Pre-Meeting Social Program

Dear colleagues, we invite you to take advantage of a unique opportunity to explore Latvia’s cultural and historical heritage. As part of our annual meeting, we are pleased to invite you to participate in four different excursions. You can book the excursions during the registration process by selecting your preferred option.

17.06.2024

Jurmala – The Past and Present of a Resort Town (Bus excursion)

Jurmala is a city by the sea, located on the shores of the Baltic Sea. The city is a resort with a history dating back 200 years. It’s a strip of land between the Lielupe River and the Gulf of Riga, where a pine forest stretches right up to the dunes, and a sandy beach extends for 40 kilometers. It’s a place where local and international nobility, and famous artists have been relaxing and entertaining since the 19th century.

Activity level: Easy

Language: English

Start time: 15:30

Duration: 15:30 – 21:00

Price: 75 EUR per person

Meeting point: Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga (Elizabetes Street 55, Riga, LV-1010, Latvia) Open in Google Maps

 

Program:

    1. Riga – Jurmala 30min. Motor coach ride.
    2. Jurmala https://visitjurmala.lv/en/
    3. Kemeri https://www.latvia.travel/en/sight/kemeri-resort
    4. Dinner at Restaurant “36th Line”
    5. Return journey to Riga – 60min.

Endpoint: Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga (Elizabetes Street 55, Riga, LV-1010, Latvia) Open in Google Maps

18.06.2024

Sigulda and Тuraida – Livonian Switzerland (Bus excursion)

Sigulda, also known as the Livonian Switzerland, is a picturesque town situated in the Gauja River Valley. In the 19th century, this area belonged to the Kropotkin prince, who transformed it into a fashionable resort. The ruins of the Livonian Order Castle have been preserved. In the 13th century, the opposite bank of the river belonged to the Riga Bishop, who built the defensive Turaida Castle with a tower that has survived to this day.

Activity level: Easy

Language: English

Start time: 09:00

Duration: 09:00 – 17:30

Price: 90 EUR per person

Meeting point: Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga (Elizabetes Street 55, Riga, LV-1010, Latvia) Open in Google Maps

 

Program:

    1. Riga – Sigulda 80min. Motor coach ride
    2. Sigulda. https://tourism.sigulda.lv/objects/siguldas-jauna-pils-un-pils-kvartals/?lang=lv
    3. Turaida. https://tourism.sigulda.lv/objects/turaidas-muzejrezervats/?lang=en
    4. Lunch. Kungu Rija https://kungurija.lv/en/
    5. Saulkrasti. https://www.latvia.travel/en/sight/saulkrasti
    6. Return journey to Riga – 60min.

Endpoint: Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga (Elizabetes Street 55, Riga, LV-1010, Latvia) Open in Google Maps

19.06.2024

Baroque Splendors: A Journey through Rundale and Jelgava Palaces (Bus excursion)

Traveling to the Duchy of Courland in the 18th century. We will visit the capital of Courland, the city of Mitava, with the ducal palace designed by famous italian baroque architect Rastrelli. Inside the palace, you can find the tombs of the Dukes of Courland dating back to the 16th century. We will also explore the summer residence of Duke Biron – the Rundale Palace.

Activity level: Easy

Language: English

Start time: 09:00

Duration: 09:00 – 18:00

Price: 90 EUR per person

Meeting point: Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga (Elizabetes Street 55, Riga, LV-1010, Latvia) Open in Google Maps

 

Program:

    1. Riga – Jelgava 60 min. Motor coach ride
    2. Jelgava Palace. Guided tour in the palace: https://www.jelgavaspils.lv/en
    3. Rundale Palace Museum (Rundales Pils). Guided tour in the palace: https://rundale.net/en/the-park/french-garden/https://youtu.be/Efi35GTxG6Q?si=oDFb299FDiLzP-Xp
    4. Rundale Palace Rose-garden. Guided tour on foot.
    5. Lunch. https://rundale.net/en/the-park/rose-garden/
    6. Bauska Castle. https://www.bauskaspils.lv/en/#for-visitors
    7. Return journey to Riga – 90min.

Endpoint: Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga (Elizabetes Street 55, Riga, LV-1010, Latvia) Open in Google Maps

20.06.2024

Riga- history of medicine (Walking tour)

“Medical Riga” is a story about the medieval pharmacies and hospitals in our city, the role of the Grey Sisters, the purpose of convents, as well as pharmacists and doctors who left their mark on the history of Riga and beyond. Did you know that there is a memorial plaque in Riga dedicated to a pharmacy, that a doctor played a pivotal role in the creation of city museums, and that the gastronomic symbol of the city, Riga Black Balsam, is directly linked to pharmacists?

Activity level: Moderate

Language: English

Start time: 09:00

Duration: 09:00 – 17:00

Price: 80 EUR per person

Meeting point: Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga (Elizabetes Street 55, Riga, LV-1010, Latvia) Open in Google Maps

 

Program:

    1. Old Riga walking tour – 90 min.
    2. Riga Black Magic Bar – Riga Black Balsam degustation show. https://www.blackmagic.lv/en.html
    3. Riga Dom – Organ picolo concert 15 min. https://doms.lv/en
    4. Lunch.
    5. Medicine History Museum. Guided tour 90 min. https://www.mvm.lv/en
    6. Riga Stradins University Anatomy Museum – guided tour 45min https://am.rsu.lv/en/visit

Endpoint: Kronvalda bulvāris 9, Central district, Rīga

After walking tour we recommend to visit for a dinner one of the following restaurants close to this area: