The Stunning National Parks of Latvia
From mystical forests to never-ending bogs to breathtaking lakes, Latvia is a wonderful country for people who enjoy spending time out in nature. Even though there are no big mountains or jungles in Latvia, you’ll be amazed at the delicate and untouched national parks, which feel like a fairytale.
Gauja National Park
Gauja National Park, established in 1978, is the biggest national park in Latvia, located in Gauja Valley nest to Valmiera. The biggest attractions in Gauja National Park are ancient sandstone outcrops, huge cliffs, and dark caves. You would definitely need more than a couple of days to visit all these beautiful places. Apart from nature, the visitors can also visit over 500 historic monuments, such as castle ruins, windmills, and churches, which were built centuries ago.
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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
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2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
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3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
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2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
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3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
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2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
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3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
People who enjoy sportier activities can hike one of the many trails, cycle around the forests, take a boat ride on the Gauja River, or even bungee jump from 43 meters above the Gauja River.
Kemeri National Park
Kemeri National Park is the best spot in Latvia for birdwatching, since Lake Kanieris and the Great Kemeri Bog provide perfect conditions for various species of birds. Kemeri National Park is also popular for its biological diversity, and visitors can choose to relax by mineral waters, explore mystic bogs, or treat themselves with therapeutic mud while staying in a beautiful Kemeri Resort, which attracts many people from all over Europe.
Slītere National Park
In the Northern Kurzeme peninsula, next to the Baltic Sea, you will find the spectacular Slītere National Park, which attracts visitors with its lively fauna and diverse flora, including the Baltic Sea, exuberant forests, magical swamps, and bogs. More active visitors can choose to take one of many different trails, from hiking to the observation tower to roads suited for motorists and boaters’ routes.
Slītere Lighthouse on top of the Blue Hills is a must-visit spot in Slītere National Park. People also love to walk around sandy beaches and big dunes of Slītere National Park. Visitors who want to experience true Latvian culture should visit local fisherman villages and see how Latvians live outside of the big cities.
Rāzna National Park
Rāzna National Park was only established in 2007, and it stretches over more than 59,000 ha. The main reason why this park was created was to protect the flora and fauna of Rāzna Lake while still allowing both local and foreign visitors experience the beauty of the Latgale territory. There are a lot of lakes around the national park, so people who enjoy canoeing, swimming, or simply sunbathing on sandy beaches will find Rāzna National Park extremely beautiful. On top of that, people in Latgale region are known to be the friendliest and kindest people, so it is worth to visit closest towns like Rēzekne and Ludza and experience Latvian culture and traditions.
Rāzna National Park, Latvia
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meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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