Our first full day in Riga will begin with a nice cup of coffee or tea if you prefer. Remember there will always be coffee and tea at our accommodation for you to begin the day with the right foot! It is up to you to have breakfast at home (as you will have a fully equipped kitchen and supermarkets nearby) or you can go to one of the many cafeterias the city offers. We have a lot of suggestions! Do not worry, we are not skipping yoga today - Your first session with Elina takes place this morning. You can be sure of something, she is one of the kindest & friendliest souls you will cross paths with, as well as a yoga master, a tireless traveller and a healthy-living lover!

Once we are full of energy and life we will head to the historical centre of Riga. We will start with the obvious and see the main landmarks, so you know where they are (and understand how important they are when it comes to the history of the city) and you can then decide what to visit during your free time. What we really want to show you today is the little alleyway, the amazing art-nouveau architecture and the little hidden places only locals know about. This will not be your typical walk where you get dates and names that you will forget after a couple of hours. This will be a more intimate walk where you will find out what is not on Wikipedia. We want you to understand how the history of the city has shaped its culture and reality. A healthy lunch and coffee might also be part of the afternoon. What about tonight? Who knows! We love spontaneity. Remember, travel is an art, not a science!

Labrit! Today we are going for our first Escapade and it will be one you will not forget anytime soon. After an early breakfast & yoga session, we will head east towards Sigulda. This 1-hour drive will take us to a different era with its lush forest, ancient castles, unique adventures and stunning views of the Gauja river. If the weather allows it we will begin our adventure in Sigulda with an adrenaline rush by becoming professionals of one of the most impressive winter sports: Bobsleigh. Do not worry, members of the former Olympic team will take us through this adventure. We will then calm down by going to a locals house for a berry wine tasting and a brief masterclass on how to make one of Latvia’s most popular sweets: the berry zephyr. Our next stop will be Krimulda Manor in Gauja National Park; here we will have an included walking tour so we can discover all the secrets of medicinal herbs and taste Krimulda’s spring water. An included lunch awaits us as well as the opportunity to go on the cable car and enjoy breathtaking views of the Gauja River and its surroundings (optional). You can be sure it will be an amazing day away from Riga!

Today will be an easier day or maybe not? Up to you! After our usual relaxed morning where a healthy breakfast and yoga inspire us for the rest of the day, you can decide if you want to explore the city a bit better (we have a few suggestions), or maybe hop on a train or a bus to head to the beach or a lake for a swim. Do you feel like going further? The city of Kuldiga with its architecture and waterfalls is known as the "Venice of Latvia". It has also gained the right to be on the list of potential UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Renting a car is the best option and we can easily make it happen. Are you looking for more nature? Then Kemeri National Park might be your place. Enjoy this unique ecosystem and bird sanctuary and walk its boardwalks or cycle its paths and let mother nature soothe your soul. Latvia is our oyster!

Another exciting day is about to begin! We will not mention breakfast and yoga today (ups, we just did), but we will tell you all about our new adventure. Canoeing and hemp near the town of Mazsalaca are what this day is all about; it might sound simple but it is a great experience. Our first stop will be at a local farm where we will learn all the different uses of hemp in Latvia, from manufacturing ropes to a tasty dressing (that you will be able to try). We will also learn about the history of this farm, their old traditions and we will even take part in the mead milling process. We will then have a break for a bite to eat (not included), before going for the second half of our day trip. We will be canoeing down the Salaca river where we will connect with nature and enjoy the silence, whilst admiring the steep sandstone cliffs and lush forest. Are you ready for another amazing day?

Once in a while, it is ok to lay back and relax. Today is all about enjoying the city and doing what you really want to do. Maybe go and check out some of the quirky cafeterias the city has to offer or maybe hop on a bicycle and ride along the beautiful Daugava river. Are you into history? Then take your time and learn more about the Soviet past of the country and go even further back and learn what Latvia was like during the middle ages. The KGB building and the Ethnographic Museum are good places to start. Or are you into art? Then go and check out the Latvian National Museum of Art or the Museum of Art-Nouveau.   

This afternoon we could go and experience the local bar scene and get a feeling for musical tastes in the Baltic? Never a dull moment!

Today is our last full day together and we want to end this journey by sharing an experience that will truly make you feel like new. That’s why we will hop on a train to get to the beautiful coastal town of Jurmala to take part in a tradition that dates back to the 19th century. Not only our bodies will be washed but we will also escape the trouble of everyday life by witnessing a ritual that has been forged by the wisdom of their ancestors. Water poured over hot stones will set the perfect temperature before cooling down at a cold pond; exercising the blood vessels, strengthening the body and improving skin elasticity. However, what really makes Latvian sauna rituals is “swatting with switches”; both a massage and aromatherapy, where twigs from oak, linden or birch are used to scrub the body and get rid of dead cells. This ritual will take a big part of our day but we can always make time for a walk by the Baltic and maybe even a dip. Tonight, we will gather with our renewed bodies and spirits for our farewell dinner; once again, we will take you one of our personal favourites to end the day the way it deserves. Having a great time and sharing in great company is all we can ask for!

Today we experience that sour-sweet feeling. It is certainly sad saying bye but it is great knowing we have new friends from different corners of the world. This morning we leave our home for the last week and get ready for our next adventures. Please let us know if we can help you somehow!