9. Kurzeme (Courland)

The coast of the Riga Gulf and its historical structure. Talsi – one of the populated areas of the ancient Livs. Ethnographic and administrative region of Latvia – Kurzeme. Pearls of Kurzeme – Sabile and Kuldiga.

Itinerary of excursion:

1st day.
We depart from Riga in an early morning. Jurmala – city, which extends along the coast of Baltic Sea. Jurmala is divided into 16 administrative regions. The first settlement ground in Jurmala. Prosperity of the city and development of the resort as from 19th century. Lielupe, Bulduri, Dzintari, Dubulti – community centres of Jurmala. Jurmala as a resort is the place, which every summer is full of tourists and vacationers. Then flourishes characteristic cultural life of Jurmala and prospers industry of entertainment.
Kemeri – the oldest community of Jurmala, which is surrounded with an old stories and legends. Excursion.
Further road goes through Talsi. Excursion in Talsi. Talsi – the city on seven hillocks. One of the largest and the most fortified, and also economically the most developed city of the ancient Livs.
Talsi city – one of the largest trade routs during the 10th to 13th century. Road continue to Ventspils. City – seaport ashore the Baltic Sea. Visitation of Ventspils and sightseeing tour of its oldest part – historical centre. A passage by Venta’s entry with a small ship – “Duke Jacob” (“Hercogs Jekabs”).
Check–in at the hotel. Free time. Chance to go for a walk along the beach, which has a Blue Flag. At the evening – possibility to visit some of the cosy coffeehouses or to take a walk in the fine and clean city, which develops very fast, and are still improved and landscaped.

2nd day.
Breakfast. Visitation of Open-Air-Museum. Passage to the capital of Courland – Kuldiga. Sightseeing tour in the city, which is significant for those, who wants to get better acquainted with Kurzeme. Old city of Kuldiga and Catherine’s Church. City is unique with its characteristic wooden architecture of 18th to 19th century. The Venta Falls – widest waterfall in Latvia. Bridge over the Venta – the longest stone bridge in Europe. Riezupe sand caves – the longest cave labyrinth in Baltic States. They are man-made. Valley of the river Abava– unique nature protection object of UNESKO>
Sabile. Kandava and ruins of the Livonian Orders Castle.
We will return in Riga late at the evening.