Baltic Country Holidays WILDLIFE TOURS

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Baltic Country Holidays / Lauku ceļotājs Kalnciema Str. 40, Riga, LV-1046, , T: +(371) 67617600, [email protected] www.countryholidays.lv

About Our Itineraries We tailor-made all our tours according the clients’ specific needs interests and fitness level. In this manual we have included the samples of each type of tour to give an idea what we can offer. However many tours are mixed com- bining birds, butterflies, dragonflies, bats, botanic as well as mammals. We also like to encourage people to visit traditional crafts workshops, visit working farms and organize tastings of local produce.

The tours tend to pass various biotops lack of alternative hotels in the area. maximizing impressions and number of Similarly it applies for single rooms. If species seen. Depending of your needs possible we offer separate rooms for the the itinerary can be organized changing singles but sometimes it is not possible. accommodation every night and spend- All hotels we use have some cosy rooms ing most time out on the field. Or we can for the group’s gatherings. organize activities around one or two base hotels. Meals All meals can be organized either at the All prices in this manual are only indic- accommodation where the group stays ative and might change on hotels used, or outside. Several guest houses don’t group size and services required. have a restaurant therefore meals and drinks have to be agreed beforehand. Spring and autumn tours We will provide you with the menus well The spring tours run from mid April – ahead of your arrival. Depending of your July. Highlights: bird migration at the preference lunch can be organized ei- sea coast, wetlands, rich meadows full of ther at the restaurants or taverns on the colourful flowers, butterflies and drag- route or as packed lunch to take along. onflies. Before the leaves come there Early breakfast is always possible. is a good chance to spot some animals along the way. Information The autumn tours run from the end of We provide detailed information and August – beginning of October. High- maps for your itinerary including route Birdwatchinglights: bird migration, cranes shows, description, sites, and facilities on the Black Grouse matting time, mammals’ way as well as check-lists. rutting time, mushrooms and berries, Guides and specialists autumn colours. Besides our own guides we can use also Group size local guides of the sites or invite experts Our groups can start from 4 people but (zoologists, mycologists, entomologists should not exceed 16 due the lack of etc.) for a talk or excursion of the spe- adequate accommodation at some rural cific interest. areas. We can organise also themed talk with the specialist in the evening or organize, Accommodation for example, a butterfly show. Accommodation is planned at the care- fully selected good quality hotels or Walking guest houses. They are located in rural Our walks are not particulary difficult. areas next to the forest, park, fish-pond, Latvian landscape is rather flat with meadow or the sea, giving a chance for some rolling hills. Depending from the the group to observe nature individu- general fitness level of the group we ally or organize early morning/late night can alter the routes taken. If the group outings. is ready we might include some diffi- We give priority to smaller hotels and cult trails (bushy, muddy, slippery)which guest houses which provide truly per- give better chance to see certain birds sonal service and care. Most hotels have or animals. But mostly its easy trails or en suite facilities. However sometimes board walks. Waterproof boots however we have to use hotels where WC and is necessary, especially in early spring bathroom have to be shared due the and autumn tours.

Baltic Country Holidays / Lauku ceļotājs Kalnciema Str. 40, Riga, LV-1046, Latvia, T: +(371) 67617600, [email protected] www.countryholidays.lv

The Content

Mushroom Tours Birdwatching Tours Botanic tours Latvia has ancient traditions involving Latvia is among one of the world’s three Latvia is a land of diverse terrain where mushrooms. For centuries they been most important bird migration paths, and plains alternate with hillocks and river used for eating. Mushroom gathering during migration seasons in spring and valleys. It is stately forests, broad mires tradition is well alive and persuaded in autumn, when tens of thousands birds and clear waters. It is meadows, fields, Latvia more than in any other European can be seen at one place. Latvia’s flat ter- groves, gardens and parks. Together, country. People carrying baskets full of rain and a climate in which precipitation these features form a unique mosaic that mushrooms in autumn is common site exceeds evaporation means that particu- is the landscape of Latvia. People live in in the country roads and trains coming larly along the seashore, there are wet- close relationship with the nature here. into the city. lands that are appropriate for water birds Each season has its activities like mush- Almost every Latvian has some secret – shallow lagoons and high swamps. rooming, berry picking, collecting herbs, mushrooming place and there are plen- Places like broad-leaved forest is ideal ice-fishing etc. The country is a haven for ty of funny stories around the subject. habitat for nesting Black Storks. Old pine the tourist, who loves nature, respects There is even a mushroom gathering forest growth is favoured by Black Grouse traditions and has an interest in the cul- festival annually. Modern as well as tra- with Owls living at their edges. While dif- ture of the local inhabitants. The coastal ditional mushroom preparation is very ferent woodpecker species thrive in wet climate of western Latvia modulates into popular. There are around 4100 mush- forests. Important biotops for many birds the continental climate of eastern Lat- room species in Latvia, 1100 of those are are unspoiled flood-lands essential for via. Latvia’s geographic position along- cup mushrooms. About ¼ of these are Great Snipe, Corncrake, Lapwing and side the Baltic Sea has fostered unique eadible. The most popular eadible ones Curlews. During migration time these conditions where northern-southern are various Boletus and Chanterelles. territories become alive with activities and western-eastern vegetation can be found flourishing side by side. Simi- Here you will find two mushroom tours of thousands of birds and provide great lar patterns can be found in the animal as well as one mixed nature tour with atmosphere for birdwatchers. Latvia kingdom. There are many national parks mushroom hunting as one of the activi- also offers artificially made fish breeding and protected nature territories with ties: ponds which are great places to spot not only different types of ducks and waders maintained trails and viewing platforms. • Mushroom Tour at region but also predators like Sea Eagle, Marsh It is easy to enjoy nature and learn about • Mushroom Tour at Kuzeme region Harrier and others. different flora and fauna. • Wildlife experience in Latvia Here you will find two birdwatching Here you will find two botanic tours as tours as well as one mixed nature tour well as one mixed nature tour with bot- with bird, dragonflies and butterflies anising as one of the activities: watching as one of the activities: • Botanical tour at Kurzeme region • Spring birdwatching tour • Botanical tour at Vidzeme region • Autumn birdwatching tour • Wildlife experience in Latvia 14 • Wildlife experience in Latvia Symbols:

