IMPRO Travel

29/08/2024

Once you have explored the cultural sites of Riga, it’s time to indulge your senses by diving into more active adventures. Just beyond the borders of Riga, there are countless opportunities to be active, adventurous, and enjoy Latvian nature.

How about:

🐟Jumping on a real fisherman’s boat and gliding down the river toward the sea while discovering fishermen’s tales. If the timing is right, you might be lucky enough to witness a lamprey catch. In fiercer weather, feel the boat swaying in the waves.

🌊Going on a SUP in the bog lake, followed by a freshly cooked pancake breakfast on the spot. Sunrise or sunset is the most magical time here.

🚗Driving a Volkswagen Beetle on the lake? Yes, it’s possible! Pedaling a catamaran shaped like a Beetle on a serene lake will bring you peace, and you’ll feel hungry enough not to resist a delicious savory or sweet waffle afterwards.

🐦The prettiest nature is unspoiled nature. In the 7th largest lake in Latvia, just outside Riga, up to 60 bird species nests. Rent binoculars and observe the buzzing life in the lake from the top of the bird-watching tower.

🧗Challenging your physical strength by climbing 20 meters up the climbing tower and rewarding yourself with an enjoyable rappel down.

🚣‍♂️Setting sail in an authentic Viking boat and heading to the Death Island. Discover a slice of Latvian history and the role this battlefield played. On the way, listen to the captain’s stories about the impact of Latvian hydroelectric power plants on the riverbed. You never know if you might even be lucky enough to spot a few meter-long catfish living in the river.

All this and much more is right on Riga's doorstep and is perfect group activity!

EXIT RĪGA

01/08/2024

🌟 Meet our Product Manager, Kristine Talberga! 🌟

Kristine is the epitome of adventure and brilliance. She's always on the lookout for new thrills and experiences that set her apart from the crowd. She lives for those unique moments that make life extraordinary. 🌍

After every storm of activities, Kristine loves retreating to her cozy home, her ultimate sanctuary. 🏡

She encourages everyone to seek out new experiences, embrace their uniqueness, and find authenticity in every corner of the globe.

08/07/2024

22/06/2024

Have you ever wondered how Latvians celebrate their grandest national festival, Līgo and Jāņi?

🌿We head to the countryside to celebrate and, like our ancestors, connect with nature. We believe that on this night, nature has mystical and empowering abilities.
🌿We decorate our homes, yards, gates, and tables with rowan branches, birch twigs, herbs, and wildflowers, because we believe that these decorations protect against evil spirits.
🌿We gather herbs for tea, as we believe that herbs collected on Līgo night have a magical power to make us healthy.
🌿We weave and wear wreaths: flower wreaths for girls and oak leaf crowns for men. We believe that each flower in the wreath has a different meaning and is a symbol of beauty, while oak leaves represent power and strength.
🌿We adorn livestock with wreaths made of flowers and herbs as we believe that it protects them from evil spirits and ensure their health and productivity.
🌿As the sun sets, we light bonfires and keep them burning through the night until sunrise. Bonfires symbolize the sun’s victory over darkness.
🌿We sing and dance throughout the night. We believe that Līgo songs promote the fertility of sown fields and prevent misfortunes. These songs also often humorously tease family, friends, and neighbors, poking fun at local characters and situations. ‘Līgo’ in old Livonian means “let it become.”
🌿On Līgo night, two essentials must grace every table: special ‘Jāņi’ cheese with caraway seeds and beer. We believe these will encourage the growth of barley and the production of cow's milk in the coming summer.

As we believe in the mystery and magic of the night, we:
🌺Jump over the midsummer or ‘Jāņi’ bonfire to bring good luck and ensure health and prosperity for the coming year. Couples who jump holding their hands believe that magical flames bind them together.
🌺Swim n**e on Jāņi night to gain beauty and youth, as the water is believed to have special purifying and healing powers on this night.
🌺Search for the mythical fern flower, which is believed to bloom only on Jāņi night. Finding it brings great luck, fortune, wisdom, and the ability to understand animals. Couples searching together are believed to forge stronger bonds. Fun fact: babies born between late March and early April are sometimes referred to as “fern flowers”!
🌺Roll in the morning dew or wash our faces with it, as it is believed to ensure health and beauty.
🌺Women throw their wreaths into an apple or oak tree, believing that the number of times the wreath falls to the ground indicates the years left until marriage.
🌺Young unmarried women gather nine different types of flowers and place them under their pillows to dream of their future husbands.
🌺And most importantly, we stay awake all night long! We firmly believe that if you fall asleep before sunrise, you will sleep through the entire summer!

