Riga → Sigulda, into the Gauja Valley
Morning POV from Riga, peeling off the highway and into the forested approach to Sigulda.
Guided Day Excursions from Riga
Welcome to Latvia, an antidote to overtourism
— Daiga
Reserve today, nothing to pay upfront
20% deposit 48 hrs before departure
Rest at the van on the day
Free cancellation up to 24 hrs prior
Best price guaranteed, when you book directly with me, you'll always pay less than on any booking platform. That's my promise to every guest.
Hello. I’m Daiga.
Thanks for stopping by, and thank you for considering my beautiful country for your holiday. I run Barefoot Baltic from Riga together with a small team.
Have a look around. If any of our excursions piques your interest, just message me.
Now Booking
My Day Excursions
Thank you for considering Latvia as part of your travels. Just three day excursions from Riga — small-group, morning departures, evening returns, a full day together in my favourite corners of the country.
€0 upfront, reserve today
Excursion 1
Riga Shore Excursion from the Cruise Port
A licensed local Riga guide picks six places out of a hundred and tells you stories about the rest in the van. Furthest-first routing, 90-minute port buffer, women-led, all-inclusive of entry fees & taxes. No souvenir-shop stops.
€0 upfront, reserve today
Excursion 2
Sigulda, Cēsis & the Gauja Valley
A memorable day trip — three medieval castles, the Gauja Valley, a bread-maker visit, food & drinks tasting in the van — a women-led tour with live commentary.
€0 upfront, reserve today
Excursion 3
Rundāle Palace, Bauska Castle & Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk
Ten-hour excursion from Riga to Rundāle Palace, Bauska Castle, and the Great Ķemeri Bog. Live commentary, plus a curated Latvian tasting on the van. Drinks, snacks and sweets, each with its story.
€0 upfront, reserve today
Excursion 4
Ķemeri Bog Off-Boardwalk Hike from Riga, with Lake Picnic & Optional Swim
A guided hike off the boardwalk into a 10,000-year-old raised bog — older than the Pyramids — with a picnic and optional swim at a bog lake, then refreshments at the van as we debrief. Four hours from Riga, with golden-hour slots at sunrise and sunset.
5 out of 5 stars
What Our Guests Say
Real Reviews from Real Travellers
5 out of 5 stars
"Jól összeállított, rugalmasan lebonyolitott program, figyelmes, lelkes és felkészült túravezetőkkel. Nagy élmény volt, érdemes élni e lehetőséggel, ha az ország szépségei, kultúrája és történelme kapcsán mélyebb ismeretekre vágyunk."
Verified booking on GetYourGuide
5 out of 5 stars
"Могу сказать много чего о туре. Просто превосходный! Несмотря на не очень хорошую погоду, сломанную ногу у Дайги, они сделали всё что было возможно, чтобы мы ничего не пропустили. Я ехала с моими друзьями из Италии и могу сказать, несмотря на маленькие знания английского языка, всё было понятно. В Рундале вас ждал очень гид Олаф, который не только был профессионал своего дела, но и отличный актёр. В Бауске - другой гид, так как Дайна не могла из-за ноги. Надеемся она поправится скоро. А еще и пивоваренный завод- как было интересно. Обедали неподалёку от Бауски. Всё прошло на ура. Вернулись на место встречи с уставшими ногами и головой, но с полным сердцем..."
Verified booking on GetYourGuide
5 out of 5 stars
"Absolutely incredible! The Ķemeri Bog boardwalk felt like stepping into another world — early morning mist over the pools, birds singing, and the wooden path winding through surreal landscapes. Our guide was knowledgeable and kept a great pace. Then Jūrmala's sandy beaches and charming wooden architecture were the perfect contrast. Loved dipping my feet in the Baltic Sea! The whole trip was well-organized, peaceful, and refreshing. Only thing that could improve? Slightly longer stop for coffee in Jūrmala. But honestly — 5 stars, highly recommend!"
Verified booking on GetYourGuide
5 out of 5 stars
"The trip was really wonderful and excellent. It was fun and worth my money."
