Latvia and its capital, Riga, are renowned for their great architecture and historic sites, but, in Autumn, the country puts on its fall colours and shows off the forests and lakes that characterise the whole Baltic area, Whether you concentrate your time in this jewel of a country or combine your visit with a tour of its Baltic neighbours, Lithuania and Estonia, Latvia will reward your attention.
Latvia has just under 2 million inhabitants and borders Russia and Belarus as well as its Baltic companions. In spite of suffering foreign rule for seven centuries until the 20th, Latvia preserved its language and national identity. it is this that makes the people, be they Latvians or Livs, so happy to share their welcome, their culture and their country with visitors.
Autumn is an ideal time for Riga, when the leaves turn red and gold and strew the streets of the old town, now, thankfully, emptied of tour buses and 'gentlemen' in search of strong beverages. Climb to the peak of Bastion Hill for a great view of the City or board a wooden boat for a Riga City Cruise.
For country travellers. Latvia is blessed with vast forests and national parks, such as the Gaija and Kemeri National Parks. Explore the country's smaller towns such as Cesis, with its mediaeval old town and the Cirulisi nature trails on its doorstep. Visit the Araisi wooden castle just south of Cesis and walk the reconstruction of an ancient wooden fortress, inhabited by Latvians one thousand years ago. Or stroll along the sandy beaches of Jurmala, which often enjoys an Indian Summer during Latvia's autumn
And for those 'gentlemen' round off your Latvian break with a visit to the craft brewery of Labietis in Riga and sample - if you dare - the twelve brews on offer.