Culture/Food & Fun Filled 4 Day Weekend Break to Riga. Latvia's Capital City.
Details
Let's spend a weekend in the stunning Latvian capital that is "Riga". Just at the end of the summer we should still get the chance to experience some pleasant weather but without the tourists in mass and the long queues.....
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Riga has an old soul and a young heart. It’s risen phoenix-like from a turbulent past to claim its crown as one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals. Among its stunning Art Nouveau buildings and storybook neighbourhoods, you’ll find prolific poets, innovative theatres, and noisy markets filled with Latvian dishes.
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I have booked Travel Buddies 7 twin rooms in a 3 star hotel in the centre of Riga, Latvia’s capital and largest city, is a cultural centre with museums and concert halls and is known for its wooden buildings, medieval Old Town and art nouveau architecture. Set on the Baltic Sea at the mouth of the River Daugava.Riga's Old City and its abundance of bars and restaurants can be explored on foot. The New Town is easily reached by an efficient and modern bus and tram network.
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We will be staying in twin rooms with en-suite bathroom for 3 nights and breakfast is included each morning. You will be paired with a likeminded Travel Buddy unless there is someone that you plan to share with when you join up to the trip, in which case just let me know and I will put you down as roomies. Alternatively, you can choose to have a room to yourself for a supplement of £85 for three nights, you will just need to let me know if you would like this when you RSVP and will need to pay the extra when the balance for the trip is due.
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The hotel is award-winning and only 100 yards from the banks of the Daugava River. Located in a quiet street in Riga’s Old Town, within walking distance from all the main attractions, it offers free access to its well-equipped gym. A spa & wellness centre with a hot tub and a sauna, as well as various treatments, is also available (at an extra cost). Ironing and tea/coffee making facilities are available in every room.
The cosy and elegant lobby-bar features a summer terrace, while the on-site restaurant serves European and Latvian cuisine with a choice of vegetarian dishes. The hotel serves full buffet breakfast with a wide choice of hot and cold dishes and sparkling wine. The reception desk is open 24 hours a day.
Riga’s Central Station is 10 minutes' walking distance from the hotel, as are the Monument of Freedom and Laima Clocks. Riga Central Market, a UNESCO World Heritage site is 200 yards away from Rixwell Old Riga Palace Hotel.
Itinerary.
Day 1.
After meeting at East Midlands airport we will board our flight and arrive in Latvia at around midday where we will take a private transfer to our hotel (approx. 20 mins). After settling in to our hotel we will take a short walk in to the city where we will set off on a 2-3 hour bike ride. (helmets are provided).
The bike tour is perfect for city explorers who enjoy riding to lesser-seen corners, war memorials, deserted districts and strange little cafes. If you want to get to know Riga, it is more about riding and storytelling than filling your head with too many boring dates and numbers.
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Along the way weu’ll pass a number of funky cafes, bars and galleries, and some cultural hotspots so, when the tour finishes, we’ll have a great idea of what to do with the rest of our time in Riga. We may even pop into one of the cafes for a quick pit stop!
Please note that although the bike tour is included in the price of the trip it is not compulsory so please don't let it put you off coming along. You will just need to let me know if you don't wish to take part.
After a little time to relax at the hotel we will head out to dinner close by in the city, somewhere that serves Traditional Slovakian food for a reasonable price. I will book the dinner for each evening before we go on the trip as it is a lot easier when there is a large group. I tend to have a good look on trip advisor and find some great local places that are not too expensive but feature traditional food and dining experiences. This said, if there is one evening that you don't fancy joining for dinner and like the thought of going off and having a look around yourself, or with a couple of others, that isn't a problem at all.
The top rated restaurant in Riga is called Milda and main courses are from 7 Euros. I plan to book us a table here for the first evening. It is a 16 minute walk from our hotel.
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Day 2.
After a good breakfast at the hotel we will take a short walk to St Peters church late morning to go on a walking tour of the city. This will last approx. 2-2.5 hours and is very leisurely paced. we should then have started to get our bearings of the city and can decide what we fancy visiting during the rest of the trip.
During the afternoon we can go off exploring, some Travel Buddies have a good idea what they want to visit when we go on a trip and have done a bit of research beforehand and others don't have a clue and prefer to wait until we get there. We find that whatever someone wants to do/see, there will be other that fancy it too so everyone gets to do as they pleas and no-one is left on their own....... in case you fancy going off for a wander, in which case, that is fine too.