Verified booking on GetYourGuide
5 out of 5 stars
"It was a wonderful trip, special thanks to Daiga and her team that went all out to make this trip a memorable one. Not a single boring moment I had during the journey. An enriching trip that perfectly blended exploration, culture, and learning together."
Verified booking on GetYourGuide
5 out of 5 stars
"What a great day! It was a full day, which was just what we wanted. We really liked all the activities. Our guide, Daiga, was extremely knowledgeable. As a Latvian, Daiga has an excellent knowledge base about the history, culture, current events, flora and fauna — everything — about Latvia, and readily shared information. She also shared her experiences about growing up in Latvia, which made the tour far more meaningful for us. Additionally, we appreciated that Daiga was solicitous about our welfare throughout the day. We had an additional guide at Cēsis who was also quite informative. The lunch spot was well chosen; the food was good and inexpensive. This tour allowed us to see sites we would otherwise have been unable to see, and we highly recommend it!"
Verified booking on GetYourGuide
5 out of 5 stars
"It was spectacular and memorable. Daiga gave me so much wonderful information, and is a very warm and fun lady. As a solo traveller, I was made to feel welcome. Frederick was an excellent driver and took loads of pics which Daiga shared with me. Olav, who was our guide for Rundāle Palace, was both entertaining and knowledgeable on our tour of this magnificent palace. The brewery tour was excellent — Zaiga led us through the beer making process from start to finish. After the tour we got to taste the beers and I was very generously given a bottle of my favourite beer. As a tour, this is a wonderful alternative to several other tours who visit the palaces and the Hill of Crosses. It was a pleasure to meet Elena who is in training to be a Ukrainian-speaking guide for this amazing company. Thank you for a truly special day."
Verified booking on GetYourGuide
5 out of 5 stars
"My husband and I recently booked a day trip with Daiga and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. We were picked up from our hotel at the mentioned time and the drive to Lithuania was very smooth. Daiga is quite knowledgeable and indulged us in the history of the place in detail. After driving for 2 hrs, we stopped for lunch. Since we are both vegetarians and were concerned about finding good vegetarian options, our guide ensured she took us to a nice sit-down vegetarian place where the food was awesome. Daiga is very friendly and knowledgeable and she knows in and out of the place. My husband, who loves to tour breweries, was fascinated to tour the beer factory and learn about the whole beer brewing process — and even get to taste it! After the tour, we were driven back to Riga and throughout the ride, Daiga gave us company by showing us the local history and educating us about the local culture. Highly recommend this to everyone! Could give more stars if I could."
Verified booking on GetYourGuide
5 out of 5 stars
"I had such a lovely day on this tour and honestly didn't expect to learn so much about Latvia along the way. Daiga was a fantastic guide — very knowledgeable, but also warm and easy to talk to, which made the whole experience feel relaxed and personal. The visits to Rundāle Palace and Bauska Castle were beautiful, but what really made the difference was how Daiga brought the history to life with stories and context throughout the day. It never felt like a "lecture" — more like travelling with someone who genuinely loves sharing their country. The brewery stop at the end was a perfect way to finish the day — a really nice touch and a fun, memorable ending. Overall, it was a great mix of learning and enjoying the day out. I would absolutely recommend Daiga's tours and will remember this day very fondly."
Verified booking on GetYourGuide
5 out of 5 stars
"I had a day that I will always value. Daiga and her company/team are thoughtful and generous and I learned so much about Latvia and what makes this country special and set apart. Every stop was fantastic. Thank you for a wonderful and memorable day."
Verified booking on GetYourGuide
5 out of 5 stars
"Daiga ed il suo gruppo sono davvero straordinari: simpatici, entusiasti e preparati! L'intero viaggio è stato un susseguirsi di scoperte emozionanti, ma andiamo con ordine: il palazzo di Rundāle è un gioiello incastonato nella pianura Lettone, la nostra guida ha magistralmente spiegato ogni sala, ricca di stucchi ed affreschi, soffermandosi sui dettagli e rispondendo ad ogni domanda. Il pranzo si è svolto in un locale tipico poco distante, dove ho potuto assaporare diverse specialità locali. Il castello di Bauska, situato alla confluenza dei fiumi Mūsa e Nemunēlis, è un classico esempio di maniero Livoniano, anch'esso ricco di storia e fascino. Prima di rientrare a Riga ci siamo fermati al birrificio Bauskas, dove oltre alla visita dello stabilimento, abbiamo potuto assaggiare le deliziose birre prodotte in loco. Sono davvero soddisfatto di questo tour, auguro a Daiga ed ai membri del suo staff tutto il meglio! Continuate così! Meriterebbero 10 stelle!"
