Riga, Latvia
A member of the Hanseatic League, Riga has a fascinating history. The heart of its UNESCO-listed Old Town acts as a living museum with its labyrinth of narrow streets and historic squares. The city is home to a diverse population, including sizeable Russian- and Ukrainian-speaking communities, bringing a peaceful blend of customs and languages. Europe’s largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture is found in Riga. The expansion of the city and explosion of the movement during the late 19th century has left a tapestry of magnificent buildings featuring elaborate facades.
A member of the Hanseatic League, Riga has a fascinating history. The heart of its UNESCO-listed Old Town acts as a living museum with its labyrinth of narrow streets and historic squares. The city is home to a diverse population, including sizeable Russian- and Ukrainian-speaking communities, bringing a peaceful blend of customs and languages. Europe’s largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture is found in Riga. The expansion of the city and explosion of the movement during the late 19th century has left a tapestry of magnificent buildings featuring elaborate facades.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.
Introduction to Riga
Explore Riga during a panoramic drive and on foot as you discover the highlights of the Latvian capital.
A Snapshot of a Cultural Gem
Explore Riga during a panoramic drive and on foot as you discover the highlights of the Latvian capital. Embark on a scenic drive to the center of Riga along its picturesque boulevards to the Jugendstil district. See the orthodox cathedral, the Freedom Monument and the Fine Art Museum, before alighting from your motor coach in the old town to begin your walk. Head to Livu Square, past St. John’s church and view the surrounding defense wall. See the towering spire of St. Peter’s Church and walk to Town Hall Square, pausing to gaze at the House of the Blackheads, before enjoying free time to browse the local shops or explore more of the city’s sights. Continue to Dome Square and see the Houses of Parliament and Riga Castle; your guide will provide insight to their history and as well as modern life in Latvia. After your excursion, return to your awaiting ship.
A Leisurely Introduction to Riga
Discover Riga, the capital of Latvia, and see its highlights during a leisurely panoramic drive.
See the Sights of Riga in Comfort
Discover Riga, the capital of Latvia, and see its highlights during a leisurely panoramic drive. Meet your guide, board your motor coach and set out on a scenic journey to view Riga’s main sights. From the comfort of your seat, view the stunning medieval architecture and admire the city’s Art Nouveau buildings. Pass by the old town and view the 14th-century Powder Tower, part of the former defensive city wall, and pause at the Town Hall Square for photos. Your guide will explain the history of the city, including Latvia's journey to independence; the Freedom Monument, erected here in 1935, commemorates this and was the focus of a similar movement during the late-1980s. Pause for photos at the Riga Opera House to capture its stunning facade and picturesque gardens. Cross the Daugava River for a final glimpse of the old town, before returning to your awaiting ship.
Architecture & History of Riga
Explore Riga’s architecture and Soviet-era history during a panoramic drive, and enjoy a tasting of local food.
Contrasts of the 20th Century: Art Nouveau to Soviet-era
Explore Riga’s architecture and Soviet-era history during a panoramic drive, and enjoy a tasting of local food. Drive along Riga’s elegant boulevards to the Jugendstil district, renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture. Continue to Mežaparks to enjoy a glimpse of Riga’s most prestigious residential area, featuring wooden Art Nouveau mansions, early 20th-century villas and the embassy district. After a photo stop, contrast this grandeur with a fascinating visit to a Soviet-era communication bunker hidden within a block-style residential area. Then, discover Latvia’s culinary scene with a tasting of local snacks. Your journey continues to the Baltic coastline for a stop by the sea. Here, you may take a short walk to explore the ruins of a 19th-century Russian Empire coastal battery and a Soviet bunker, or if you prefer, you can relax on the beach. After, return to your ship.
Artistic Heritage of Riga
Discover Riga’s artistic history during visits to two acclaimed museums and a walk past art nouveau buildings.
