Rural Lifestyle

Karlamuiza is a cozy hotel located near Cēsis town in the Amata River valley. The guest house is located nearby a landscape park and a nature trail by the Amata River.  

Mushrooming is a national passion in Latvia. Trying out a mushrooming experience is part of getting to know the local way of life and doing things the way locals do them. The forest terrain in the selected mushrooming spots is easy to walk, covered with moss, fallen leaves and small plants. Occasionally there are bushes, some fallen trees or wet spots. Gauja National Park, established in 1973, was Latvia’s first national park, and it has great traditions in environmental tourism. 

The most popular edible mushrooms are the various Boletus and Chanterelles. The selected species for foraging are chanterelles, russulas and various boletus: Chestnut Bolete (Gyroporus castaneus), Lurid Bolete (Boletus luridus), Sheep Polypore edible tree-fungus (popular in Scandinavian cooking) (Albatrellus ovinus), Golden Coral (Ramaria aurea), Coral Tooth (Hericium coralloides), Parasol Mushroom (Macrolepiota procera), Ceramic Parchment (Xylobolus frustulatus) and WoodRotting Fungus (Phellinus nigrolimitatus). 

N.B. For comfort and safety it is recommended that participants wear outdoor clothing and footwear.

PROGRAMME:

• The ride from Riga to Kārļamuiža country hotel in Gauja National Park takes approx. 1 hour 30 min.
• Arrive at Kārļamuiža Country Hotel. Meet the fungi guide (English speaking, professional nature guide, owner of two dogs that are trained for fungi hunting), briefing and preparation for mushroom picking. Lunch boxes and mushrooming equipment  - baskets, knives and raincoats will be provided for each person.
• Drive to the mushroom picking site (approx. 15 min.).
• Picnic lunch in an open-air picnic spot in the forest by the River Gauja (approx. 30 min.).
• Guided mushroom picking (approx. 1 hour) in the forest.
• Return to the hotel (approx. 30 min.).
• Sorting the mushrooms together with the fungi guide to identify the species found.
• Cooking dinner with the chef at Kārļamuiža Country Hotel (approx. 2 hours). Cooking is done in front of the group as a demonstration with an explanation of the recipe. Also other dishes are available for dinner apart from the mushrooms.

This family boutique hotel was opened in the 18th century granary of the former Bilstiņi Estate.  It is located at the place where the Pērse River flows into the Daugava River.  Leisure is offered on a terrace under grape leaves, at the restaurant with a fireplace and grilled dishes, a chance to fish in the river, or a visit to the miniature spa. 

After more than 30 years of living and working in Rīga, Tomass and Dace and their son Reinis decided to move to Koknese, where Tomass was born and raised.  Dace was a violinist at the Latvian National Opera, while Tomass spent more than 20 years working in the automobile business.  Now they both have their Mediterranean-style boutique hotel. 

Guests can have a look at the everyday lives of the couple, accept the slow flow of life with a seemingly simplified look at things, and a chance to become involved on the work of the hotel and the farm.  Guests see nearly everything that happens at the house -- the child plays the piano, the husband is screwing together a motorcycle, the wife is practicing the violin, and granny is bringing freshy baked apple pastry which everyone tastes in a friendly way between the two rivers.  There will be wine tastings and smoked meat.  Fish will be caught in the river, and everyone will go swimming.  In the evening, there will be grilled meat, wine and movies on a large screen on the terrace under grape leaves.  A shorter trip offers a daytime programme to learn about the lifestyle of the owners.

THE PROGRAMME:

• 11:00 AM:  Arrival, meeting the owners and learning about the home and territory so as to make the programme more precise;
• 12:00-2:00 PM:  Marinating and smoking meat;
• 2:00-3:00 PM:  Lunch with grilled foods;
• 3:00-5:00 PM:  Free time to go fishing, swimming, paddleboarding or suntanning.  Smoked meats can be tasted, weighed and packed up so that guests can bring some of them home.