Līgo/Jāņi is a Latvian tradition celebrating the shortest night and the longest day—the summer solstice. It is rooted in pagan mythology, and we uphold the traditions our ancestors did centuries ago.

04/06/2024

When we are tired of everyday things, we look for something more challenging! 😎 An off-road jeep ride is a great way to have fun, have an unforgettable experience and indulge in team building. In this adventure, you have the opportunity to drive down a sand hill, steer figures blindfolded, relying only on the instructions of the team, adventurously complete the distance with tasks and in the end enjoy delicious soup cooked on the fire. And all this is right here in Pierīga. Thank you "4x4 Centrs" for this amazing event!

28/05/2024

Each region of Latvia has its own story about people living there. Latgalians are strong and tough nation, but at the same time truly sincere and extremly hospitable. Each guest is warmly welcomed, kindly received, well fed and, of course, not to forget the dose of “šmakovka” – the region's traditional strong distilled alcoholic drink.

☝🏻Latgale is located quite far from the pulsing centre of Latvia – Riga, and therefore people there have always had to take care of themselves and the quality of their life. In Latgale, more than anywhere else, people still live and work in ancient traditions. Many people continue to practice traditional crafts – pottery, weaving, folk costume making, lace making, and basket weaving. Vladlena, the artist of unique dolls of Preiļi, and the Mark Rothko Art Center are known far beyond the borders of Latvia.

☝🏻Latgale is known for its unique culture and identity. Diverse nationalities and ethnic groups have lived side by side in the region over the centuries. This cultural melting has given the region a rich and versatile heritage.

☝🏻Latgalians have their own language, distinct from standard Latvian. Their language is a vital part of their cultural identity

☝🏻Latgale is rich in vibrant ethnographic traditions and folklore, including typical folk songs, dances, and crafts. Local communities are dedicated to celebrating and preserving their traditions through numerous festivals and events

☝🏻The region is blessed with diverse natural scenery – serene lakes, lush forests, and tranquil countryside. In the region there are many nature reserves and parks dedicated to preserving these natural resources

☝🏻Latgale is called "The Land of Blue Lakes". In the region are more than 1000 lakes – one lake for every 10 km2 area. Therefore, Latgale is an ideal destination for nature lovers, anglers, and bird watchers

☝🏻Latgale is home to Latvia's second largest city - Daugavpils

☝🏻Latgale cuisine is rich in traditional dishes made from local products and according to local recipes. One of the most typical dishes is "kļockas", made from potatoes and meat

In Latgale you can find:
📍Daugavpils fortress – one of the best-preserved 19th century war fortresses in Europe
📍Mark Rothko Art Center, dedicated to the famous American artist Mark Rothko, who was born in this city
📍Šmakovka Museum
📍Dinaburg Castle ruins
📍Krāslava wooden architecture
📍Rāzna National Park – one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Latvia
📍Aglona Basilica – one of the most important Catholic spiritual centers in Latvia
📍Aglona Bread Museum
📍Lake Velnezers (also known as Čertoks)
📍Great Ludza lake – the second largest lake in Latvia offers dinner on a wooden raft
📍Medieval castle ruins of Ludza
📍Nature Park "Daugavas loki" (the Bends of the Daugava River)
📍Slutiški Old Believers farmstead
📍Andrupene country farm
📍Livani glass blowing workshop
📍Various craft centers
📍Jewish heritage and memorials
📍The Bat Center, which houses the second largest colony of wintering bats in the Baltic States
📍Latgale folklore ensembles and their performances
📍Ancient manors, such as Luznava manor, where various concerts and cultural events take place

And many more secrets..

14/05/2024

Here we are - at IMEX, in Frankfurt! 😎

Discover your opportunities in Latvia, come and connect with us!

📅 When: May 14th - 16th, 2024
📍 Where: IMEX Frankfurt
📌 Exhibition Stand: F240 (Hall 😎
📎 https://imex-frankfurt.com/newfront/exhibitor/impro-travel

08/05/2024

Great news! "Impro Travel" Product Manager Kristine Talberga will be representing Latvia and "Impro Travel" at the prestigious IMEX Frankfurt!

Event Details:
📅 When: May 14th - 16th, 2024
📍 Where: IMEX Frankfurt
📌 Exhibition Stand: F240 (Hall 8)
📎 https://imex-frankfurt.com/newfront/exhibitor/impro-travel

We would love to connect with you!