Art Nouveau Treasures and Old Town Sights
Discover Riga’s artistic history during visits to two acclaimed museums and a walk past art nouveau buildings. Delve into Riga’s celebrated art nouveau movement, which flourished during the early 20th century. Begin with a drive by motor coach to the Art Nouveau district, where you will see the intricate facades, sculptural details and opulent designs which earned the city its UNESCO status. Visit the Riga Art Nouveau Museum, a period apartment that provides a glimpse into the lives of Riga’s early 20th-century society. Next, continue on foot to the Latvian National Museum of Art, home to more than 500 works that showcase the evolution of Latvian artistic expression over two hundred years. After your visit, return to your coach and drive to the old town, where you will cap your excursion with a guided walk through its cobblestone streets. After, you will return to your ship.
Riga on Foot
Discover Riga’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, during a guided stroll through its streets.
Notable Sights of Riga’s Old Town
Discover Riga’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, during a guided stroll through its streets. Set out on foot along the banks of the Daugava River toward Town Hall Square. Here, you will see the House of the Blackheads, a former meeting place for merchants, and visit the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia to learn about the Latvian experience during World War II. Ascend the tower at St. Peter’s Church to enjoy sweeping views of the city, followed by a guided walk through the Old Town. After free time to explore more on your own, continue to Dome Square, the largest square in the Old Town. View the Parliament House and the unique blend of Romanesque, early Gothic and baroque influences on the Dome Cathedral. See the Art Museum Riga Bourse, housed in a former stock exchange, and pass by the Bank of Latvia and Riga Castle as you journey back to your ship.
Sights & Tastes of Riga
Experience Riga’s Old Town during a guided walk and enjoy a taste of Latvian flavors at two local venues.
Old Town Exploration and Local Flavors
Experience Riga’s Old Town during a guided walk and enjoy a taste of Latvian flavors at two local venues. A short drive through the city takes you to the UNESCO-listed Old Town, where you will set out on foot to explore Riga’s historic heart. View the Neoclassical-style Latvian National Opera, vibrant Livu Square and the Dome Cathedral, the largest medieval church in the Baltic region. Continue to a local bar for a tasting experience featuring Latvia’s iconic spirit, Riga Black Balsam—originating in the mid-18th century and celebrated for its complex flavor profile, this herbal liqueur is composed of roots, berries and spices. After, head to Town Hall Square to view the House of the Blackheads and the Gothic St. Peter’s Church. Sample traditional Latvian snacks and beer at a nearby venue, then cap your day with a visit to the Central Market before returning to your ship.
Riga Canal Cruise
Glide through Riga’s waterways aboard an antique wooden canal boat and see the city from a different perspective.
A View of Riga from the Water
Glide through Riga’s waterways aboard an antique wooden canal boat and see the city from a different perspective. Begin with a short transfer to meet your captain and board your vessel, then set out to sail along park-lined banks and past historic bridges. Take in the views of iconic Riga landmarks along the way, including the Latvian National Opera, the Central Market and the University of Latvia—founded in 1919, it is the nation’s flagship higher education institution. Your cruise continues along the Daugava, offering a glimpse of Old Town spires rising in the distance, including those of St. Peter’s Church and the famed Dome Cathedral. As you glide along the water, you will have the opportunity to sample a selection of local snacks and beverages. Your one-hour canal cruise concludes at your embarkation pier, where you may choose to return to your ship on foot or by motor coach.
Jūrmala Open Air Museum & Ķemeri Spa Park
Visit two of Latvia’s famed coastal resorts, Jūrmala and Ķemeri, to learn about their rich histories.
Coastal Heritage and Natural Beauty
Visit two of Latvia’s famed coastal resorts, Jūrmala and Ķemeri, to learn about their rich histories. Begin with a drive by motor coach through neighborhoods lined with historic wooden houses as you journey toward the Jūrmala Open Air Museum. Established in 1970, this museum preserves the traditions of a 19th-century fishing village and features authentic structures including a netting hut, a barn, a fish-smoking hut and more. Continue past villas that reflect the resort’s storied past, then enjoy a stroll along the beach, pausing to view The Tortoise sculpture and the Sea Pavilion. After lunch overlooking the Baltic Sea, head to Ķemeri Spa Park, a former wellness retreat with more than 180 years of history. Sample water from mineral springs, walk through the landscaped gardens and capture a photo on Love Island, a small island within the park, before returning to your ship.
