Latvia is bounded by Estonia, Lithuania, Russia and Belarus. Due to its long coastline and easily accessible ports, Latvia has been a significant link between the states surrounding the Baltic Sea and Russia since ancient times.

The nature of Latvia is manifold, and there are lots of virgin pieces of land, rivers, lakes and forests, that astonish with their primeval beauty and where rare animals could be found. Four reserves and innumerable restricted areas, as swell as the largest national park in the Baltic states - The Gauja National Park, open to visitors - are made to protect them.

Centuries ago one did not hear much about Latvia but rather of Livonia, one of Europe's largest states in medieval times. It has been under the German, Swedish, Polish and Russian rule. In czarist times Latvia became the traditional "workshop of the Baltic", and the 19th century Riga was Russia's most important port of export.

Latvia was proclaimed an independent republic for the first time in 1918. With the beginning of World War II Latvia lost its independence and joined the Soviet Union. In 1991 Latvian Republic was proclaimed independent for the second time, and a new stage of development began.

Riga is the capital of the Republic of Latvia founded in 1198. It is one of the largest cities of the Baltic area. 900000 inhabitants live here. Riga is situated in the mouth of the Daugava River, on the shore of the Riga Gulf of the Baltic Sea.

Riga looks like most European cities. It has been a bridge uniting East and West. Swedes, Germans, Poles and Russians have each left their traces in ruins, legends or architectural styles. It is called a small Paris. Until 1856 Riga was a fortress. The Old City lies only a few steps from the port. Every 3 hours a festive melody of a Latvian folk song is played from the belfry of St. Peter's Church. The church building 123.5 m high, is a distinctive landmark in Riga.

RED STAR TRAVEL invites you to visit the Republic of Latvia, which has rich culture with old traditions (the cultural events include the Song and Dance Festival, the Medieval Music Festival, the New Music Festival, and the Opera Festival), unique architecture and local handicrafts (amber jewelry, excellent woodwork, Latgale pottery with the authentic design of the pre-Christian period and traditional flax tablecloths). Visit the city of Riga, which has superb architecture, from the medieval to the Art Nouveau, an old city that rivals Prague, operas and concerts, an active artistic life, smart shops and intimate restaurants.

RADISSON SAS DAUGAVA HOTEL

Centrally located on the Daugava River Embankment, within 5 min. drive to the city center. 15 min. drive to the airport and 5 min. drive to the railway station. Opened in 1995. 9 floors. All floors accessible by elevator. 361 rooms with modern decor and furnishings. 283 rooms offered by Red Star Travel feature private bathroom with hair-dryer, air conditioner, color satellite TV, international direct-dial telephone, refrigerator, mini-bar. 24-hour room service. 2 restaurants for 200 seats. Lounge bar. American Cafe. Gala banquet hall for 300 seats. 9 conference rooms for 300 seats. Business Center. Service bureau. Fitness center: 22 m long indoor heated swimming pool, saunas, fully-equipped gym, aerobics studio, massage. Safety deposit box. Regency Palace Casino. Currency Exchange. Pharmacy. Hair and Beauty salon. Austice Antique Jewelry Shop. Gift shop. Laundry. Baggage storage. Towncar service. On-site parking. Security Service. English-speaking staff. Room rates - from $195.

HOTEL DE ROME

Located 5 min. drive to the city center. 5 min. drive to the railway station and 25 min. drive to the airport. Built in 1991. 7 floors. All floors accessible by elevator. 90 rooms: 10 singles, 59 doubles, 21 suites. All rooms feature private bathroom with hair-dryer, color cable TV, international direct-dial telephone, refrigerator, mini-bar. Room service. Otto Schwarz Restaurant for 100 seats. Rome Opera Gallery bar. Business Center. Service bureau. Banquet hall for 100 seats. 4 conference halls for 100 seats. Fitness center: gym, sauna, massage. Safety deposit box. Currency Exchange. Pharmacy. Gift shop. Laundry. Baggage storage. Towncar service. On-site parking. Security Service. English-speaking staff. Room rates - from $192.

RIGA HOTEL

Located in the very heart of the Old Riga. 5 min. drive to the railway station and 25 min. drive to the airport. Built in 1956. Renovated in 1987. 6 floors. All floors accessible by elevator. 243 rooms: 93 singles, 133 doubles, 13 junior suites, 4 main suites. All rooms feature private bathroom with hair-dryer, color cable TV, international direct-dial telephone, radio, refrigerator, mini-bar. Riga restaurant for 300 seats. Bar. Banquet hall for 300 seats. 3 conference halls for 190 seats. Facsimile and photocopying facilities. Casino. Sauna. Hair salon. Currency Exchange. Safety deposit box. Post office. Souvenir shop. Laundry. Baggage storage. On-site parking. Security Service. English-speaking staff. Room rates - from $106.

