Journey for about 33 miles (53 km) northeast of Riga to Sigulda. This small rural town is situated in Latvia's largest protected protected area of Gauja National Park, which takes up 354 square miles (917 square km), most of which is forest. You'll see the ruins of Sigulda Castle, which was built by crusaders in the year 1207 ACE, and Turaida Castle, which was commissioned by the Archbishop of Riga in 1214 ACE. To cap the experience, hop in a cable car for a fun and scenic ride 141 feet (43 meters) above the unspoiled Gauja Valley.
Visit Cēsis, founded in 1206 and the third-oldest town in Latvia. They obtained town rights in 1323, and joined the Hanseatic League in the 14th century. The town became known as a center of arts and recreation, and is now an important national cultural and artistic center. It's also home to one of the largest preserved castle ruins and a picturesque Old Town that you're due to stroll through.