Jewish Heritage of Riga
Explore Riga to learn about the city’s Jewish history and explore the old town with a prominent figure.
Fascinating History and Meet a Member of the Local Community
Explore Riga to learn about the city’s Jewish history and explore the old town with a prominent figure. Meet your guide and drive to Moscow Forstadt, the former ghetto district where wooden houses still stand, paying homage to the past. Continue to Riga’s Art Nouveau quarter, home to architectural masterpieces by Mikhail (Moshe) Eisenstein, one of Riga’s most influential Jewish architects, and see the birthplace of renowned philosopher Isaiah Berlin, whose ideas shaped 20th-century political thought. Here, you will meet local figure Mr. Lensky, a prominent figure in the Jewish community and director of the Jewish Museum, then set out on foot to the old town, to view Riga’s only surviving synagogue from World War II. Hear stories of perseverance, faith and creativity over generations, then bid farewell and enjoy time in the old town on your own, before returning to your ship.
Sigulda & Turaida
Embark on a journey through history with visits to the 13th-century Sigulda and Turaida Castles.
Ancient Fortifications in the Latvian Countryside
Embark on a journey through history with visits to the 13th-century Sigulda and Turaida Castles. Begin with a drive by motor coach through Latvia’s scenic countryside to Sigulda, set amid the forested slopes of Gauja National Park. As you travel, take in sweeping views of the river valley before arriving in a mountainous region often called “Latvian Switzerland” for its rugged beauty. Stop to view the 19th-century Kropotkin Manor and visit Sigulda Castle, a 13th-century fortification whose north tower, gate towers and curtain walls still stand today. Continue to Turaida Castle to explore its tower and fortifications, which offer panoramic views over the Gauja River. Stroll through the Turaida Sculpture Park nearby before heading to a local restaurant, where you will enjoy a two-course lunch served with Latvian beer. After, return to your awaiting ship.
Ethnographic Open Air Museum
Delve into Latvia’s rich farming traditions during a visit to the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum.
Immerse Yourself in Latvia’s Rural Past
Delve into Latvia’s rich farming traditions during a visit to the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum. Your journey begins with a panoramic drive along Riga’s elegant boulevards, past iconic landmarks including the Art Nouveau district, Old Gertrude’s Church, the Freedom Monument and the golden domes of the Orthodox Cathedral. Leaving the city behind, head to the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum—one of Europe’s oldest, this open air museum provides a glimpse into Latvia’s pastoral heritage. Explore authentic wooden farmsteads, windmills and more. Learn about pottery and weaving traditions as you take part in workshops that illustrate centuries of rural life and craftsmanship. After your visit, continue to a nearby restaurant for a taste of Latvian hospitality. Sample a selection of regional delicacies paired with locally brewed beer, then return to your awaiting ship.
Riga Motor Museum
View the array of vehicles on display at the Riga Motor Museum, a haven for car and motorsport enthusiasts.
Racing Cars, the Kremlin Collection and More
View the array of vehicles on display at the Riga Motor Museum, a haven for car and motorsport enthusiasts. Founded in 1989, this museum is home to the largest collection of historic vehicles in the Baltics. Begin with a panoramic drive through Riga, passing by landmarks including the Orthodox Cathedral and the Art Nouveau district en route to the museum. Upon arrival, set out to explore. Trace motoring’s golden eras from early engineering breakthroughs and 1930s “Silver Arrows” to Soviet classics. See the Kremlin Collection—luxury cars once used by Soviet leaders—and discover the story of the Auto Union V16, a series of legendary Grand Prix racing cars developed during the 1930s, famous for setting speed records. After viewing the exhibits, you will have time to browse the gift shop or pause for a refreshment overlooking the Biķernieki racetrack before returning to your ship.
The Kitchen Table
Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure.
