Sigulda, Turaida & Cesis Castles: Private Full-Day Tour

Four castles and a UNESCO site in one day, with time to climb the towers

A private full-day tour of Latvia's medieval castles based in Sigulda, visiting Turaida Castle, Sigulda Castle, and Cesis Castle, with a bonus stop at either Araisi lake dwelling Archaeological Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) or Zvartes Rock sandstone formation. The tour runs 7 to 8 hours and includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking guide. You choose the group size (1 to 3 persons or 4 to 6 persons) at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Latvia's medieval castles and landmarks

• Visit Turaida Castle and learn history
• Tour Sigulda Castle and enjoy views
• Explore Cesis Castle's towers and halls
• Discover Araisi Archaeological Park or Zvartes Rock

The experience

The tour starts at Turaida Castle, a medieval fortress that has stood for over 800 years. You'll walk through the castle's ancient walls, see the intricate carvings and ornate decorations inside, and climb to the towers for views across the surrounding countryside. Your guide shares the castle's history (from the legendary love story of the Rose of Turaida to the battles that raged around its walls), and you have time to explore at your own pace.

From there, the route moves to Sigulda Castle, which sits on the banks of the Gauja River and dates to the 13th century. You'll walk through the majestic halls, see the intricately carved wooden ceilings, and learn about the castle's many owners over the centuries. The location itself is the draw: the views from the castle's position on the river are what make it memorable, and there's time for photos before moving on.

Cesis Castle, also from the 13th century, is one of the best-preserved in the country. You explore its impressive walls and towers, walk the winding staircases and hidden passageways, and hear about the battles and sieges it endured. The castle's scale and condition set it apart from the others on the route.

The tour includes a bonus stop tailored to your interests: either Araisi lake dwelling Archaeological Park, an open-air museum with reconstructed dwellings and Stone Age artifacts that holds UNESCO World Heritage status, or Zvartes Rock, a sandstone formation in Gauja National Park. Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and your guide's commentary throughout are included. The full day, including time at each castle, runs 7 to 8 hours.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle for the full day.
• English-speaking guide.
• entrance and exploration time at Turaida Castle, Sigulda Castle, and Cesis Castle.
• a bonus visit to either Araisi lake dwelling Archaeological Park or Zvartes Rock based on your interests.
• time to climb towers and explore at your own pace at each site.

Options for this experience

2 options

1-3 personsUp to 3 per booking · Guide in English · 10:00Includes pickup

4-6 personsUp to 6 per booking · Guide in English · 10:00Includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on site€ 28

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Is this one for you?Choose the 1-to-3-person option if you're traveling as a couple or small family. The 4-to-6-person option works for a larger group or two families sharing the cost and the vehicle. Either way, the private vehicle means you move on your own schedule, not a fixed group departure time.

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Top questions

What is the Rose of Turaida that the guide mentions?

The Rose of Turaida is a legendary love story tied to Turaida Castle. Your guide will share the tale as part of the castle's history during the tour.

Can I climb the towers at each castle?

Turaida Castle includes tower access with views of the countryside. The tour gives you time to explore each castle at your own pace, so you can climb where access is available.

What's the difference between Araisi lake dwelling and Zvartes Rock?

Araisi lake dwelling Archaeological Park is an open-air museum with reconstructed Stone Age dwellings and artifacts, and it holds UNESCO World Heritage status. Zvartes Rock is a sandstone formation in Gauja National Park. Your guide will suggest one based on your interests, or you can choose which appeals to you more.

How does the private transportation work?

You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with your group for the entire day. The driver takes you between Turaida, Sigulda, Cesis, and your bonus stop, so you don't arrange separate transport between sites.

Is the tour suitable for families with children?

Yes. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. You have time to explore each castle at your own pace, so you can move at a speed that works for your family.

What language is the guide?

The guide speaks English throughout the tour.