walking mushroom birdwatching botanic scenic views heritage insects

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Our Guides

We are privileged to work with the best experts in their respective sectors of expertise either in birdwatching, mushrooming or nature tours. All guides speak fluent English, are communicable and experienced with tour leading. Māris Strazds - one of the leading or- nithologist and birdwatching guides in Latvia. He is also one of the founders and memebers of Latvian Ornithologist Soci- ety. Māris works at the University of Latvia and has devoted his scientific work study- ing Black Storks . Apart of birdwatching Maris enjoys bird photography and does bird drawings. Nikolay Savenkov - member of the Finn- ish and Estonian Lepidopterological Soci- Māris Strazds eties, expert in northern and mideuropean Nikolay Savenkov Lepidoptera fauna. Works at the Latvian museum of Natural History, Department of Zoology. Nick has participated in North- european moth monitoring project. Guide tours to forests and meadows, including moth collecting to light at nights. Diāna Meiere - our mushroom tour guide, one of Latvia’s leading mycologists. Her scientific work is connected mainly with polypore studies in the natural forests. Diana is also Head of Latvian Mycological Society. Andris Klepers - our birdwatching guide. He has done the field-work at the Universi- ty of Trier, Germany and he is the author of several scientific researches and publica- Diāna Meiere tions. Currently Andris works as a lecturer Andris Klepers at the Vidzeme University College. Andris has excellent knowledge of birds which he can combine also with his knowledge of dragonflies, butterflies and mammals as well as general cultural history. Evita Zviedre - the nature and botanical tour guide. Her specilization lies in water- plants flora and ecology and she has long experience in environmental interpreta- tion for groups. Evita is a member of Lat- vian Botanists Society. Viesturs Vīntulis - bats and birdwatching guide. Member of the Latvian Ornitholo- gists and Theriologists’ Societies. Works at the Latvian University, Musuem of Natural History. Specialization: bats, bat ecology. Evita Zviedre Does nature photography. Viesturs Vīntulis

Baltic Country Holidays / Lauku ceļotājs Kalnciema Str. 40, Riga, LV-1046, Latvia, T: +(371) 67617600, [email protected] www.countryholidays.lv

About Baltic Country Holidays

Baltic Country Holidays is a small incoming operator based in Latvia and established in 1993. All our staff are passionate outdoor and nature enthusiasts. All our routes and offers are tried and tested by our people. We know personally all our suppliers and have established great relationships with them during many years of cooperation.

Lauku Ceļotājs grew out of the Asso- All tours in this manual has been researched and tested by our people ciation of Countryside Travel (in Latvian: Lauku Celotajs) which united small fam- ily-run accommodation providers in the Latvian countryside and offered nature tours. The company is focussed on small businesses providing a personal touch and detailed local expertise. Important- ly, we work with some of the best Lat- vian birdwatching and nature experts in Latvia. We support and cooperate with Latvian Ornithologist Society, Nature 2000 territories, Latvian Nature Museum and others.

Our services: • Creation of personalised packages for groups and individuals Our team on mushroom hunt • Reservation of accommodation and related services: hotels, guest hous- es, manors, self-catering as well as farms. • Booking of specialist guides and tour leaders • Car, bus, bike and boat hire • Our publications, professional maps and route descriptions

We’ll be pleased to work with you serving your clients!

Meadow research for botanical tours

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Mushroom Tour at Vidzeme region

Tallinn This is for people who enjoy forests, wildlife and has an interest in mushrooms- different species as well as their various ways of preparation. The tour is lead by the professional mycologist and combines the misterious world of mushrooms with local culinary traditions. The group is introduced with mushrooms growing at the various biotops – natural as well as man made. The tour goes in different Rīga forests, pass some historic sites and small villages on the way. Everyone could try their hand at mushrooming and by the end of the day together with guide sort them out and cook in delicous meal. Vilnius (7 days)

Cowberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) General Route: Rīga - Lielstraupe Day 3 - Cēsis - Zilais kalns - Strenči - Valka - National Park: Zvārte Cliff – Cēsis Āraiši - - Mālpils - Rīga – Ungurmuiža Breakfast. We walk nature trail along the Day 1 Amata river which gurantees spectacular Arrival in Riga views, including impressive sandstone Departure to the hotel in the city centre. Zvartes Cliff as well as mushrooms typi- Introductory meeting with the guide at cal for river banks. Also Chaga (Inonotys the Latvian Nature Museum which can obliquus) which is used in medicine as be followed by the excursion to the Cen- well as Alder Bracket (Inonotus radiatus) tral Market. Free time in Riga. Accomo- which changes its colour depending of dation at Islande Hotel. the light. We’ll make a stop at Cēsis to look at its mighty medieval ruines and Day 2 charming Old town. Ungurmuiža Manor Spiny puffball (Lycoperdon echinatum) Transfer Rīga – Silciems-Ragana-Inci- is unique example of the 18th century ems- Lielstraupe wooden architecture. The inte- Breakfast. One of the most popular mush- rior paintings on the walls and ceilings room pickers routes at Riga suburb. Here have still survived. The manor has the we might find popular in Latvia eadible park with impresive old oaks. There we mushroom like cchanterelles, russulas look for (Hapalopilus croceus) and other and various boletus. Also Chestnut Bo- typical mushrooms growing by oaks. lete (Gyroporus castaneus), Lurid Bolete Walking along the Lake Vaidava we might (Boletus luridus), eadible tree-fungus – find summer boletus (Boletus reticula- Sheep polypore (popular in Scandina- tus). We end the mushrooming by stop- vian cooking) (Albatrellus ovinus), Gold- ping at the shitaki mushroom growers at en corall (Ramaria aurea) and others. Dulbeņi. Accomodation at the hotel Wol- Short stop at Krimulda Church in Ragana mar in Valmiera King Boletus (Boletus edulis) to look for rare mushroom in European level - pretty saffron yelllow coloured Day 4 (Hapalopilus croceus). At Inciems we Zilaiskalns – Strenči – Zīle Forest look for Chestnut Bolete (Gyroporus cas- Breakfast. Zilaiskalns is a very distinct taneus), European bolete (Boletus edulis), hillock covered by forest, and from where as well as golden Coral Tooth (Hericium there is a “narrow” landscape featuring the northern part of the highlands, as coralloides). At Lielstraupe forest there well as the Lake Burtnieks flatlands. It is is a chance to find the largest boletus also a good place for different types of mushroom in Latvia which can be eat- boletus. en uncooked – The Parasol Mushroom Zīle Forest, Pirtslīča brach of the river is (Macrolepiota procera). Accomodation at a rare biotp in Europe with ancient oak the SPA Ezeri hotel in Sigulda. forest and park type meadows. Chance

Baltic Country Holidays / Lauku ceļotājs Kalnciema Str. 40, Riga, LV-1046, Latvia, T: +(371) 67617600, [email protected] www.countryholidays.lv

Mushroom Tour at Vidzeme region ...getting to know at least 100 different mushroom species

View to Castle Ungurmuiža Manor and park TRIP DETAILS

Package price per person: from EUR 547.00 Based on group of 8 persons

INCLUDES: • Accomodation based on shared DBL room with breakfast • Bus transfers • Guide/mycologist • Information pack

EXTRA COSTS: • Single supplement Looking at mushrooms with mycologist • Other meals • Possible fees

TOUR GUIDE: Diāna Meijere, mycologist

PERIOD OF TRAVEL: Mid August-First half of October

WALKING: Easy short walks in woods from 1 to 2 hours combined with bus drives. Waterproof boots, hats and mosquito repelent reco- mended. rooms which is indicators of natural for- made objects. We will see Gloeophyllum est, like Wood-rotting fungus (Phellinus sepiarium, which growth on wooden nigrolimitatus), (Junghuhnia collabens), constructions not only here but often to find (Hapalopilus croceus), Ceramic needled covered Asterodon ferrugino- also on fences, wooden roofs and wood- Parchment (Xylobolus frustulatus) as well as other mushrooms growing by oaks. sus. Stop at Jaunannužēni – growers of en parts of railway tracks. Lielie Kangari Accomodation at the hotel Wolmar in oyster mushrooms. Accomodation at is unusual geological object. Mush- Valmiera the hotel Wolmar in Valmiera. Return- rooming along the slopes and edge of 6 ing to Riga. Accomodation at the hotel the bog. Possible to find bolete (Suillus Day 5 Islande in Riga. flavidus) and Suillus piperatus (can use Valka - Mežole as a spice), Earthstars (Geastrum sp). Breakfast. Mushrooming near Valka at Day 6 Returning to Rīga. Accomodation at Is- the typical pine-tree forests with Cla- Āraiši – Sigulda – Mālpils – Suntaži – lande Hotel. donias on white lichen. Chanterelles, Lielie Kangari – Rīga Suillus, Boletus, Leccinum and others. Breakfast. Āraiši reconstructed ancient Day 7 Natural coniferous forest at Mežole -one settlement from Bronze Age built on Breakfast. Free time. Transfer to the air- of the richest from biological diversity lake. Here is a good example how mush- port. point of view. Here one can find mush- rooms can damage and destroy the man www.countryholidays.lv www.countryholidays.lv

Mushroom Tour at Kurzeme Region

Tallinn This is for people who enjoy forests, wildlife, local traditions and has an interest in mushrooms - different species as well as their various ways of preparation. The tour passes several national parks, stops at charming provincial towns and historic sites. During the tour you will learn not only about various species of mushrooms, dif-

Rīga ferent forests with their typical habitat but also find out how locals prepare and preserve wild mushrooms. We will visit also one of shitake mushroom growers for comparison reasons.