Program:

• Arrive at Bīriņi Castle and meet the guide. Tour of the yard and park. Highlights: climbing the estate’s water tower to the viewing platform; seeing the stables containing Latvian pedigree horses; stopping by the Lover’s Oak where, by tradition, wedding couples hang small bells; and swinging in the large Easter swings (1 hour).
• Lunch at the manor’s restaurant. Traditional cuisine is on ofer including: tasting platters, lamb soup with green buckwheat and layered dark bread cake. Tasting of herbal teas using locally gathered ingredients. Lunch duration approx. 1 hour.
• Transfer to the cranberry plantation (approx. 5 km/10 min.)
• Guided tour of the cranberry plantation and Laugas bog lake. Tasting of cranberry products from the plantation’s own production facility. The products are also for sale on site. Duration of visit 1.5 hours.
•  Return to Bīriņi Castle or depart depending on itinerary.

The "Sabile Cider" company is nearly in the heart of Sabile.  Each autumn, farmers in Kurzeme provide apples that they have grown in their orchards so that the plant can squeeze the juice and then ferment it to cider.  The plant is a  public meeting place.  During the summer, it and the Sabile local government organise concerts and cultural events there.

Baiba and Aldis Circenis from Rīga began their story in Sabile more than 20 years ago, when they purchased a nearby "oasis of calm" between linden and oak trees.  They celebrate Latvian holidays, offer lessons about farm work, and after thinking about what to do with their enormous harvest of apples, produced the first Sabile cider after many experiments.  The idea of this involves the neat garden with old and tall apple trees.  The couple also studied the enjoyment and manufacturing traditions of cider in the ancient superpowers of cider, England and France.

Visitors can take a tour of the factory and learn about how cider is produced there.  The lady of the house will talk about how she changed her career and became a cider master.  Visitors can taste the cider and purchase some to take along at the Sabile Cider House, which is right next to the plant.

PROGRAMME:

• Arrival at the "Sabile Cider" plant and a meeting with one of its representatives;
• Information about the history of the world of cider, facts, stories and the history of the plant, also focusing on cider production technologies in Latvia and elsewhere in the world;
• A tour of the factory to see the equipment and learn about the production of cider from an apple to the cork of a cider bottle;
• A visit to the "Sabile Cider House," which is approximately 300 metres from the factory, to learn about the output of the plant and to enjoy tastings in a cosy and liberated atmosphere.  There will be conversations about cider and its diversity, Sabile, the culture of drinking cider, and foods which go well with it;
• A chance to purchase Sabile cider.

The farmstead  "Spārni" is located on the Latvian-Lithuanian border, near the Vadakste river.
In summer, there are tent and caravan sites for individual travelers and small groups.
Picnic opportunity. Fireplace and grill place. Pond and garden goodies. Animal friendly. There are also birch sap, herbal tea with dandelion honey, fruit / berry kvass tastings, opportunities to participate in farm work.
The hosts offer excursions arround Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.

“Agave” is located in the countryside and there are forests and Ligatne river nearby. The place is perfect for listening to birds’ songs and watching wild animals in the early mornings or late evenings.

In the guest house “Agave” there is a garden surrounded by spruce trees, special for Latvians - the Garden of the Balti Signs, where you can find and feel your magic sign and take your time for meditation. The signs are based on ancient Latvian writings. The ancient Balti signs are able to influence the tangible, intangible and spiritual side of our lives, bringing wealth, happiness, luck, strength, fertility and health. Each character has its own meaning and the effect of the sign can only be related to thought, subconscious and nature.

In the guest house there is also sauna for everyone to enjoy. After sauna it is possible to have a swim in the pond or hot tub.

Here everyone can stay overnight in authentic horse stable stalls, enjoying the smell of the flowers and grass of the countryside. In Latvia until the end of the 20th century, during the summer months rural residents slept outside the house – in barns and hay sheds.

If you prefer comfortable rooms, you will be able to stay in the guest house.

The hosts Sarmīte and Jānis Šteini enjoy living in countryside and they have lived in Līgatne for more than 10 years.

Sarmīte is very interested in folklore and is an expert in ancient signs and the meanings of them. Jānis loves to take care of the environment and buildings. They both understand the importance of fresh air and country living. During holidays they take care of their grandchildren.

Sarmīte is an expert of soup making on fire. She uses products from local farms and her own garden (onions, potatoes, beetroot, meat, herbs etc). 

PROGRAMME:

Day 1

• Arrival in “Agave” guest house and meet the hosts.
• Introduction of the house and stable.
• Visiting Vienkoči park and making your own natural jewelry (from materials as the wood, chestnuts, seeds of different fruits and berries, shells)
• Returning to accommodation
• Workshop with participation – Latvian soup making from local vegetables and meat.  
• Latvian Sauna ritual with sauna expert and birch, oak or linden sauna brooms

Day 2

Breakfast

• Guided tour around Balts or Baltic people sign path
• Free time or Hiking tour in Līgatne forest (~2,5 h/ 4 km)
• Ligatne local wine tasting with cheese and meat board (snacks).