KONVENTA SETA HOTEL

Located close to the city center, in the Old Riga. 5 min. drive to the railway station. 25 min. drive to the airport. Built in 1996. The hotel complex consists of 9 medieval buildings of 3-4 floors. All floors accessible by elevator. 140 rooms: 9 singles, 105 twins, 2 doubles, 14 junior suites, 10 main suites. All rooms feature private bathroom with hair-dryer, color cable TV, international direct-dial telephone, refrigerator. Raibais Balodis restaurant for 100 seats. Bar. Banquet hall for 50 seats. 5 conference halls for 270 seats. Facsimile and photocopying facilities. Currency Exchange. Laundry. Souvenir shop. On-site parking. Security Service. English-speaking staff. Room rates - from $108.

Riga Museums

History Museum of Latvia. Operating hours: from 11am to 5pm, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Founded in 1869, this museum houses the largest national collection of Latvian Cultural Heritage. Located in the former residence of the Master of the Livonian Order, Riga Castle, the extensive collections include over 500,000 archaeological, ethnographic, numismatic and historic artifacts. The evolution of Latvia and its people from the Neolithic to the 19th century. The exhibits display a variety of themes and time periods including Bronze Age artifacts, ancient currency, folk costumes and traditional farming implements. Of particular interest are the black and white still photos of farmers demonstrating their specialized tasks. A pane of glass in the floor allows visitors to view a section of the original wall and arch of the castle located directly below the museum. Temporary displays as well as a permanent exhibition on Latvian prehistory can be viewed. Gift shop.

Motor Museum. Operating hours: in summer - from 10am to 7pm, in winter - from 10am to 6pm, closed on Mondays. Opened in 1989 and acquired the status of state museum in 1992. More than 100 motor vehicles including cars, motorcycles and bicycles are displayed in two vast exhibition halls. A great collection of cars from vintage Rolls Royces to Soviet mechanical wonders. Amongst the exhibits are unique specimens of car manufacturing, including a German 16 cylinder racing car 'Auto Union' designed by Professor F. Porsche and a firefighting engine 'Russo-Balt' made in Latvia. The cars that once belonged to the former Soviet statesmen J. Stalin and L. Brezhnev and the writer M. Gorky are also on view. The museum was Repositories contain about 900 items. Gift shop, cafe.

History of Riga and Navigation Museum. Operating hours: from 11am to 5pm, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Founded in 1773, this is the oldest museum in the Baltic States. The museum is centrally located in the Old Town amidst the Riga Dome complex of buildings. The exhibition has been designed to mark the 800th anniversary of Riga, summarizing the material found in the archaeological excavations in the city after the re-establishment of Latvia's independence in 1991. Displays chronicle the story of Latvian navigation from the 1Oth century through to modern day and the history of Riga from prehistory to the 17th century. A rich display of unique materials relates the story of Riga's life at the time in various aspects - city administration, culture, crafts and trade. Temporary exhibits of various themes also illustrate the recent history of Riga. The exhibition 'History of Latvian Navigation' tracks down the development of marine transport from the 10th century to the present day, from a single-masted sailing boat, which used to carry cargo coastwise to modern motor ships, which cross seas and oceans. It comprises about 400 original objects: parts of ships and tackle, navigation instruments, seascapes and maps, tools for building sailing ships, textbooks and reports of naval students, teaching aids of naval schools, personal belongings of seamen, souvenirs, etc. Especially valuable are the numerous ship models, either mass-produced or hand-made by model masters. The exhibition presents materials on the ports of Latvia - Riga, Ventspils, Liepaja a.o. - from their origin to our times when they are developing into significant European transit centers. Eclectic collection of historical memorabilia and trivia, with a good introduction to the city's past. Repositories contain 464 000 items.

Dome Cathedral. (Evangelical-Lutheran Cathedral). Operating hours: from 1pm to 5pm (Tuesday-Friday), from 10am to 2pm (Saturday), closed on Sundays and Mondays. The Dome Church is one of the most outstanding medieval architectural monuments in the Baltic States: the corner stone was laid in the 13th century. The largest place of worship in the Baltics, measuring 187 x 43 meters, with walls two meters thick. Its organ is one of the biggest (6,768 pipes!) in Europe. Within the church, visitors can marvel at expertly crafted woodcarvings, stained glass windows, epitaphs, wrought-iron screens and the world-famous pipe organ. The drop from Dome Square to the cathedral's base shows how the level of the city has risen in the 700 years since its foundations were first laid on the site of a Livonian fishing village. Today, the Dome Church is the cathedral for the Latvian Evangelic Lutheran Church Archbishop and also functions as a parish church. Evening pipe organ concerts are held here regularly. Audio-Visual Presentations. Library.