02/05/2024

Zemgale is one of the historical lands of Latvia, which used to be closely connected with the lands of Courland and Selia, so their borders have blurred. Most of the territory of Zemgale is a plain, unlike the other historical lands of Latvia, which also have highlands.

☝️Zemgale is known as the "breadbasket" in Latvia - it is the main agricultural region of the country. The fertile fields of Zemgale are ideal for growing a variety of crops, including grains, vegetables, and fruits.
☝️The agricultural wealth of the region has also influenced Zemgale cuisine. Traditional dishes often include locally grown produce such as potatoes, cabbage, and pork. In Zemgale, rye bread, which is the basic product of Latvian cuisine, is also held in high esteem. The region offers various opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and visiting rapeseed and poppy fields.
☝️The largest city in Zemgale is Jelgava, once called Mitau. It is rich in cultural heritage, including such notable sights as Jelgava Castle, the former residence of the Dukes of Courland and Zemgale. Jelgava is also the "capital" of Latvian students.

In Zemgale you can find:
📍Rundāle Castle – an architectural masterpiece that is often referred to as the "Versailles of Latvia"
📍Dobele Castle
📍Tervete nature park and wooden castle, which is one of the few wooden castles in Europe
📍Adventure place “Future Park” (Nākotnes parks) - a storehouse of ancient things and a workshop "Time Machine" (Laika mašīna), where industrial vintage items and a retro motorcycle collection with almost all the serial vehicles of the Riga motor factory "Red Star” (Sarkanā zvaigzne) are displayed
📍Jelgava – the largest city in Zemgale
📍Lielupe floodplain meadows, where more than 80 wild horses graze
📍Bauska castle, town hall and old town
📍Baldone observatory, where the Schmidt telescope is located - the largest telescope in the Baltics and the 12th largest telescope of such a system in the world, designed for observing various celestial bodies
📍Garden of Destiny (Likteņdārzs) – a symbol created in nature, where the past, present and future of both people and the country meet
📍Koknese castle ruins and park

And many more secrets..

18/04/2024

Vidzeme is a region of hills and valleys, medieval castles and later centuries’ manors, thick forests, boating rivers, hiking, cycling and all-season outdoor sports.

☝️In the highlands of Vidzeme, near Madona, at 312 m above the sea level is the highest point in Latvia – Gaiziņkalns.
☝️If Kurzeme has its own dialect and Latgale has its own language, the people of Vidzeme proudly believe that exactly in Vidzeme the most correct Latvian language is spoken.
☝️Vidzeme has the longest and coldest winters in Latvia. The north-east of Vidzeme is the Latvian skiing and winter sports center – Aluksne town has the greatest guarantee of natural snow.
☝️Until the 13th century Vidzeme was inhabited by Latgalians and Livs, ancient farmers and owners of homestead natural farms.
☝️In the 19-20. century, in Vidzeme was designed a unique chair, the seat of which was woven from reeds. Chairs were mass-produced by local craftsmen and successfully exported to Finland and Russia where they are still known as the Latvian chairs (mebelurestauracija.lv/aizmirsta-vesture/).

In Vidzeme you can find:
📍Gauja National Park – the best known and most visited National Park in Latvia – home to:
🌿Sigulda and Turaida castles,
🌿Cesis medieval castle
🌿Ligatne nature trails with animals
🌿River Gauja and its sandstone cliffs and caves
📍Active and extreme activities in Sigulda
📍Boating and raft adventures along Gauja and Amata
📍Bird and animal watching
📍Seda town – a place where you can travel back in time to Soviet era
📍Soviet secret bunker in Ligatne
📍Private craft beer breweries
📍Local winery and wine tasting in cellar cave
📍Ancient Latvian style picnic in the forest
📍The rocky coast of Vidzeme
📍Real Latvian witch, which will let you step into the ancient Latvian heritage of healing plant rituals and tell about protective powers and mystical significance of different plants, make healing plant elixirs, master the ancient art of crafting smudge sticks, casting spells and using plants for protection and fortune

And many more secrets..

03/04/2024

Latvia is a small country with less than 2 million inhabitants, yet very diverse and different in each region. Kurzeme or Courland – bright, colorful, and diverse, the richest and proudest region of Latvia. The magnificent folk costumes and its strong people precisely highlight it.