The watermill of the Krape Estate is found on the Lobe River in the Ogre Administrative District.  Owners offer tours of the mill so that you can learn how the old mill operates.  You can stroll along the banks of the river or learn about plants in the meadow.  There are places for tenting, but the main operation here is the production of elixirs from meadow plants, production of soy wax candles, production of etheric oils and hydrolats, a well as growing trout and African catfish that can be viewed during the season.  A new thing is SPA services with floating, a halotherapy salt beach and an aromatherapy steam system.

Floating is a unique way to boost your health.  You’ll be dipped into a warm magnesium salt solution, which will allow your body to relax completely in physical, emotional and intellectual terms.  The solution (MgSO4) is very concentrated, and it has a temperature of +37C, which is body temperature.  That’s what makes the procedure so relaxing.  Your body will not sink because of the concentration of salt, and you will float above it like bobber.  You will relax all of your tendons and possibly compressed nerves.  Your limbs will “oil up.”  Your body will receive a very necessary dose of magnesium through your skin.

You can also take part in baking KrapesKrepes crepes – home baked crepes made of milk from one neighbouring homestead and eggs from another neighbouring homestead.  You can also prepare a meal on a Himalayan salt board
 

The farmstead is located in the Abava Ancient River valley. Visitors can experience true Latvian farm life here.  In the farm there are goats, sheep, horses, geese, chickens, rabbits and other animals. The restoration of the farmstead began in 1991 and at that time there were collapsed barn walls and an overgrown apple orchard. The Ezeriņi family started renovating this farm in order to fulfil their eldest daughter Signe's dream of living in the countryside and owning her own horse.  

Signe now shares the fulfilment of her dream with the arriving guests, allowing to get to know and live a real country life, participate in pet care and enjoy rural romance, baking pancakes, whipping butter in a rural kitchen, taking sauna and riding a horse.

In a 2 hour farm tour visitors will learn about milking cows and producing meat, examine a collection of antique tools and will be treated to home-made delicacies. Also an overnight stay is possible to enjoy more of a country life, take a sauna with birch and juniper switches and swim in the local pond.

PROGRAMME:

• A tour of the farm, introducing the way of life in the countryside.
• A refreshment break drinking herbal tea with honey and trying carrot buns and other traditional pastries.

We offer ancient dishes of Madona region (group catering), culinary master classes (ancient dishes, etc.), use home-grown berries (strawberries, raspberries), etc. agricultural products because they own a farm. The guest house is located in an old building, which is easily located. Participation in programs such as "Meet your master", "Real Latvian hosts 2017", etc.

The family company Poļu nams was established more than 20 years ago, and it produces sweets that were popular during the Soviet era -- the Sweet Brunette chocolate sausage, as well as cookies filled with condensed milk that are known as Sweet Pearl or little nuts.  The owners started the work at their flat in Rīga, but now the manufacturing facilities are in a building which used to be a culture centre.  The products are still made by hand. 

Gunita has run the company from its origins and greets guests who wish to tour the manufacturing plant.  That will be of interest both to adults and to children.  Gunita designed her own house and initiates reanimation with the idea of dealing with the big building.  Step by step she is putting together a club, Lāde (Chest), to focus on esoteric issues, education and leisure.  Gatis supports Gunita in her efforts by handling all of the reconstruction and construction work. 

During tours, guests will visit the manufacturing facility, learning about the building and its history.  They will be able to taste the sweets and then have lunch with the owners.  A master class in preparing sweets can be arranged in advance and depending on the workload of the company.  People can learn how to prepare the Sweet Brunette or the little nuts.

THE PROGRAMME:

• A tour of the manufacturing facility to learn about it;
• A master class in preparing sweets;
• Tasting of sweets and a coffee break;
• A visit to the "Lāde" club to learn about Soviet-era film equipment and to take pictures;
• Lunch with the owners.

The Mauriņi guesthouse is seven kilometres from Sigulda and in the middle of the forest.  The farm has a large oak, a pond for swimming, and a park that covers nine hectares.  The guesthouse has a warm pool, a sauna, a tub and a sauna barrel outdoors.  All around the guesthouse are ancient and typical Latvian flowers, including tiger lilies, phlox, peonies, dahlias, etc. 

