EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

Visit a rural farm and tour the fields with the owners, who will be quite willing to discuss how farming and life has changed since Latvia’s independence from the Soviet Union. During the Soviet era, collective farming was practiced, in which government-owned farms banded together to grow crops. When Latvia gained its independence in 1991, farms could be privately owned again. The farm that you will visit grows an abundance of raspberries and strawberries, as the conditions in this part of Latvia are quite favorable for both crops. Growing berries became even more widespread following the Soviet era because the farmers could directly reap the benefits. You may have the opportunity to pick some berries (if available) in the fields and enjoy homemade seasonal pie while lingering over a cup of tea with the owners of the farm. Feel free to ask them about their lives before and after Soviet rule. It is sure to be an eye-opening experience. Gain an understanding of how farming has changed since Soviet rule ended in 1991. Tour a berry farm with the owners and learn more about its challenges and development. Enjoy some berries (if available) and homemade seasonal pie and a cup of tea with the owners as they discuss post-Soviet rural life.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Gain an understanding of how farming has changed since Soviet rule ended in 1991.
• our a berry farm with the owners and pick your own raspberries and strawberries.
• Enjoy the berries and a cup of tea with the owners as they discuss post-Soviet rural life.

Riga, the capital of Latvia, was founded more than 800 years ago and has now grown into the most cosmopolitan city in the Baltic States. Founded in 1201 during the Middle Ages, Riga was developed into a Hanseatic city, and by the 18-th and 19-th century had grown into one of Europe’s leading ports and industrial centers. As a cosmopolitan city Riga was once revered as “the Paris of the North''. Years of independence and becoming a member of the European Union have brought great changes and development to the city and to the country itself. Enjoy a short ride along Riga's boulevards, parks and charming green spots. During this part of the tour you will have the opportunity to admire several memorable examples of Art Nouveau buildings, as well as the Latvian National Museum of Art, the Freedom Monument erected in 1935 on donations from the citizens of Latvia, Latvian University, National Opera House and other notable buildings. Discover the historical Old Riga on foot and acquaint yourself with the churches, renovated buildings, and glorious Dome Cathedral – a masterpiece of architecture, which you will have a chance to visit. Foundations for the cathedral were laid in 1211. Large restoration works from the late 19th to early 20th centuries gave it its present look. It is considered the largest Medieval church in Latvia and the Baltic States. The Dome, the tallest of all spires at the time, is famous for its magnificent organ, constructed in 1883, with more than 6,000 pipes. Continue your walk to the Town Hall Square, where you will see House of Blackhead’s, Roland Monument, St. Peter’s church. Stop at the Livu Square and listen to a story about the Cat House, Small and Large Guild Houses.