From Riga: Sigulda, Cēsis & Turaida castle, food tasting

10 hours • Not CancellablePickup availableInstant confirmationGuided • Operated by Ronda Sprints Solutions SIA • 5.0 from 2 reviews

Why we love it?

This full-day tour from Riga offers a deep dive into Latvia’s medieval heritage and natural beauty, starting with a visit to an artisan bakery where you can taste traditional Latvian dark rye bread fresh from the oven. In Cēsis, explore the medieval castle by candlelight, accompanied by stories of the Livonian Order and historical figures like Ivan the Terrible. After a local lunch, the journey continues to Turaida Castle and Museum Reserve, where you can climb the tower for panoramic views of the Gauja valley and learn about the legend of Roze and Gutman’s Cave. The tour also includes a stop at the Folk Song Park, featuring granite sculptures that honor Latvian cultural history. Along the way, there’s a photo stop overlooking the Gauja river valley, often called the “Switzerland of Latvia.” This experience suits travelers interested in history, culture, and scenic landscapes, with a personalized approach for small groups.
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Itinerary

Depart Riga

Meet your guide at the confirmed central Riga pickup point. We drive east into Vidzeme, the historical region that holds Cēsis, Sigulda and Gauja National Park. The drive takes about 90 minutes, with live commentary on Latvia’s medieval trade routes, the Livonian Order and the Gauja Valley.

Emperor’s View, Sigulda

First stop at Emperor’s View in Sigulda, a viewpoint over the Gauja Valley. This landscape is often called the “Switzerland of Latvia.” Russian Emperor Alexander II visited this spot in 1862.

Cēsis Old Town walking tour

A guided 30-minute walk through Cēsis Old Town, including the old streets and main historic buildings around the medieval centre.

Cēsis Medieval Castle and Cēsis New Castle

Spend about 2 hours at the Cēsis castle complex. Visit the medieval castle ruins and the New Castle, with time for your guide to explain the history of Cēsis and its role in medieval Latvia.

Lunch stop

Break for lunch in either Cēsis or Sigulda, depending on the day’s timing. Lunch is paid directly to the restaurant.

Sigulda Medieval Castle

Turaida Castle

Return to Riga

Drive back to Riga after the final stop. Drop-off is at the agreed central Riga point or confirmed hotel location.

Please Note

  • Meeting PointWe meet at 8:30 AM at a designated point in central Riga, and the exact details are shared when you book. Hotel pickup is available for most central Riga hotels with bus-accessible parking. Let us know where you’re staying and we’ll confirm.What to WearComfortable walking shoes are essential. Cēsis Castle has uneven medieval stone and stairs, and Turaida involves hillside walking. Dress in layers, especially in spring and autumn. Cēsis castle interior is deliberately unheated (you’re walking it as a 13th-century visitor, candle lantern and all), which is the point but not warm.AccessibilitySome parts of the day involve stairs and uneven terrain, the Cēsis castle towers and the Turaida castle mound and tower. Please let us know in advance if you have mobility concerns and we’ll plan the best route. This is a moderate walking day, roughly 4 to 6 km total, spread across the day. For guests who can’t manage stairs at all, our Rundāle Palace day is the better pick.ChildrenKids of any age are welcome on this day. The candle lanterns at Cēsis, the bread tasting, and the Rose of Turaida story are usually the parts they remember. It’s a long day, so do tell us your children’s ages when you book and Daiga will plan pace, snack stops, and seating in the van with the group in mind. Child price is €70.CancellationFree cancellation up to 24 hours before the excursion for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable. If we have to cancel for weather or vehicle reasons, you get a full refund or free reschedule, your choice.Not Suitable ForThis day involves moderate walking on medieval-castle surfaces, uneven stone, and a tower stair at Turaida. Not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Please message Daiga before booking with any mobility concerns to confirm the day will work for you.What to BringComfortable walking shoes. Weather-appropriate clothing (the Cēsis castle interior is unheated, and the Gauja viewpoints can be windy). Reusable water bottle (refills available through the day). Snacks, drinks, and the castle candle lantern are provided.House RulesNo smoking in the vehicle. No outside alcohol or drugs (the small Black Balsam tasting in the van is provided by Daiga). No littering in the castle grounds or national park.

Cancellation Policy

Non-refundable booking

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