Vilnius (6 days)

Chantarelles & Horn of Plenty (Cantharellus & Cra- terellus cornucopioides) Day 1 Arrival in Riga gathered mushrooms with the guide Transfer to the hotel. and cook them in the meal. Accomoda- Meeting with the guide at Nature His- tion at the Hotel Arcadia. tory Museum and introduction with the tour. Walk to the Central Market to see Day 3 mushrooms for sale. Free time. Engure – Šķēde – Talsi – Valdemārpils – Accomodation at the hotel Islande in Lube - Tiņģere - Dundaga Riga. Breakfast. Šķēdes beechs growth with some rare Day 2 for Latvia mushrooms. Visit local wine Rīga – Sloka – Ķemeru nacionālais parks maker at Lauciena. - Lapmežciems – Antiņciems – Valguma Then we’ll follow Botanical trail along ezers – Milzkalns – Apšuciems - Rideļi Krovalki house located at Talsi down Hare ears (Otidea sp.) Breakfast. Mushrooming around nature park. Possible to find Red-Crack- Antiņciems at pine-tree forests as well as ing Bolete (Boletus pascuus) and other damp forests. Possible to find King Bo- mushrooms. lete (Boletus edulis), Orange Aspen Bolete Walk through picturesque Old Town of (Leccinum rufum), Orange Birch Bolete hilly Talsi located by two lakes. (Leccinum versipelle). On the way we’ll stop at Valdemārpils Lustūzis – the highest hill at the Ķemeri Idol linden tree and then gather mush- National Park, rolling landscape, varried rooms along the banks of the river Roja. types of forests and rich world of mush- Here possible to find such valuable ead- rooms. Among many others, possible to able mushrooms as Deer Truffle(Elapho - find Golden Chanerelle (Cantarellus tu- myces sp.) with parasitic Slender Truffle- baeformis), Horn of Plenty or Dead Man`s Club (Cordyceps ophioglossoides) as well Fingers (Craterellus cornucopioides), as Orange Caterpilar-Fungus (Cordyceps militaris) which emerges from lavae or Coral fungus (Ramaria sp.) Common Stinkhorn (Phallus impudicus), Golden Larch Bolete (Suillus grevillei), ed- pupae of moth. ible Sheeps Polypore (Albatrellus ovinus), Accomodation at the guest house Pupoli. deadly poisonous Death Cap (Amanita phalloides). Day 4. Mushrooming at the coastal pine-forests Dundaga – Pāce – Ance – Ugāle - Zlēkas near Apšuciems: traditional eadable Breakfast. mushrooms – Common Chanterelle (Can- Excursion to which is tarellus cibarius), Variegated Bolete (Suil- the largest well preserved at lus variegatus) and others. Then mush- Kurzeme region. It’s history dates back rooming at Rideļi for diffferent species of to 13th century and its surrounded with Russule Russula as well as Boletes. lots of legends. At the Dundaga Park In the evening oportunity to go through we might find Hen-of –the-Woods (Gri-

Baltic Country Holidays / Lauku ceļotājs Kalnciema Str. 40, Riga, LV-1046, Latvia, T: +(371) 67617600, [email protected] www.countryholidays.lv

Mushroom Tour at Kurzeme Region ...everyting about mushrooms: from picking to preparation!

Walking Ķemeri nature trail View to Talsi town TRIP DETAILS Package price per person: from EUR 435.00

INCLUDES: • Accomodation based on shared DBL room with breakfast • Bus transfers • Guide/mycologist • Four dinners • Information pack

EXTRA COSTS: • Single supplement In the forest with mycologist • Other meals • Possible fees

TOUR GUIDE: Diāna Meijere, mycologist

PERIOD OF TRAVEL: Mid Aug-First half of Oct

WALKING: Easy short walks in woods from 1 to 2 hours combined with bus drives. Waterproof boots, hats and mosquito repelent reco- mended.

fola frondosa) and Ceramic Parchment Kuldiga with its widest waterfall of Eu- Scarlet elf cup (Sarcoscypha austriaca) Fungus (Xylobolus frustulatus) while on rope, well preserved wooden buildings the banks of Pāce Lake is a chance to and 19th century brick bridge across find Chesnut Bolete (Gyroporus casta- the river Venta. Then continue to Tebra neu). Lonaste and Raķupe ancient oak oak growth where possible to see the where we look for Saffron Yellow Poly- strange Hen-of-the-Woods (Grifola fron- pore (Hapalopilus croceus) and other dosa), Hare’s Ear (Otidea onotica) and typical oak mushrooms. At the largest other unsual looking mushrooms. Visit array of forest between Ugāles – Zlēku to shitaki mushroom growers at Garīkas is possible to find Cauliflower Fungus At Rudbārži park possible to find Lingzhi (Sparassis crispa). Accomodation at the (Ganoderma lucidum) which widely used hotel Metropole. in Chinese traditional medicene. Return- ing to Rīga. Accomodation at the hotel Day 5. Islande in Rīga. Kuldīga – Aizpute – Rudbārži – Rīga Breakfast. We’ll start a day with excur- Day 6. Departure soin through charming Old Town of Breakfast. Transfer to the airport.

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Spring Birdwatching Tour Latvia is among one of the world’s three most important bird migration paths, and during Tallinn migration seasons tens of thousands birds can be seen at one place. The tour will spent significant time along the sea coast in order to catch the highlights of migration. In spring time also flood-lands become alive with activities of thousands of birds and provide great atmosphere for birdwatchers. These territories are essential for migrating geese, different Rīga plovers, also Great Snipe, Corncrake, Lapwing and Curlews. Artificially made fish breed- ing ponds are great places to spot not only different types of ducks and waders but also predators like Sea Eagle, Marsh Harrier and others. This tour explores different biotops to

Vilnius get the best impressions of the spring time migration. (10 Days)

Pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum) General Route: Rīga - - Day 4 Jaunmokas - Engure - Kolka - Ventspils Jaunmokas-Bērciems-Engure-Bērciems- - Užava - Liepāja - Nīca - Durbe - Skrunda Mērsrags-Ģipka-Kolka-Košrags (~195 km) - Saldus - Bauska - Rīga Breakfast. Sites and attractions en route: an overgrown seashore with reefs - ideal Day 1 places to watch wading and water bird; Arrival in Rīga Lake Engure, a pasture of wild horses A tour of the Latvian capital of Rīga and and cows and a birdwatching tower its Old Town. Overnight in Rīga (the Lake Engure Nature Park); Lunch at Bērzciems; Mērsrags seashore meadows Day 2 and Pekrags. A complex of lagoon-type Rīga - Jelgava - Svēte - Jelgava -Slampe– biotopes, including meadows, areas of Dunduru Wiese - Smārde - Jaunmokas reeds, a rocky seashore, shoals and bird Great Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) (~160km) watching tower. This is a small area of Breakfast. Sites and attractions en route: wetlands located where a lagoon from The Svēte flood-lands: a majorsirte of the ancient Litorine Sea once was. Over- migrating geese, ducks and different night in Košrags. plovers; Jelgava ’s island (reserve); Lunch at Jelgava; The Dunduri Meadows Day 5 are an important part of the forested Košrags - Kolka - Pūrciems - Dundaga- area of the Ķemeri Heath along the Slītere - Mazirbe - Košrags (~74km) curvy shores of the little Slampe River. Breakfast. Sites en route: Cape Kolka is There is a birdwatching tower, as well as one of the best places for birdwatching so-called Throat of Melnragi -wetlands when it comes to the diversity of species flooded by beavers; The Jaunmokas during the spring migration – nearly all Manor Park; Overnight in Jaunmokas. of the species that are present in Latvia can be found here at the right time; The The Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) Day 3 Pēterezers Nature Trail (3,5 km), which Jaunmokas - Ķemeri - Sloka - Odiņi - offers a set of dunes with high swamps Lapmežciems - Jaunmokas (~100 km) and a samp lake that are unique at the Jaunmokas - Ķemeri (~30 km) European level; The wetlands of Ģipka; Breakfast. A wetland path near a for- Lunch in Dundaga; Slītere National Park est hut and the damp forests whish - the former coastline of the ancient Bal- surround it. The short Path takes one tic Ice Sea. Overnight in Košrags. through the black alder wetlands of the Vēršupīte River, as well as the wetlands Day 6 between the Forest House and Lake Slo- Mazirbe -Oviši-Ventspils-Užava-Labrags ka; A visit to the visitors centre; Lunch at (~140 km) Ķemeri. Overnight in Jaunmokas. Breakfast. Sites and attractions en route:

Baltic Country Holidays / Lauku ceļotājs Kalnciema Str. 40, Riga, LV-1046, Latvia, T: +(371) 67617600, [email protected] www.countryholidays.lv

...one of the world’s top most important migration paths!

Nature trail at Ķemeri National Park Pine forest at Slītere National Park TRIP DETAILS Package price per person: from EUR 1120.00 *Minimum number of persons - 8. by 10 persons: 965.00 EUR by 12 persons: 925.00 EUR

INCLUDES: • Accomodation based on shared DBL room with breakfast • Bus transfers • Guide/ornithologist (10 d) • Information pack

EXTRA COSTS: • Single supplement Birdwatching days at the Lake Engure Nature Park • Other meals • Possible fees

TOUR GUIDE: Māris Strazds, ornithologist

PERIOD OF TRAVEL: End of Apr - begining of May

WALKING: Short walks combined with bus drives.

The Irbene radar station, the coastline Day 8 place for water birds to feed and rest of Ovīši, a sandy seashore. Lunch at Durbe-Līguti-Vītiņi-Skrunda-Saldus (Northern swans, waders). The territory Ventspils; The Užava Estuary, with a re- (~175 km) can be viewed from different locations; stricted area to protect a biotope which Breakfast. Sites and attractions en route: Lunch in Saldus; Zvārde – former mili- includes the grey dunes - rare in Europe; The Līguti Estate park; The Vītiņi Mead- tary base; The Tērvete Park, river valley. The meadows and polders of the lower ows on the eastern shore of Lake Liepāja Overnight in Pilsrundāle. reaches of the Užava River; The steep are the largest area of damp meadows shores of the little Muižupīte River. Over- in Latvia. The last nesting place for the Day 10 night in Labrags. dunlins. Pastures of wild horses and Saldus-Sātiņi-Saldus-Kokmuiža- cows. The fish ponds of Skrunda; Lunch Tērvete-Pilsrundāle (~140 km) Day 7 in Skrunda. Overnight in Saldus. Breakfast. Sites and attractions en route: Labrags-Liepāja-Nīca-Grobiņa-Durbe The Rundāle Palace Park and the palace (~130 km) Day 9 itself; The Cena Heath, Getliņi; Depar- Breakfast. Sites and attractions en route: Pilsrundāle-Bauska-Rīga (~85 km) ture. the cape of Labrags; The Liepāja port, Breakfast. Sites and atttractions en route: Lake Liepāja, village of Nīca, the Old The Sātiņi fish ponds are an important Durbe School. Overnight in Durbe. www.countryholidays.lv www.countryholidays.lv

Autumn Birdwatching Tour

Tallinn The most spectacular autumn events are the Crane shows which can be observed at the bogs and fields. The tour will pass several of these places. Old pine forest growths is favoured by Black Grouse with Owls living at their edges. Rīga While different woodpecker species thrive at the wet forests. The tour will also pass some lakes and fish ponds in order to observe water birds such as Herons, Sea Eagles and different ducks.

