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Highlights of Riga

Private Riga shore excursion through the Art Nouveau District, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Historic Centre of Riga, and the medieval Old Town, founded in 1201. Interior visits to St. Peter's Church, one of the oldest Gothic churches in the Baltics, and the Dome Cathedral, with its organ of nearly 6,800 pipes. See the Freedom Monument, honoring soldiers of the 1918-1920 Latvian War of Independence. Licensed English speaking guide, round trip from the Port of Riga. 4 hours.

4 hours (private)

private excursion

licensed guide

english speaking expert

all group sizes

sedan to full size coach

››

port or hotel

pick up either location

Pick up from your Hotel or the Port in Riga
Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
Private Licensed English Speaking Guide
Round Trip Transportation in Private Vehicle
Walking Tour
Included Interior Visits- St. Peter's Church, Dome Cathedral

Read Full Tour Description

Tour Number: LRIGA-01

Group Size (Prices in USD)*:

2 People - $426 Per Person
3 People - $326 Per Person
4 People - $252 Per Person
5 People - $206 Per Person
6 People - $226 Per Person
7 People - $198 Per Person
8 People - $177 Per Person

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TOUR DESCRIPTION

Riga Old Town Shore Excursion

This tour explores Riga's Old Town including visits to St. Peter's Church and the Dome Cathedral. This is the most popular option for first time visitors who only have a few hours available.

After meeting your licensed guide you start your day with a driving tour to see the buildings in Riga's Art Nouveau District. This area was developed around the turn of the 20th century and is part of the Historic Centre of Riga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, home to the largest and finest collection of Art Nouveau architecture in the world. For many people it has a flair reminiscent of Paris.

Next you are dropped off in the Old Town where you enjoy a walking tour of its main sights in this pedestrian friendly quarter. The Old Town dates back to 1201, when it was founded by Bishop Albert. You explore 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 unveiled in 1935 to honor the soldiers who fell in Latvia's War of Independence from 1918 to 1920. Then came WWII and in 1944 the country came 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 include Livs Square, Konventhof, the House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads, 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 with nearly 6,800 pipes, one of the largest in the world.

At the end of the tour you are brought back to Riga's pier or your hotel.

What's Included

Included

Pick up from your Hotel or the Port in Riga
Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
Private Licensed English Speaking Guide
Round Trip Transportation in Private Vehicle
Walking Tour
Included Interior Visits- St. Peter's Church, Dome Cathedral

Not Included

Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
Gratuities (optional, at your discretion)
Personal shopping

Tour Timing

All times are approximate and will vary based on your group's pace and interests.

1
35 Minutes
Riga Driving Tour
2
2 Hours and 15 Minutes
Old Town walking tour
3
30 Minutes
Visit St. Peter's Church
4
30 Minutes
Visit the Dome Cathedral
5
10 Minutes
Return to the pier

Resources

Latvia Travel - Riga. Official Latvian tourism portal with visitor information for Riga's Old Town and Art Nouveau District. Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

What is special about Riga's Art Nouveau District?

Riga has the largest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in the world, with over 800 examples built between about 1896 and 1913. The district, along with the rest of the Historic Centre of Riga, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.

How old is the Freedom Monument?

It was unveiled in 1935, funded by public donations, to honor Latvian soldiers who died in the 1918-1920 War of Independence. It later became a focal point for anti-Soviet demonstrations in the 1980s and remains a national symbol today.

How big is the organ in the Dome Cathedral?

It has nearly 6,800 pipes across 124 stops and four manuals, making it one of the largest pipe organs in the world.

Is this tour a lot of walking?

Yes, once you reach the Old Town this is primarily a walking tour on cobblestone streets, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Also Available:

›Riga's Old Town and Open Air Museum - Tour includes Riga's Old Town with visits to St. Peter's Church and the Dome Cathedral. Then you visit an open air museum which features about 100 traditional countryside buildings, allowing you to see and learn about rural life in 18th century Latvia. A licensed English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout.

›Jurmala and the Open Air Museum - Tour visits the famous resort town of Jurmala and also Riga's Open Air Museum where you have the opportunity to see and learn about rural life in 18th century Latvia. A licensed English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout.

Our Back-to-Ship Guarantee

Every excursion returning 1.5 hours before departure is covered. If we are late, we cover your costs to reach the next port. More info ›

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Guest Reviews

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Shore Trip Timing is approximate based on your interests & traffic

Riga Driving Tour - 35 Minutes
Old Town walking tour - 2 Hours and 15 Minutes
Visit St. Peter's Church - 30 Minutes
Visit the Dome Cathedral - 30 Minutes
Return to the pier - 10 Minutes

Average Rating: Average Rating: 5 of 5

5 of 5 Total Reviews: 5 Write a review »

0 of 0 people found this review helpful:

Review Location- Riga	September 19, 2025
Reviewer: Deanna B from Palatine, IL

We really enjoy all the tours that you booked for us. Really made our trip that much more enjoyable and we were able to cover a lot more ground. All the tour guides were absolutely wonderful. I will definitely refer you to anyone that is going to Europe. I just wish you covered more than Europe!

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2 of 2 people found this review helpful:

Review Location- Riga	November 25, 2023
Reviewer: Travel Agent Donna R from Cruise Holidays of Palm Springs, Palm Springs, CA

I just want you to know that we had absolutely the best tours that were booked through you. When we did one through the ship, we really noticed the difference and missed our small van. Everything was handled expertly and after meeting the first one, I never had any worries from then on. You handled the last minute change from Athens to Crete and everyone was thoroughly impressed that you were able to put together something and actually came through. Thanks again, you made me look good !

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0 of 0 people found this review helpful:

Review Location- Riga	July 18, 2023
Reviewer: Travel Agent - Jolanta S from PLANET ONE TRAVEL � Houston TX

Mike and family returned to the US last week and were extremely happy with their shore trips. They remembered everyones names - who made their trip so much exciting. Thank you very much for all your help and will contact you for any future requests.

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0 of 0 people found this review helpful:

Review Location- Riga	June 17, 2020
Reviewer: Thomas M from Fort Myers FL

Everything went well. The driver was a little late, but the tour was great.

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0 of 0 people found this review helpful:

Review Location- Riga	July 21, 2008
Reviewer: Shelly T from Calabasas CA

All tours ran smoothly and according to our needs. Guides very informative and friendly. We had a great time. Thanks again.

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