☝️Courland – once the Duchy of Courland – was known for its significant shipbuilding and Tobago as a colony
☝️Courland is washed by the Gulf of Riga and the open Baltic Sea. Exactly in Courland is the point where the two seas come together at Cape Kolka
☝️Courland has its own dialect, in which the ends of words are cut off – they are “blown away in the wind”
☝️The largest part of the territory of today’s Courland was once inhabited by the Kurs tribe, giving the name Kursa to the region. North-western coast of Courland was inhabited by the Finno-Ugric tribe Livs
☝️Courland is a home for Suiti cultural heritage, which was included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2009 with its colourful costumes, drone singing and Suiti womens' typical 'teasing'
☝️During Soviet times, Courland was the western border of the USSR – partially or completely closed area that was not accessible to Latvian residents. That is why sparsely populated, untouched natural areas, reserves, sanctuaries, and nature parks have been preserved on the coast of Courland to this day

In Courland you can find:
📍The "loved or hated" sklandrauši – traditional Courland’s carrot pie. Those made according to authentic recipes can only be found in the narrow part of Courland
📍Very wide sandy beach. In the Soviet era, the dunes were plowed to monitor footprints of those who wanted to escape
📍Easy or not so easy accessible lighthouses
📍Former secret Soviet radio telescope which is the largest object of its kind in Northern Europe and the eighth largest in the world. Radio antenna was founded to spy communications in the west
📍Many tiny fishing villages with abandoned and still usable boats, fishing nets and of course freshly smoked overnight catch
📍Europe's widest waterfall with "flying fish" during spawning
📍UNESCO city Kuldiga
📍One of the northernmost vineyards in northern Europe
📍European Capital of Culture 2027 and port city - Liepaja
📍Karosta prison and very unusual hotel in it
📍Wonderful city for families – Ventspils
📍Countless bike paths and hiking trails. Through Courland pass Baltic Coastal Hiking trail of Jūrtaka and The Forest trail of Mežtaka – parts of two European long trails
📍Rivers and labyrinths of caves
📍An ideal place for bird watching, because the most active migratory bird routes pass through Courland

And many more secrets..

28/03/2024

Happy Easter from “Impro Travel” team! 🐇

20/03/2024

Latvia is divided into four historical and cultural regions: Vidzeme, Latgale, Kurzeme and Zemgale. Each region has its own distinct characteristics, traditions, and landscapes. Over the next four weeks, we'll introduce you to each of these regions, highlighting their differences.

12/03/2024

Are you planning to visit Latvia and don't know the best time to do it? The answer is: at any time, because every month in Latvia has its own magic. Not all countries can be proud of four distinct seasons, but we have five! 😎

At the moment, for example, Latvia is transitioning from the winter season to spring. The snow is melting and, little by little, the first snowdrops bloom, the rivers begin to flow and, as the air temperature rises, the people in the streets of Riga become happier and happier.

06/03/2024

We are in Berlin, where at ITB the world’s tourism industry meets.

29/02/2024

We have great news – two brand new buses have joined the "Impro Travel" bus family! As usual, we took the new buses for a lap of honor around the quarter and then also properly poured champagne showers on their wheels. Each bus will be looked after by its mascot – Vilibalts Besiks and Mareks Cieņpilnis.

20/02/2024

There are still places in Latvia where hiking is possible, following animal paths or without paths at all, accompanied by professional guides, both in winter and summer. One of such guides is Andris Geidāns, who sees the history and traditions of Latvia from the inside, lives in close contact with nature, and at the same time is a very educated and knowledgeable modern person. He leads survival hikes and organizes nature picnics.

The annual winter hike "Sveķupe and Lenčupe Canyon" was once again a hit in the top ten for those looking for an untouched winter landscape, trails covered with fluffy snow and the mythical silence of the Vidzeme forests. The Sveķupe road was carved in palm-width ice. At times, the river completely disappeared into ice caves. We managed to cross the river on an ice bridge, which confidently endured everyone and everything. It was a great adventure!

13/02/2024

As you know, snowshoes are footwear designed for walking over snow and they already have been used for thousands of years by people in snowy regions for hunting, trapping, and transportation. Snowshoes were traditionally made from wood, animal skin, and other natural materials. However, nowadays snowshoes have become more modern in materials and design.

Living in the Baltics, such shoes are really useful – it is easier to walk, hike, or run in our snowy conditions. Besides they are pretty fun to wear! Shoes can also be used for walking through the swamp in summer. We offer guided walks with such shoes in both – winter and summer. Would you like to join?

06/02/2024

Did you know that the International Tourism Exhibition "Balttour" has been running for 30 years and is only few months older than our agency "Impro Travel"? Vija and Kristīne, representatives of "Impro Travel", also went to the exhibition to look for pearls of Baltic tourism.

