If you have an appetite for Europe’s lesser-known destinations, a taste of Latvian life should stimulate the senses. Tucked between Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south, Latvia is the meat of the Baltic sandwich, the savory middle, loaded with colorful fillings. Thick greens take the form of Gauja Valley pine forests peppered with castle ruins – though these days, as many people visit for adventure sports as medieval treasures. Onion-domed orthodox cathedrals cross the land from salty Liepāja to gritty Daugavpils. Cheesy Russian pop blares along the beach in Jūrmala. And capital Rīga adds an extra zing as the country’s cosmopolitan nexus, serving some sweet eye candy: Europe’s largest and loveliest collection of art nouveau architecture and cobbled lanes hidden behind gingerbread trim.

Getting to know the Baltic States

If you've an appetite for Europe’s lesser-known destinations, a taste of Latvian life should stimulate the senses. Tucked between Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south, Latvia is the meat of the Baltic sandwich, the savoury middle, loaded with colourful fillings. Thick greens take the form of Gauja Valley pine forests peppered with castle ruins – though these days as many people visit for adventure sports as medieval treasures. Onion-domed orthodox cathedrals cross the land from salty Liepāja to gritty Daugavpils. Cheesy Russian pop blares along the beach in Jūrmala. And capital Rīga adds an extra zing as the country’s cosmopolitan nexus, serving some sweet eye candy: Europe’s largest and loveliest collection of art nouveau architecture, and cobbled lanes hidden behind gingerbread trim.

Latvia is the meat of the Baltic sandwich

Arrive in Latvia to explore the largest Baltic capital, Riga, to purchase traditional Latvian meats, cheeses, produce, and honey at the famed Central Market. Venture a bit further south to explore the magnificent Rundale Palace, a must-see 18th-century Latvian masterpiece boasting Versailles-inspired French gardens, a whopping 138 rooms, and guided tours. Brimming with natural beauty, skip the crowds and celebrate this seemingly unexplored corner of Europe.

Customized travel to Latvia. Tour medieval castles, make a city stop-over in Riga and visit small seaside towns along the Baltic Sea. Local travel. Responsible travel.

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Latvia

Arrive in Latvia to explore the largest Baltic capital, Riga, to purchase traditional Latvian meats, cheeses, produce, and honey at the famed Central Market. Venture a bit further south to explore the magnificent Rundale Palace, a must-see 18th-century Latvian masterpiece boasting Versailles-inspired French gardens, a whopping 138 rooms, and guided tours.