Latvia Holidays & Holiday Itineraries
(5/5)
based on 61 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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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
Robert
January 2017
Overall rating:
(5/5)
We enjoyed the holiday very much, thanks. Riga and Tallinn in particular were exceptional. We enjoyed a number of really first class meals, including at Vincent's in Riga and restaurant Tchaikovsky in Tallinn.
Our guide in Riga, and who stayed with us until we reached Tallinn, was particularly good. She was a similar age to ourselves and, having lived through the Soviet occupation, was able to speak first hand about what life was like then which we found very interesting.
We will remember the Baltics with pleasure.
Kind regards
Robert
Hap & Jo
January 2017
Overall rating:
(5/5)
We just got home last night from our wonderful trip to Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland! We have been lucky enough to have traveled all around the world but this was the only trip where things worked perfectly. We were accustomed to queuing up for taxis at airports and feeling uneasy about whether the meter was fair, to accidentally taking the wrong bus, or to being disappointed because the hotel that looked so great on the internet did not look great in person. We have stayed in towns that literally closed down on Sundays and there had been no mention of that on-line. We ate dinner from a vending machine because no restaurants were open. Those glitches didn't ruin our trips - we just figured they were part of traveling. Now we know better! On the trip Baltic Travel arranged for us we were picked up at and delivered to every airport or bus by our own drivers. What a luxury! And in each city we enjoyed local tour guides arranged by Baltic Travel. We learned so much from them. The hotels were clean and beautiful and all were located within walking distance of art museums - something important to us, and they all served fabulous free breakfasts. We were traveling on my 70th birthday and the reception clerks all wished me a happy birthday and some hotels even had a treat waiting for me in our room! Everything was first class. We will definitely recommend you to our friends. We can't thank you enough for all the wonderful memories!
Very best wishes!
Hap and Jo
Richard & Lynda
August 2016
Overall rating:
(5/5)
We had a really good time, Daina. All the arrangements worked perfectly, the car transfers at each end, the hotels, the coaches, especially the three local guides and most especially the one based at Riga who came with us from Vilnius to Tallinn were all excellent. We would have forgone the diversion to see the Hill of Crosses, as we heard would most of the other guests, but that was our only downside.
We thank you and Baltic Travel for all your arrangements and we have no hesitation in recommending you.
Thank you.
Richard and Lynda
Janice
August 2016
Overall rating:
(5/5)
We had a great holiday, the Hotels in Vilnuis and Tallinn were first class, the hotel in Riga could do with a bit of sprucing up.
All three local guides were very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly.
The itinerary was just right, having included tours but then options of extra tours or time to do your own thing.
We had bed and breakfast and there was so much choice at each of the hotels then on an evening we found some lovely restaurants and had really good meals.
We have already recommended this holiday to friends and family.
Thanks
Janice
Paul
August 2016
Overall rating:
(5/5)
I have been meaning to contact you. We had a great time and loved the places we visited. Thank you for your support during the trip as contact with the in country rep wasn’t that easy unless you went on a lot of the excursions, which we didn’t as we like to do own thing, in our own time.
I would recommend the trip to others – in fact I already have.
Paul