Bauska region is a wonderful town for a one day visit.

One-day tour “Mannerism-Baroque- Neoclassicism”

The group arrives in Bauska at evening.
Accomodation with dinner at „Day & Night hotels”.
Breakfast in hotel.

Transfer to Bauska Castle

There are romantic Bauskas Castle Ruins which are picturesquely located between two rivers, the Musa and Memele. There are the two rivers emerging into – the Lielupe. The Livonian Order built a fortress in this well protected spot, which is documented in writing as early as 1443. In 1596 a Mannerism style residence for the Duke of Courland was built in the forepart of the fortress. Currently, reconstruction of castle is going on. The remains from the 17th and 18th c. castle ramparts can be seen from the sightseeing spot of the Donjon (the Great Tower).

Transfer to the Rundale Palace Visiting palace and park ensemble.

Don’t miss an opportunity to see of the most beautiful Baroque palaces in Latvia – Rundale Palace, designed by the renowned Italian architect F.B. Rastrelli and built as summer residence for the Duke of Courland E. J. Biron. At present, restoration works in the greatest part of the Palace are already finished. It is particularly fascinating to see the interior of the Palace – the wonderful ceiling paintings and stucco decorations. The Palace is arranged with period furniture and objects d’art of the 17 th., 18th and 19th centuries. Duke’s Private apartments are located in the central part of the 1st floor. Boudoir of the Duchess, bedroom and the privy, and also an exhibition “Fashion in Latvia of 17th and 18th c.” – in the western part of the Palace. And the Eastern part is occupied by the State Apartments.

After lunch.
French formal garden at the Palace, originally designed by F.B. Rastrelli, is being reconstructed and already reminds the “petit Versalles”. The radial compositions of alleys with live labyrinths and historical rose gardens.

The theatricalised excoursion called “Charm of the Gallant Century” is offered for the guests of Rundale Palace.
The Master of court’s ceremonies and the Ladies of the Duchess court meet the guests on the Parade stairway and welcome to the Palace;
- Symbolic reception is held in Gold Hall by traditions of 18th century;
- The excursion through the private and state apartments of the Palace;
- The Courtiers invite guests in the Marble hall for the concert;
Two court’s musicians play virginal of the 16th century and the violin. In the programof concert - pieces of music of the 18th century (J.S.Bach, L.Boccerini, etc.). The courtiers will tell some interesting stories from the court life of the Palace. They will show one of the most popular dances – Menuetto, of the 18th c. Guests are invited to dance Menuetto, best dancers will be rewarded. And other suprises for the gusests, like couert ladies teachinf the language of fans.

Lunch in the Palace.
After the journey around the apartments, guests are invited to visit the French Formal garden.

Transfer to the Mezotne Palace
Excoursion around the palace and garden.

You should complete sightseeing of Bauska region by visiting Mežotne Palace. This Neo-classical style manor house was presented by the Russian Empress Catherine II to the governesss of her grandchildren, princess Charlotte fon Lieven. The palace, surrounded by the wide picturesque English landscape park, was built according to the designs of G. Quarengi and J.G. Berlitz. Interior of the Palace restored and arranged with period furniture.

So in day a visitor can travel from the Mannerism style in Bauska, to the Baroque and Rococo styles at Rundale and the Neo-classical style in Mežotne.

Return to the hotel.
Thematic evening event – degustation of Latvian products.

Journey through centuries

Come to Bauska district to investigate its historical heritage from Middle Ages to Baroque. Bauska District is located in the levelground of Zemgale. Fertile ground and favourable climatic conditions are the premises for developement of agriculture in this area. On the other hand tourists can find interesting cultural heritage; Castle mounds, palaces, fortresses and manors reflect Latvian history of culture from the 9th c. until the age of classicism.

The group arrives in Bauska at evening.
Accomodation with dinner at hotel.
Two-day excoursion in Zemgale – southern region of Latvia

Day No. 1

Thematical tour „Arhitecture of F.B.Rastrelli in Zemgale”
Breakfast in hotel
Transfer to Jelgava

Jelgava Palace

For many centuries, Jelgava was politically the second most important town in Latvia. From 1574 to 1795 Jelgava (then called Mittau) was the capital of the Duchy of Courland, the previously independent western portion of Latvia. It was a major economic and trading centre Luckily, the Jelgava Palace, designed by the outstanding Italian architect Franchesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, has managed to survive numerous wars. It is beautifully situated between two rivers, surrounded by a park. Palace construction took place from 1738 till 1772, and since then it has served many purposes. The Dukes of Courland were the first owners of Jelgava Palace, where they lived in great splendour. During the French-Russian War of 1812, the Palace became an army hospital. Nowadays it houses the Latvia University of Agriculture. For two hundred years this was the burial place of the two ducal families of Courland, the Kettlers and the Birons. There are 18 sarcophagi in the Family Vault, the oldest dating from 1569 and the newest from 1784. The restored garments as well as information about the buried persons are displayed in the exhibition rooms next to the Family Vault. At the end of excursion „Prince of Courland” ply the guests with Black Balsam in Silver Hall of the Palace.