Vilnius

(7 Days)

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) General Route: Rīga - Sigulda - Day 4 Salacgrīva - Mazsalaca - Valka - Lubāna Graši - Murmastiene - Lake Lubāna - - Aglona - Jelgava - Rīga Īdeņi - Zosna (247 km) Today we start and finnish with watch- Day 1 ing some cranes at Murmastiene. Arrival in Rīga. Rīga - Sigulda-Pale - Sa- But afternoon we will dedicate to wa- lacgriva (230 km). ter birds such as herons, sea eagles and Pick-up at the Rīga International Air- ducks around the lake Lubāna and fish port and head to Sigulda. Lunch. We ponds at Īdeņi. Accomodation and din- will follow the walking trails at Sigulda ner at Zosna. area and park looking for woodpeckers. The journey continues to Day 5 Pale. We will walk through Pilkes Bog to Zosna - Kaunata - Aglona - Dviete (180 watch cranes. Accomodation and dinner km) Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) in Salacgrīva. Today we will visit a pottery workshop. Latgale region is famous with their pot- Day 2 tering schools. Lunch at Kaunata. Salacgrīva - Kuiviži - Mazsalaca - Burt- We will also make an excursion at the nieki (206 km) Aglona Basilica, a popular pilgrimage After early breakfast we will spent a site. Later the day we will spend some couple of hours on the sea shore to time watching cranes, geese and wild watch waders, then continue along the horses at Dviete. Accomodation and picturesque banks of the river Salaca for dinner at Dviete. woodepeckers. Lunch. Next, drive to the lake Burtnieks, Viksna and Ruja ponds. Day 6 There we will watch cranes and geese. Dviete - Ormaņi - Viesīte - Pilskalne - Accomodation and dinner in Burtnieki. Pilsrundāle(244 km) Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina) On the route there will be plenty of Day 3 beautiful landscapes where some birds Lantus - Seda - Valka - Graši (317 km) of prey could be spotted. Lunch at After the breakfast we’ll drive to Seda Viesīte. We will be stopping at Pilskalne Heath and spend some time watching manor, mighty Bauskas Castle ruines as geese and cranes. Lunch at Valka. Then well as one of the most beautiful parks – we explore park-type meadows at the Rundāle Palace park. Accomodation and Gauja bridge. Continue to Murmastiene dinner at Rundāle. to watch cranes. We will spend evening at Graši Manor House surrounded by its Day 7 old park. Accomodation and dinner at Pilsrundāle - Svēte - Jelgava - Riga Inter- Graši. national Airport (110 km)

Baltic Country Holidays / Lauku ceļotājs Kalnciema Str. 40, Riga, LV-1046, Latvia, T: +(371) 67617600, [email protected] www.countryholidays.lv

...spectacular cranes shows during autumn migrations...

Black stork (Ciconia nigra) TRIP DETAILS Package price per person: from EUR 560.00 Based on group of 8 persons

INCLUDES: • Accomodation based on shared DBL room with breakfast and dinner • Bus transfers • Guide/ornithologist (7 d) • Information pack

EXTRA COSTS: • Single supplement Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius) Birdwatching from the wavebreaker at Ainaži • Other meals • Possible fees

TOUR GUIDE: Māris Strazds, ornithologist

PERIOD OF TRAVEL: Mid September

WALKING: Short walks combined with bus drives.

The morning can be spent leisurly watching the birds at Rundāle Palace park. Then heading to the mouth of Svēte river to watch some geese and Birdwatching tower at Lake Sloka cranes. Luch stop at Jelgava. Departure from Rīga International Airport.

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Botanical Tour at Kurzeme region

Tallinn The tour is designed for the people with particular interest in the botanics and who enjoy walks in the nature. The tour goes through national parks and protected nature territories of international

Rīga importance, follows the seashore. It also stops at small charming towns, several his- toric sites and traditional villages. During the tour you learn not only about rare and protected plants, local traditions but also enjoy beautiful landscapes, wilderness and solitude. Vilnius (6 Days)

Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) General Route: Rīga - Ķemeri - En insectifera), Baltic Orchid (Dactylorhiza gure - Kolka - Ventspils - Užava - Kuldīga baltica) etc. Accomodation in Roja. - Sabile - Kandava - Rīga Day 3 Day 1 Route: Engure - Kolka - Ventspils Arrival in Rīga Breakfast. Slitere National Park is former Visit to the Botanical Gardens of the Uni- territory of the Baltic Ice Lake, Ancilus veristy of Latvia. The garden established Lake as well as ancient cost of Litornic in 1922 and has the oldest plants collec- Sea. Here is great biotops’ diversity in- tion in the Baltic States. Visit to Babite cluding wild beach, different dune bi- Rododendrs grower. There are different otops, pine -tree forests, wet forests and species of wild as well as cultivated ro- bog, meadows and sand stone outcrops. dodendrs collections, together more We will follow along the Cape Kolka Bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara) than 200 species. Free time to explore walking pine tree trail, Pēterezera Lake historic sites of Rīga. Accomodation in trail with ancient dunes and fig land- Rīga. scape. Species of interest here: Wild Gar- lic (Allium ursinum), Common Ivy (Hedera Day 2 helix), Seaside Pea (Lathyrus maritimus), Route: Rīga - Ķemeri - Engure Cross-leaved Heath (Erica tetralix), Tree Breakfast. Departure to Ķemeri National Lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria), Eastern Park created to protect coastal zones, Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla patens), etc. Vis- seaside lakes, bog and damp forest as it Dundaga Castle which history dates well as surphur springs. We will follow back to 13th century. Stiklu Bog is one fen trail,wild meadows, stop at the bird of the largest bog territory of Kurzeme. watching tower at the Kanieris Lake. There are several kilometres long plunk Among many other plants we look trail. We will look here for Marsh club- out for Fragnant Orchid (Gymnadenia moss (Lycopodiella inundata), Rannoch- Seaside Pea (Lathyrus Maritimus) conopsea), Great Fen- sedge (Cladium rush (Scheuchzeria palustris), different mariscus), Black Alders fen and plants types of sundews (Droseraceae), Bog related to this biotop. Along the way Rosemary (Andromeda polifolia), Deer- we’ ll stop at the place where history of grass (Trichophorum cespitosum), etc. Kemeri as a spa resort started due the Accomodation in Ventspils. valuable sulphur water resource. The En- gure Lake Nature Park created to protect Day 4 the shallow lake with the birds nesting Route: Ventspils - Užava - Kuldīga places as well as its specific flora. In this Breakfast. We will visit Uzava Protected territory grow about 22 types of orchids Area where is one of the largest “grey” including The Early Marsh Orchid (Dac- dunes in the Baltics. It stretches along tylorhiza incarnata), Fly Orchid (Ophrys the sea for several kilometres. Here we

