Riga, the capital of Latvia, is a modern metropolis that is a fascinating combination of old and new. The city has managed to preserve much of its varied history and architecture. Riga has a diverse offering of culture, history, architecture and restaurants. In addition, there are good entertainment and shopping opportunities here. And last but not least – the price level in Riga is really reasonable.
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Riga has grown in popularity in recent years, and is today one of the trendiest urban destinations in the Baltics. In the city, you can come across the opening of new art exhibitions every day, experience new taste experiences in many restaurants or enjoy live music at concerts – the perfect destination for a weekend vacation!
Relax at the spa. If you want to include a relaxing spa moment in your vacation, you’ve come to the right place. Riga’s spa culture dates back to the 16th century, and the price level is significantly more affordable than in Finland. A little outside the city is the Jurmala area, which has several nursing homes and also a white-sand beach.
Food and drink. In Riga, you should especially enjoy the country’s famous food culture, which has been influenced by both Germany and Russia. The country also has a strong beer tradition, and almost every city has its own brewery. You can find your favorite just by tasting. The price level in the city is quite affordable.
Sights in Riga. Riga is full of historical sights, and the Old Town alone is an attraction in itself. Old churches and cathedrals and Riga Castle create the setting for a memorable city holiday. The city’s shopping opportunities are good thanks to many shopping centers. If you’re in the mood for a beach vacation, you should head out to the beach resort of Jurmala, where you can spend your beach vacation on a long, fine sandy beach.
There are good shopping opportunities in the city. Near the main train station is the central market, which has Europe’s largest market. Here you can find everything from a large fish department to fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as clothes to shoes and electronics. If you travel to Riga at Christmas time, you will probably also come across the city’s Christmas markets, of which there are several in the city.
Mežaparks is a green garden area in Riga, where you can sit down with a cup of coffee or take a walk in the green surroundings.
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Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic break or a nature-lover searching for the quiet corners in the world a city break in Tallinn will not disappoint. Spend your days exploring the museums and quirky cafes in the old town, then get into your hiking clothes and head out into the nature.
Duration: 4 days/3 nights
Programme:
Day 1: Arrival day, Panoramic tour of Tallinn.
Arrival Transfer to the hotel and check-in to your hotel. Explore the Tallinn’s top sights on this 3-hour sightseeing. Traveling by air-conditioned coach, admire the best parts of the Old Town, busy city centre, classical Soviet style housing quarters, idyllic wooden districts, mansions of the wealthy citizens and shabby suburbs. This special tour includes all most important landmarks in Tallinn and also many places that are not included in any regular city tour. In Old Town you will visit the Upper Town, look at marvellous Dome Church and Alexander Nevskijs‘ Cathedral (inside visit) and enjoy the picturesque city panorama views from Toompea viewing platform. You can also see the modern city centre with skyscrapers, Freedom Square, National Library and Opera House. You will see romantic Kadriorg Park and its baroque palace; take a look at lovely wooden suburb also named Kadriorg. Further on you will see numerous block buildings of the Soviet era living district Lasnamäe, drive by the TV tower and look at the peaceful residences of the wealthy people. Down by the sea you can enjoy the view from Pirita beach and get to see Song Festival Grounds and the Olympic Village, where in 1980 the Moscow summer Sailing Olympic Regatta took place. Nearby lies the popular Pirita beach and the romantic ruins of St. Bridget’s Convent. This morning or afternoon tour is perfect for first-time visitors as it offers a well-rounded introduction to the city’s sights.
Day 2: Day trip to Western Coast and Haapsalu
Explore the hidden wonders amidst the wilderness, including Estonia’s most romantic waterfall, an old imperial Russian gun battery, the coastal cliffs around the Paldiski military town and picturesque summer resort Haapsalu, it’s popular old town full of galleries and cafes and Haapsalu Bishop Castle. West Estonia is characterized by vast expanses of land, peace of mind and fresh sea air, bays abounding in birds, juniper fields, pine trees and people toughened by the sea breeze on the coast. Taking the scenic, coastal route to Paldiski, your first stop should be the Türisalu cliff. Further along is Keila-Joa, where you can see the third highest waterfall in the country, which is considered to be the most romantic waterfall in Estonia. Set in the forest, next to a 19th-century, Neo-Gothic manor house, it is almost a dictionary definition of picturesque. Paldiski, once turned into a closed town by the Soviet army, has remains of the naval fortress built by Peter the Great. The gigantic Soviet atomic submarine training centre (Pentagon) was situated in the middle of the city. On the way to Haapsalu, the major site of interest is the Padise Monastery that dates back to the 13th century. The Golden Age of the Padise Monastery (Padise Kloostri) was around 1400. The landscape in Noarootsi is dotted with low lakes and thickets of reeds tens of thousands of birds touch down here in their spring migration. One will find nice beaches in Österby and by the Roosta Resort. Haapsalu city centre is characterised by a miniature town hall and romantic wooden dwelling houses. By the seaside Promenade stands Kuursaal, one of the finest wooden buildings in Estonia, which houses a summer restaurant. Independent Lunch in Haapsalu.
