Let me show you around my beautiful little country. We are a tiny little country tucked away in the northeastern corner of Europe. Geopolitically sandwiched between great European powers, we have a colourful history, rich traditions, charming folk music and delicious food. Give us a try!
— Daiga
Now Booking
Thank you for considering Latvia as part of your travels. Each of my excursions departs from Riga in the morning and I'll have you back by evening — a full day together, thoughtfully planned so you get the most out of every hour.
Baroque grandeur, medieval history, local flavours, and traditional Latvian beer.
Medieval castles, artisan bread, ancient forests, and the "Switzerland of Latvia."
Sandy beaches, Art Nouveau villas, and the salty Baltic air.
Rothko Art Centre, fortress, and the Land of Blue Lakes.
Wild beaches, Karosta military history, Latvia's music capital.
Medieval churches, hidden courtyards, and 800 years of history on foot.
Europe's finest Art Nouveau façades — the stories behind them.
See Riga the way locals live it — hop on, hop off, discover.
One of Europe's oldest open-air museums, set in a pine forest by a lake.
Explore Riga Central Market and discover the flavours of traditional Latvian cuisine.
A full-day guided excursion south from Riga into the Zemgale countryside by air-conditioned minibus. Baroque grandeur, medieval history, local flavours, and traditional Latvian beer — all in one memorable day. By the end, I hope you leave feeling you have used your day well, seen something special, and made warm memories of Latvia's history, landscapes, flavours, and stories.
Our day begins with a comfortable drive south from Riga in an air-conditioned minibus. Along the way, I share stories that help bring the landscape to life — the rise of Baltic German nobility, the ambitions of dukes and empires, and the everyday lives of people who lived in the shadow of great estates.
The highlight of the day is Rundāle Palace, often called the "Versailles of the Baltics." I accompany you through the palace myself, with the visit supported by a digital audio guide hired on site. On some dates, if a licensed palace guide is available, we may also arrange one to join our group at no extra cost. When that happens, please see it as a complimentary enhancement rather than a guaranteed inclusion, as availability can depend on palace logistics rather than cost considerations on our side.
After the palace visit, we stop for a relaxed sit-down lunch with a drink, giving you the chance to unwind and enjoy local flavours. Customers pay for their own food and drinks, directly to the restaurant. I would be on hand to guide you through the menu and be able to recommend local delicacies if you require assistance.
From there, we continue to Bauska Castle, where the atmosphere shifts from elegance to strategy. This medieval fortress once guarded important trade routes and river crossings, and its ruins reveal the region's turbulent borderland history.
We then visit a local brewery, where you'll learn about Latvian brewing traditions and enjoy a tasting before the drive back to Riga.
By then, I hope you leave feeling you have used your day well, seen something special, and made warm memories of Latvia's history, landscapes, flavours, and stories.
We meet at the designated meeting point in central Riga and head south in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus. Along the way, I share stories about the Zemgale region — the rise of Baltic German nobility, the ambitions of dukes and empires, and the everyday lives of people who lived in the shadow of great estates.
The highlight of the day. I accompany you through the palace myself, with the visit supported by a digital audio guide hired on site. On some dates, a licensed palace guide may join our group as a complimentary enhancement. You'll have time to explore the beautifully restored French formal gardens at your own pace.
We stop for a relaxed sit-down lunch with a drink at a local restaurant. You pay for your own food and drinks directly to the restaurant. I'll be on hand to guide you through the menu and recommend local delicacies if you'd like.
The atmosphere shifts from elegance to strategy. This medieval fortress once guarded important trade routes and river crossings. Its ruins reveal the region's turbulent borderland history — I'll walk you through the centuries of conflict and power that shaped this corner of Europe.
Our final stop is at a local brewery that brews traditional lager using Latvian recipes. They've made a conscious decision to stay local and don't export — so this is beer you can only taste here in Latvia. You'll learn about their brewing traditions and enjoy a tasting before we begin the drive back to Riga.
We arrive back in Riga by early evening. By then, I hope you leave feeling you have used your day well, seen something special, and made warm memories.
We meet at a designated point in central Riga — exact details are shared when you book. The meeting point is easily reachable by public transport.
I accompany you through Rundāle Palace myself. The visit is supported by a digital audio guide hired on site. On some dates, if a licensed palace guide is available, they may join our group at no extra cost — please see this as a complimentary enhancement rather than a guaranteed inclusion.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must — Bauska Castle involves some uneven surfaces and stairs. Dress in layers, especially in spring and autumn when the weather can change during the day.
Rundāle Palace is partially accessible for wheelchair users (ground floor). Bauska Castle involves stairs and uneven terrain. Please let me know in advance if you have any mobility concerns and I'll do my best to accommodate.