St. Simeon and St. Ann orthodox cathedral
– the last masterpiece of architect F.B.Rastrelli. The foundation stone of Rastrelli’s projected Cathedral was laid in 1774. The Church was sanctified in 1780. It is the first orthodox cathedral in Zemgale region.

Transfer to Rundale
Lunch in Rundale Palace.

Rundale Palace

Visiting palace and park ensemble.
Don’t miss an opportunity to see of the most beautiful Baroque palaces in Latvia – Rundale Palace, designed by the renowned Italian architect F.B. Rastrelli and built as summer residence for the Duke of Courland E. J. Biron. At present, restoration works in the greatest part of the Palace are already finished. It is particularly fascinating to see the interior of the Palace – the wonderful ceiling paintings and stucco decorations. The Palace is arranged with period furniture and objects d’art of the 17 th., 18th and 19th centuries. Duke’s Private apartments are located in the central part of the 1st floor. Boudoir of the Duchess, bedroom and the privy, and also an exhibition “Fashion in Latvia of 17th and 18th c.” – in the western part of the Palace. And the Eastern part is occupied by the State Apartments.
French formal garden at the Palace, originally designed by F.B. Rastrelli, is being reconstructed and. The radial compositions of alleys with live labyrinths and historical rose gardens reminds the “petit Versalles”.

The theatrical excursion called “Charm of the Gallant Century” is offered for the guests of Rundale Palace.
The Master of court’s ceremonies and the Ladies of the Duchess court meet the guests on the Parade stairway and welcome to the Palace;

- Symbolic reception is held in Gold Hall by traditions of 18th century;
- The excursion through the private and state apartments of the Palace;
- The Courtiers invite guests in the Marble hall for the concert;

Two court’s musicians play virginal of the 16th century and the violin. In the program of concert - pieces of music of the 18th century (J.S.Bach, L.Boccerini, etc.). The courtiers will tell some interesting stories from the court life of the Palace. They will show one of the most popular dances – Menuetto, of the 18th c. Guests are invited to dance Menuetto, best dancers will be rewarded. And other surprises for the guests, like court ladies teaching the language of fans.
After the journey around the apartments, guests are invited to visit the French Formal garden.

Return to the hotel.

Day No. 2.

Breakfast in hotel
Transfer to the Bauska Castle.

Bauska Castle
is situated in a romantic and picturesque spot - near the confluence of the rivers Mūsa and Mēmele. The Bauska Castle consists of a fortress built by the Livonian Order in the middle of the 15th century, a forecastle converted into the Dukes of Courland's residence at the end of the 16th century and ramparts from the 17th-18th century. The visitors can view the fortifications around the castle, The Order's castle ruins and climb the sightseeing platform in the tower. One can take tours of the spaces of the Duke's residence, which are still under reconstruction. , The exhibition "Bauska New Castle - History, Architecture, Investigations" has been open since September 1999.

Transfer to windmill “Rozmalas”.

Visiting an old windmill, where guests are baking bread. Excoursion in the original 19th. century windmill, where hostess shows all the 7 floors and invites guests to the bakery.

Everyone makes his own bread; afterwards hostess bakes it to take with. At the end of this active excursion guests are invited to the dinner with Latvian national meals.

Transfer to the Mezotne Palace.

Mezotne Palace is one of the most beautiful neo-classical style buildings in Latvia.
Excursion around the palace and garden.
You should complete sightseeing of Bauska region by visiting Mežotne Palace. This Neo-classical style manor house was presented by the Russian Empress Catherine II to the governess of her grandchildren, princess Charlotte fon Lieven. The palace, surrounded by the wide picturesque English landscape park, was built according to the designs of G. Quarengi and J.G. Berlitz. The Dining hall, Cupola hall and some studies are open to visitors. Interiors of the Palace are restored and arranged with that period furniture.

Return to the Hotel.