Latvia is the middle brother of the Baltic nation family, being just smaller than Lithuania and forty per cent bigger than Estonia. Renowned for its capital, Riga, with its mediaeval architecture and great entertainment, Latvia is so much more and spring is a great time to explore this Baltic jewel.
In 2018, the approximately 2 million Latvian inhabitants will celebrate 100 years of independence, though much of that time was spent under Soviet domination. Since 1991, after its famous Singing Revolution, Latvia has become a highly developed European country with Riga acting as European City of Culture in 2014. Latvian and Lithuanian are the only two remaining Baltic languages - Estonians speak a language akin to Finnish - though Russian is spoken by the substantial (25%) ethnic Russian minority.
Spring starts at the beginning of March and can last until June. Melting snow makes the rivers flow fast, making this an ideal time for a boating holiday and mass bird migration means spring is an excellent time for bird-watchers. Lake Pape and Lake Engure provide ideal lagoon-style surroundings for birders.
Gardening enthusiasts should head for the garden created by late Latvian horticulturist, Peteris Upitis, at Dobele, just over an hour's drive from Riga. On the way back, travellers may want to enjoy the bracing long sandy beaches of Jurmala, an excellent place to stay, with wooden art nouveau seaside villas adorning this town's lengthy promenande
We know Latvia and we will take you there.