Join Our Executive Chef for a Unique Market-To-Table Experience
Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure. Journey by mini-coach to the local market to handpick ingredients under the guidance of our Chef. Later this evening, you will dine on regional dishes prepared by our experienced culinary team, using produce from the market. As you and your fellow guests enjoy this delicious creation at The Kitchen Table, you will also observe the art of plating with each dish. From fresh market fare to cooking techniques and elegant presentation, experience firsthand how your ship’s world-class culinary staff brings distinct, local flavors from the market to your taste buds. It is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind opportunity to shop, interact and dine with the masters.
Please note: In the absence of a traditional food market in the destination, guests will visit various local stores for ingredients.
Craft Brewery Tasting
Learn about Riga’s brewing traditions during a visit to a local craft brewery and a sampling of beers.
Sample Latvian Beers
Learn about Riga’s brewing traditions during a visit to a local craft brewery and a sampling of beers. Riga’s rich brewing history dates back centuries, originating during the Middle Ages when the city was part of the Hanseatic League. Blending German and Baltic influences, today, it boasts a vibrant craft beer movement alongside its historic breweries. Journey to a local craft brewery and taproom, where you will hear stories of brewing through the centuries and gain insight into this enduring tradition. You will also have a guided tasting of four seasonal beers, each paired with light snacks to complement your tasting experience. After your visit, transfer to the old town and set out on a guided walk, passing by the Art Nouveau Cat House, the Dome Cathedral and other iconic landmarks en route back to your awaiting ship.
Central Market & Latvian Cooking Class
Explore offerings from an array of vendors at Riga’s Central Market and join a hands-on cooking class.
Visit a Historic Market and Learn How to Prepare Local Cuisine
Explore offerings from an array of vendors at Riga’s Central Market and join a hands-on cooking class. Begin with a drive by motor coach to the market, Europe’s largest bazaar and a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site covering Riga’s historic center. Its five vast pavilions, each specializing in different products, were ingeniously adapted from former German zeppelin hangars. Explore this 778,000-square-foot landmark with a local chef as your guide. In each pavilion, sample regional specialties from independent producers and learn about the market’s 19th-century red-brick warehouses, designed by renowned architects of the era. Continue to a nearby training kitchen, where your chef will share stories of Latvian culinary traditions. Join a hands-on cooking class, then settle in to enjoy your creations before returning to your ship.
Latvian History & the Museum of the Corner House
Visit the Museum of the Corner House to trace the development of Riga during and after the Soviet occupation.
Gain Insight into Life in Soviet Riga
Visit the Museum of the Corner House to trace the development of Riga during and after the Soviet occupation. Drive by motor coach along Riga’s boulevards, listening as your guide outlines the city’s pre‑WWI prosperity, the interwar republic and years under Soviet rule. Upon arrival at the Museum of the Corner House, housed within the former KGB headquarters, set out to view exhibits and preserved rooms that reveal the endurance of the local communities who resisted the Soviet regime. After your visit, continue to the old town for a guided walk. View the Freedom Monument and the Latvian National Opera, as well as the Three Brothers, a trio of historic houses considered the oldest residential buildings in the city. You will also see the Cat House, a 20th-century Art Nouveau-style building designed by architect Friedrich Scheffel, before returning to your awaiting ship.
Rundāle Palace
Visit the 18th-century Rundāle Palace, once the summer residence of the Dukes of Courland.
Step Inside a Former Noble Home
Visit the 18th-century Rundāle Palace, once the summer residence of the Dukes of Courland. Sip on a glass of chilled champagne as you travel by motor coach through the historic boulevards of Riga. See the Freedom Monument, built in honor of those who fought in the Latvian War of Independence, and pass by the Latvian National Opera House, considered one of the city’s finest 19th-century buildings. Continue through the art nouveau districts and the pastoral Zemgale region to reach the baroque-style Rundāle Palace. Here, you will have a guided tour of its lavish interiors, including the ceremonial throne room, known as the Golden Hall, and the Duke’s State Apartments, where you will enjoy a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Dukes of Courland. After a stroll through the formal gardens, you will have lunch at the on-site tavern before you return to your ship.
