€420
/group
Bogs and Resorts
A day trip loaded with everything Jurmala has to offer - nature, hikes, watchtowers, open air museum, shopping street, park and architecture!
2in1: Sigulda and Jūrmala
Sigulda and Jūrmala
€420 / group
- Photo Friendly
- 11-13 Hours
- Max 4 people
2 in 1: Sigulda and Jūrmala in a DAY! (All Inclusive)
Sigulda and Jurmala are by far the most popular daytrip destinations from Riga, but most of the people come here for such a short time that they have to choose just one. We have decided to help out people who are having hard time choosing and provide both of them in a single day. Yes, the tour will be longer and yes, you'll have less time in each of the places, but won't have to sacrifice two whole days to see two cities. To make it more efficient we have also included a traditional Latvian meal for a lunch and a tasting of local fruit wines in the itinerary and price, so you won't have to worry about that kind of thing. On this tour you'll have a guided tour around the most important sights of both Jurmala and Sigulda, enjoy a short and easy hike in a National Park, ride the famous Gauja Valley Cable Car and top it all off with a wine tasting at a local winemakers. Please check the full itinerary for details. This tour is highly customisable - just let us know what are your priorities and we'll adjust the plan according to your needs.
Typical Tour Itinerary
This is what the default tour would look like, but we are happy to change it according to your needs. (click on timeslot to expand)
08:00 - Pickup from Hotel
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Riga (or resonable distance from Riga) and you’ll start driving to Jurmala.
08:45 - Jūrmala Open-Air Museum
The tour starts with a short visit to the Open-Air museum which tells you the story of Jurmala – just a fishing village on the shore near Riga and how it became one of the greatest resorts of Russian Empire. You’ll learn about traditional way of living of fishermen as well as ways of restind and recreation of Czar and his court. After the visit you’ll have a chance to do a short hike through Ragakapa Nature Park’s dunes.
10:00 - Dzintari Forest Park
The Dzintari Forest Park in Jūrmala is a great place for both lovers of active recreation, and also for those who prefer a leisurely stroll in the crisp pine air. Its most valuable asset is the 200-year-old pine grove and protected habitats, which have remained intact even to this day. There’s a 36m high watchtower in the middle of the park overlooking all directions – you can see the Baltic Sea, the dunes, the pines, the city of Jūrmala and, weather permitting, even some parts of Riga.
10:30 - Beach and Jomas Street
Jomas iela (Jomas Street) is the heart of Jūrmala. Holidaymakers fill the city’s main street every summer, and it’s said that this is the place where the Resort of Jūrmala began. Back when Jūrmala was still mostly just large expanses of sand, the wind blew it here and there, naturally forming a series of dunes and valleys. In Latvian, such a valley is called a “joma”, and a main road, now called Jomas iela, was eventually established along one of these valleys. From the very beginning, this street served as the town’s central stage, used almost like a catwalk by summer holidaymakers and spa guests. The more than a kilometre long pedestrian street is where the town’s fanciest boutiques and most popular cafés and restaurants are located. The most popular beach is right next to it, so if you plan to swim, don’t forget your swimwear. Jūrmala part of the tour is over after this.
12:00 - Lunch
A traditional meal for lunch in a restaurant somewhere in between Jurmala and Sigulda.
14:00 - Views and hikes in Sigulda
First we’ll stop at a viewpoint that was built especially for the visit of Russian Emperor Alxeander III; Then a short and easy hike through some of the most scenic parts of Gauja National Park. Depending on your wishes and abilities, we can make this hike shorter or longer and more difficult.
15:30 - Sigulda Castle
In the ancient Gauja valley, shaped by the River Gauja and its tributaries, dozens of stone castles were erected and occupied in addition to the many castle mounds that were built by earlier locals. This area has the greatest concentration of castles not only in Latvia but also in Eastern Europe. One of the most impressive castle ruins in Latvia, Sigulda castle was first built in year 1207 by the crusading knights. The Chronicle of Henry of Livonia says that the castle was in use by the Brothers of the Sword as a base while battling revolting Livs that were invading from a nearby castle. Later through the centuries it was damaged and rebuilt several times and there were several different rulers until it was last abandoned during the Great Northern war in early 18th century.
16:30 - Cable Car Ride across River Gauja
In a height of 43m above ground the Cable car connects banks of the river Gauja in a width of 1020m and excites with an excellent view over old valley of Gauja, three medieval castles – Sigulda, Turaida and Krimulda, the Bobsleigh Track and Gauja bridge. The Aerial Cableway is the oldest such vehicle in the Baltic States. The story of the cable car is quite a romantic one. During the WW2 the bridge over Gauja was destroyed and there was no real way of getting across the river. A local man named Aivars was sitting on the river bank and dreaming of flying like a bird over the river, so he could meet his beloved Genoveva who was a nurse in infirmary on the other side of the river. A few years later, when they were already married and Aivars had become the head of the District Executive Committee, he put his plan to work and built the cablecar so other lovers just like him could get to their sweethearts! The ride takes just 5 minutes, but you might have to queue for a bit more than that.
17:00 - Wine tasting in Cremon Estate
Homemade liquors have strong history in this region. Back in the days almost every manor would have a little production going on, and the income generated by taking the drinks to local markets would help finance the maintenance and expansion of the lavish manorhouses. There used to be a brewery/winery also in the Krimulda Manor (or Cremon Manor as it was known back then), but the beggining of 20th centurie saw the era of manors and nobles abruptly ended. It took around a hundred years before a local man started brewing fruit wine in the same barn of Krimulda Manor. First a few batches out of local apples, then some berries and now he produces more than 15 wines and 10 liquors from whatever grows in his garden, and in the Gauja National Park – wild fruit, berries and even flowers. Have you heard of the Dandelion wine? Well, here you can also taste it. You’ll have a tasting of around 5-6 different beverages. This is the last bit of the tour, and you’ll be heading back to Riga. Should be back in your hotel by around 19:00.
Historic Landmarks
Besides the beaches, parks and river valleys, you'll see some really photogenic buildings, so keep your camera ready!
Fully Narrated Tour
Not only you'll see the sights, but you'll get to hear all the stories about the buildings, parks, monuments and the people behind them.
Hidden gems
Your guide will take you not only to the most important sights, but also to the roads less travelled, places that tour groups don't usually take.
Best* Guide Of Latvia
Tour is done by a certified tourguide who also happens to have a college degree in cultural tourism. * as described by his mother and some of his friends.
Tour Pricing
13-15 Hour Tour
Max 4 people
€420/group
- Everything's included
- Pickup from Hotel
- Comfortable Vehicle
- Sightseeing
- Food and Drinks
Does this look okey? Book now!
Have a Question?
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