Day 3: Day Tour to Lahemaa National Park / departure day
Check out from the hotel in the morning Take this full-day tour from Tallinn to Lahemaa National Park to see the beauty of the North Estonian landscape. With an expert guide, discover the history and learn lots of interesting facts about Lahemaa. You’ll discover that the thick forests and the picturesque coastline of the Lahemaa National Park hold many curious secrets, from hidden waterfalls to abandoned Soviet military installations. We will visit a romantic captains’ village of Käsmu, extraordinary bog landscape with many lakes, abandoned Soviet military submarine station, the manor houses of Vihula and Sagadi etc. You’ll go on a walking tour around the park and tour two of its most magnificent manors – Palmse and Sagadi – which have both been beautifully restored to give you an insight into upper-class 18th-century life in Estonia. It’s a great way to see what lies outside of Tallinn and enjoy some of the beautiful scenery this country has to offer! Lunch in Altja Tavern
Day 4: Breakfast at a hotel. Transfer to the airport
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10 of the Most Desirable Cities in Europe: Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2022 has awarded Tallinn, Estonia with the 2nd place!
For the 21st Annual Wanderlust Travel Awards, they asked their readers to vote for the places around the world that have captured their imagination and inspired their wanderlust. From sprawling metropolitans to historic districts, these are the top ten cities voted as the most desirable in Europe. On the 2nd place you can find the Estonian capital Tallinn! Find out more here: 10 of the Most Desirable Cities in Europe: Wanderlust Travel Awards 2022 | Wanderlust
The Tallinn Christmas market is the crown jewel of Christmas in Estonia. After all, it was named the best Christmas market in Europe in 2019 and has once again made the list of Christmas markets to visit all over the continent. The market may work its enchantment on you — making it hard to even think about leaving Tallinn — but the rest of Estonia is filled with magic during the holiday season. In cities large and small across Estonia, a real-life fairytale Christmas awaits. Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts at markets packed with handicrafts, see your children’s eyes light up with a visit to Santa’s farm, sample seasonal treats and hot mulled wine, and marvel at all the twinkling lights illuminating the winter sky.
International Ice Sculpture Festival in Jelgava, Latvia on 03–05 February 2023
Visit the park which has the largest exhibition of ice sculptures in the Baltics, and where musical shows, demonstrations of sculpture creation, and various activities for children will be organized. With the fall of night, visitors will be treated to synchronized ice sculpture, music, and light performances.
TARTU2024: Estonia’s second largest city as well as its main university town Tartu will hold the title of European Capital Of Culture in 2024
Tartu together with Southern Estonia is the European Capital of Culture in 2024 that will offer special cultural experiences in Tartu and Southern Estonia. Tartu 2024 will present the programme in the autumn of 2023.
Have you ever heard of Lithuania’s natural wonders? If not, you’re in luck. Forbes collected the most famous ones in a recent article. This is one of the reasons why tourists visiting this country often go beyond the top attractions to enjoy the sanctuary of nature and unforgettable views of Lithuania.
In January 2023, Estonia’s capital city, Tallinn, will become Europe’s 13th Green Capital with a goal of becoming a model city for sustainable governance. In 2013, Tallinn became the first city to introduce free public transport to all residents following a referendum. By 2035 the city intends to have free carbon-neutral public transport and wants to achieve full climate neutrality by 2050.As one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tallinn is characterised by the diverse nature of its landscapes and communities, which are home to rare plant and animal species. Tallinn impressed the international jury with a systemic approach to sustainable governance and interlinked strategic goals, which reflect the ambitions of the European Green Deal and UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The 13th Youth Song and Dance Festival of Estonia will be held in 2023
Estonia’s Song Festival, first held in 1869, takes place every five years and encompasses the values that Estonians consider important as a nation – love for their country, language, culture and customs. The festival is of such national significance it is listed by UNESCO as an intangible heritage tradition. The 150th jubilee celebration in 2019 saw almost 70,000 Estonians gather at the Song Festival Grounds in Tallinn to listen to 35,000 singers from 1,020 choirs. Towns and cities across the country have their own smaller festival grounds for performances in between these years.
The 13th Youth Song Celebration will take place on 2 July 2023 at the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds. Performers will include young children’s choirs, children’s choirs, boys’ choirs, mixed choirs, girls’ choirs, male youth choirs, wind orchestras and symphony orchestras and ends with performances by the combined choir. The concert is preceded by the ceremonial procession of the participants through the centre of Tallinn along a 5km route.
Vilnius, Lithuania announced among the top destinations to see in 2023 by National Geographic UK!
From epic landscapes and cultural reawakenings to conservation initiatives and family favourites, National Geographic Traveller’s Best of the World list is back with 35 destinations that should be on your radar for 2023.
Vilnius has just been announced amongst the top destinations to see next year by National Geographic UK. In the category of Culture, next to such grands as Appian Way in Italy, Busan in South Korea or Egypt.
