Daugavpils

Discover Latgale and its fascinating capital Daugavpils in Latvia's most eastern corner near Belarus. Get to know more about Daugavpils' history by visiting the most important sites and dream away in the picturesque villages and forests surrounding this unique city.

If you want a taste of real the real post-Soviet part of Latvia, Daugavpils is where you want to go. Dominated by ethnic Russians and close to the border of Belarus and Russia, this city is a world on its own and has a very different atmosphere than Riga. Daugavpils is located in Latgale, a region which is already a small country on its own, home to a proud group of people with their own language and traditions and a strong catholic dominance. As Daugavpils is a three hour ride from Riga and there is plenty to see in the region, it's best not to rush and to stay overnight. Your tour will start around 9 am when you'll be picked up from your hotel in Riga and the long drive to Daugavpils will give you the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Latvian landscape with a wide variety landforms and interesting little towns passing by as you progress to the city.

Once in Daugavpils you'll have the chance to try local specialities for lunch and after tasty lunch your city tour will start! Today you'll be visiting the lead shot factory with the oldest shot tower in Europe, an important part of Europe's industrial heritage. During your guided tour you'll get to know more about the plant's history and how the ammunition is made. The factory is an exciting place full of history and you'll get the feeling to be thrown back in time. Also on today's to-do list is the famous Daugavpils Fortress near the Daugava River, the only 19th century fortress in Eastern Europe that is virtually unchanged. During the late afternoon we will explore more if Daugavpils' historic town center and Church Hill, gathering the churches of four different confessions, a most unique and exciting place! This evening you will enjoy some free time to explore the city's night life by yourself. Be sure to try some of the Russian or Belarussian cuisine while you have the chance. And don't forget about the wide range and tasty Latvian beers available!

After breakfast we will further explore the region of Latgale, giving you the chance to get to know more about the rural life in the surrounding villages and see the beautiful scenery along the Daugava River banks. We will first head to Kaplava, a village with a small, but interesting old orthodox church and afterwards it's time to Kraslava, a small charming little town near the border with Belarus. We will visit it's historic center and get some spectacular views of the Daugava River. After Kraslava it's time to head back to Riga and have some authentic Latvian lunch in one of the many villages among the route. Enjoy your last hours through the countryside and dream about all the adventures you've had during the last two days.


Daugavpils

Daugavpils is the second largest city in Latvia after Riga and is situated in the south-east of Latvia, close to Belarus and Lithuania. It is an important economic and cultural town and also home to a university. The city was founded in the thirteenth century by the Livonian Knights and because of its strategic location next to the Daugava River it has been an important trading center ever since. The many castles and fortresses have been destroyed during several wars, but the Daugavpils Fortress, constructed in 1810 has been used for various military purposes until 1993 when the last Russian soldiers left Latvia. There are several red-brick baroque houses as well as many art nouveau buildings in the historical center. Your visit to Daugavpils will bring you also to Church HIll with four different churches from four different confessions: Lutheran, Catholic, Orthodox and the Church of the Old Believers. 

Kraslava

Kraslava is a small town, home to 11.000 inhabitants and is close to the border with Belarus. The town is embraced with the waters of the Daugava and hugged by dusky pines and fir trees. Kraslava is situated in the most beautiful corner of Latgale, the 'Land of the blue lak's. To feel the charm of this town, we will stroll around the silent streets, view the old wooden houses and explore the castle with its park and of crouse, the churches and castle mounds. 

Tour includes

- Professional local, enthusiastic guide
- Transportation
- Pick-up and drop-off from/to your hotel in Riga
- Accommodation
- Breakfast in Daugavpils
- Entrance to all visited sites
- Guided tour in Lead Shot Factory
- Guided tour in Daugavpils Fortress
- Guided tour of Daugavpils city center
- Guided tour of Kraslava and its castle
- Visit to Kaplava and the Kaplava Orthodox Church
- Scenic walk next to the Daugava River in Kaplava