Latvia is sandwiched between Estonia and Lithuania and its capital, Riga, is the biggest and most vibrant city in the Baltics. Great day trip destinations surrounding Riga include the coastal resort Jurmala, the Sigulda castles overlooking the scenic Gauja river valley and the Rastrelli Palace at Rundale. Latvia's less travelled roads are equally rewarding, from the dune-lined coast and historic towns of the Kurzeme region in the west of the country to the remote uplands of the east.

Best time to visit

April to September.

Essential experiences

Rastrelli's lavishly baroque Rundale Palace just outside Riga; swinging across the Gauja River Valley in a cable car; strolling in the land of the Livonian people at Cape Kolka; wandering through Riga's massive Central Market.

In a few words, Latvia is

Vibrant, drinking sessions, scientists, singing and dancing troupes.

Did you know? In Latvia, pig's snout is a traditional Christmas dish, Riga is over 800 years old and Latvia is a remnant of the Holy Roman Empire.