A panoramic tour of Lithuania and Latvia with highlights of nature experiences in the National parks and nature reserves. A variety of landscapes, nature attraction sites, birds and wild animals, forests and seashore. The tour also offers some cultural and historical insights.

Baltic States are lucky to have plenty of untouched natural territories. During the Cambrian, Silurian and Devonian eras, the territory of the current Baltic States was often covered by seawater, which is why there are places where lots of geological evidence can be found about these periods in history.  These are manifested not just in fossils and various geological objects, but also in the unique landscape. For example, The Gauja River basin is an outstanding locations for Devonian cliffs and caves. Other interesting elements of the terrain relate to the development of the Baltic Sea in the past – the Baltic Ice Sea and the Littorine Sea. That is well presented at he landscape of hillocks and valleys in the Slītere National Park. Many forests  and bogs have remained virtually untouched as biotopes here.  The Ķemeri, Slītere national parks were all established to protect wetlands. Rivers in the Baltic States have not been straightened and dense areas of buildings are not common.  There are two “lands of lakes” in the Baltic States – Latgale and Augštaitija. The Baltic States are at the crossroads of the living areas of many different plants and animals, and that is why “northern,” “southern,” “western” and “eastern” species can all be found here. Some national parks have been established to protect distinctive local cultural heritage.

Within easy reach of the Finnish capital of Helsinki, visitors can escape into wild natural settings and enjoy typically Finnish scenery, with lovely lakes, green forests and rugged crags. The nearby Finnish Nature Centre Haltia spotlights the best of Finland's natural treasures from across the country.

Interesantā būve, kurai Baltijas valstīs grūti atrast līdzinieku, ir meklējama 2 km ziemeļaustrumos no Kirblas (Kirbla). 307,8 m garo arkveida tiltu pāri Kazari upei (Kasari jõgi) uzcēla 1904. g. deviņu mēnešu laikā. Tajā brīdī to uzskatīja par Eiropas garāko šāda tipa dzelzsbetona tiltu. Tagad to var šķērsot tikai ar kājām vai ar divriteni. Tumšajā diennakts laikā tilts ir skaisti izgaismots! Tā ievērojamais garums ir skaidrojams ar apstākli, ka pavasara palos Kazari palienes applūst lielās platībā.

The pub is located in a wooden log building and situated in the suburbs of Sigulda, allowing one to feel the Latvian spirit in the interior and enjoy Latvian-style dishes. The pub has maintained the traditions and quality of Latvian cuisine.

Latvian cuisine: Sauerkraut soup, filet of pike-perch, pike cakes, pork tongue, pork ribs, homemade steak haché, potato pancakes, stacked rye bread, rye bread baked in honey, baked ap.ple, homemade ice cream.

Special foods: “Steak a la Bucefāls,” “Ice cream a la Bucefāls”.

The "Stender's" bar is situated in the centre of the city of Kuldiga at the start of Liepājas Street, which is the main pedestrian and biking thoroughfare in Kuldīga. The two-story wood building was once a granary and is of architectural importance. The bar is situated on the second floor of the building, with the lowest door jambs in Kuldiga and wooden shears in the bar.

Latvian cuisine: Farmer’s breakfast, oatmeal, cold kefir soup, sorrel, cucumber and bean soup, beef in onion sauce, hunter’s sausages, potato pancakes, sweet pancakes with lingonberry sauce.

No ūdens tūrisma attīstības centra „Bāka” skatu laukuma, kas atrodas Lubāna ezera ziemeļdaļā pie V 560 autoceļa, paveras viens no labākajiem Lubānas ezera skatiem. Redzams milzīgais Latvijas lielākā ezera klajs un Kvāpānu – Īdeņas zivju dīķu ar dambjiem ainava.

The Great Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk is located in Ķemeri National Park. The national park covers an area of 38,165 hectares. The Great Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk immerses visitors in the world of moss, small pine trees, deep pools, tiny dark lakes and the smell of wild rosemary. An astute visitor will notice the carnivorous sundew plant and a variety of birds – wood sandpipers, white wagtails and tree pipits – and will also be able to hear cranes further away. Those who prefer shorter strolls can take the small boardwalk loop (approx. 1.4 km), while those who choose the great loop (approx. 3.4 km) will be rewarded with the opportunity to climb to a viewing platform that offers a magnificent view of the bog from above. The Great Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk has become a popular place for landscape and wildlife photographers. The whole trail is laid to wooden boardwalk and therefore is fully accessible and can be walked without a professional guide.

Jaunpils development is linked to the Livonian Order's castle, which until now has hardly changed its building volume and appearance. From 1561 until 1919 it belonged to the barons Reki family. In 1905 the castle was burned down, but later it was reconstructed under the supervision of architect V. Bockslaff. Substantial castle restoration work began during the sixties of 20th century. Now in the castle is a museum, but gourmets can taste medieval dishes at the castle tavern.

This tour includes a walk along the Baltic Sea coast Lithuania through the Curonian Spit from Nida to Smiltynė (see a detailed description under tour No. 9) and continues further north from Klaipėda to Šventoji located at the Lithuanian/Latvian border. Klaipėda and Palanga are popular seaside resorts with lots of pubs, hotels, street cafés and musicians. Klaipėda is the only port city and the third largest city in Lithuania. Šventoji is also a popular seaside town located next to the mouth of the river Šventoji. Between Klaipėda and Palanga, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route leads through the Seaside Regional Park (Lithuanian: Pajūrio regioninis parkas). It was founded for the protection of coastal and marine landscapes, biodiversity and local cultural heritage. The most famous place of the seaside is the Dutch Hat (also called Dutch Cap, Dutchman’s Cap or Holland’s Cap) – a 20 m high cliff, which used to serve as a landmark and guide for seafarers and fishermen.