Owners Andris and Māra Zemdega built the guesthouse themselves and have managed it for more than 15 years.  Māra bakes yeast breads, including rye wholemeal bread, rye bread with dried meat and onions, scalded rye bread, seed bread and yeast white bread. 

Visitors will learn how to bake bread and will receive yeast and a recipe to bake bread at home.  While waiting for the dough to rise, Māra will offer various activities such as gathering wild herbs for tea, cooking jam and baking pierogi.  An alternative programme involves the ability of guests to spend the night at the guesthouse when it takes longer for the dough to rise.  Visitors will have access to a sauna and a pool.

THE PROGRAMME:

A master class in baking bread:

• Preparing mash with yeast and then taking the necessary amount to mix it with flour and water;
• Preparation of the dough by adding flour, water and other ingredients for the specific types of bread;
• Activities while the dough is rising -- gathering ingredients for herbal teas, cooking jam, baking pierogi or just relaxing at the farm;
• Shaping and baking loaves;
• Presentation of a loaf to each participant, along with yeast and a recipe to bake bread at home.

This farm is at the edge of Balvi between the urban and natural environment. 

Owner Arnita is a professional sauna manager and home producer.  Her Arnita's Workshop of Good Feelings includes homemade bread and other goodies, sauna rituals and the use of wild plants for health and good feelings.  Arnita prepares plant teas and syrups, body scrubs and masks. 

Guests will accompany the lady of the house in a tour around the farm to gather wild plants.  Then she will teach each guest how to prepare a sauna switch and a body scrub.

THE PROGRAMME:

• An introduction to Arnita and her workshop;
• A tour of the farm to gather plants to make a sauna switch and a body scrub;
• Preparation of the switch and scrub while enjoying the aroma of the plants;
• A cup of tea and homemade bread and fruit syrups.

The village of Leimaņi is found at the edge of the P27 highway between Birži and Ilūkste.  The village is at a crossroads where there was once a saloon in the early 20th century. 

The historical building is currently being occupied by the Akācija Plus organisation of local craftswomen.  There are thematic rooms in the building devoted to weaving, regional research, bread, household issues, antique objects and one room devoted to the age of Kārlis Ulmanis. 

Inita Lāce has chaired the Akācija Plus organisation for many years, and she has initiated many creative and social ideas.  Together with other women, Inita has put together a park of Latvian ornaments which features ethnographic Latvian signs. 

Guests will meet the craftswomen and see their work.  They will hear stories about the history of the homestead and the Leimaņi Parish, help to bake bread and then enjoy the fresh bread with lovage and pork.  Next there will be a tour of the park of ornaments.  Visitors will  have a chance to purchase woven textiles or apparel, as well as mats for the floor and for saunas.

THE PROGRAMME:

• Arrival at Rūķīši to learn about the Akācija Plus organisation;
• Preparation of loaves of bread and putting them in the oven to bake;
• A tour of the Rūķiši crafts house to learn about the history of the Leimaņi Parish, the work of weavers, regional research materials, antiquities and rooms;
• Tasting of bread, solving of riddles and chats over a cup of tea in the household room of the building;
• A tour of the Latvian ornament park, which contains an information stand and 11 ethnographic signs and symbols that have been made of oak by a local craftsman.  Each ornament has its own explanation and importance in Latvian mythology.  During holidays and events, the ornaments are lit up during the dark part of the day.

This is a tourism and goat farm on the banks of the Bay of Rīga in Kurzeme.  The farm is located between the sea and the forest, 300 metres from a rocky seashore. 

The owners have purebred goats of a type that originated in Argentina.  These are beautiful goats.  Guests have started to call the place "seashore goats," because the sounds of the sea can be heard.  Accommodations are available to all visitors. 

Ruta and Jānis' ancestors owned Raudiņas, where she takes care of beauty and good feelings by tending to flowerbeds, orchards and the rural landscape, while he runs the farm.  Monna, in turn, is excellent at greeting guests.  She knows everything about the farm and is always prepared to help. 

During visits, depending on the weather, guests can look at the goats and feed them.  The lady of the homestead will help guests to tie brooms of branches, gather together piles of hay, and weave edible crowns of flowers and leaves.  More creative visitors can draw pictures with a goat's foot, dance the "Ram" folk dance, or play a unique instrument that is made of the nails of goats.

