Trip to Sigulda and Turaida from Riga
Overview
It will take less that one hour to get from Riga to the first stop will be at Gauja National park famous Cesarview, where you will enjoy the beauty of an amazing viewpoint. It was established in the 19th century, because of the Car Aleksandr II visit in Sigulda. At that place you will be educated how river Gauja is related to Angels falls in Venezuela.
During the tour, you will discover the history and lifestyle of ancient Latvian tribes. You will visit sightseeing attractions like Livonian Order Castle ruins, Turaida Medieval Castle. Gutmanis Cave, the deepest internal erosion cave in the Baltic States is not only a natural wonder but also a place that tells us a tragic love story from the 17th century.
Additionally, you will be provided with a choice of excellent places to have lunch with traditional Latvian or modern cuisine during this tour.
During the tour, you will discover the history and lifestyle of ancient Latvian tribes. You will visit sightseeing attractions like Livonian Order Castle ruins, Turaida Medieval Castle. Gutmanis Cave, the deepest internal erosion cave in the Baltic States is not only a natural wonder but also a place that tells us a tragic love story from the 17th century.
Additionally, you will be provided with a choice of excellent places to have lunch with traditional Latvian or modern cuisine during this tour.
Inclusions
- Transport by air-conditioned car or minivan
- English speaking driver/guide
- Bottled water
- WiFi on board
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Keizarkresls un keizarskats, located near the historic Laurenču Swiss home, Sigulda Latvia
On the left bank of the Gauja River, opposite the Piķene cliff is the mighty Beite cliff which is split by a deep ravine. On the left side there is Ķeizarskats (Emperor's View), which is approximately 67 metres above the level of the Gauja and offers a fine view of Krimulda and the Turaida Castle. The viewing place was installed in 1862, when Russian Tsar Alexander II visited Sigulda.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Castle Of The Livonian Order In Sigulda, Pils Iela 18, Sigulda 2150 Latvia
The Brothers of the Sword, who controlled the left bank of the Gauja river, built the Sigulda Castle in the period from 1204 to 1209. Originally, it was a "castellum" type fortress with a chapel. Later, the castle was rebuilt into a convent-type building. The castle had a wide outer forepart, where a bustling settlement of traders and craftsmen was formed.
During the Livonian War, Russian, Polish and Swedish troops were fighting near the castle. The castle was damaged in wars and eventually lost its military importance. In addition, in the early 18th century the castle was destroyed during the Northern War and has not been restored since then.
Mighty stone walls of ruins keep many historical events and stories. It is fascinating to imagine how the knights of the Livonian Order were mastering their fighting skills in this place.
In the ruins there is an open-air stage, where visitors can experience memorable moments of annual Opera Music Festival, as well as of other events.
The territory of the Livonian Order Sigulda Castle is a suitable place to appreciate the beautiful landscapes of the Gauja Valley.
Visiting the ruins, you can walk along the stone walls and climb the castle towers. In the northern tower you can watch exposition of medieval weapons.
Duration: 50 minutes
Stop At: Gutmanis Cave, Sigulda National Park, Sigulda 2150 Latvia
Inside the chilly Gutman's Cave you will feel the presence of ancient stories and people. The sun rays that play in the spring of Gutman's Cave and reflect on its walls in beautiful patterns of light awaken the ancient legends!
One legend has it that in ancient times the cave was home to a good man who used the water of the spring to heal people. The cave’s name is derived fromthe German phrase “gut Mann”, which means “good man”. That is why people believe that the spring has healing properties. Let the spring water refresh you and the ancient legends inspire you!
The Gutman's Cave has also been the backdrop for one of the most ancient and heart-breaking love stories.
Duration: 25 minutes
Stop At: Turaida Museum Reserve, Turaidas Street 10, Turaida 2150 Latvia
The Museum Reserve is a vast territory, rich in art and history gems – the Turaida Castle, the wooden church and many other buildings, as well as the sculpture garden.
The Main tower of the Turaida stone castle rises over the forests of the ancient Gauja River valley. After having vanquished its 139 brick steps, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the meandering Gauja River and the valley rich in forests.
Duration: 1 hour
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Keizarkresls un keizarskats, located near the historic Laurenču Swiss home, Sigulda Latvia
On the left bank of the Gauja River, opposite the Piķene cliff is the mighty Beite cliff which is split by a deep ravine. On the left side there is Ķeizarskats (Emperor's View), which is approximately 67 metres above the level of the Gauja and offers a fine view of Krimulda and the Turaida Castle. The viewing place was installed in 1862, when Russian Tsar Alexander II visited Sigulda.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Castle Of The Livonian Order In Sigulda, Pils Iela 18, Sigulda 2150 Latvia
The Brothers of the Sword, who controlled the left bank of the Gauja river, built the Sigulda Castle in the period from 1204 to 1209. Originally, it was a "castellum" type fortress with a chapel. Later, the castle was rebuilt into a convent-type building. The castle had a wide outer forepart, where a bustling settlement of traders and craftsmen was formed.
During the Livonian War, Russian, Polish and Swedish troops were fighting near the castle. The castle was damaged in wars and eventually lost its military importance. In addition, in the early 18th century the castle was destroyed during the Northern War and has not been restored since then.
Mighty stone walls of ruins keep many historical events and stories. It is fascinating to imagine how the knights of the Livonian Order were mastering their fighting skills in this place.
In the ruins there is an open-air stage, where visitors can experience memorable moments of annual Opera Music Festival, as well as of other events.
The territory of the Livonian Order Sigulda Castle is a suitable place to appreciate the beautiful landscapes of the Gauja Valley.
