Your smooth ride brings you to Cesis, a charming medieval town where history and quaint allure intertwine. Marvel at the cobbled streets and historic buildings that date back to the 13th century, a hilltop fort established by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword, and admire the majestic 12th-century St. John’s Church, one of Latvia’s oldest and largest medieval monuments. The town's lush town park invites relaxation and curiosity to discover evocative ruins of a medieval castle in contrast to an 18th-century manor house on the same site, which showcases a rich tapestry of Cesis’ history and art. After a day of cultural immersion and scenic exploration, you’ll enjoy a comfortable and safe journey back to Riga.
Let the medieval charm of Cesis allure you as you explore its historic center, iconic castle, and lush city park, all while your driver waits for you nearby, ready at a moment's notice to bring you comfortably back to Riga.
Discover Latvia's third-oldest town (founded 1206), one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Baltics. Explore Cesis Castle—built in 1209 by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword, once the most powerful fortress in Livonia, partially destroyed in 1577 when the garrison blew themselves up rather than surrender to Ivan the Terrible's forces. Receive candlelit lanterns to explore Western Tower, Master's Chamber with 16th-century star vaults, wall painting fragments, panoramic views from the attic. Adjacent New Castle (1761) houses the Cesis History and Art Museum with 160,000+ artifacts. Visit 13th-century St. John's Church—largest medieval basilica outside Riga with 65-meter tower. Stroll cobblestone Old Town preserving medieval street layout, 18th-century Harmony House, Merchant House, Rozu Square cafes.
Cesis was the site of a 1919 battle during Latvia's War of Independence. Memorials and historical markers throughout the town commemorate this important victory. The Cesis History Museum provides detailed context about this defining moment in Latvian history.
Yes, visitors receive lanterns to explore the medieval Western Tower and chambers, creating an atmospheric experience. This unique approach helps preserve the ancient structures while adding mystery and adventure to your visit through dimly-lit medieval spaces.
Cesis is located approximately 56 miles (90 kilometers) northeast of Riga, about a 1.5-hour drive through Latvia's countryside. The route passes through forests and rural landscapes typical of the Baltic region, offering peaceful scenery.
The 4-hour visit allows time to thoroughly explore both castle structures, visit St. John's Church, walk the Old Town's cobblestone streets, and enjoy a meal at one of Rozu Square's cafes overlooking the historic center.
The lantern tour of the castle ruins creates an adventure that appeals to children's imaginations. The town's compact size, parks, and accessible history make it family-friendly, though young children should be supervised in the castle's darker areas.
This 13th-century church is the largest medieval basilica outside Riga, featuring a 213-foot (65-meter) tower. The church represents Latvia's medieval religious architecture and played a central role in Cesis's development as an important regional center.
The New Castle, built in 1761 next to the medieval ruins, houses the Cesis History and Art Museum. The contrast between the baroque manor house and ancient fortress ruins on the same grounds illustrates centuries of architectural evolution.
Built in 1209 by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword, Cesis Castle was once Livonia's most powerful fortress. The dramatic ruins tell the story of a 1577 siege when defenders chose to blow themselves up rather than surrender to Ivan the Terrible's forces.
Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.
Yes! You’re free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.
Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.
Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning you’ll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.
The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.
Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.