THE PROGRAMME:

• Arrival at "Raudiņas" to meet Ruta or Monna;
• A stroll to get to know the "seashore goats";
• Gathering of materials for edible flower crowns and branch brooms in the surrounding area, and then preparation of those items;
• Gather hay into bales;
• Creative activities, including drawing and games.

The “Lamb Club” is a farm in Mazsalaca, and it is special because the sheep live in a real club!  The owners offer the atmosphere of a farm at which the sheep play major roles.  Enjoy mutton and sheep milk foods and beverages, feel how comfortable it is to read your favourite while sitting on a fluffy sheepskin, and, in order not to get cold by the campfire in the evening, you can purchase warm woollen socks and woven woollen cloaks.

The owners hope that people from Latvia and all around the world will spend more time at the farm, because accommodations involve a new glamping tent that is as close as possible to nature and the healthy rural environment.  Don’t lose a lick of the comfort that you are used to in your everyday life!

The owners, Ilze and Valters, will be happy to give you a tour during which they talk about herding sheep.  If you contact them in advance, they will prepare a tasty mutton meal for you.  The tour can also be supplemented with various activities such as games, quizzes and creative workshops at which sheep wool is utilised.
 

The village of Kaldabruņa in Sēlija has a wealth of ancient traditions that have been handed down from generation to generation and preserved in oral history and work.  The Meadow Museum is a place where the traditions are accumulated, and people who know about them gather there.  The museum was established at a 100-year-old building that used to house a preschool.  It was set up by the "Water Signs" organisation. 

Ieva Jātniece was one of the funders of the Meadow Museum and is a story-teller who also runs a glass processing workshop where she transforms windowpanes into jewellery with elegant impressions of meadow plants.  Ingrīda speaks with a sonorous Selonian dialect which differs a bit from classical Latvian.  Andra, in turn, will take you to the garden of medicinal plants, where you will be able to choose plants for herbal tea.  She will prepare a tasty meal from things that are available at Kaldabruņa and offer a tour of a wood processing workshop where Andra operates a laser cutting system to prepare designs for original souvenirs. 

Visit Kaldabruņa to get a true sense of the diversity of a rural lifestyle.  This is an environment in which ancient traditions organically live together with modern technologies.

THE PROGRAMME:

• Arrival at the Meadow Museum to meet the hosts and take a tour of the museum's exhibition;
• Demonstration of the "Midnight Meadow" multimedia projection;
• A stroll through the garden of medicinal plants to learn how to brew tea from various plants; during the spring and summer, guests are invited to prepare mixtures of teas from dried plants;
• A visit to the specialised wood processing workshop where a demonstration of laser engraving will be available along with a story about how the relevant souvenirs are designed;
• A visit to the glass workshop and jewellery salon, where Ingrīda will talk all about the route to the glass meadows; you will be able to examine the way in which the jewellery and interior design objects are manufactured and purchase some to take home with you if you wish to do so;
• A creative workshop where each guest is invited to produce his or her own piece of glass jewellery;
• A meal with conversation served outside or indoors by the fireplace, depending on the season.

Saimniecība “Vilkapurvi” atrodas purva malā, te smaržo pēc sfagnos filtrēta, rūgti tīra gaisa. Mazliet pirmatnības ir gan ainavā, gan valdošajās noskaņās: apiņu stīgas apvijušas melnalkšņu stumbrus, meža skudru pūznis turpat netālu no pirts, zaļās vardes, kuras “gana” stārķis, un pūces sauciens lielā eglē.

Ligita Elksnīte, 8 bērnu mamma, “Vilkapurvos “ saimnieko 5 gadus. Viņas saimniecībā ir pirts namiņš, pārvietojamā pirts un āra ūdens kubls. Saimniece gatavo ārstniecības augu sīrupus, zāļu tējas, pirts skrubjus, masāžas eļļas un uzlējumus. No savvaļas un dārza augiem gatavo salātus un zaļos kokteiļus.  Apmeklētājiem ir iespējams iegādāties “Vilkapurvos” tapušo produkciju. Saimniece ir sertificēta pirtniece. 