Baltic Country Holidays / Lauku ceļotājs Kalnciema Str. 40, Riga, LV-1046, Latvia, T: +(371) 67617600, [email protected] www.countryholidays.lv

...more than 32 wild orchid species...

Great sundew (Drosera anglica) Herbal tea made from the found plants TRIP DETAILS Package price per person: from EUR 440.00 Based on group of 8 persons

INCLUDES: • Accomodation based on shared DBL room with breakfast and dinner • Bus transfers • Guide/botanist (6 d) • Information pack

EXTRA COSTS: • Single supplement Exploring the meadow near Ķemeri with the guide • Other meals • Entomolog services • Possible fees

TOUR GUIDE: Evita Zviedre, botanist

PERIOD OF TRAVEL: June - July

WALKING: Easy short walks in meadows and nature trails combined with bus drives. might see: Toadflax (Linaria loeselii), the waters of ancient melting iceberg ous types of peat moss (Sphagnum), Bog Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum), Sand with its monuments of natural history. Cotton-grass (Eriophorum vaginatum), Pink (Dianthus arenarius). Then we go We will visit Sabile Wine Hill – the most Leatherleaves (Chamaedaphne calycula- to Venta valley to walk its wild banks. Northernly grown grapes from which ta), Heath Spotted - Orchid (Dactylohriza Species to look for: Large thyme (Thy- wine is produced. Then we will follow maculata), Cranberries (Oxycoccus palus- mus ovatus), Beach Speadwell (Veronica botanical trail at Drubazi where we look tris) etc. Returning to Rīga. Accomoda- longifolia) and different orchid species. for: Bath Sedge (Carex davalliana), Fly tion in Rīga. Excursion to the charming Old Town of Orchid (Ophrys insectifera), Baltic Orchid Kuldiga with its wooden architecture, (Dactylorhiza baltica), Common Juniper Day 6 visit the widest waterfall in Europe and (Juniperus communis), etc. On the way Breakfast. Free time in Rīga. Transfer to 19th century’s brick bridge across Venta. we stop at one of the grandest oaktrees the airport. Accomodation in Kuldīga. in Europe, which is more than 10m of circumfirance. Cena Heath Trail is about Day 5 5 km long and includes various biotops Route: Kuldīga - Sabile - Kandava - Rīga like high, law and transit bogs and relat- Abava Ancient Valley Park is created ed plants. There is a viewing tower in the to protect the landscape created by bog. Species here might include: vari-

For further information contact: Baltic Country Holidays / Lauku ceļotājs Kalnciemawww.countryholidays.lv Str. 40, Riga, LV-1046, Latvia, T: +(371) 67617600, [email protected] www.countryholidays.lv

The Botanical Tour of Vidzeme

Tallinn This tour is planned to show a variety of habitat found in different types of forests, wetlands as well as sea coast. The tour will pass some impressive ancient trees and beautiful landscapes. Along with some rare and endangered plants you could spot

Rīga different types of butterflies and dragonflies. The tour involves some longer walks and historic monuments along the way.

Vilnius (5 Days)

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) Wild pansy (Viola tricolor)

Common sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) General Route: Rīga - Salacgrīva - pathway leads through the meadows, Valmiera - Sigulda - Līgatne - Rīga and at the end of the path is a bird watch- ing tower. Possible plants of interest: Ba- Day 1 trachium baudotii, Beakead Tasselweed Arrival in Rīga (Ruppia maritime), Small Spikerush (Eleo- Overnight in Rīga. charis parvula), Blinks (Montia fontana), European Searocket (Crambe maritime), Day 2 Siberian Bugseed (Corispermum inter- Rīga - Salacgrīva medium), Seaside Centaury (Centaurium Departure along the Vidzeme sea coast. littorale), Smallmarsh Rush (Juncus gerar- The rocky shoreline of Vidzeme is a dii), Strawberry Clover (Trifolium fragifer- unique and rocky phase of the eastern um) as well as different orchid species. shore of the Bay of Rīga, with small cliffs Overnight in Salacgrīva. Northern firmoss (Huperzia selago) from the Devonian period along the shoreline. You can hike for 4-5 kilome- Day 3 tres along the seashore from the Vec- Salacgrīva - Valmiera zemu cliffs (Mantiņi) to Meleki. Possible Departure. The Dambju oak tree, Kaņepju plants of interest: Sea Sandwort (Hon- oak tree and Baložu juniper tree are all ckenya peploides), European Searocket in the Northern Gauja Protected Land- (Cakile maritima), Lime-grass (Leymus scape Region, and from the perspective arenarius) as well as very rare Pincushion of biological diversity, it is a unique terri- Moss (Leucobryum glaucum). The Randu tory along the central stretch of the Gau- meadows are seashore meadows which ja River, with environmental information are known as an “herbarium” for Latvia’s trails established nearby. Visit the Zīles wild plants, because there is a wide vari- and Vekšu nature trails, as well as the ety of different plants there. A wooden park-like meadow of oak trees at Marsi.