Verified booking on GetYourGuide
5 out of 5 stars
"What a fantastic day trip! Daiga, our guide, was warm, organized, and incredibly knowledgeable. She brought Rundāle Palace and Bauska Castle to life with captivating stories about their history. The group was fantastic, and the lunch at Mežskungs was honestly a highlight of the trip. I would definitely recommend this tour again."
Verified booking on GetYourGuide
5 out of 5 stars
"Sehr freundliche und gut organisierte Tour mit Daiga. Rundāle Palace und Bauska Castle waren toll, und die Brauerei-Führung nach dem Mittagessen war ein super Extra. Starke historische Einordnung, auch im Winter."
Verified booking on GetYourGuide
From the road
On the road with us
Unedited dashcam from recent day tours, so you know the drives are real, not stock footage.
Long-form drives, posted in full on the Barefoot Baltic YouTube channel.
Field Notes
Writing from Riga, by Daiga
Honest answers to the questions guests ask me most often. No AI puff, no guest posts, just firsthand writing from a licensed Latvian guide who lives here. 46 pieces so far.
Pirts, Suitsusaun, Savusauna, Badstu: A Latvian’s Field Guide to Baltic and Nordic Sauna Cultures
Pirts, suitsusaun, savusauna, badstu — a Latvian guide compares Baltic and Nordic sauna traditions, the löyly, and how to use each one without offending the locals.
A Brief History of Latvia, Told by the People Who Lived It
Eight hundred years of Latvian history through the voices of the people who lived each chapter — pagan, peasant, soldier, exile, citizen. From the crusader knights to the European Union.
The Castle of Light: Why Riga’s National Library Belongs on Every Traveller’s List
Riga's Gaismas pils — the Castle of Light. The Glass Mountain folktale, Gunārs Birkerts's design, the 2014 human chain, and why Latvians love it as much as visitors do.
The Cat House (Kaķu nams), Riga
What the Cat House on Meistaru iela actually is, the merchant-and-the-Guild story behind the bronze cats on the roof, and the architectural details most travellers walk past. Honest local's guide from Daiga.
Dainu Kalns at Turaida: A Sculpture Garden Carved Under Soviet Rule
How Indulis Ranka and Anna Jurkāne built the Hill of Dainas at Turaida between 1980 and 1985 — a folk-song memorial in granite that helped seed Latvia's Singing Revolution.
Dainu Kalns Sculpture Field Guide: All 26 Stones at the Hill of Dainas, Turaida
What every sculpture at Dainu Kalns means, the daina each one carries, and how to walk the hill in the right order. The complete English-language guide to Indulis Ranka's 26 granite sculptures at Turaida.
Day Trips from Riga: A Guide's Honest Answer to the Question I Get Every Day
A licensed Latvian guide's honest comparison of the three best day trips from Riga: Rundāle, Sigulda, Ķemeri — prices, times, and who each is wrong for.
The Freedom Monument (Brīvības piemineklis): Milda and the Three Stars
What the Freedom Monument actually is, who Milda is, the three gold stars, and why this 1935 column survived the Soviet occupation. From Daiga, a licensed Latvian guide.
The Hill of Crosses: A Quiet Lithuanian Hill That Outlasted an Empire
The Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai, Lithuania — a Catholic pilgrimage site the Soviets bulldozed three times and never destroyed. How to visit, when, and what it means.
The House of the Blackheads (Melngalvju nams), Riga
What the House of the Blackheads actually is, who the Brotherhood of Blackheads were, why it was rebuilt from 1948 ruins, and what's inside the museum. From Daiga, a licensed Latvian guide.
Inside Rundāle Palace: A Room-by-Room Guide to What You'll Actually See
Every room of Latvia's grandest baroque palace, illustrated with 286 original photos: Gold Hall, White Hall, Duke's enfilade, Duchess's wing.