Museum of Nature. Operating hours: from 10am to 5pm, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. One of the oldest museums in the Baltic, boasting some of the best exhibits on natural history in the Baltic States. Established in the first half of the eighteenth century on the initiative of the Riga Society of Naturalists. The present day image of the museum, its size and display style, has developed gradually since 1951. Permanent exhibitions on geology, botany, zoology, entomology, anthropology and nature protection. Repositories contain 150 000 items. Guidebooks and Catalogs available. Gift shop.

Art Museum. Operating hours: from 11am to 5pm, closed on Tuesdays. Appeared in 1869. Housed in an impressive building with huge rooms and marble staircases. The history of Latvian and Russian art until 1945. Outstanding artists on display include: V. Purvitis, J. Rozentals, N. Roerich, I. Aivazovsky and many others. On the ground floor are nineteenth century Latvian and Russian portraits and landscapes, while the upper levels have a selection of more abstract styles. Repositories contain 17 000 items. Gift shop.

Museum of Foreign Art. Operating hours: from 11am to 5pm, closed on Mondays. Located in the Riga Castle, this museum houses Latvia's largest treasury of Western European art works dating from the 15th century. Paintings, graphics and applied art by 17th century Dutch artists, 16-19th century German artists and 20th century Belgian artists are on display. The ground floor features ancient East, antique, medieval and Renaissance sculptures and ceramics. Art objects from Egypt, Greece, Ancient Rome, India and the Far Eastern countries. The romantic cellar also called the 'arched halls' preserved the 14th century architecture. Repositories contain 17 000 items. Gift shop.

Museum of Decorative and Applied Art. Operating hours: in summer - from 10am to 6pm, in winter - from 10am to 17pm, closed on Mondays. Located in the historic St. George's Church, the Museum of Decorative Applied Arts displays professional Latvian applied art from the end of the 19th century to today. The oldest stone building in Riga, St. George's church was built in 1204 as a part of Wittenstein Castle, which was the first stronghold of the Order of the Brothers of the Sword in Riga. After the Reformation, the church was converted to warehouses until the museum was opened in 1989. Repositories contain 8000 items. Latvian tapestries, woodcuttings and porcelain. Much of the museum's collection is on permanent display. The hall on the ground floor features temporary exhibitions of applied art from Latvia and many other countries. Gift shop, cafe.

Riga City Tour, 4 hours

The tour encompasses the most significant sights of Riga and begins with driving (c.a. 1.5 hrs) along the central boulevards of Riga, enjoying the view of the City Canal parks, the Bastion Hill, the Power Tower, the Latvian National Theatre, the Fine Arts Museum, the Art Nouveau buildings of the beginning of this century, the Freedom Monument in the heart of the city. It is more than half the height of the famous Statue of Liberty in New York, but it is one of the most distinguished monuments in Europe. It is 42 meters high and has 4 architectonic levels with a 19-meter high obelisk.

University of Latvia, Latvian National Opera House, The Daugava River with the bridges and Passenger Terminal. During the walking part of the tour you will enjoy the beauty of the ancient Hanseatic city, while strolling through the cobble-stone, picturesque streets of the Old Town.

There you will see the Dome Cathedral, the Church of St. Peter, the old Guild Houses, the Swedish Gate, the architectural ensemble, Three Brothers, St. Jacob's Church, the Parliament House, Old Riga Castle, and view the many wonderfully restored buildings, now housing cozy restaurants, cafes, bars and souvenirs shops. (You can find a description of the tour of the Old Town of Riga above).

City Center Walking Tour, 3 hours

The walk described here is designed for the visitor to Riga. Following the route you will be sure of seeing all the main features that the Old Town of Riga has to offer.

Entering the Old Town through the Gate you will find yourself in John's courtyard. There you can have a closer look at the city fortification. Leaving the courtyard through another gate you will come to St. John's Church incorporating some parts of the former castle of the Bishop of Riga and a Dominican Monastery. Nearly opposite St. John's Church there is St. Peter's Church, first mentioned in the chronicles in 1209, was a Catholic church until 1523, when during the Reformation it turned Lutheran. It has a fame of the best sample of Gothic architecture in the Baltics. From the observation platform built in the tower you can enjoy a wonderful bird's-eye view of Riga.

