Riga, Latvia
We awoke to a leisurely morning, cruising into the Gulf of Riga. Once again, the Baltic Sea brought the National Geographic Endeavour sunshine and tranquil seas to begin our day. We gathered in the lounge with Historian David Barnes for a talk about the Vikings… were they Raiders or Traders? Following that presentation, our National Geographic Photographer, Bob Krist, gave photographers suggestions about how to best make use of light when composing photographs.
In the early afternoon, we picked up our pilot and cruised into the Daugava River, docking in the city of Riga, Latvia. Riga’s beginnings go back to the 13th century and it quickly developed into a Hanseatic city throughout the Middle Ages. Throughout its history, it has been an important trade port and a hub of European culture. Perhaps best known for its Old Town and incredible collection of Art Nouveau buildings, we began our exploration of Riga to see unique and beautiful architecture throughout the city.
After a short bus tour, our guides took us walking through the Old Town to explore cobblestone streets and to experience the best of historic Riga. We visited the Great Guildhall for a vocal music performance by an a capella group. After more wanderings in the city, we arrived at the Dome Church for a spectacular concert performed on the Church’s massive pipe organ. Our walks continued along narrow alleyways and through stone gates, finishing in front of the reconstructed House of the Blackheads. From this location, many of us set out to experience the rest of the evening on our own, while others returned to the ship to watch the sunset from the windows and decks of our floating home. Riga’s allure is deceiving at first, her charm and beauty hidden by modern buildings and an industrial port. Once able to delve deeper, however, we were all captivated by this delightful and picturesque Baltic capital.
We awoke to a leisurely morning, cruising into the Gulf of Riga. Once again, the Baltic Sea brought the National Geographic Endeavour sunshine and tranquil seas to begin our day. We gathered in the lounge with Historian David Barnes for a talk about the Vikings… were they Raiders or Traders? Following that presentation, our National Geographic Photographer, Bob Krist, gave photographers suggestions about how to best make use of light when composing photographs.
In the early afternoon, we picked up our pilot and cruised into the Daugava River, docking in the city of Riga, Latvia. Riga’s beginnings go back to the 13th century and it quickly developed into a Hanseatic city throughout the Middle Ages. Throughout its history, it has been an important trade port and a hub of European culture. Perhaps best known for its Old Town and incredible collection of Art Nouveau buildings, we began our exploration of Riga to see unique and beautiful architecture throughout the city.
After a short bus tour, our guides took us walking through the Old Town to explore cobblestone streets and to experience the best of historic Riga. We visited the Great Guildhall for a vocal music performance by an a capella group. After more wanderings in the city, we arrived at the Dome Church for a spectacular concert performed on the Church’s massive pipe organ. Our walks continued along narrow alleyways and through stone gates, finishing in front of the reconstructed House of the Blackheads. From this location, many of us set out to experience the rest of the evening on our own, while others returned to the ship to watch the sunset from the windows and decks of our floating home. Riga’s allure is deceiving at first, her charm and beauty hidden by modern buildings and an industrial port. Once able to delve deeper, however, we were all captivated by this delightful and picturesque Baltic capital.