Is Ķemeri Bog Worth It? A Latvian Guide's Honest Answer
Yes, with caveats. A licensed Latvian guide on what the Great Ķemeri Bog actually is, when to go, how to get there, and who should skip it.
Is Rundāle Palace Worth Visiting? A Latvian Guide's Honest Answer
Yes, on a weekday and if you understand it's a country palace, not Versailles. A licensed Latvian guide on what Rundāle is, when to visit, and who should skip it.
Is Sigulda Worth Visiting? A Latvian Guide's Honest Answer
Yes — the best all-round day trip from Riga. A licensed Latvian guide on Sigulda, the Gauja Valley, the three castles, when to go, and how to get there.
Jūrmala: The Seaside Town Latvians Have Been Going to for Two Hundred Years
33 km of white quartz sand, the shallowest swimmable Baltic Sea, wooden Art Nouveau villas, sulphur spas dating to 1838 — a Latvian's guide to Jūrmala from Riga.
Ķemeri Bog in Autumn: What the Bog Looks Like After the Sunrise Tours Stop
Arguably the second-best window of the year. A licensed Latvian guide on Ķemeri in September and October, peak colour, and whether DIY is worth it.
Konventa Sēta (Convent Yard), Riga
Konventa Sēta is a quiet medieval cluster of 16th-to-18th-century buildings on 13th-century foundations, between Kalēju and Skārņu iela in Riga’s Old Town. The dove on the keystone, the inner courtyard, the porcelain museum. From Daiga, a Riga local.
Krišjānis Barons: the man who saved 217,996 Latvian folk songs
Who Krišjānis Barons was, why his cabinet of 217,996 hand-written cards is on the UNESCO Memory of the World register, and why every Latvian schoolchild knows his face. A standalone biography from a Latvian guide.
Kristaps Porziņģis: from Liepāja to the NBA, and why Latvia watched every game
Kristaps Porziņģis was born in Liepāja in 1995, drafted 4th by the Knicks in 2015, and won the NBA Championship with the Boston Celtics in 2024. The story of Latvia's most famous athlete and the small Baltic country that watched every game.
May 4 in Riga: Latvia’s other independence day, the one with daffodils
May 4 is Latvia's Restoration of Independence Day — the second of two independence days, the one with daffodils, free trams, and a folk procession to the Freedom Monument. Notes from this year's celebration in Riga.
Latvian Food: An Honest Guide from a Riga Local
A licensed Latvian guide's honest guide to the food: rye bread, smoked everything, the pink summer soup, pickle juice, and where to eat in Riga.
The Rose of Turaida: A Real 1620 Court Case Latvians Have Been Telling as a Legend for Four Centuries
Maija — the Rose of Turaida — was murdered on 6 August 1620. The 1620 court protocol, a sandstone cave, a linden tree planted by the bridegroom that's still alive.
Gold Domes Over Riga: A Visitor’s Guide to Latvia’s Orthodox Churches
Riga's four Orthodox churches — Nativity Cathedral, Holy Trinity Pārdaugava, St Alexander Nevsky, Grebenshchikov — what to see, etiquette, and the history behind the gold domes.
Planning Your First 48 Hours in Riga: An Honest Local Itinerary
A licensed Latvian guide's honest 48-hour Riga itinerary: what to actually see, what to skip, where to eat, and the practical answers most travellers want.
The Powder Tower (Pulvertornis) & Latvian War Museum, Riga
What the Powder Tower actually is, the cannonballs still in the wall, and why the free Latvian War Museum inside is worth two hours of any first-timer’s day in Riga. Honest local's guide.
One Border, Three Religions: How Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania Came to Believe Such Different Things
Estonia is the world's most secular country, Latvia is split between Lutheran and Catholic, Lithuania is overwhelmingly Catholic. One border, three religions, three histories.
Riga Castle (Rīgas pils)
What Riga Castle actually is, why the President lives in a 14th-century Livonian Order fortress, the National History Museum inside it, and how to see the riverfront elevation. Honest local's guide.
