Culture Weekends in Riga November – March, 4 days/3 nights

Day 1

Arrival in Riga, optional transfer to Hotel Radisson Blu Elizabete****, check-in; welcome meeting, optional welcome dinner at hotel.

Day 2

Riga, founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, 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 offers an optional tour to Riga Art Nouveau district and a visit to the Art Nouveau Museum. In the evening an optional contemporary Latvian cuisine dinner at Restaurant “3” is offered.

Day 3

In the morning we go to Kalnciema Quarter, a bright and lively spot in Riga, on the left bank of the Daugava River, in the green and colorful area of Pardaugava. It regularly hosts events for families and children, art exhibitions, plays, open-air concerts, and educational events. Kalnciema Quarter is particularly famous for its weekly market – ever since 2008, on Saturdays, local farmers and artisans have been bringing their versatile produce to Kalnciema Quarter. The cluster of renovated wooden buildings contains a Wooden Architecture center, wine shop and cafe, a restaurant, an art gallery and a design salon. Depending on departure date we continue exploring Riga:

GRW01: during week-end when Latvia celebrates its Independence Day urban lights festival “Staro Riga” takes place and we pay a visit to most prominent illuminated objects in the city. Visit takes place in the evening.

GRW02: we visit Riga Streetfood Festival, taking place in Riga Old Town. Every year chefs from 15 of Riga’s best restaurants accept the challenge to look for the characteristic taste of winter and brave the cold at the Riga Street Food Festival.

GRW03: we continue by exploring Riga arts and crafts and contemporary fashion and design, visiting local craftsman stores in the Old Town and learn about amber and knitted fabric tradition.

GRW04: we will celebrate Maslenitsa, oldest surviving Slavic holiday, reflecting Orthodox traditions, sometimes also called as pancake week-end. We will get acquainted with this tradition and enjoy degustation of pancakes.

The afternoon offers on optional guided visit to the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design (MDAD) has been open to the public since 6 July 1989. The museum has seven collections: textile art, ceramics, metal, leather, decorative wood and glaas art as well as a design collection. The permanent display introduces visitors to the work of Latvia’s leading artists in decorative art and design. It tells about the dominant styles and movements in the period from the end of the 19^th century to the present day. The evening offers an optional a ballet or opera performance at the Latvian National Opera.

Day 4

Optional transfer to airport.