Simply Riga

Sail down the beautiful rivers

The perfect introduction to Riga at an uncommon value, Simply Riga is designed to introduce you to some of the sites you need to see on your first trip to this city, with just a taste of the extraordinary experience that only Exeter International can provide.

The Basics

Three nights in one of the city’s top hotels, inclusive of tax and breakfast
Private airport transportation to and from your hotel
Private Exeter Guide at your service as described in the program
Entrance Fees to all the sites mentioned in the program
24-hour, English-speaking local assistance in case of emergency or changes

Highlight of Exeter’s Simply Riga

Private tour of Old Town with your personal guide

Easy to Combine with:

Tallinn & Vilnius
Moscow & St. Petersburg
Copenhagen & Stockholm
Kiev

For custom luxury travel and tours to Riga and Latvia, please contact one of our travel experts.

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Arrival | Riga

Arrival into Riga. Your driver will meet you outside of baggage claim and customs and transfer you to the Grand Palace Hotel, located in the heart of Old Town.

Exeter Services: Transfer

Hotel: Grand Palace

Riga | Riga

This morning your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel for a tour of the Old Town. Your guide will take you to visit the 13^th -century St. Peter’s Church which was damaged by fire during World War II and later rebuilt by the Russians. A good place to start any tour is atop the spire, where you can see the whole of Riga laid out before you. This is the perfect way to get your bearings before you actually wander down the cobble-stoned streets. From here you may see the exterior of the Dome Cathedral one of the largest and most distinctive houses of worship in the region (it is under reconstruction for the next few years). Begun in the 13^th Century, the cathedral has gone through one construction after another and is now a curious combination of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and other styles. The church walls are crammed with plaques celebrating the glories of Latvia’s medieval rulers. The Dome Cathedral is also renowned for its gigantic church organ, the fourth largest organ in the world, complete with 6,768 pipes.

Later today, you will view the famous House of Cats with cat sculptures perched on the top of its roof and hear about the intrigue surrounding these feline figures. Just across the street, you will also see the former headquarters of the Great Guild, now the home of the Riga Philharmonic. Other good examples of medieval dwellings are the Three Brothers, dating to the 15^th Century when Riga was part of the Hanseatic League. It is one of the oldest stone buildings in Latvia and now houses an architecture museum. Many of the buildings here and the cobblestone square around them were destroyed in a 1941 bombing raid. The Swedish Gate, an old city gate built by ruling Swedes in 1698, is the only gate still standing from Riga’s old-city wall torn down in the 1800’s.

This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy Riga.

Exeter Services: Half-Day Guide

Hotel: Grand Palace

Riga | Riga

Today is at leisure to enjoy this beautiful city. We recommend a visit to the Riga Castle which was originally erected on the bank of the Daugava River in the 1330s but has been reconstructed and augmented many times since. You may also wish to see the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, dedicated to the Nazi and Soviet occupations of Latvia. Alternatively enjoy a short drive outside of the city to visit the 17^th Century Rundale Palace.

Have any particular special interest? Riga is a perfect base for:

Jewish History
Art & Architecture
Classical Music and Ballet
Boating
Biking
Segway Tours
Golf

If you would like us to arrange for additional sightseeing please advise your travel consultant and we will be happy to customize your free time in Riga.

Exeter Services: No Exeter Services

Hotel: Grand Palace