AROUND LATVIA AND ESTONIA
Travellers might be interested in seeing the capital cities and most attractive towns of Estonia and Latvia through the freedom of independent travel and using public train and bus services. Getting around in cities and towns is easy, either by walking, or by using local public transport or taxis. Private driver services are also available.
Below is a model itinerary. It can easily be adapted to
suit the needs and interests of travellers. Services can
be booked with local travel agents: accommodation,
meals, guides, car transfers, etc.
| Duration | 7 nights/8 days |
| Route | Riga – Sigulda – Cēsis – Valmiera – Tartu – Tallinn |
| View on Map |  |
Riga
Explore Riga:
• The capital of Latvia. The Old Town of Riga (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – an excellent medieval city. The pearl of Art Nouveau in Europe.
• Central Market, one of the largest markets in Europe, sells local products.
Tourist information: www.liveriga.com/en/
Getting around: on foot, public transport.
Hotel overnight in Riga.
test
Riga
Explore Riga:
• Ethnographic open-air museum located in a beautiful spot by a lake in a pine forest.
• Mežaparks – one of the greenest neighbourhoods in Riga, a popular recreation area. Riga Zoo can be found in Mežaparks.
Getting around: on foot, public transport.
Accommodation in Riga.
Riga – Sigulda
Depart Riga for Sigulda
Transport: train (10x/day, duration 1 hour 15 min.)
Explore Sigulda:
• The surroundings of Sigulda present some of Latvia’s most beautiful landscapes. The town is located in Gauja National Park. There are three
medieval castles – Sigulda, Krimulda Castle ruins, and Turaida Castle
Museum complex with its observation tower, functioning estate houses and
sculpture park. There are numerous well-marked and scenic walking trails
along the Gauja River valley.
Tourist information: www.entergauja.com/en/
Getting around: on foot, public transport, local taxi
Hotel accommodation in Sigulda.
Sigulda – Cesis
Depart Sigulda for Cēsis
Transport: train (4x/day, duration 40 min.)
Explore Cēsis:
• Cēsis was founded in 1206 and is the third oldest town in Latvia. Since the
end of the nineteenth century Cēsis has been known as a centre of the
arts, culture and recreation. Highlights: Cēsis medieval castle; the old town of
Cēsis with its original street network, masonry, ancient manor houses and
wooden villas built on the banks of the River Gauja.
Tourist information: http://turisms.cesis.lv/en/
Getting around: on foot.
Hotel accommodation in Cēsis.
Cēsis – Valmiera – Tartu
Depart Cēsis for Valmiera
Transport: train (4x/day, duration 1 hour 55 min.)
Explore Valmiera:
• Valmiera is the economic, educational and sporting centre of the Vidzeme region. Highlights: the ruins of Valmiera Castle, St Simon’s Lutheran Church, Valmiera Museum, Valmiermuižas alus Brewery.
Tourist information: www.visit.valmiera.lv/en/
Getting around: on foot, by taxi (for the brewery).
In the evening depart for Tartu (EE) by bus (2x/day in the evening, duration
approx. 2 hours)
Hotel accommodation in Tartu.
Tartu
Explore Tartu:
• The second largest city in Estonia. Tartu Old Town sits on the left-hand
bank of the River Emajõgi. Highlights: Town Hall Square, ‘Kiss of the
Students’ fountain (the symbol of the city), Toomemägi Hill, Tartu University,
the Old Town.
Tourist information: www.visittartu.com/en/
Getting around: on foot, public transport.
Hotel accommodation in Tartu.
Tartu – Tallinn
Depart from Tartu for Tallinn
Transport: bus (1-2x/hour, duration approx. 2 hours 30 min.); alternative: train (9x/day, express – duration 4 hours)
Explore Tallinn:
• The capital city of Estonia. Highlights: the Old Town of Tallinn – an excellent medieval (14th-15th century) city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Seaplane Harbour (Estonian Maritime Museum), Pirita beach.
Tourist information: www.visittallinn.ee/eng
Getting around: on foot, publictransport.
Hotel accommodation in Tallinn.
Tallinn
Departure day:
• Optional visit – Estonian Open Air Museum.
Tourist information http://evm.ee/eng/home
Getting around: on foot, public transport.
