For this tour, you will be picked up from your hotel in a private car/ minivan and will be accompanied by a guide.
Leave Riga for the day and visit the Gauja National Park. The Gauja National Park was established in 1973 and consists of more than 900 sq.km. The park is located in the area known as "Vidzemes Sveice" - the Livonian Switzerland. The park offers a unique combination of picturesque hill landscapes, the Gauja River, medieval castles, sculpture parks and even some flora and fauna that is now extinct in many parts of Europe.
At the entrance to the Gauja National Park is a small idyllic town, Sigulda, dating back to the 12th century when Germans built a large castle here. The castle was destroyed during the Great Nordic War but the ruins of the main building and the 2 towers are left and are a popular setting for outdoor festivals. From the castle ruins you have a fabulous view of the Gauja River and you can go over the river by cable car (ticket is not included in tour price).
On the other side of the river is the Gutman Cave, a huge red sandstone cave and the ruins of the Turaida Castle. The castle was inaugurated by Bishop Albert of Riga and completed in 1214. This is a fascinating area and you will also find a small wooden church dating back to the mid 1700s, the Daina Hill Sculpture Park and the Tomb of the "Rose of Turaida".
The tour ends at your hotel in Riga.