Welcome in frozen wonderland! Discover the old Hanseatic city of Riga sprinkled with snow and dive into Latvian culture! Did you know that Latvian people kept in their memories over 1.4 million folkloric songs now registered as part of UNESCO heritage? As you walk into the beautiful streets of the Old Riga rocked by Latvian music, you will get enchanted by amazing things Latvians do. Wollen shawls, linen shirts, cord shoes, folk musical instruments, knitted mittens, wood carvings and toys are the pride of Latvian arts and crafts that you will discover in Riga’s lovely shops. In this relaxing atmosphere, you will enjoy a huge variety of designs and architecture of this fascinating cosmopolitan Baltic city. You will enjoy the brightest and the most lively corners of Riga like the Alberta Art Nouveau Street or wooden district of Kalciema. Later, through degustation of garlic bread and Black Balsam, the national liqueur, you will definitely become Latvian at heart!
Small groups: Max. 16 guests in the group. Min. booking of 2 guests.
Day 1
Arrival Riga
Arrival in Riga, optional transfer to Hotel Radisson Blu Latvija 4*, check-in; welcome meeting, optional welcome dinner at hotel.
Day 2
Riga
Riga, founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and boasts a real kaleidoscope of architectural styles. The walking tour of the Old Town includes Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, the Swedish Gate, the Three Brothers, the Large and Small Guilds,the Freedom Monument and the Riga History and Navigation Museum. The afternoon offers an optional tour to Riga Art Nouveau district and a visit to the Art Nouveau Museum. In the evening an optional contemporary Latvian cuisine dinner at Restaurant Kalku Varti is offered.
Day 3
Riga
In the morning we go to Kalnciema Quarter, a bright and lively spot in Riga, on the left bank of the Daugava River, in the green and colorful area of Pardaugava. It regularly hosts events for families and children, art exhibitions, plays, open-air concerts, and educational events. Kalnciema Quarter is particularly famous for its weekly market – ever since 2008, on Saturdays, local farmers and artisans have been bringing their versatile produce to Kalnciema Quarter. The cluster of renovated wooden buildings contains a Wooden Architecture Center, wine shop and cafe, a restaurant, an art gallery and a design salon. We end the visit at nearby located Agenskalns market. Depending on departure date we continue exploring Riga.
GRW01, GRW02, GRW03 and GRW04: we continue by exploring Riga arts and crafts and contemporary fashion and design, visiting local craftsman stores in the Old Town and learn about amber and knitted fabric traditions.
The afternoon offers on optional guided visit to the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design (MDAD) has been open to the public since 6 July 1989. The museum has seven collections: textile art, ceramics, metal, leather, decorative wood and glaas art as well as a design collection. The permanent display introduces visitors to the work of Latvia’s leading artists in decorative art and design. It tells about the dominant styles and movements in the period from the end of the 19th century to the present day. The evening offers an optional a ballet or opera performance at the Latvian National Opera.
Day 4
Riga Departure
Optional transfer to the airport.