The former St. George's Church in the charming range of dwelling houses also dates back to the 13th century. At present it houses the Decorative and Applied Arts Museum. Along Kalku Street you will come to a lovely square surrounded by houses of different epochs. So built as late as the mid 19th century they perfectly display the role of the then guilds in social life of Riga.

Proceeding along Zirgu Street you will come to the Dome Square the pride of which is the Dome Cathedral. It is the largest place of worship in the Baltics, measuring 187 x 43 meters, with walls two meters thick. Its organ is one of the largest and most admired in Europe, and regular concerts are held here. The drop from Dome Square to the Cathedral's base shows how the level of the city has risen in the 700 years since its foundations were first laid on the site of a Livonian fishing village.

Taking Pils Street and passing the former English sailors club you will come to the Castle Square. Dating from the 16th century it was designed as a residence of the Master of the Livonian Order of Knights. At present it houses several museums. It is the Latvian President's residence.

The tiny Church of our Lady of Sorrow is a fine example of early classicism in Riga. St. Jacob's Church the third highest landmark. It is the only one, which has managed to retain its gothic steeple.

The Parliament of Latvia is housed in the Italian palazzo-style building. The "Swedish Gate" is only a 5-minute walk from "Three Brothers". The Gate has taken its name from the period of the Swedish rule over Riga. It was built into the city's old fortification wall in 1698 - now it is a part of the House of Architects building. Fragment of the fortification wall has been restored nearby, at Tornu Street. The Powder Tower is the only tower of the medieval fortification system, which has preserved its original shape. Now it houses the War Museum.

The Ring of Boulevards with its green belt of parks is the point, which divides the Old Town. Across the street are the Bastion Hill and the canal side greenery.

Tour of the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum in Jugla, 3 hours

Open Air Ethnographic Museum. Operating hours: from 10am to 5pm. Founded in 1924, the Latvian Ethnographic Museum is one of the oldest open-air museums in Europe. Situated 10 km from Riga center in a pine forest on the banks of Jugla Lake, the museum consists of some 90 traditional rural buildings: farmhouses, windmills, fishermen's huts and churches that have been assembled here from the four provinces of Latvia: Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Latgale, Zemgale. Life as it used to be on 100 hectares. Historical dwellings and farm buildings of peasants and artisans, fishing villages, churches and other historic structures including an old pub and a windmill, have been moved and gathered here from all of Latvia's regions and preserved for posterity.

Each Sunday church services are held at the Usma church. During the summer organ and folk music concerts, or one of the traditional craft fairs. See many different trades demonstrated: blacksmiths, wood-carvers, beekeepers, potters and weavers. Repositories contain 95 000 items. Watch craftsmen perform various tasks or try some Latvian cuisine and drink in the tavern.

Tour of Jurmala, 3 hours

The resort town of Jurmala (20 km from Riga) is a favorite recreation place for the inhabitants of Riga. Translated from Latvian the name means "sea shore". The town of Jurmala is a narrow strip that stretches along the coastline and the River Lielupe. Jurmala is famous for its clean air, moderate climate, unique pine forests, and curative mud.

Jurmala offers all the necessary recreation facilities like sanatoriums, camping sites, boarding houses and hotels, numerous restaurants and cafes. The Amusement Palace, bowling alleys, and lotto club can be found in Dzintari. Lielupe can boast of its wonderful tennis courts and a yacht club. The center of Jurmala is Majori. Numerous small shops, art galleries, restaurants, and exhibition hall, movie theatre, and an open-air concert hall are situated there.

Tour of Sigulda, 7 hours

One of the most picturesque towns in Latvia, often called the Latvian Switzerland, located in the Gauja River valley, 50 km from Riga. Sigulda is situated in the Gauja National park and is known as the most popular tourist and leisure destination as well as a famous winter sports resort in Latvia. There are downhill skiing routes and a bobsleigh track. Experience a genuine whiff of the Middle Ages, a time of romantic legends, castles and heroic characters, visiting the ruins of the 13th cent. Crusader Castle, and the 19th cent. Kropotkin's Palace in the outskirts of Sigulda.

By couch you will travel down into the river valley, enjoy the landscape and the walk to the sandstone grottes on the ancient riverbank. A shot drive along the steep road up the hill will take you to the 13th cent. Turaida Castle. A chance to view the garden of good's from the 30-m tall fortification tower. Visit the local history museum. Take a relaxing walk in the Sculpture Park, dedicated to Latvian folklore. The tour involves considerable walking, so flat-heel shoes are very much recommended. Opportunity to pre-book a meal in one of the restaurants in Sigulda.