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
Maria S
January 2018
Overall rating:
(5/5)
Hi Inga,
We really enjoyed our trip through the Baltic States. It was an interesting part of the world to visit with so much history and I enjoyed the tales and experiences about the Medieval times.
Below is some feedback and I have attached a few photos.
- The standard of accommodation was good – particularly in Riga.
- We enjoyed the New Year’s Eve Gala night
- The city walking tours were very good and the local guides in each city were outstanding and passionate about their cities.
- The accompanying guide throughout the trip appeared inexperienced, uninterested and uninteresting. However, this did not dampen our experience. (He was from Latvia & called Valdan, or something like that, but we just called his ‘where’s Wally??’)
- Our respective airport transfers did not arrive at our Hotel to collect us for the airport on 5th January so we made our own way to the airport which was very close. (I think my driver thought he was in a James Bond movie the way he was driving J )
Many thanks to you for all of your efforts in putting this trip together for us – it has been greatly appreciated.
Regards
Maria S
Robert
November 2017
Overall rating:
(5/5)
Dear Lena
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
Chris
October 2017
Overall rating:
(5/5)
Inga
We had a really good time in Riga. Outward travel went perfectly, the Hotel Justus was fine and well placed for the city. We got to see a couple of the art museums, the central market, the top of St Peter’s and the KGB museum which was hard to find but fascinating.
Food was good – Valtera restaurant definitely a must and it was a different experience for us overall in terms of culture.
Unfortunately the return flight was delayed for nearly 3 hours just as it was taking off so we were stuck in the plane for nearly 6 hours! Just one of those things I guess!
Anyway we would certainly use Baltic Travel again – I am keen on Estonia and my wife would love to see the Northern Lights next year.
Regards
Chris
Ian
October 2017
Overall rating:
(5/5)
Hi Saija,
Had a great time on the tour - first of all we were so lucky with the weather, I was a bit worried going so late in the year but the skies were blue and it was really warm right through to Friday. The hotels were very good although in Vilnius and Tallinn a little way from the centre.
Sightseeing highlights were the Hill of Crosses and the Art Nouveau district in Riga which was also my favourite city of the 3 - beautiful parks, squares and walking.
Through Facebook, 2 American ladies on the tour have kept me updated on their continuing travels in Helsinki, St Petersburg and Moscow.
Finally, please pass a big thank you onto our tour guide Alina Osmolina.
Thanks,
Ian
Hugo
October 2017
Overall rating:
(5/5)
Dear Daina
Re the holiday:
1 Everything went perfectly - all drivers and guides turned up as scheduled...great.
2 Flights were fine
3 Hotels were excellent in terms of comfort and position...best one Tallinn.
4 Guides were excellent especially the Riga one.
5 The restaurants were great - we had some wonderful meals in all 3 cities.
6 Museums good but some were first class. Linda ( my achilles tendon was playing up after so much walking the day before so I rested) went to the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia in its temporary quarters. She said it was fantastic. It is difficult to be cheerful after seeing how Stalin treated these peoples.
The only slight problem was that you told me we could not go direct to St Petersburg from Tallinn (we went via Riga) but there were flights announced doing this. Am I correct?
Thank you very much for arranging an excellent holiday..we now have to write my 45 minute talk on the Baltic States!
Hugo