Viesiem piedāvā iepazīt ārstniecības augus, pagatavot masāžas eļļu vai augu uzlējumu, degustēt saimniecības produktus. Programmu iespējams papildināt ar pēršanos pirtī: stāstījums par pirts rituālu, pirts slotu siešana, pirts skrubju gatavošana, pēršanās pirtnieces vadībā.

PROGRAMMA:

• Ierašanās „Vilkapurvos”, iepazīšanās.
• Pastaiga pa pļavu vai mežu , stāstījums par ārstniecības augiem, to vākšana.
• Uzlējuma vai masāžas eļļas gatavošanas meistarklase. Pašu gatavoto produktu katrs ņem līdzi.
• Ārstniecības augu sīrupu degustācija. 
• Zāļu-nezāļu salātu vai zaļā kokteiļa degustācija.

Mailīšu fabrika izveidota 2018. gadā, lai saglabātu rokdarbu tradīcijas un prasmes. Te auž vilnas, lina un zīda darbus - segas, plecu lakatus, linu dvieļus. Darbnīcā apskatāmas un izmēģināmas visu tipu ar rokām darbināmas stelles, ar kādām Latvijas teritorijā austs no 9.– 21. gadsimta, sākot no vertikālajiem aužamajiem stāviem līdz programmējamajām stellēm, ieskaitot arī Latvijā izgudrotās un patentētās divu veidu Viļumsona stelles. 

Ilze no Mailīšu ģimenes ir ceturtā paaudze, kas saistīta ar aušanu. Viņas mamma Inese Mailīte ir audēja jau gandrīz pusgadsimtu. 

Apmeklējot fabriku, viesi iepazīties ar audumu ražošanu un dažādajām tehnoloģijām. Radošajā darbnīcā viesi izšūs „ķusīti” (neliels spilvens 30x30cm) no darbnīcā austajiem audumiem un to piepildīs ar izvēlētās aitas šķirnes vilnu. Alternatīvas radošās darbnīcas piedāvā: izgatavot mezgla spilvenu, izaust jostas paraudziņu, izgatavot kādu tērpa aksesuāru, no tītavām tīt dziju, šķeterēt.

PROGRAMMA:

• Iepazīšanās ar saimniecēm Ilzi un Inesi Mailītēm.
• Ekskursija uzņēmumā, kuras laikā iespēja izmēģināt aušanu dažādu tipu stellēs.
• Iepazīšanās ar Latvijā audzēto aitu vilnu no dažadām šķirnēm (apskatīšana, taustīšana un smaržošana) un vilnas izstrādājumiem. 
• „Ķusīša” šūšana: auduma un vilnas izvēle, šūšana, pildīšana ar vilnu. Katrs apmeklētājs savu darbu saņem līdzi.

Oleru muižas mūsdienu dzīve iesākās 1988. gadā, kad dzejnieks Imants Ziedonis aicināja glābt neapsaimniekotas un sabrūkošas muižas, un Rīgas Lietišķās mākslas vidusskolas koktēlniecības nodaļas audzēkņi šim aicinājumam atsaucās. Pēc izpētes tika uzsākti restaurācijas un rekonstrukcijas darbi, īpašu uzmanību pievēršot autentiskumam. 18. gs beigās agrā klasicisma stilā būvēto muižas kompleksu ieskauj ainavu dārzs, kas  tiek veidots, uzturot 19. gs. vidus romantisma dārzu tradīcijas ar tam laikam atbilstošo modes augu izvēli un plānojuma principiem. Krāšņais augsto dobju virtuves dārzs ir kļuvis par iedvesmas avotu daudziem dārza apmeklētājiem.

Zemīšu ģimene Oleru muižā saimnieko jau vairāk nekā trīsdesmit gadu, rīko kamermūzikas koncertus un dārza stāstu pasākumus. 

Muižas apmeklējums piedāvā skatīt vēsturiskas lauku muižas dzīvesveidu mūsdienās, iepazīstina ar muižas ēku atjaunošanu un vēsturiskā dārza veidošanu. 

PROGRAMMA:

• Iepazīšanās ar Oleru muižas kungu ēkas atjaunošanas procesu.
• Iepazīšanās ar ainavu dārzu principiem, augu vēsturiskajiem ceļojumiem un stāstiem.
• Iepazīšanās ar vēsturisko Oleru muižas ainavu dārzu.
• Cienasts muižas terasē.

Cecīļu dabas taka atrodas Gaujas Nacionālajā parkā, Amatas senielejā. Ejot 5km garo taku, skatāma dabas ainava - ieži, alas, ūdenskritumi, upes un krauja. 