Children are very welcome. The castle and brewery visit tend to be a hit with kids. Let me know the ages of your children when you book and I'll plan accordingly.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the excursion for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.
A full-day guided excursion east from Riga into the Gauja National Park — Latvia's most dramatic landscape. Medieval castles, artisan bread baking, a charming Latvian country lunch, ancient forests, and the viewpoints that earned this valley its nickname: the Switzerland of Latvia.
Our day begins with a comfortable drive east from Riga towards Cēsis, one of Latvia's oldest and most charming towns. Along the way, the flat Riga plain gives way to rolling hills, dense pine forests, and the unmistakable sense that you're entering a different Latvia — wilder, quieter, and deeply connected to the land.
Our first stop is an artisan bread maker on the outskirts of Cēsis. Latvian dark rye bread isn't just food — it's practically a national symbol. You'll see how it's made the traditional way, learn why every Latvian family has an opinion about bread, and taste it fresh from the oven. It's the kind of experience that sets the tone for the whole day: authentic, unhurried, and impossible to find on your own.
From there, we walk through the charming old town of Cēsis — cobbled streets, colourful wooden houses, and the kind of quiet beauty that makes you want to slow down. Then we enter Cēsis Castle, one of the most atmospheric medieval sites in the Baltics. Built by the Livonian Order in the 13th century, the castle offers a unique experience: you explore the towers by candlelight, with a lantern in hand. It's genuinely magical, and nothing like the polished museum experience you might expect.
Lunch is at a typical Latvian cafeteria in Cēsis — honest, hearty food at honest prices. This is how locals eat, not a tourist restaurant, and the food is excellent.
In the afternoon, we drive into the heart of the Gauja Valley towards Sigulda. First, the ruins of Sigulda Castle and the neighbouring New Castle, now a museum. Then a short drive to Turaida Castle — the iconic red-brick fortress overlooking the valley, surrounded by the Turaida Reserve Museum with its sculpture garden, wooden church, and folk buildings.
Before heading back to Riga, we stop at a photography vantage point for the view that gave the valley its famous nickname: the Switzerland of Latvia. In autumn, when the forest canopy turns gold and crimson, it's one of the most beautiful sights in the country. In summer, the endless green is equally breathtaking in its own quiet way.
We arrive back in Riga by early evening — with a head full of castles, the taste of dark bread still on your tongue, and the feeling that you've seen something most visitors to Latvia never discover.
We meet at the designated meeting point in central Riga and head east in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus. The drive to Cēsis takes about 90 minutes — I'll share stories about the Gauja Valley, the Livonian Order, and why this region feels like a different country.
Our first stop: a hands-on visit to a traditional Latvian bread maker. Tour the bakery, learn about dark rye bread's sacred place in Latvian culture, and taste it warm. Approximately 30 minutes.
A 30-minute guided walk through the charming streets of old Cēsis — cobblestones, colourful facades, local stories, and a feel for one of Latvia's most beloved small towns.
The highlight of the morning. A 90-minute guided tour of the medieval Livonian Order castle. Explore the towers by candlelight with a lantern — it's atmospheric, immersive, and utterly unique. The castle grounds and park are included.
Relaxed lunch at a local Latvian cafeteria. Hearty, traditional food at local prices. You pay for your own food and drinks directly. I'll guide you through the menu and help with recommendations.
A short drive south into the Gauja Valley. We visit the atmospheric ruins of the medieval Sigulda Castle and the neighbouring New Castle, now a museum with excellent exhibits on the region's history.
The iconic red-brick Turaida Castle overlooking the Gauja. Inside: a museum, panoramic tower views, and the legend of the Rose of Turaida. The surrounding reserve includes a sculpture garden, a historic wooden church, and traditional Latvian folk buildings.
A quick optional stop at the famous photography vantage point over the Gauja Valley. The view that earned this region its nickname — spectacular in any season, extraordinary in autumn.
We arrive back in Riga by early evening. A full day of castles, bread, forests, and stories — the Latvia most visitors never see.
We meet at a designated point in central Riga at 8:30 — exact details are shared when you book. The meeting point is easily reachable by public transport.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential — Cēsis Castle has uneven medieval surfaces and stairs, and Turaida involves some hillside walking. Dress in layers, especially in spring and autumn.
Some parts of Cēsis Castle and Turaida involve stairs and uneven terrain. Please let me know in advance if you have mobility concerns and I'll plan the best route possible.
Children love this excursion — the candlelit castle towers, the bread tasting, and the forests are all big hits. Let me know the ages when you book and I'll plan accordingly.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the excursion for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.
No commitment until you're happy with everything.
What Our Guests Say
"I had a day that I will always value. Daiga and her team are thoughtful and generous and I learned so much about Latvia and what makes this country special. Every stop was fantastic. Thank you for a wonderful and memorable day."