Riga Cathedral (Doma baznīca): A Local’s Guide
What Riga Cathedral actually is, why there's no dome on it, the 6,718-pipe Walcker organ, where to sit for the recital, and how to spend half an hour or half a day inside. Written by Daiga, a licensed Riga guide.
Riga in Winter: A Latvian Guide's Honest Take on Christmas, Snow, and the Quiet Months
A licensed Latvian guide's honest guide to Riga in winter: Christmas markets, weather, what to wear, costs, and which day trips still run in the cold months.
Riga Old Town: A Local’s Guide to Vecrīga
A licensed Latvian guide's deep guide to Riga Old Town (Vecrīga): what to see, what to skip, three walking routes, where to eat, safety, and seasons.
Riga’s TV Tower: The Tallest Free-Standing Structure in the EU, and the Story It Holds
At 368.5 m, Riga's TV Tower is the tallest free-standing structure in the European Union — taller than the Eiffel Tower. The history, the design, and how to visit.
Riga vs Tallinn vs Vilnius: A Latvian Guide's Honest Comparison of the Three Baltic Capitals
A licensed Latvian guide's honest comparison of Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius. Which Baltic capital to pick, which does what best, and who each is wrong for.
Can You Do Sigulda AND Cēsis in One Day? A Latvian Guide's Honest Answer
Yes, with trade-offs. A licensed Latvian guide on combining Sigulda and Cēsis in one day from Riga: timeline, three castles, and DIY-vs-tour.
St James’s Cathedral (Sv. Jēkaba katedrāle), Riga
What St James's actually is, why it’s the Catholic cathedral of Latvia (and the only one in Riga to keep its red-and-white baroque portal), the ‘ringing rooster’ legend, and how it sits beside the Saeima. From Daiga, a licensed Riga guide.
St Peter’s Church (Sv. Pētera baznīca), Riga
Why St Peter's tower is the panorama of Riga, what to know before you climb, the 1721 lightning and the 1941 artillery, and what the interior actually looks like. Honest local's guide.
The Suwałki Gap: A Drive Through the Choke Point Between Us and the Rest of Europe
The Suwałki Gap — the 80 km Polish corridor between Belarus and Russian Kaliningrad that links the Baltic states to the rest of Europe. A Latvian's view from the road.
The Swedish Gate (Zviedru vārti), Riga
What the Swedish Gate actually is, why it was cut through the city wall in 1698, and how to walk Torņa iela — the best-preserved medieval street in Riga — from a licensed local guide.
The Three Brothers (Trīs brāļi): Riga’s Oldest Houses
What the Three Brothers actually are, why number 17 is the oldest stone dwelling house in Riga, the 1646 date carved on number 19, and how to read the lane in five minutes. From Daiga, a licensed Latvian guide.
Vērmanes dārzs (Vērmane Garden), Riga
Vērmanes dārzs is Riga's oldest public park (1817), at the eastern edge of the Old Town between Tērbatas and Merķeļa iela. The fountain, the cherry trees, and the place locals go in spring. From Daiga, a Riga local.
What’s On in Latvia: A Local’s Rolling List of Events We’re Spotting Around Town
A rolling, hand-curated list of upcoming Latvian events spotted on posters around Riga, Sigulda, Jūrmala, Cēsis and beyond — concerts, festivals, palace days, more.
Why Latvians Eat Pork: A Forest, a Pig, and a Thousand Years of Bacon
Why pork — not beef — became Latvia's national meat. A thousand years of forest, smoke and bacon, plus the modern dishes (karbonāde, pelmeņi) you should try.
A Day at Latvia’s Open-Air Museum: Why Locals Send Visitors to Brīvdabas
118 historical Latvian buildings on 87 hectares of pine forest, 10 km outside Riga. Why a quiet morning at Brīvdabas tells you more about Latvia than the Old Town.
Why the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia Belongs at the Top of Your Riga List
Soviet 1940, Nazi 1941, Soviet 1944–1991. The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia tells eight hundred years of Riga's story in one afternoon. Why visit, what to see.
Licensed & Insured
Your Peace of Mind Matters
Barefoot Baltic is a fully registered and authorised Latvian tour operator. We carry all the insurance, licensing, and government registrations required to operate professionally and keep you safe.
