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All Inclusive Honest History Tour - Āraiši, Cēsis, Līgatne, Sigulda

3 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 3 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Riga, Latvia
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from US$390.79 per person

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11 to 12 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

A private historical tour including a visit to the Soviet Bunker.
On this tour you'll learn everything about history of Latvians and their ancestors. We'll do this in chronological order: first Āraiši Lake Castle - an authentic reconstruction of a prehistoric fortified settlement. Then we move on to Cēsis Castle (1214), main base of Teutonic Knights in this region. Next is Līgatne, where you'll learn about industrial revolution in Russian Empire. After that - to Secret Soviet Bunker for a private visit - only your party and the guide, so you can ask all the questions you might have. And that's all the major periods of Latvian history covered! Finally we continue to Sigulda, catch some picturesque viewpoints and maybe do a little hiking or visit a cave if you're still not tired :)
All the tickets and a traditional Latvian meal for lunch are included.
The tour is customisable, so if you want to drop or add something, just let us know.

What's Included

  • Lunch
  • Private transportation
  • All Tickets and Entrance Fees
  • Tea and coffee Coffee and/or Tea
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Pick-up time and location can be negotiated.

What To Expect

Araisi Lake Dwelling Site

The Araisi Lake Castle is the only authentic reconstruction of a prehistoric fortified settlement in Northeastern Europe. The wooden village, built on a small, flooding island for protection, had been a permanent settlement of ancient Latgalians who arrived in the territory in the 9th-10th century. The lake settlement is a result of experimental archaeology and during its reconstruction copies of ancient tools and methods were used to give it maximum authenticity. We'll wander around the dwelling, have a peek in some houses, learn about the lifestyle of people who could be considered ancestors of modern day Latvians. Besides the Lake Castle, there's more to Āraiši Archaeological Park - there's a reconstruction of some Stone and Bronze Age dwellings, as well as ruins of medieval castle of Livonian Order. So a quick glance on those two, and then we can move on to Cēsis.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Cesis Medieval Castle

Cēsis castle was one of the most important footholds for the Teutonic Order in the Baltics during medieval times and now, 800 years later, it's the most impressive and well preserved castle ruins in Latvia. We'll start the visit with Riekstu Hill, an ancient hillfort once inhabited by the Vendi tribe, who invited the German crusaders to join them, before they finished their own castle. Then through the Castle park we'll go and explore the actual medieval castle, it's tower, inner yard and manor house which was added later. The castle suffered greatly in 1577, when, during the siege set by the army of Russian Tsar Ivan the Terrible, 300 people sought refuge in the castle and eventually committed suicide by blowing themselves up with gunpowder. With the rapid development of military equipment, the ancient fortress lost its military importance, but it was still inhabited until the end of the 17th century. And that's around the time when the first researchers started to look into it's history.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Cesis

Cēsis is not only one of the oldest but also one of the most Latvian towns. What started as a settlement of service people for the inhabitants of the castle of the Order of Livonian knights, very soon grew into a large town encompassing the castle, and later even joined Hanseatic League. Besides the rich history, Cēsis is also known as a regional centre of art, culture and recreation for more than 100 years. And the scenic landscapes! That alone would be a reason well enough to visit! We'll stroll through the streets of the Old Town, which has had - and still does - the same street network for hundreds of years, we'll see some parks and monuments, and have a little coffee and snack break before moving on to Līgatne.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Ligatne Paper Mill

Līgatne Paper Mill started producing in 1815 and very quickly became not only the biggest paper factory in Latvian territory, but also the whole Russian Empire. Besides regular writing paper, it produced paper for military maps, watermarked paper, etc. During the interwar period, Līgatne Paper Mill was exporting it's produce to all 5 continents. Unfortunately after almost 200 years of operation, it was closed in 2014, but we can still visit the "Historical center of Ligatne Paper Mill village" and see how the people used to live there. During a picturesque walk through the village and a little trail, we'll see not only the remains of factory buildings, but also "the barracks" - still populated living quarters of former employees - and maybe get a chance to look inside in one of the apartments.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Ligatne

Līgante is probably one of the most secluded Latvian towns, it's right in the heart of the Gauja National Park, rich in sandstone cliff outrcrops, some of which are used by inhabitants of the town as cellars. For hundreds of years people have been manually digging caves to use them as storage rooms for vegetables, wine, etc. There's even a legend of a guy who had dug a garage for his car in soviet years. Now some of the cave-cellars are open to public, so we can have a sneak-peek of what those cellars used to be, and what they are now. You have to be warned though - there are 8 species of bats who also use the caves for their winter dwelling. Līgatne is were we'll have lunch - Latvian traditional meal in a restaurant right on the riverbank.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

The Secret Soviet Bunker

A PRIVATE visit to the Secret Soviet Bunker - you'll be only joined by your tour guide and the bunker's local guide who will be happy to show you everything to see there and answer all of your questions. Built 9 meters under the ground, the bunker was intended to serve as a shelter for Latvia’s communist elite in case of a hypothetical nuclear war. Displayed at the shelter are authentic exhibits which have survived there from Soviet times. The secrecy of the huge bunker (2000 square meters; 21 500 square feet) was so great that even people who were working in the rehab centre right above didn't know about it's existence for 30 years. The bunker was supplied with things necessary to survive several months during a fallout including autonomous power plant with fuel reserves, air purifciation system with extra oxygen stock, water supply and sewage facilities, communication system complete with a direct hotline to Kremlin in Moscow and autonomous lines with all the key services in Latvia, strategic maps, a canteen, library with a collection of books by Marx, Lenin and the like, and obviously a whole bunch of contemporary household items, memorabilia, etc. The secrecy of the bunker was removed comparatively recently (2003) and all the authentic underground furnishings have been retained.
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1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Sigulda

Sigulda is considered the most scenic town of Latvia, but it's also a center of winter sports and great history. On this tour we'll focus on the nature, stop at a few viewpoints, cross the bridge over river Gauja, maybe stop for a cave, have a little hike if you're willing and so on.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the All Inclusive Honest History Tour – Āraiši, Cēsis, Līgatne, Sigulda?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EEST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-144956P6

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Reviews

5.00
3 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

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Frequently Asked Questions (6)

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the All Inclusive Honest History Tour – Āraiši, Cēsis, Līgatne, Sigulda?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EEST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Lunch.
  • Private transportation.
  • All Tickets and Entrance Fees.
The following is NOT included:
  • Tea and coffee. Coffee and/or Tea.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the All Inclusive Honest History Tour - Āraiši, Cēsis, Līgatne, Sigulda is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for All Inclusive Honest History Tour - Āraiši, Cēsis, Līgatne, Sigulda will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Lunch
  • Private transportation
  • All Tickets and Entrance Fees
  • Tea and coffeeCoffee and/or Tea

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Lowest Price Guarantee

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EEST).

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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