Verified booking on GetYourGuide
"Daiga and her group are extraordinary — friendly, enthusiastic, and well-prepared. The entire trip was one exciting discovery after another. Rundāle Palace is a jewel, Bauska Castle is rich with history, and the brewery visit was a perfect way to end the day. They deserve 10 stars!"
Verified booking on GetYourGuide
Your Guide
Thank you for finding your way to my little corner of the internet — and for considering a visit to Latvia. It means more than you might think.
I started Barefoot Baltic because I noticed that many visitors to Riga only scratch the surface. They see the Old Town, which is beautiful, but they miss so much. The baroque palace an hour south where dukes once hosted lavish balls. The medieval castle perched between two rivers. The local brewery where they brew traditional lager using recipes they're proud of and choose not to export. These are the things that make Latvia special, and I wanted to make them easy for visitors to experience.
I'm not a big tour company. It's just me, a comfortable car, and a deep love for showing people around my country. When you book with me, you'll spend the day with someone who is genuinely grateful you're here and wants to make sure you leave with warm memories of Latvia.
If you book directly with me, you'll always pay less than on any booking platform — that's a guarantee. But more than that, you get to speak with me personally. I can answer your questions, suggest the best day for your visit, and make sure everything is tailored to what you'd enjoy most. That's something no booking platform can offer.
Licensed & Insured
Barefoot Baltic is a fully registered and authorised Latvian tour operator. We carry all the insurance, licensing, and government registrations required to operate professionally and keep you safe.
Barefoot Baltic is registered with Latvia's Consumer Rights Protection Centre (PTAC) as an authorised tourism services provider. Your advance payments are protected by a tour operator bond insurance policy (BTA Policy LV25-35-10000024-5), ensuring your money is safe even in the unlikely event we cannot deliver your tour. PTAC is the government body that oversees consumer protection in Latvia.
PTAC: Patērētāju tiesību aizsardzības centrs · Reg. Nr. 90000068854 · Brīvības iela 55, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia
Verify at ptac.gov.lv →
We carry comprehensive civil liability insurance with coverage up to €1,000,000 per period, protecting our guests against any eventualities during a tour — personal injury, property damage, and non-material damages are all covered. Our insurer is AAS "BTA Baltic Insurance Company" (Vienna Insurance Group), one of the leading insurers in the Baltic states. We have never had a claim — but should the need arise, you are fully protected.
On 26 November 2025, VSIA "Autotransporta direkcija" (ATD — Latvia's Road Transport Directorate) granted us Special Permit (Licence) No. PS-01995 for commercial passenger transportation by bus, valid from 26.11.2025 to 25.11.2035. This is an EU Community Licence, meaning we are authorised to operate passenger transport across all EU and EEA member states.
Verify at atd.lv →
You'll travel in our own 2025 Ford Transit (Reg. OG478) — a modern, air-conditioned minibus with comfortable seating for up to 15 guests. It's maintained to the highest standards and inspected regularly.
The vehicle carries full OCTA (mandatory third-party liability) and KASKO (comprehensive) insurance, both valid across the entire European Economic Area. Our OCTA liability limits are €1,050,000 for property and €5,210,000 for personal injury — far exceeding the minimum requirements.
All our insurance is provided by AAS "BTA Baltic Insurance Company" (Reg. 40103840140), part of Vienna Insurance Group, one of the largest and most trusted insurers in Central and Eastern Europe.
Barefoot Baltic is a trading name of Ronda Sprints Solutions SIA · Registration No. 40203595104 · Brīvības gatve 418-27, Rīga, LV-1024, Latvia · Registered with PTAC (Patērētāju tiesību aizsardzības centrs, Reg. Nr. 90000068854, Brīvības iela 55, Rīga, LV-1010) as an authorised tourism services provider · ATD Special Permit (Licence) No. PS-01995 for commercial passenger transport (valid 26.11.2025–25.11.2035) · Civil liability insured by AAS "BTA Baltic Insurance Company" (Reg. 40103840140) · Tour operator bond insurance: BTA Policy LV25-35-10000024-5 · All tours operate under Latvian law · For complaints or escalations regarding consumer rights, please contact PTAC at ptac.gov.lv.
Let's Talk
Whether you're just beginning to plan your visit to Latvia or you already have dates in mind, the easiest way to book is to reach out to me directly. A WhatsApp message, a phone call, or an email — whatever suits you. I'll get back to you quickly and we'll find the perfect day for your excursion. No forms, no automated replies — just me.
I understand some travellers prefer booking through a platform they already trust — and that's perfectly fine. You're welcome to book through GetYourGuide or Viator too. Just know that my direct price is always the best one.
