching. Along the way, you will be able to purchase smoked fish from local fishermen and learn about fishing traditions in Latvia. Further, the route will take you through the most popular seaside resort in Latvia, Jūrmala; you will also have time to visit the capital city - Rīga. The second part of the route runs along the Vidzeme coast from Saulkrasti to Svētciems. In terms of landscapes and views, the most multifaceted section of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route in Latvia, which includes both sandy and rocky beach, coastal meadows, reeds, dunes, sandstone outcrops, forests, capes and small coves, fishing villages and pubs.

This is a brewery in a lovely part of Lithuania known as Little Switzerland, surrounded by forests, lakes and castle hills.  "Čizo" beer is light, unfiltered and alive, and it is produced on the basis of ancient traditions with forest bee honey.  The brewer has not just a recipe, but also equipment so that he can offer a look at ancient methods of beer brewing.

Saimniecības laukos ganās ap 300 aitu kupls ganāmpulks, no kura iegūst gaļu un vilnu. Piedāvā ekskursiju, kurā stāsta par aitu audzēšanu, cep maizi, auž un uz ugunskura vāra zupu. Apmeklētāji var iegādāties adītas zeķes, cimdus, segas, lakatus, galdautus un citas saimniecībā noderīgas lietas. Stāsta par atjaunotās mājas vēsturi un kopj latviskās tradīcijas.

This is Latvia’s oldest nature reserve and, indeed, the country’s oldest protected natural territory. Moricsala is an island in Lake Usma, which is the fifth largest lake in Latvia. The reserve was established in 1912 at the initiative of a group of nature students from Rīga. They wished to protect the deciduous forest of oak trees on the island, along with the local flora and fauna. The nature reserve also includes the Lielalksnīte island. Visits to the reserve, however, are strictly prohibited.

True Latgalian Apple Cider from Malnava Manor

Our Story
The cider is produced in the historic distillery of Malnava Manor, dating back to 1827. In manor times, this distillery produced the traditional Latgalian strong drink, šmakovka.

Apples
The apples for the cider are harvested in the manor’s old orchard.

Cider
They produce both dry and semi-sweet cider under the name “Malnovys Uobuļu Sidrs,” as well as apple brandy (calvados), and the traditional šmakovka.

For Visitors
Guided tours are available, where visitors can discover how true, traditional Latgalian šmakovka is crafted, along with cider made from local apples. The tours include tastings with snacks. Malnava Manor is notable for having served as the headquarters for the Wehrmacht’s Army Group North during World War II, visited by Adolf Hitler on 21 July 1941. Two reinforced concrete bunkers in the manor park mark the location of this historic meeting.

Where to Buy
The drinks can be purchased on-site.

This is a homestead that is three km from the centre of Vecpiebalga and is in a lovely place – the Incēni hill.  There is a museum here featuring the author of the legendary fairy tale “Pussy’s Mill” by Kārlis Skalbe (1879-1945).  The poet and prose writer built the building in 1926 and spent summers there from that year until 1944.  The museum was opened in 1987.  The western slope of Vaktskalns hill right alongside the museum offers a lovely view of Lake Alauksts.  The cremated remains of Skalbe and his wife, Lizete, were reinterred at the location in 1992 from Sweden, where the poet died.  There is a unique monument to them in the form of a stone boat.

Piedāvā izbraucienu ar zvejnieku laivu līdz Kolkas bākai. Iespējama iepazīšanās ar zvejas procesu.

Iepriekš saskaņojot, iespējams jūrā sagaidīt saullēktu vai saulrietu.

The tour introduces visitors to varied landscapes, local traditions and historic sites. Travellers are usually surprised that such a small territory holds so many contrasts. Riga offers a medieval Old Town and elegant Art Nouveau district, then comes Sigulda with three castles on the high banks of the Gauja river valley. Saaremaa island is a pleasure to drive around with good quality, quiet roads, windmills, medieval churhes and ethnographic villages. Tallinn has its walled Old Town while Lahemaa national park has an almost mystical landscape There is also elegant Palmse Manor. The tour goes through sleepy villages in eastern Latvia with distinctive pottery, ancient culinary traditions, and the Catholic pilgrimage site of Aglona. Vilnius' historic centre has distinctive baroque churches. The massive sand dunes of the Curonian Spit and Nida with its characteristic blue framed windows are among Lithuania's most attractive sights. Trakai has its picturesque medieval castle on the lake as well as the small Karaitis ethnic comunity with their unique traditions and food. Port towns Klaipeda and Liepaja have both developed into bustling modern cities with lively cafe culture.