NEW YEAR'S EVE IN RIGA

29.12.2021

Arrival and transfer to the hotel
Your driver will meet you at the airport in Riga and escort you to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Riga

1st highlight: City tour through Riga - full day
The old Hanseatic city of Riga is famous for its Art Nouveau buildings and its well-preserved old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Riga got its name from the river, which once flowed at this point and was later diverted. At that time, various merchants gathered near the river and gradually created a small, fortified settlement from a simple trading point. In 1201, the German priest Albert from Bremen built the first stone church here, which as an important monument - the foundation of the future city. Nowadays, Riga's city center is famous for its stucco houses that were built before the First World War. The cost of such facades often reached the value of about half of the total construction costs of the houses.
After breakfast we explore Riga's old town together and stroll through winding medieval streets. Here you can see how ancient and modern, rich cultural heritage and old legends intertwine. We visit the many sights of the city, including the famous House of the Blackheads.
Then we visit the Mentzendorff House, a historic residential and commercial building with an exhibition on everyday life and the life of the people in Riga.

2nd highlight: free time
The evening is at your disposal. The ice sculpture festival, which the city organizes on New Year's Eve (free entrance), is particularly nice. Don't forget to visit the famous Christmas market in Riga's old town, where you can warm up with hot mulled wine. You can also find some great souvenirs there and try some of Riga's typical sweets.

Overnight at the hotel in Riga

1st highlight: excursion to Sigulda
After breakfast, we visit the famous Sigulda region, which is 53 km northeast of Riga. This region is known as the Switzerland of Latvia because of its hilly landscape. The charming place advertises not only with its sandstone caves, untouched forests and wildly overgrown hiking trails, but also with its historically significant sights. Not far from the city is the Treiden Castle from the 13th century with its museum. Here you can see an archaeological and ethnographic exhibition as well as a rich cultural collection. We can also explore the Folk Songs Park with its church, manor house and sculptures by the famous Latvian sculptor Indulis Ranka. During the tour we will discover the history and lifestyle of the ancient Latvian tribes. We also visit the Gutmanns' cave, which is considered to be the deepest inner erosion cave in the Baltic States.

2nd highlight: festive dinner in the hotel and New Year's Eve party
In the evening, a New Year's Eve dinner with delicious specialties awaits you in a restaurant in the center of Riga. The New Year's Eve celebration is one of the main annual events in the city. The residents are preparing intensively for this festival. With joy in the celebration, they set up stages on which performances and concerts will take place until late at night. That evening, most of the residents and visitors gather in the city center, which is located near the Daugava River. From here you can enjoy the impressive fireworks over the river at midnight. With glasses full of champagne, the locals traditionally shout "Hurray!" and warmly congratulate each other. Thanks to the central location of the hotel, you are not only right in the middle of it this evening, but you can also take part in the festivities and return to the hotel at any time without any problems.

Overnight at the hotel in Riga

Highlight: day of relaxation and free time
Option:
Depending on teh weather, we recommend a trip to Jurmala, the largest seaside resort in the country. Even in winter, the Baltic coast still has its charm here. Jurmala has endless beaches, pine forests and charming wooden houses. This seaside resort has ultra-modern new buildings. It is only 25 km from the Latvian capital and it is easy to reach by train from Riga's main train station. Of course, our tour guide will support you with this. In the Jurmalas National Park - "Kemeri" - there is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the Baltic States with pine forests, swamps and moors. It is a great place to take a walk with great views over the unspoiled nature.

Overnight at the hotel in Riga

Transfer to the airport
At the agreed time, the driver will wait for you in the hotel lobby and take you to the airport in Riga.
Your return flight ends the tour.

See you on a new journey!

5 x nights in 4 * hotels
4 x breakfast
festive dinner on New Year's Eve
Transfers from & to the airport
All transfers in an air-conditioned and comfortable vehicle
All described excursions & trips
tickets
English-speaking tour guide

International flights
Meals & drinks not listed
Self-organized visits and excursions
Insurance
Tip
Visa