SIGULDA - City Tour, Ostrich Farm, Paradise Hill & Beekeeping

TRIP PROGRAMME

Departure from Origo shopping centre at 8:00 (Satekles and Elizabetes Street intersection).

Sigulda is located 53 km from Riga. In summer, when the weather is good, the town attracts visitors looking for active recreation. In autumn, when the trees are at their most colourful, almost everyone from Riga and other Latvian cities comes to Sigulda. In winter, the town becomes Latvia’s main mountain skiing destination, with specially equipped ski and sledding slopes.

The Sigulda Bobsleigh and Luge Track was built in 1986 and is designed for both bobsleigh and luge. The track is 1,420 metres long and features 16 curves. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to go up and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Sigulda.

Lielā Velnala (Devil’s Cave) is located at the foot of a 15-metre-high cliff in the southern part of the Sigulda–Krimulda–Turaida tourist area. It is approximately 3 km from the Sigulda Bridge, on the right bank of the Gauja River. The entrance to the cave is 8 metres above ground and can be clearly seen from the viewing platform specially built on the opposite bank. Entering the cave is not permitted due to safety concerns. Instead, you can stay on the left bank, where there is an opportunity to have a picnic, enjoy lunch, and take beautiful photographs.

Paradise Hill (Artists’ Hill) is considered one of the most picturesque places in Sigulda. It was already mentioned in German guidebooks as early as the 19th century. From here, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Gauja Valley, with visibility extending up to 12 km. Famous Latvian artists Jūlijs Feders and Vilhelms Purvītis used the viewing area at Paradise Hill as inspiration for their paintings, which is why the site became known as Artists’ Hill.

You will also have the opportunity to feed the swans and ducks at the famous Sigulda Pond, visit the Walking Stick Square, and, on the way back, stop near Krimulda Church, next to which you will find a well-known maze.

You will have a unique opportunity to visit Sigulda’s only professional beekeeper. The honey produced here is used to make “honey beer”, which is sold at Lido. You will be able to taste natural honey, hear stories about the honey-making process, and, of course, purchase some of this delicious local product.

“Indrani” was established in 2005. The company created an ostrich farm covering a total of 40 hectares within the Gauja National Park reserve. The “Indrani” ostrich farm has its own self-sufficient agricultural cycle: the forest provides space for enclosures and pastures, while vegetables and grain can be grown and hay prepared to feed the animals. The farm invites visitors to see both large and small ostriches, learn about the breeding process, and take a walk through the countryside while enjoying the fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Arrival in Riga in the evening.

Included in the Price:

• Travel by a modern tourist-class coach

• Transportation and road-related services

• Guide/group leader services (in Latvian and Russian)

Additional Costs (Optional):

• Bobsleigh and Luge Track

• Beekeeper visit

• “Indrani” Ostrich Farm