You arrive in Riga and transfer from the airport to your hotel in the city. After check-in, you have time to settle in after your journey and begin getting familiar with the surroundings at your own pace. The rest of the day remains open, allowing you to rest or step out briefly to start experiencing the atmosphere of Latvia’s capital.

Riga was founded in 1201 by Bishop Albert and developed as a key trading center within the Hanseatic League.

You spend the day exploring Riga, a city founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert and known as the largest of the Baltic capitals. During a guided walking tour, you move through different parts of the city to understand its architectural diversity. You walk along Alberta and Elizabeth streets to see some of the most notable Art Nouveau buildings, then continue into the Old Town where you see Riga Castle and the Three Brothers houses, recognized as the oldest dwellings in the city.

Later, you visit Riga Central Market, one of the largest covered markets in Europe. As you walk through the market halls, you encounter a wide range of local products including smoked meat, pickled vegetables, Latvian bread, and seasonal foods. The market, opened in 1930, is uniquely housed inside five former Zeppelin airship hangars, which defines its scale and structure.

Riga’s Central Market is one of Europe’s largest and is housed in repurposed Zeppelin hangars from the early 20th century.

In the morning, your rental car is delivered directly to your hotel. You begin your self-drive journey with a short transfer of approximately 50 km to Gauja National Park, the largest and oldest national park in Latvia.

You arrive in Sigulda, one of the most visited areas within the park, known for its scenic setting along the Gauja River valley. As you explore the area, you encounter a landscape shaped by forests, river views, and a network of hiking trails that move up and down along the valley. The region also features several historic sites.

You visit the Sigulda Castle Complex, which includes two castles built in different periods. The Sigulda Medieval Castle Ruins mark the origins of the town, while the Sigulda New Castle represents a 19th-century manor house. Inside, you see interiors designed in a 20th-century national romanticism style.

Gauja National Park, established in 1973, is Latvia’s oldest national park and protects the Gauja River valley ecosystem.

You continue your drive for approximately 220 km, starting with a visit to Rundale Palace, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. During a guided tour, you move through the palace interiors while learning about its history and design. The building stands out for its baroque architecture, detailed interiors, ceiling paintings, and formal gardens that define the estate.

After the visit, you drive to Jurmala, Latvia’s best-known seaside resort town, which stretches for 30 km along the coast. You spend time on the sandy beach and walk through the surrounding pine forest dunes at a relaxed pace. As you explore the town, you see a mix of historic wooden architecture and modern villas.

You continue by cycling along the pine-covered dunes, following paths that run parallel to the coastline. Along the way, you pass several designated swimming areas, with the option to stop for a swim at one of the eleven established spots.

Rundale Palace was designed by Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who also designed parts of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg.

You leave Jurmala and drive approximately 80 km toward Kemeri, a former resort town known for its sulfur water springs and surrounding wetlands. Once a popular destination during the Soviet era, the town still retains elements of its historic character.

You enter Kemeri National Park to explore its natural landscapes, defined by extensive bog territories. You walk along a 5 km wooden boardwalk trail that leads across the bog, allowing you to move through this unique environment. The trail brings you to a viewing tower, where you observe the open landscape and the scale of the wetlands from above.

After your time in the park, you continue driving to Kalnmuiza, located in the Abava River valley. The manor sits on rolling hills, marking a transition from coastal landscapes to inland countryside.

Kemeri National Park protects one of Latvia’s largest wetland ecosystems, known for its raised bog formations and mineral springs.

You drive approximately 55 km to Kuldiga, a town known for its preserved historic character. On arrival, you join a guided walking tour that takes you through the center, where narrow winding streets, small channels, and traditional architecture define the layout of the town.

You spend time around the Venta River, which forms the focal point of Kuldiga. Here you see Ventas Rumba, recognized as the widest waterfall in Europe. The setting combines natural features with the surrounding townscape, creating a distinct atmosphere that you explore at a relaxed pace.

In the afternoon, you have free time to continue discovering the town on your own.

Ventas Rumba spans approximately 249 meters in width, making it the widest waterfall in Europe.

You continue your journey with a drive of approximately 90 km to Liepaja, a port city known for its distinct atmosphere along the Baltic coast. On arrival, you join a guided walking tour through the city, where you experience its character shaped by coastal winds and maritime history.

As you explore, you learn why Liepaja is often referred to as the city where the wind is born. The city has a strong artistic identity and is closely connected to Latvia’s music scene, particularly rock. During your walk, you visit the Alley of Fame, where handprints of well-known Latvian musicians and bands are displayed.

Liepaja has long been an important Baltic port and developed a cultural identity linked to music and the arts.

You leave Liepaja and drive approximately 150 km to Klaipeda, a historic port city. On arrival, you join a guided walking tour that begins in the Old Town, where cobblestone streets are lined with former guild houses. As you move through the area, you visit key landmarks including Theatre Square and the Ann from Tharau Fountain, dedicated to a muse of the German poet Simon Dach, who was born in Klaipeda.

After the visit, you continue your journey by ferry to the Curonian Spit, a narrow strip of land stretching for around 100 km between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. As you travel across this unique landscape, you encounter fishing villages, pine forests, and extensive sand dunes that define the region.

The Curonian Spit is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its unique dune landscape shaped by wind and sea currents.