Latvia Holidays & Holiday Itineraries
(5/5)
based on 59 reviews
Holidays in Latvia offer a wide array of options from coastal holidays to architectural city breaks, activity holidays, country holidays and much more. With such a wide range of choices, you are to find your holiday wish fulfilled.
Latvia is located on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea, and is the middle country of the Baltic States. It is roughly the same size as Ireland and is home to 2.3 million people. Of the three Baltic States, it is probably the most culturally diverse, with about a third of its population of Russian origin. This diversity is most prevalent in the capital city of Riga, which has re-established its pre - Soviet reputation as a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that rivals Prague.
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Attractions & activities
in Latvia
More about Latvia Holidays & Holiday Itineraries
What is there to do in Latvia?
Despite foreign rule from the 13th to 20th centuries, the Latvian nation has maintained its identity throughout the generations via its language and musical traditions. Established as an independent country in 1918, its separate status was interrupted by the Second World War and its subsequent incorporation into the Soviet system and state. After the fall of the Soviet empire, Latvia and its fellow Baltic nations achieved true independence through the marvelously named Singing Revolution with Latvia reaching this milestone in August 1991.
Through the recently aired BBC programme, 'The Hairy Bikers Northern Exposure', we have re-acquainted with our colourful neighbours from the Baltics. The Hairy Bikers serve up a dish full of the splendour of Baltic culture, history, architecture and last, but not least, the traditional Baltic cuisine. The programme shows us all there is to know about comfort food from across the Baltic Sea region. Latvia, with the coastal region toward the Baltic sea, offers great traditional dishes with fresh fish and sea food, alongside wonderfully coloured salads and pickled condiments drawing on Russian and Polish influences.
Places to visit while on your Latvia holidays:
Riga is by no means Latvia's only place of interest for Latvia holidays. To escape the city for some relaxation, Latvians head for Sigulda. Often referred to as 'Little Switzerland', it is less than 1 hour from Riga and is an ideal day trip. It includes a rare combination of a medieval castle, picturesque national park, eerie caves and for the more active, even a bobsleigh run!
Just a little further than Sigulda lies Cesis, which has a wonderful old town, as well as the famous Cesis brewery.
For coastal and spa holidays there is Jurmala, Latvia's premier spa resort town, situated on the Riga Gulf coast, just 15 miles from Riga. It's known both as a beach resort, with its 20 miles of fine white sand beaches edged by vast pine forests, and as a spa resort, offering a range of relaxation and health programmes. You can also find picturesque wooden summer cottages built over 100 years ago, which make an interesting contrast to the Soviet era compounds built for the enjoyment of Communist Party chiefs, in what was one of their favourite summer resorts.
Approximately 1 hour south of Riga lies the Bauska region, near the Lithuanian border. The region is famed for its manor houses, castles and palaces from medieval to classical. Not to be missed is the Rundale Palace, which is Latvia's answer to Versailles. Built in the 1730's as a summer home for the Duke of Courland, it was created by the same architect who designed the infamous Winter Palace in St Petersburg.
If you watched War and Peace on BBC, here is your chance to visit the stunning War and Peace locations. Contact us to follow in the footsteps of the filming of War and Peace.
Latvia holidays have a lot to offer. It's not just a city break destination, but also an enjoyable destination for a longer trip to explore this diverse and interesting country.
We know Latvia and we can take you there.
Reviews of Latvia Holidays & Holiday Itineraries
Scott
April 2025
Overall rating:
(5/5)
Privet!
It was a good trip for me. The arrangements you made for me were spot on. No issues whatsoever. All of the tour guides were exceptional except for one. He is young and I am sure will get much better as time goes by. Very nice person. Just not much provided on information compared to the others. Hotels were good. I didn’t go to the optional dinner in Tallinn, but the people who went were very disappointed in it. Meal was not so good and they thought there would be some type of entertainment which did not happen. Spanish speaking people were very disappointed in their Moscow guide.
I am very satisfied with the job you did. Don’t suppose you have something for me next year with Poland, Belarus, and Ukraine?
Scott
Mary
October 2024
Overall rating:
(5/5)
Hi Daina,
It was such a good trip. We both really enjoyed it. Our guide- Janus- was excellent. It is hard to pick a highlight as I loved it all- Villnius, Trakai, The Hills of Crosses, the palace, the history of the countries, the Museum of Occupation in Riga - and then the beautiful Tallin. It is a very well put together tour. I will be recommending it to others.
Also I would like to thank you Daina- you have been so helpful with any questions that I had about the trip.
I will be recommending to others the service that you have provided.
Thank you
Mary
Frances
September 2024
Overall rating:
(5/5)
Hi Nikola
It was a great trip, thank you. We thought we'd love Tallinn, which we did, but were also blown away by Riga and loved Vilnius. I've already recommended it to a friend who is considering it for next September.
The guide was very good, but I did think a couple of the excursions were pricey for what they were.
Kind regards
Frances
Margaret
September 2024
Overall rating:
(5/5)
Dear Daina,
I thoroughly enjoyed my Baltic trip which was well organised with a great guide: Janis Liekmanis.
I think the highlights were the visits to the capital cities and therefore I would have liked more time in Vilnius. I enjoyed the visits to the lesser visited parts of Latvia and Janis was excellent in explaining the economic consequences of the withdrawal of Russian capital but found that really wasn't enough to see to justify the two days travel. I realise that it would be difficult to travel such distances in much less time but maybe having two drivers could help.
I came home with a much better understanding of the geography, languages, culture and politics of the Baltic States.
Best wishes,
Margaret
Ingrid
August 2024
Overall rating:
(5/5)
Good afternoon Daina
Firstly, congratulations to you on Baltic Travel Company’s 20 year anniversary!
Steve and I both had an amazing trip to the Baltics and it certainly fulfilled my life long dream of visiting my ancestral homeland.
Vilnius old town was delightful as was the Lithuanian dinner we attended with authentic cuisine.
Inga; our Latvian tour guide made the trip extra special for me as I was able to truly identify with her passion and knowledge of Latvia, its people and history of conflict.
For me, Riga Doms Cathedral was magical as we opted to go to the Organ Recital. My mum was confirmed in this Church in 1938 and I brought an original black & white photo of this event with me. Seeing the Freedom Monument was also very special
For Steve, he loved our visit to the Ethnographical Museum and the authentic Latvian lunch on site. He also thoroughly enjoyed the Organ concert & the excellent Organist Ilze.
We loved both Jurmala & Parnu resorts and not only was Tallin beautiful our room at the Radisson Olumpia on the 21st floor was stunning.
We both want to thank you so much for your kind attention in helping us plan this very special holiday.
Denmark is next on my bucket list!! ??
I will forward some photos to you as well.
Best, Ingrid