The tours are rearraged according to Scientific programme.  

6th July -  Liepāja & West Coast. The longest of the tours. 

7th July - Short tour to Sigulda and Turaida. After the tour group will ride directly to Conference Excursion. 

8th July - Riga and Jurmala.

Please, inform us on your arrival a day prior to accompanying tours or registring at the conference desk. 

The first tour starting point is Riflemen square ("Strelnieku laukums") situated right at the beginning of the Stone Brigde. 

For specific questions contact tours manager Svetlana Zaumane.

email: svetlana@jekaba.lv

TOUR 1: Liepāja & West Coast

• Liepaja Naval Port - A part of Liepaja City which at the end of the 19th century developed as a permanent urban setting for the base of the Navy of Czarist Russia. Apart from numerous military buildings, a magnificent Orthodox Cathedral (1900 − 1903), a prison and a system of defence forts has been preserved here. The Military Port – Karosta – as an independent urban environment developed at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century;
• The Northern Forts - are a part of Liepaja’s fortress. The fortress was built at the end of the 19th century and at the beginning of 20th century to provide the protection of Liepaja’s naval base in case of enemy attack. The line of the outer fortification system surrounded the whole city;
• Liepaja  - is an ancient city on the Baltic Sea east coast, located between the sea and Liepaja Lake, where people have been living for more than 750 years. Liepaja is a city of music and culture;
• The Blue Flag Beach -  free time near the sea. This is a proof to the compliance with 29 criteria concerning the water quality, the safety of the coast, security, the availability of services, environmental education measures and information.

 TOUR 2: Sigulda & Turaida Museum Reserve

Transfer from Riga to  Sigulda.

Before we get acquainted with Riga we have the possibility of discovering medieval Latvia. 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. The afternoon offers an optional visit to the Ethnographical Open Air Museum, a spacious exposition of 18th century country life. The evening offers an optional organ concert at the Dome Cathedral.

You will visit Sigulda  New Castle of the 19th century and see the ruins of Sigulda Old Castle.  Air tram will take you across the Gauja river to the recently renewed medieval  Castle of Turaida. You can climb its tower to enjoy the breathtaking landscape of the  Gauja River Valley from above.

You will see the memorial place of Maija, also known as  Rose of Turaida. A legend of the 17th century tells of a beautiful and proud girl who sacrificed her life to save her love and honour.

At a blacksmith's forge you can see the process of forging and even participate in it (open only on working days).

The route will take you down to the  Gutmanis Cave - the biggest sandstone cave in the Baltic States.

TOUR 3: Rīga & Jūrmala

Founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, Riga 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 afternoon is reserved for an optional visit to Jurmala, the vibrant Latvian sea resort, famous for its wooden architecture and sandy beaches.