Excursion Riga art & architecture tour at Riga

Cruise line: Silversea
Difficulty:

Explore the largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture in the world during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion to Riga.

Riga, Art Nouveau District, Streets & Buildings

Depart the pier for the short drive to Riga’s Art Nouveau District. Riga is amongst the most exciting cities and tourist destinations in the Baltic states. The historical importance of Old Riga, with its charming medieval atmosphere and current renaissance of beautifully-restored old buildings, reveal the city’s authentic beauty. Overall, it is estimated that Riga possesses the largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture in the world. Upon arrival at Riga’s Art Nouveau District, take a guided walking tour through the main Art Nouveau streets of Strelnieku and Alberta. Along the way, marvel at various unforgettable examples of Art Nouveau buildings and architecture.

Latvian National Museum of Art, Boulevards, Parks, and Green Areas of Riga

Your art and architectural tour of Riga continues with a guided visit to the Latvian National Museum of Art. Here, approximately 500 works of art from the museum’s collection are housed on the 2nd-floor and 3rd-floor of the museum’s historic building. A highlight of your visit is the permanent exposition, ‘Latvian Art of the 19th–20th Centuries’, which presents an overview of Latvian art history over the course of two centuries. Afterward, re-board your coach for a scenic drive along the boulevards, parks, and charming green areas of Riga en route to the Old Town.

Old Town, Blackheads’ House, Churches, Guild Buildings, Daugava River, Agenskalns Market

Next, discover historic Old Riga on-foot and acquaint yourself with its churches and renovated buildings. Pass by the Blackheads’ House, 13th-century St. Peter’s, St. George’s, and St. John’s churches, then walk over to Livu Square. Upon arrival, marvel at buildings such as the Theatre of Russian Drama, large and small Guild houses, and other wonderful examples of Art Nouveau architecture. Before returning to the port, drive to the left side of the Daugava River to see its superb examples of wooden architecture, followed by a photo stop to capture a beautiful Riga panorama and some free time for shopping and a snack  at the Agenskalns Market. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach for the short drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Riga, Art Nouveau District, Streets & Buildings, Latvian National Museum of Art, Boulevards, Parks, Old Town, Churches, Daugava River, Agenskalns Market

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.24 miles (about two kilometres), at times over uneven, cobblestone, and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 40 steps at the Art Museum. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, bottled water, a sweater or light jacket, umbrella, and Euros or credit cards for purchases from the ship. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.