Kristaps Kaņeps, kurš savu nodarbošanos sāka pirms aptuveni 6 gadiem, kopj un pilnveido dabas taku. Dažādojot dabas piedzīvojumu, viņš piedāvā pārgājienus, kuros var iepazīt taku dažādos radošos veidos – ieraudzīt to caur stiklu, sajust dabu ar aizvērtām acīm, izmantot kompasu, atrodot Cecīļu dabas takas pērles, kā arī uztaisīt savu meža stāstu, izmantojot ģipsi. Pārgājiena noslēgumā - meža pirts pelde. Pārgājienus vada arī vides gide Kristīne Sniedze.

PROGRAMMA:

• Ierašanās Cecīļu dabas takā, tikšanās ar vides gidi Kristīni Sniedzi.
• Iepazīšanās spēle, uzminot maisiņos ieslēptus dabas materiālus no augu un dzīvnieku valsts.
• Īsa meditācija pirms pārgājiena.
• Materiālu izdale, uzdevumu izskaidrošana. 
• Radošā darbnīca „Meža stāsts” pirms pārgājiena - darbošānās ar ģipsi un turpat uz vietas vāktiem dabas materiāliem. Atgriežoties no pārgājiena, ģipša veidojumi būs apkaltuši un gatavi. 
• Pārgājiens ar radošām aktivitātēm. Dalībnieki no māla masas izgatavos dabas gleznu ar Cecīļu dabas takas logo; meža stāsti, izmantojot metamos kauliņus; dabas takas objektu meklēšana ar kompasu.
• Noslēgumā – pirts ar peldi meža upē, uz ugunskura gatavota tēja un pusdienas pie kopējā galda. 

Ičas apmetnes ciems ir sena dzīvesvieta Ičas upes krastos. Apmetne atklāta 1937. gadā. Tā bijusi apdzīvota neolītā (4500 - 1500 pr.Kr.) un bronzas laikmetā (1500 - 500 pr.Kr.). Apmetnē dzīvojuši amatnieki, zvejnieki, mednieki. 

Ičas apmetnes  tematiskā ciema izveides iniciatore  Biruta Bogdane ir aktīva, radoša Bērzpils pagasta iedzīvotāja, kas ar savu ideju - izveidot tematisko ciemu un caur to popularizēt pagasta kultūrvēsturisko mantojumu - aizrāva un apvienoja domubiedru grupiņā vairākus Bērzpils pagasta iedzīvotājus. Viesus ceļojumā pa Ičas apmetnes ciemu  pavada Anna Kriviša, kas ikdienā rīko kultūras pasākumus pagastā. 

Bērzpilieši aicina ciemos iepazīt Ičas apmetnes tematisko ciemu caur šodienu uz pagātni, viesojoties Bērzpils nozīmīgākajos kultūrvēsturiskajos objektos, dabas vietās, piedaloties  seno prasmju - siera siešanas, zāļu paklāju aušanas, tautas instrumentu muzicēšanas meistardabnīcās, ko piedāvā vietējie  arodu meistari, cienājoties ar sātīgu zivju zupu un pašceptu rudzu maizi.

PROGRAMMA:

• Ierašanās Bērzpils pagastā. Tikšanās ar gidu Dārza ielā 25A.
• Bērzpils nozīmīgākās vietas - pastaiga kopā ar gidu: tematiskais ainavu parks ar skatu uz skaistajām pagasta vietām; Bēržu kapu kapliča - valsts nozīmes arhitektūras piemineklis (būvēta 1791. g., restaurēta 2017. g.); Bēržu Svētās Annas Romas katoļu baznīca (celta 1851. g.); Bonifacovas muiža. 

Ičas apmetne:

• Pusdienas - zivju zupa.
• Meistardarbnīcas pēc izvēles: tautas instrumentu muzicēšana, dziedāšana un dejošana; siera siešana.

Sēļu sētā “Gulbji” dzīvo sestā vienas ģimenes paaudze. Tā atrodas raksturīgā Sēlijas ainavā starp mežu, dabiskām pļavām un pauguriem. Mājvietai ir savs ezers, avots un dīķi. Piemājas saimniecībā audzē dārzeņus, augļus, ogas, ražo piena produktus, veido daudzgadīgo puķu kolekciju, kopj daiļdārzu. Saimnieki arī ievāc medu, gatavo zāļu tējas, sien pirtsslotas, izgatavo skrubjus, eļļas, augu un medus ziedes. 

