Kurzeme, Latvia's western region, offers travellers a stunning blend of deep pine forests, long beaches and rolling hills, dotted with graceful manors and fine old farmhouses.
On this full day tour, I will give you a delicious taste of this remarkable region!
I will pick you up from your hotel in Riga or Jurmala.
Our first stop will be at Jaunmoku Manor. I will guide you around this magnificent stately home and its extensive park, and we will visit the fascinating forestry museum on the upper floors of the mansion.
We move on to see the Kaive Oak of the Ancestors, which with a diameter of 10.4 metres and at over 800 years old is the biggest and oldest oak tree in the Baltics.
The next stop is Ružciems Manor House, a beautifully restored 600 year old residence.
The owner is artist Laila Kelle, and we can admire her paintings and interior designs.
Laila will serve us lunch made from seasonal, local ingredients, then will enjoy a walk in her beautiful garden.
We then head to the pretty town of Sabile in the picturesque Abava River Valley. Here we will see Sabile's Wine Hill, the world's most northerly outdoor vineyard.
Afterwards, we will pop into the pleasant Resto Terase cafe in Sabile for a glass of local wine or cider.
I recommend the cider Abava Forest, made from apples and quince with pine, forest berry and juniper berry essence. It's like Kurzeme in one divine mouthful!
Wander Old Riga's alleys, Art Nouveau boulevards, market stalls, and Soviet echoes.
Come on a fascinating walk or a day-long jaunt through Jurmala.
And revel in Sigulda's spectacular scenery.