How to Travel Through Latvia

After decades of Soviet and German occupation, Latvia has become an industrialized, politically stable European country. When you travel through Latvia, you'll find meandering parks, a focus on the arts and a rich cultural heritage.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Fly into Riga International Airport, the largest international airport in the Baltic. For information about flights and airport services, visit the airport website (see Resources below).

2. Spend several days in Riga, Latvia's capital city. Known for its stately architecture, hopping nightlife and beautiful parks, Riga is over 800 years old. Wander through Riga's gardens and open spaces, enjoy its music at the reconstructed Opera House or hang out in its open-air cafes and pubs.

3. Plan to visit Jurmala if you're a water lover. About 20 miles from Riga, Jurmala stretches between the Gulf of Riga and the Lielupe River. You can stay in one of the town's resorts, or commute from Riga. Covered in white quartz sand, Jurmala's beach offers shallow water, amazing views, and amber treasures that wash up on the beach during spring and summer. Jurmala activities include bike riding, sailing and waterskiing. If you'd prefer a more touristy experience, visit the Livu Aquapark for rides and tide pools.

4. Arrange to take tours of Latvian castles on your trip. The country boasts castle architecture from the thirteenth to twentieth centuries, and you'll find information on each at the Association of Latvian Castles, Palaces and Manors (see Resources below). The website contains extensive photo albums of the fortresses, along with tour details.

5. Enjoy the Latvian forests, which cover almost half of the country. If you like to fish, ride horseback or bike, Latvia offers unlimited recreational opportunities. Find cycling routes and maps at CountryHolidays.com (see Resources below).

6. Take home some Latvian arts and crafts. Latvian craftsmen have continued to perfect the artisanship of their ancestors, producing extraordinary woven baskets, fabric painting and pottery. You'll have ample opportunity to view these types of artwork as you walk through Latvia's small towns and markets.

Tips & Warnings

• Take safety precautions when traveling through Riga, where auto theft, pickpocketing and tourist scamming happen regularly. Be observant of your surroundings, lock your car doors and keep your wallet or purse close to your body.

Resources

• Riga International Airport for travel information.
• Association of Latvian Castles, Palaces and Manors for information and tours.
• CountryHolidays.com for Latvian bike routes and maps.

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on 5/23/2009 With the help of our staff, you will be able to plan every step of your trip. We take time to get to know your interests and needs, ensuring that the program is tailored especially for you. [e-mail]