Daiļdārzniece Rita un amatnieks piektajā paaudzē Juris atgriezās dzimtas mājās pirms vairāk kā 15 gadiem. Viņi uzskata, ka mājas īpašā vērtība ir sēliskais gars, kas te atrodams ik uz soļa - senču darinajumos, receptēs, tradīcijās un ieražās, kas nodotas no paaudzes paaudzē un saglabājušās līdz mūsdienām. 

Rita un Juris apmeklētājiem piedāvā apskatīt Sēlijas vēsturiskajam novadam raksturīgu sētu ar tās plānojumu un tipiskām ēkām, iepazīstina ar tradicionālu dārzu, rīko sēļu ēdienu meistarklases un degustācijas, rāda un māca tradicionālus saimniecības darbus. Piedāvā iespēju piedalīties svētku un ikdienas rituālos sēliskās tradīcijās. 

PROGRAMMA:

• Iepazīšanās ar saimniekiem, stāstījums par traditionālo sēļu sētas apbūvi, seno darbarīku  un sadzīves priekšmetu pielietojumu.
• Daiļdārzs, stādu dārzs un ārstniecības augu dārzs. Saimniece iepazīstina ar dārza veidošanu lauku vidē, ārstniecības augiem dārzā un to pielietojumu. 
• Pusdienas - sēļu tradīcijās gatavotu ēdienu baudīšana, kuras laikā saimniece stāsta par tradicionālajiem sēļu ēdieniem, populārākajām receptēm un pagatavošanas aspektiem.
• Tematiskas aktivitātes pēc iepriekšējas izvēles: siera vārīšana, sviesta kulšana, lina pakulu virvju vīšana, zedeņu žoga izgatavošana, puzuru vēršana, dažādi sezonālie un svētku rituāli.

"Indrānu" saimnieki ir zemnieki un Skujenes pagasta iedzīvotāji neskaitāmās paaudzēs - par to liecina vecākās baznīcas reģistra grāmatas. Tagad šeit dzīvo un saimnieko "jaunie" - Margēviču ģimene. Pašreizējie "Indrānu" īpašnieki Indrānos darbojas kopš 1988. gada. Saimnieka Aleksandra vecāki aizaugušos zemes pleķīšus ar vecu ēku drupām iemainīja pret "Līvānu" tipa māju. Nāca labāki un sliktāki laiki, prieki un bēdas, bet galvenais ir un paliek - darbs, zeme, ģimene. Saimnieki lepojas, ka viss, ko viņi piedāvā saviem klientiem, tiek gatavots saimniecībā. No sēklām dobē līdz pilniem groziem pagrabā, no purvā esošajām ogām līdz pilnām burkām. Indrānos gatavotie gardumi un to receptes citur pasaulē nav atrodamas - sarkano āboliņu marmelāde, liepu konfektes šokolādē, viršu sīrups, kumelīšu kvass un vēl, un vēl. "Indrāni" ir bioloģiska saimniecība. Daudziem cilvēkiem gads ir balts abos galos un zaļš vidū, bet Indrānos tas ir zaļš visa gada garumā. Un tā gadu no gada!

Saimniecībā saimnieko Liene, Aleksandrs un Ilva Margeviči, un Jānis Jasulis. Margeviču ģimene nav uzņēmēji - viņi vienkārši ir savas zemes īpašnieki. Pēc profesijas Aleksandrs ir mežsargs, bet jaunā paaudze - profesionāla pavāre. Viss saimniecībā veiktais darbs tiek veikts, balstoties uz zināšanu kopumu, kas ir mantots gadu gaitā un uzkrāts no personīgās pieredzes.

PROGRAMMA: 

• Ierašanās “Indrānos”, iepazīšanās ar saimniekiem.
• Ieskats konditorejas darbnīcā un iepazīšanās ar to, kā top Indrānu gardumi.
• Pastaiga pa dabas takām.
• Kaklarotas izgatavošana no pašu atrastiem oļiem (aptuveni 30 min).
• Vietējo gardumu degustācija:

1. Marmelādes;
2. Ievārījumi;
3. Zāļu tējas;
4. Apcukuroti augļi;
5. Maize;
6. Konservi.