Visiting the ruins, you can walk along the stone walls and climb the castle towers. In the northern tower you can watch exposition of medieval weapons.
Duration: 50 minutes
Stop At: Gutmanis Cave, Sigulda National Park, Sigulda 2150 Latvia
Inside the chilly Gutman's Cave you will feel the presence of ancient stories and people. The sun rays that play in the spring of Gutman's Cave and reflect on its walls in beautiful patterns of light awaken the ancient legends!
One legend has it that in ancient times the cave was home to a good man who used the water of the spring to heal people. The cave’s name is derived fromthe German phrase “gut Mann”, which means “good man”. That is why people believe that the spring has healing properties. Let the spring water refresh you and the ancient legends inspire you!
The Gutman's Cave has also been the backdrop for one of the most ancient and heart-breaking love stories.
Duration: 25 minutes
Stop At: Turaida Museum Reserve, Turaidas Street 10, Turaida 2150 Latvia
The Museum Reserve is a vast territory, rich in art and history gems – the Turaida Castle, the wooden church and many other buildings, as well as the sculpture garden.
The Main tower of the Turaida stone castle rises over the forests of the ancient Gauja River valley. After having vanquished its 139 brick steps, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the meandering Gauja River and the valley rich in forests.
Duration: 1 hour
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please bring your walking shoes
- Coffee stops and detours can be arranged with driver
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 7 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
Purushothaman_S
October 2023
Erlens was the best guide ever! We had an amazing day and he was very accommodative. Thank you for your time and great experience. Sigulda scenery was beautiful and it was a memorable experience to walk in such a quiet and peaceful environment. We really enjoyed the trip especially cable car ride...
Erlens was the best guide ever! We had an amazing day and he was very accommodative. Thank you for your time and great experience. Sigulda scenery was beautiful and it was a memorable experience to walk in such a quiet and peaceful environment. We really enjoyed the trip especially cable car ride, thanks Viator !downey1124
November 2022
We really enjoyed this trip! He is a really nice guy and gave us a lot of information regarding this country and local histories. It was a nice trip!
We really enjoyed this trip! He is a really nice guy and gave us a lot of information regarding this country and local histories. It was a nice trip!Jennifer J
October 2022
Our guide, Erlens, was extremely knowledgeable and personable. He not only knew a lot about the towns and destinations but was a great conversationalist about everyday life as well. The trip was just the right amount of time 9am-2pm and we had direct hotel pickup and drop off. The castles, ca...
Our guide, Erlens, was extremely knowledgeable and personable. He not only knew a lot about the towns and destinations but was a great conversationalist about everyday life as well. The trip was just the right amount of time 9am-2pm and we had direct hotel pickup and drop off. The castles, caves, and small towns we visited were beautiful and it was great to see parts of Latvia outside of Riga city center. Erlens also provided great recommendations for other things to do and places to eat for the duration of our stay. One of the best tours we’ve done; highly recommend!Mikebassnez
October 2022
My fiance and I went on the private tour to Sigulda and Turaida with our tour guide Erlens. It turned out to be the highlight of our entire trip to the Baltics. Erlens was extremely accommodating to what we wished to get from the tour. He even let us take 30 minutes to ride the cable car acros...
My fiance and I went on the private tour to Sigulda and Turaida with our tour guide Erlens. It turned out to be the highlight of our entire trip to the Baltics. Erlens was extremely accommodating to what we wished to get from the tour. He even let us take 30 minutes to ride the cable car across Gauja National Park (definitely worth it btw, the view of all the fall colors was magnificent). He showed us around all the amazing spots around Sigulda and Turaida and was fantastic at explaining the history and significance of each site. It was fascinating to chat with Erlens about what life was like during the Soviet Union too. He also gave us so many great recommendations on where to have dinner or drinks in Riga too. We learned so much on our tour with Erlens and would consider it a mandatory experience when visiting Latvia for the first time! We gained an immense appreciation for the history of Latvia and what its people endured to finally gain independence. Thank you Erlens, we cannot wait to visit Latvia again! 110% Recommend!Ron H
September 2022
Eriens provided a professional first class tour yet was very flexible in catering to our needs and answering our many questions. He was very knowledgeable and personable and generous with the time he spent with us by accommodating our special requests beyond the tour description. His English wa...
Eriens provided a professional first class tour yet was very flexible in catering to our needs and answering our many questions. He was very knowledgeable and personable and generous with the time he spent with us by accommodating our special requests beyond the tour description. His English was very good and he is one of the top, if not the very top, of the tour guides we have hired. We now have a much better understanding and appreciation for the country and people of Latvia.Trip58948657740
August 2022
With it being out first trip to Latvia, we spent quite a bit of time looking for a private tour so we could see as much of this lovely country as possible. Our research led us to this fantastic tour with Erlens - and we we not disappointed. Erlens was an exceptional host - extremely friendly wit...
With it being out first trip to Latvia, we spent quite a bit of time looking for a private tour so we could see as much of this lovely country as possible. Our research led us to this fantastic tour with Erlens - and we we not disappointed. Erlens was an exceptional host - extremely friendly with a great knowledge of not only the areas visited in the tour but the historical past of Latvia. Erlens English was also amazing - which made the whole tour that much more enjoyable for us both. Erlens was extremely hospitable providing us with water at the start of our trip along with providing great options for food during our tour. In addition to this, Erlens also accommodated (and negotiated) for a very last minute addition to the tour at the Soviet bunker. It's very likely we'll be back in Latvia in the near future and have already decided we will be going with Erlens again - will be recommending it to other too. Once again, Erlens was friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating guide and made for a great experience for us - and an ever better image for Latvia.