Registered Tour Operator
Barefoot Baltic is registered with Latvia's Consumer Rights Protection Centre (PTAC) as an authorised tourism services provider. Your advance payments are protected by a tour operator bond insurance policy (BTA Policy LV25-35-10000024-5), ensuring your money is safe even in the unlikely event we cannot deliver your tour. PTAC is the government body that oversees consumer protection in Latvia.
PTAC: Patērētāju tiesību aizsardzības centrs · Reg. Nr. 90000068854 · Brīvības iela 55, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia
Verify at ptac.gov.lv →
Fully Insured for Your Safety
We carry comprehensive civil liability insurance with coverage up to €1,000,000 per period, protecting our guests against any eventualities during a tour, personal injury, property damage, and non-material damages are all covered. Our insurer is AAS "BTA Baltic Insurance Company" (Vienna Insurance Group), one of the leading insurers in the Baltic states. We have never had a claim, but should the need arise, you are fully protected.
Licensed Passenger Transport
On 26 November 2025, VSIA "Autotransporta direkcija" (ATD, Latvia's Road Transport Directorate) granted us Special Permit (Licence) No. PS-01995 for commercial passenger transportation by bus, valid from 26.11.2025 to 25.11.2035. This is an EU Community Licence, meaning we are authorised to operate passenger transport across all EU and EEA member states.
Our Fleet, Our Vehicles
We bought both of our vehicles brand new, direct from Germany, in 2025 and 2026. They are used exclusively for Barefoot Baltic excursions: never rented out, never shared with other operators, never sat in by strangers between trips. Both are inspected and maintained to the highest standards and carry full insurance.
Boutique groups · up to 8 passengers
The 9-Seater, 2026 Fiat Ducato
You'll travel in our own 2026 Fiat Ducato (Reg. OM3899), a brand-new 9-seater with comfortable seating for up to 8 passengers. Maintained to the highest standards and inspected regularly.
For couples, families, and small private groups who want a more intimate day out. Premium high-back seating, panoramic windows, and plenty of room to stretch out. Ideal when you want the feel of a private tour without the price of one.
Small groups · up to 15 passengers
The 16-Seater, 2025 Ford Transit
You'll travel in our own 2025 Ford Transit (Reg. OG478), a modern, air-conditioned minibus with comfortable seating for up to 15 guests. Cleaned between every tour and held to the same standards as our smaller vehicle, because every guest deserves the same start to their day.
Insurance & Cover
Both vehicles carry full OCTA (mandatory third-party liability) and KASKO (comprehensive) insurance, valid across the entire European Economic Area. Our OCTA liability limits are €1,050,000 for property and €5,210,000 for personal injury, far exceeding the minimum requirements.
All our insurance is provided by AAS "BTA Baltic Insurance Company" (Reg. 40103840140), part of Vienna Insurance Group, one of the largest and most trusted insurers in Central and Eastern Europe.
Barefoot Baltic is a trading name of Ronda Sprints Solutions SIA · Registration No. 40203595104 · Brīvības gatve 418-27, Rīga, LV-1024, Latvia · Registered with PTAC (Patērētāju tiesību aizsardzības centrs, Reg. Nr. 90000068854, Brīvības iela 55, Rīga, LV-1010) as an authorised tourism services provider · ATD Special Permit (Licence) No. PS-01995 for commercial passenger transport (valid 26.11.2025–25.11.2035) · Civil liability insured by AAS "BTA Baltic Insurance Company" (Reg. 40103840140) · Tour operator bond insurance: BTA Policy LV25-35-10000024-5 · All tours operate under Latvian law · For complaints or escalations regarding consumer rights, please contact PTAC at ptac.gov.lv.
Let’s Talk
I’d Love to Hear from You
Whether you’re just beginning to plan your visit to Latvia or you already have dates in mind, the easiest way to book is to reach out to me directly. A WhatsApp message, a phone call, or an email, whatever suits you. I’ll get back to you quickly and we’ll find the perfect day for your excursion. No forms, no automated replies, just me.
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I understand some travellers prefer booking through a platform they already trust, and that’s perfectly fine. You’re welcome to book through GetYourGuide or Viator too. Just know that my direct price is always the best one.
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