Back when the Baltic Sea was part of the ancient Littorina Sea, the coastline emerged as a small and shallow shore that was formed 4,500 to 5,000 years ago.  The coastline has little rocks and gravel that have preserved typical examples of fauna from the Littorina Sea.  The ancient cliff is best seen at the Dobeļi homestead in Kaltene.  This is one of a few parts of the shore of the Bay of Rīga where there was an abrasion coastline during the era of the Littorina Sea.  The shallow bay is popular among birds which feed and rest here during migrations. (Source: Roja TIC)

The tour introduces modern day life in rural Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania and includes visits to small farms raising livestock and producing delicious foods, and to ethnographic villages preserving the traditional lifestyle in a contemporary environment. The tour also involves sites of historical and cultural interest.

The tour gives a look beyond the usual tourism sites to get to know the three Baltic states more deeply. It starts in the historic Latvian capital, Riga, followed by the Gauja National Park with its castles, manors and walking trails. Climb the tower of medieval Turaida Castle for amazing views over the valley and visit the ancient jewellery master in the castle of the charming town of Cesis. 

Across the border in Estonia, walk streets with elegant villas at Parnu sea resort before catching a ferry to Saaremma island. Ethnographic Koguva village, ancient churches and windmills are typical of the island, as is an embroidering tradition. Then it's off to Tallinn with its medieval Old Town and to the rocky landscapes of Lahemaa National Park with fishing villages and manors. Try Estonian national dishes at the pub in Altja. Driving back, stop at the university town of Tartu. In Latvia again, visit goat farms and a traditional black bread bakery. Then the tour heads towards the west coast with the cities of Liepaja and, across the border in Lithunaia, Klaipeda. Next is the incredible Curonian Spit. Before Vilnius, take a detour to Grutas Park with its bizarre Soviet statuary. Finish the journey at picturesque Trakai Castle in Lithuania and Rundale Palace in Latvia.

This route is best for active hikers who want to travel down the valley of the mightiest river in the Baltic States to see lovely landscapes and feel powerful emotions.  The route begins in Sigulda, which has been known as the Switzerland of Vidzeme and offers some of the loveliest views in Latvia.  The route crosses the deep valleys of several Gauja River territory, offering a look at shores that are known at the Baltic level for their mighty Devonian cliffs.  The nature trails in Līgatne are the only place in Latvia to see forestland that is close to natural circumstances, with forest animals living in large fenced areas so that they can be seen.  There are also animals and tracks of their activities out in the wild as you walk down the forest and other trails of the Gauja National Park.

Route information from Latvijas Lauku forums

This territory is meant to protect the large hillocks and lakes of the Augšzeme highlands – Lake Svente, Lake Medums, Lake Ilga and others, with their islands, landscapes and species. The nature park which has been established around Lake Svente and Lake Medums is part of this territory, and there are several areas that are restricted for environmental reasons – Lake Bardinskis, Lake Skujine, and the islands of Lake Medums and Lake Svente. There is a viewing tower on Egļukalns Hill, along with downhill ski routes.

The owner offers honey made of various flowers, forest plants, heather and linden blossoms, pollen, bee bread, propolis, and other beekeeping products. He will be happy to give you a tour and tell you about his work.

Spa Hotel Lohja is located in a beautiful place near Lake Lohja, surrounded by peaceful nature. This place has a lot to offer, there is wide range of things you can do while you are here, for example, you can rent a bicycle or/and a boat, go to the gym, play mini-golf, swim and much more.

Piemājas saimniecība nodarbojas ar augļkopību un biškopību!

The historical centre of the Tāšu Estate is in the Ālande (Telse) River Valley near Lake Tāši.  The current estate was built by the von Korff dynasty, and the mansion dates back to 1734.  Inside there are valuable Baroque fireplaces, the main entrance portal made of sandstone from Gotland, the original stone floor in the hall, parquet and wall panels.  The front door, windows, stairs and other details were installed in the early 19th century

Viens no labākajiem veidiem, kā iepazīties ar sidru, ir paviesoties kādā no sidra darītavām, kur klātienē var redzēt, kā sidrs tiek gatavots. Vairākas sidra darītavas piedāvā apmeklējumus, kuros sidrdari parādīs ražošanas procesu, ļaus nodegustēt savu produkciju un pastāstīs par to.

Sidrdari pieņem apmeklētājus pēc iepriekšējas pieteikšanās. Rezervējiet savu apmeklējumu laikus, lai mazajās saimniecībās, kur bieži vien strādā tikai pati ģimene vai pāris darbinieku, sidrdari var paspēt apvienot tūristu uzņemšanu ar savu ikdienas darbu. Parasti sidra darītavas uzņem viesus visu cauru gadu, dažos gadalaikos ir iespējams vērot arī ražošanas procesu, tādēļ sidra darītavas apmeklējumam ieplānojiet apmēram 2 stundas.

The Jelgava Castle stands between the Lielupe and Driksa rivers. The Baroque castle was designed by the well known Italian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, and this was the most important piece of early work that he did. The Latvian Agriculture University is housed in the castle today. A museum was established in 1968. +371-6300-5617. The socle story of the south-eastern wing has the graves of rulers from the Duchy of Courland – members of the Kettler and Byron dynasties, which ruled from 1569 to 1791. There are 18 restored sarcophagi here.