Historical Sigulda and Turaida Tour from Riga: Gauja National Park and Medieval Castles Experience

Immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Sigulda and Turaida on this tour from Riga. Explore Gauja National Park, visit medieval castles, and learn about ancient Latvian tribes. Indulge in traditional or modern cuisine for lunch.

Duration: 7 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Keizarkresls un keizarskats - 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.

  • Castle Of The Livonian Order In Sigulda - The mighty stone walls of the ruins hold many historical events and stories. Imagining how the knights of the Livonian Order honed their fighting skills in this place is fascinating.

The territory of the Livonian Order’s Sigulda Castle is an ideal spot to admire the beautiful landscapes of the Gauja Valley.

  • Gutmanis Cave - 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.

  • Turaida Museum Reserve - 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.

What's Included
  • On-board WiFi
  • Bottled water
  • Museum entrances
  • English speaking driver/guide
  • Transport by air-conditioned car or minivan
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

It’s a brief journey under an hour from Riga to the first stop, the renowned Cesarview in Gauja National Park. Enjoy spectacular vistas at this beautiful viewpoint, established in the 19th century during Car Aleksandr II’s visit to Sigulda. There, you’ll learn about the connection between Gauja River and Angels Falls in Venezuela. Discover the antiquities and lifestyle of ancient Latvia during the tour. Attractions like Livonian Order Castle ruins and the Turaida Medieval Castle are part of the itinerary. A visit to Gutmanis Cave, the deepest internal erosion cave in the Baltic States, offers not only a natural marvel but also narrates a tragic 17th-century love story. Furthermore, the tour provides options for lunch at superb locations serving either traditional Latvian cuisine or contemporary culinary delights.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Please bring your walking shoes
  • Coffee stops and detours can be arranged with driver
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(29 Ratings)
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Eva_w
Jun 8, 2024
Great opportunity to visit beautiful places and learn about Latvia - we warmly recommend this trip! - We really enjoyed this trip to the fullest. The places to visit are absolutely worth going there, and our guide made us feeling welcome and comfortable during the whole trip. He was not only very kind, but also shared a lot of of interesting information about Latvia, accomodated all of our wishes and made this altogether to an experience we would not want to have missed. Thank you Erlens - liels paldies!
Review provided by Viator
Allyb114
May 11, 2024
Brilliant day - Thanks for a fantastic tour out of Riga city. We really enjoyed getting to see other places nearby and hear more about their history, as well as try some traditional local food. Thanks to Erlens for a really fun and informative tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O6920txdianem
Dec 28, 2023
Amazing Tour! - This tour was fantastic! Erlens was so knowledgeable, funny, and personable. Any question you asked him he knew the history and/or gave personal recommendations. These locations were absolutely stunning and it was a wonderful tour. It was the highlight of my visit to Riga!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Journey40013032420
Dec 22, 2023
Perfect day trip in the country - Fantastic day trip if you want to get away from Riga for a few hours and do some sightseeing in the countryside. The guide was incredibly nice and informative.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scottrenfrew
Dec 8, 2023
Great tour with a Great Guide. - Would highly recommend this tour to see the picturesque countryside and learn more about the origins of Latvia. A special shout out to Erlens the tour guide - had incredible knowledge of the local area and was an overall great guy. Happily answered all our questions and went above and beyond on our tour. From personalized insights to unexpected detours to a local cafe, they made the journey extraordinary.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
882judithl
Nov 2, 2023
A memorable day - Our trip was expertly guided by Erlens who is personable and professional - with a fascinating knowledge of history and place! He expertly wove the past with the present and helped us see sites with new eyes. Thank you for a memorable day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Purushothaman_s
Oct 1, 2023
Trip to Sigulda and Turaida from Riga - 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 !
Review provided by Viator
Calmi12
Sep 27, 2023
We recommend - Really great tour with a very nice guide, Erlens. Erlens can tell you a lot of interesting things and is also very flexible when it comes to planning the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
David_h
Sep 4, 2023
Fantastic tour of Segulda and Turaida, led by expert guide, Erlens! - The rich history of Turaida and Segulda, from pre-Christian conversion up ito modern times, is very complicated. Erlens did a fantastic job of explaining this history clearly, and of showing our group how the local environment, castles, houses and churches played a role. Wonderful tour!
Review provided by Viator
Angelina
Jun 19, 2023
Excellent - Worth visiting!! Erlen and Zane were terrific!! Safe driving and very descriptional touring!! Thanks guys for a wonderful experience!
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