Riga Private Tour Option 5

Riga and Rundale Palace

Starting from the pier in Riga

Tour Summary-
Type: Architecture, Free Time, Historic Palace, Scenic Drive, Walking Tour
Length: 8 Hours
Walking: Difficult
Mobility: NO wheelchairs
Guide: Licensed Guide
Language: English
Prices: Scroll Down or Click here for Prices

This full day tour includes the highlights of Riga plus a visit to the Rundale Palace, the Versailles of the Baltic. You also have the option to enjoy a multi course lunch at an historic restaurant..

After meeting your driver and licensed guide at the pier you start your day with a driving tour to see the buildings in Riga's Art Nouveau District. This area which was developed around the turn of the century is included on the UNESCO Architecture Values List and has a flair reminiscent of Paris.

Next you are dropped off in the Old Town where you have a walking tour of its main sights in this pedestrian friendly quarter. The area, known as Sena Riga, dates back to 1201. You will enjoy the maze of small cobblestone streets which are full of beautiful medieval buildings. You'll notice different styles such as Nordic, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Art Nouveau and Classical.

You'll see the Freedom Monument which is dear to all Latvians. The monument was built to commemorate Latvian Independence from Russia in 1920. Then came WWII and in 1944 they were under Soviet rule. It was at this monument in the 80s and 90s where demonstrations against the Soviets took place. Today it is a popular gathering point on holidays.

Other sights you will see on the walking tour include Livs Square, Konventhof, the House of the Brotherhood of Blackhead, the centuries old Small and Big Guild Houses, the Stock Exchange and the newly renovated Opera House. You enjoy a photo stop at Riga Castle, which is the Latvian president's residence, and take a stroll along the Daugava River embankment.

Your tour includes interior visits to two of the city's most popular sights, St. Peter’s Church and the Dome Cathedral. St. Peter's Church dates back to the 13th century and is considered one of the best examples of the Gothic style in Latvia and the Baltic region. The highlight for many is the impressive Dome Cathedral which also dates to the 13th century and features an organ which has nearly 7,000 pipes.

Following your Riga tour you have time for lunch on your own. Or, if you prefer, we can arrange a multi course lunch at an historic restaurant by the name "Pie Kristapa Kunga". Please let us know at the time of your reservation.

After lunch you drive to the Rundale Palace, the Versailles of the Baltic, where you enjoy a guided tour. The palace was built in the 18th century as the summer residence of the Duke of Courland. The Italian architect, Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, was also the architect of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. The palace was supposed to be much larger than it is, however, the construction was interrupted when the Duke and the architect began the construction of an even larger palace. Ultimately the palace and its interior were completed about 30 years later. Today the palace houses a museum which features 17th and 18th century art and furniture.

After visiting the beautiful Rundale Palace you return to the Riga pier.

Tour Breakdown-
1- Meet guide and enjoy Art Nouveau drive- 30 Minutes
2- Old Town walking tour- 1 Hour
3- Visit St. Peter's Church- 30 Minutes
4- Visit the Dome Cathedral- 30 Minutes
5- Lunch Break- 1 Hour and 30 Minutes
6- Drive to Rundale Palace- 1 Hour and 15 Minutes
7- Visit Rundale Palace- 1 Hour and 30 Minutes
8- Return to the pier- 1 Hour and 15 Minutes

Please note that the total tour time is approximately 8 hours. This itinerary requires uphill walking and includes uneven surfaces.  It is not wheelchair accessible. The tour prices listed below are for your entire private group.  They are NOT per person prices!  Entrance fees are per person and are added to the tour price.

See More Options in this Port

Private Sightseeing Tours and Shore Excursions from Riga, Latvia