11. Sigulda, Birini, Cesis

Sigulda – one of the centres of Livonia, which revives a memory of the mediaeval country structure. Cesis – fortification of the city. Valmiera – Hanseatic city of trade.

Itinerary of excursion:

1st day.
We depart from Riga in an early morning.
Road: Riga – Incukalns is one of the oldest Livonian overland routes. Turning point to Krimulda.
Turaida, its Castle and destinies of Livonian people trough centuries. The history of Turaidas castle building. Turaida nowadays. Garden of sculptures. The grave of Turaida Rose. Gutman’s Cave and Gauja – the historical border of the lands, which belonged to Riga Bishop and the Livonian Order. Livonian Castles – reflection of mediaeval centuries. Sigulda and its castle. Emergence of the court.
Birini Castle – one of the constructional samples of Latvian castles. Birini nowadays. Passage to Cesis. Free time. Check – in at the hotel. Quiet of the night.

2nd day.
Breakfast. Sightseeing tour in the city, we will visit the most interesting historical monuments. The building of Cesis Castle began in Middle ages (13th, 14th century). The Castle was one of the greatest mediaeval fortifications. Nowadays it is not only the significant part of the Vidzeme’s history, but also well-preserved fortification. 18th century’s Cesis Castle has a significant role also in the evolution of fortification construction. Visitation of the Cesis Castle’s park – a natural part of the architectural ensemble nowadays.
After the dinner we will go in the direction of Araisi and visit the only wooden castle on the lake – the first archaeological ethnographic museum in Baltic States. Sightseeing of Araisu Castle’s ruins.
We will return to Riga in the evening.