This exhibition is one of the most important tourism events in the Baltics, which helps travelers choose destinations and plan trips, while tourism industry professionals gain new contacts and build cooperation.

30/01/2024

As always, we try, feel and taste what we offer to our customers. Our product manager Kristīne jumped on the new cross-border train that connects the two Baltic capitals - Riga and Vilnius, and went to explore Vilnius.

See what we saw - Vilnius is cool! 😎…but you haven’t seen Riga yet! 🧐

23/01/2024

Latvians have long been craftsmen who liked to do things with their hands. We offer a glimpse into the creative process of making the Namejs ring. Many Latvians nowadays weave their roots under the guidance of a silversmith in honor of their belonging to Latvia or as a very special gift to someone.

The Namejs ring is a traditional Latvian ring which represents Latvian independence, friendship, and trust, and symbolizes the unity of three ancient Latvian lands – Kurzeme, Latgale, and Vidzeme. Namejs ring has been boasting the title of a legendary Latvian ornament for a long time. By this ring Latvians and friends of the fatherland immediately recognize each other in the wide world.

16/01/2024

See you at MATKA in Helsinki!

☝️ Meet our product manager Kristine Talberga at MATKA 2024 workshop on January 17, Table Nr 322 (few time slots are still available).
☝️ Come to see us at Latvian National stand Nr 6h80 on January 18-19.

09/01/2024

Pakruojis Manor, a Lithuanian gem with origins in the 16th century, boasts a magnificent palace showcasing architectural styles from various eras. During the Winter season, Pakruojis Manor offers the opportunity to visit one of the biggest Winter festivals in Europe (or, as they say, the biggest Winter festival in the whole Universe). Visitors can enjoy various light installations and laser shows, admire performances by polar bears, meet a camel named Buckis, warm up with a hot chocolate and take a look behind the scenes of an old brewery.

02/01/2024

In the festive spirit, we visited our long-time partners and friends - Hotel and restaurant “Neiburgs”. Outstanding service, cozy atmosphere and delicious food as always. No wonder even Michelin has noticed this.

29/12/2023

Season’s Greetings! ♥️ See you next year!

20/12/2023

December 19 is a special day for "Impro Travel". This year we celebrated our 29th birthday!

19/12/2023

Wander through the beautiful Vērmane Garden and feel the winter magic!

12/12/2023

The Baltics are a captivating four-season destination, each offering its unique perks and joys. When snow is covering the ground, the region transforms into a magical wonderland. Staying in Riga provides an excellent gateway to explore the nearby nature.

📌⛄️Embark on a serene winter walk through the woods or picturesque trails in the snowy moors, where encounters with wild animals may enrich your experience.
📌⛄️Enjoy a horse sleigh ride or try skijoring, followed by the warmth of hot tea or soup.
📌⛄️A myriad of snowy hills beckon adventure enthusiasts with skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and exhilarating sled rides.
📌⛄️For those who prefer level terrain, cross-country skiing or ice skating is available.
📌⛄️Thrill-seekers can partake in ice go-karting, 4x4 off-road driving, winter quad biking, snowmobiling, husky dog sledding, soft-bob rides at speed reaching 80 km/h, and winter swimming.

📌⛄️After engaging in outdoor activities, indulging in the refined relaxation of a sauna and hot tub is a must, a dignified reward for a day immersed in the tranquil beauty of the winter landscape.

📌⛄️In the evening, immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere by visiting the Christmas Market in the Old Town. Explore Latvian handicrafts and homemade delights while savoring mulled wine or Riga Black Balsam. Illuminate this evening by following the Light Trail in the city or visit the Light Garden.

📌⛄️On the way, don’t miss the chance to savor the gastronomy delights that Riga has to offer. Latvian cuisine is renowned for its natural ingredients, unique flavor combinations and exceptional service. This year, Latvia achieved a significant culinary milestone as it proudly earned its first Michelin star, a credit to the nation’s culinary excellence.

Visit Riga during the winter season. Here are plenty of enjoyable pursuits awaiting within close proximate of the capital.

Ask us and we will organize your getaway! ⛄️

05/12/2023

Embark on a journey to explore the tranquil and subtle charm of the Baltics! Sign up for our post-congress tour of the IUFRO World Congress and we will guide you through vibrant capitals and secluded seaside villages with unspoiled beaches, offering encounters with distinctive communities and a deep dive into local traditions rooted in the pre-Christian era. We are a proud partner of the IUFRO World Congress.

More information: https://bit.ly/iufroexcursions