Here are a few of the "MUST SEE" sights in Riga........
Alberta Lela
Albert Street is a street in Riga known for its Art Nouveau buildings. It is named after Bishop Albert who founded Riga in 1201.
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Riga Old Town
Old Town Riga is a popular entertainment district in the historical and geographical center of the Latvian capital, featuring cobble-stone streets and an abundance of architectural gems.
You may fancy taking a cruise along the dauvaga river......
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Agenskaln's District
We can cross the river Daugava where leafy Ageskalns’s cobbled streets are full of quirky museums built to pay homage to poets, stage artists, and railways. In lush Victory Park, the Victory Memorial to Soviet Army is a controversial point of interest. On Saturdays wander the authentic markets at Kalnciema kvartāls in search of local treats like sparkling birch tree wine.
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Day 3.
We have the whole day to do as we please and explore the city.
We will arrange a time to meet for breakfast and then head out from there, if you fancy a lie in, then that's fine, you can always catch us up later!
Essential's on the to do list when inn Riga is visit .....
Central Market
Riga Central Market is Europe's largest market and bazaar. It is one of the most notable structures from 20th century in Latvia and has been included in UNESCO World Heritage Site list together with Old Riga in 1998.The markets are housed in five old Zeppelin hangars - four adjoining each other and another one slightly separated from the others. here you can try a variety of scrummy local foods as well as browse the clothing and craft market halls.
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KGB Building File No. 1914/2014
For the history lovers amongst us. The Corner House, a project by the Occupation Museum, provides the opportunity for the wider public to gain insight into the former KGB, or ‘Cheka’, headquarters in Riga. Visitors are able to view jail cells, dungeons, strolling areas, the lift for the interrogated and office workspace. It is a revelation for the young generation and foreign tourists as well as a memorial for those who suffered within these walls. The entrance to this exhibition is free.
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Freedom Monument
The Freedom Monument is a memorial honouring soldiers killed during the Latvian War of Independence. It is considered an important symbol of the freedom, independence, and sovereignty of Latvia.
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Evening meal will be booked beforehand although it is not compulsory that everyone comes.
There really is so much to see and do in this city to suit all different tastes.
I could go on for days! Here is a link for a guide as what to do in Riga in 48 hours if you fancy taking a look.
http://www.inyourpocket.com/riga/Riga-in-48-hours_73407f
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Day 4.
After a relaxing breakfast we will take our private transfer to the airport at around 10.15 to get our flight back to the UK.
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Cost.
The cost of the trip is £199. You will need to pay £50 upon RSVP'ing and this will secure your place. The remaining balance of £149 will need to be paid by Sunday 31st July, in to the following account, Please make a note in your diary.
Miss Emma L Hickman
Sort Code 30-94-93
Account Number 02111198.
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What is included
*Transfers Private airport pick-up and drop-off.
*Accommodation 3 nights in a basic 3 star hotel with en suite bathroom. You are able to have a single room for the trip but there is a supplement of £85 for the 3 nights. When you sign up to the trip you will be asked if you would like this.
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FREE walking tour.(we will be encouraged to leave a tip of however much we see appropriate)
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Bicycle tour.
*Breakfast each morning
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What is NOT included.
*Flights, you will need to book your own. All details below. I booked mine today 12.03 and the price was £83.98 Return from East Midlands. Flying with Ryanair.
*Lunches and dinners. Very reasonably priced.
*Any tours/Entrance fees other than those listed above. (Entrance fees are really reasonable should you wish to do some sight seeing in Riga and you can google the prices prior to going.)
Flight Information.
You are responsible for booking your own flights, and ensuring that you comply with baggage requirements.
Flights are with Ryanair and are as follows:
Fri 30-09-16 Flight No FR1664 Depart East Midlands 07.20 Arrive Riga 12.05
Mon 03-10-16 Flight No FR1665 Depart Riga 12.35 Arrive East Midlands 13.30
Flight Price today is £.83.98 If you are sure that you would like to joining the trip then I would recommend that you get your flight booked as soon as possible as prices will rise as the plane get's fuller and the closer it gets to the departure date.
Please make sure you have adequate insurance for this trip and any activities that you may be taking part in whilst we are away.
Looking forward to exploring Riga and finding out all about Latvia! Hope you will join us.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Hope you can make it,
Emma
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