Riga - Aglona
At the end of the 17th century the town of Aglona developed into the centre of Roman Catholic Latgale. The Aglona Basilica and Abbey, between Lakes Cirisa and Egles, were built between 1768 and 1800. The 19th century abbey was closed in the 60s, but was refurbished along with the Basilica, for the visit of Pope John Paul II in September 1993. Every 15 August, Aglona becomes an international centre of pilgrimage for those celebrating the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

Riga - Rundale
Rastrelli created Rundale Palace for the dukes of Courland. In 1735 Rastrelli was invited to design the palace for the legendary Biron. He was the ruler of Kurzeme Dukedom and a favorite of empress Anna. At that time, Biron was just preparing to take the throne and was looking for a residence. Biron was in such a hurry that the basement of the palace was completed within a year. Being such a favorite, the best masters of the Russian empire were asked to build his residence. The sudden death of the empress broke off Biron's career and he was exiled for 22 years. The construction was discontinued for some time. The palace was completed in 1768 and became a wonderful sample of baroque style with some elements of classicism. The building changed hands twice. After incorporating Kurzeme Dukedom to Russia, Empress Yekaterina gave it as a gift to Count Zubov. His successor, Count Shuvalov owned the palace up to 1920. The palace is truly splendid. Crystal chandeliers, silk wallpaper, rich stucco moulding, sculptures, luxurious tiled fire-places, mirrors, elegant galleries and suite, frescos made by Italian artists Francisco Martini and Carlo Zucci all make up this beautiful palace. Golden Hall, Pink Hall and Porcelain Studio, were the boudoir of the Duchess. An old park with fountains surrounds the palace. It is truly worth seeing! In 1972 the complex restoration of Rundale Palace began. Today this palace/museum is the center of tours. Leaders of the state, wishing to receive high guests of Latvia with prestigious regal honors, have hosted the royal couple from Denmark and Sweden in Rundale Palace.

Riga - Piebalga
The Piebalga region has been taken under government protection as a nature reserve. Sites of ancient settlements attract tourists, castle ruins in Rauna and Vecpiebalga towns. The region is incredibly scenic. Forests, parks, lakes, cliffs and caves run along the banks of the rapid Gauja River. Piebalga holds a special place in the history of Latvia. This region is famous as the birthplace of a whole galaxy of brilliant poets, writers and composers who became classics of Latvian culture. Museums have been opened in place of their homes.

Riga - Kandava - Sabile
Kandava was the capital of an ancient Couronian state named Vanema. In the beginning of the XIII century, German knights founded their castle there. Unfortunately, little has been preserved since that time. In the Middle Ages, Kandava underwent numerous wars, fires and plague epidemics. Tourists are attracted by the surroundings of Kandava due to hills covered with dense forests and the rapids of the Abava River. First references of the town Sabile in chronicles date back to 1253. The town is located in a picturesque valley on the banks of the Abava River. Don't be surprised if you find a picture of a bunch of grapes in the town's emblem! In the XVI-XVII centuries, large vineyards were laid out there. Sabile wines were then exported! Sabile even entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the most northern region of the world where vine was cultivated. The particularly protected historical and cultural territory The Abava River Valley covers 90 km2 along the valley of the Abava River. There are some 30 archeological sites, two examples of town construction patterns, 10 objects of nature, 11 objects of architecture, and 17 monuments of art in this area. In 1996 the World Foundation of Preservation of Cultural Heritage included the Abava River Valley in the list of 100 most unique and endangered areas of cultural and historical significance of the world. The Pedvale open-air arts museum is located on the left bank of the Abava River just opposite the town of Sabile. Visitors are offered to see various interesting landscapes, monuments of architecture, objects of art, installations and sculptures, guides will assist visitors to discover the hidden ideas of art objects and they will inform you on the history of the estates.

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