Midsummer Holidays in Latvia tour

Dates:
MR01: 21.06-25.06.15 Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival in Riga
Arrival in Riga, optional transfer to Hotel Radisson Blu Ridzene*****, check-in; welcome meeting, optional welcome dinner at hotel. Day 2 (Monday): Riga
Riga, founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and boasts a real kaleidoscope of architectural styles. The walking tour of the Old Town includes Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, the Swedish Gate, the Three Brothers, the Large and Small Guilds and the Freedom Monument. The tour ends at the Riga Central Market which has basically turned into the traditional Green Market during this time of year. Cheerful Līgo! atmosphere and local products and handcraft from all over Latvia will be displayed on long tables and stalls. Light linen clothing and aprons, lace hats and shirts, amber jewelry and wooden spoons - all that is needed for Līgo! Vendors will offer impressive flower bunches full of sweet-scent local flowers and plants, as well as crowns made of oak leaves to be presented to every Jānis, who celebrates his name day at Midsummer Solstice. Latvian traditional cheese made of caraway or other spices, tasty goat cheese, glazed bacon-filled pies, golden honey, freshly-smoked meat, sausages and fish will also be on sale. Afternoon at disposal to enjoy more of the Līgo! spirit in the Old Town. In the evening attend Latvian National Theatre for most famous traditional play Skroderdienas Silmacos. Day 3 (Tuesday): Riga
In the morning, optional visit to Riga Art Nouveaux district is offered including the Art Nouveaux museum. In the afternoon optional visit to fisherman village Ragaciems to taste recently smoked fish from fresh catch with local dark bread and beer and on the way back enjoy leisure time on the beach or stroll along the promenade in the vibrant Latvian sea resort Jurmala. Back in Riga in the evening you have a great opportunity to experience real Midsummer and Ligo! spirit you may join the shortest night celebration at Dzeguzkalns - one of the parks over the bridge. The celebration features various Līgo rituals like garland making, fortune-telling, jumping over bonfires, singing Līgo songs and dancing Līgo dances until dawn. Day 4 (Wednesday): Riga
The optional tour for this morning takes us to the stunning scenery of the Gauja National Park and the town of Sigulda. We listen to the medieval Latvian legend of the Rose of Turaida, and see the ruins of the Episcopal Castle and of the Castle of the Knights of the Sword before we return to Riga. In the afternoon optional visit to Ethnographical Open Air Museum is offered, a spacious exposition of 18th century country life. In the evening an optional farewell dinner at the elegant Restaurant La Boheme is on offer. Day 5 (Thursday): Departure from Riga
Optional transfer to airport. Package prices per person:
€ 220.00 (double occupancy)
€ 120.00 (single supplement)
Including:

• 4 overnights at centrally located Hotel Radisson Blu Ridzene*****
• 4 x buffet breakfast
• Welcome meeting with champagne-cocktail or juice
• 3-hours guided walking tour of Riga Old Town
• Ticket to Latvia National Theatre
• Service of English, German, Spanish, Italian and French
• Porterage at hotel
• Service and VAT

Midsummer Holidays in Latvia tour optional services:

• Transfer from airport to Hotel Radisson Blu Ridzene: € 35.00 for private car (1-3 persons), € 55.00 for private minivan (4-7 persons)
• Welcome dinner at hotel: € 35.00 pp
• 3-hour excursion to Ethnographical Open Air Museum: € 40.00 pp
• 4-hour fish tasting in Ragaciems and leisure in Jurmala: € 55.00 pp
• 3-hours visit to Riga Art Nouveaux district with a visit to Art Nouveaux museum: € 35.00 pp
• Guided shopping tour: € 25.00 pp
• Farewell dinner at Restaurant La Boheme: € 40.00 pp
• Transfer from Hotel Radisson Blu Ridzene to Riga airport/harbour: € 35.00 for private car (1-3 persons), € 55.00 for private minivan (4-7 persons)