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Type: Architecture, Culture, History, Scenic Drive, Walking Tour
Length: 6 Hours
Walking: Difficult
Mobility: NO wheelchairs
Guide: Licensed Guide
Language: English
Riga, Latvia - This tour includes Riga's Old Town with visits to St. Peter's Church and the Dome Cathedral. Then you visit an open air museum which features about 100 traditional countryside buildings, allowing you to see and learn about rural life in 18th century Latvia.
After meeting your licensed guide you start your day with a driving tour to see the buildings in Riga's Art Nouveau District. This area was developed around the turn of the 20th century and is included on the UNESCO Architecture Values List. For many people it has a flair reminiscent of Paris.
Next you are dropped off in the Old Town where you enjoy a walking tour of its main sights in this pedestrian friendly quarter. The area, known as Sena Riga, dates back to 1201. You explore the maze of small cobblestone streets which are full of beautiful medieval buildings. You'll notice different styles such as Nordic, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Art Nouveau and Classical.
You'll see the Freedom Monument which is dear to all Latvians. The monument was built to commemorate Latvian Independence from Russia in 1920. Then came WWII and in 1944 they were under Soviet rule. It was at this monument in the 80s and 90s where demonstrations against the Soviets took place. Today it is a popular gathering point on holidays.
Other sights you will see include Livs Square, Konventhof, the House of the Brotherhood of Blackhead, the centuries old Small and Big Guild Houses, the Stock Exchange and the newly renovated Opera House. You enjoy a photo stop at Riga Castle, which is the Latvian president's residence, and take a stroll along the Daugava River embankment.
Your tour includes interior visits to two of the city's most popular sights, St. Peter's Church and the Dome Cathedral. St. Peter's Church dates back to the 13th century and is considered one of the best examples of the Gothic style in Latvia and the Baltic region. The highlight for many is the impressive Dome Cathedral which also dates to the 13th century and features an organ which has nearly 7,000 pipes.
After your Riga tour you drive to the Riga Open Air Museum which is located at Lake Jugla about 30 minutes from the old town. The museum is spread out over 250 acres and features 18th century rural life in Latvia. There are about 100 traditional countryside buildings including farmsteads, churches, windmills and fishing villages which have been moved here from throughout the country. This allows you to see and learn about Latvia's past.
At the end of the tour you are brought back to Riga's pier or your hotel.
If you cannot find what you are looking for, our Riga tours and Riga Shore Excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer you a private Riga tour using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.
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Shore Trip Timing is approximate based on your interests & traffic
- Riga Driving Tour - 30 Minutes
- Old Town walking tour - 1 Hour
- Visit St. Peter's Church - 30 Minutes
- Visit the Dome Cathedral - 30 Minutes
- Drive to Open Air Museum - 30 Minutes
- Visit Open Air Museum - 2.5 Hours
- Return to the pier- 30 Minutes
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