Baltic Country Holidays / Lauku ceļotājs Kalnciema Str. 40, Riga, LV-1046, Latvia, T: +(371) 67617600, [email protected] www.countryholidays.lv

...more than 30 plant species can be found in a few square meters...

One of False Morels (Gyromitra)has been found The trail at seaside Randu Meadows TRIP DETAILS Package price per person: from EUR 480.00 Based on group of 8 -10 persons

INCLUDES: • Accomodation based on shared DBL room with breakfast and dinner • Bus transfers • Guide/botanist (4 d) • Information pack

EXTRA COSTS: • Single supplement Across the meadow full of flowers • Other meals • Entomolog services • Possible fees

TOUR GUIDE: Evita Zviedre, botanist

PERIOD OF TRAVEL: June - July

WALKING: Easy short walks in meadows and nature trails combined with bus drives.

redivia), the baneberry (Actaea spicata), Possible plants of interest: Meadow Oat- that is found there. The Gauja ecologi- the common wood-sorrel (Oxalis aceto- grass (Helictotrichon pratense), Mountain cal trail (Murjāņi-Sigulda-Līgatne) leads sella), the maple (Acer platanoides), the Clover (Triofolium montanum), Fern- along the left bank of the ancient Gauja oak (Quercus robur), the European lily-of- leave Dropwort (Filipendula vulgaris), River Valley between Līgatne and Sigul- the-valley (Convallaria majalis), the dog’s Early Purple Orchid (Orchis masculata), da. There are hillside forests and wet- mercury (Mercurialis perennis), the com- Military Orchid (Orchis militaris) as well land meadows along the way. Possible mon hazel (Corylus avelanna), as well as as other species of orchids, From fungis to see the yarrow (Achillea millefolium), other species of plants related to hillside – rare Safron Bracket (Hapalopilus cro- wild thyme (Thymus serphyllum), the forests and meadows. The trail between ceus). Overnight in Valmiera district. Burnet saxifrage (Pimpinella saxifraga), the sticky catchfly (Viscaria vulgaris), an- Sigulda and Līgatne is around 20 km in Day 4 nual bluegrass (Poa annua), the meadow length. Drive to Rīga. Overnight in Rīga. Valmiera - Sigulda - Līgatne - Rīga buttercup (Ranunculus acris), the spiked Departure to Murjāņi. The Gauja Nation- speedwell (Veronica spicata), the or- Day 5 Rīga al Park was set up to protect the most chardgrass (Dactylis glomerata), the Ger- Transfer to the airport. Departure. impressive ancient river valley in the mander speedwell (Veronica chamae- Baltic States – the Gauja River, its shores, drys), the Queen Anne’s lace (Anthryscus and the cultural and historical heritage sylvestris), the perennial honesty (Lunaria For further information contact: Baltic Country Holidays / Lauku ceļotājs Kalnciemawww.countryholidays.lv Str. 40, Riga, LV-1046, Latvia, T: +(371) 67617600, [email protected] www.countryholidays.lv

Wildlife Experience in Latvia

Tallinn Autumn is a perfect time to observe wildlife and picturesque sceneries. It is birds migra- tion time when flocks of geese and swans fly above our heads. Common Cranes have impressive displays in the fields. It’s mating time for Black Rīga Grouse and routing time for elks. Dragonflies and butterflies can still be observed in the meadows. Autumn is also traditional mushrooming time. This tour is aimed to combine these various experiences.

Vilnius (7 Days)

Beaver (Castoridae) General Route: Rīga - Salacgrīva Departure to mushroom tour. Cēsis, - Engure - Kolka - Ventspils - Užava - Ungurmuiža, Lielstraupe, Līgatne Nature Kuldīga - Sabile - Rīga Trails. Mushrooming will pass beauti- ful forests with some great views across Day 1 the river dotted with three Rīga castles, old park of Ungurmuiža Manor Arrival at Rīga International aiport. Ac- and go along the nature trails where commodation in Rīga. wild animals can be seen living in the conditions close to natural ones. Lunch Day 2 at Sigulda. Afternoon go through the Rīga - Salacgrīva content of baskets and learn how they Landscapes, migrating birds, plants, can be prepared. Wine degustation at dragonflies and butterflies. Breakfast. Jokas, Limbaži district. Accommodation Departure from the hotel to Vidzeme and dinner in Bīriņi. Great Egret (Egretta alba) Sea coast – Eastern side of Rīga Gulf (Vis- iting of Devonian sand stone cliffs near Day 5 Vecmuiža, coastal meadows in Kuiviži, Bīriņi - Rīga - Engure - Kolka sea breakwater with possibility to see West coast of the Baltic Sea, migrating waders migration. Lunch in Salacgrīva. birds. Breakfast. Departure to Rīga. Burtnieki Lake region for some birding Head towards Cape Kolka which is the (great for seasonal birds: Corn Crake, prime location for autumn and spring Great Snipe, Ural Owl) and at autumn migrations. On the way can stop at Lake time – Raptors migration and wood- Engure (three birdwatching towers peckers. Accommodation and dinner in around the lake) for birdwatching. Visit Burtnieki. coastal area at Bērzciems. Stop for lunch at Villa Elizabete. Continue to Slītere Na- Day 3 tional Park. Visit Slītere lighthouse for Osprey (Pandion haliaeetus) Salacgrīva - Mežole panoramic view of the area. Birdwatch- Water birds, mammals and dragonflies. ing at Cape Kolka. Accommodation in Breakfast. Departure to Seda bog. Pos- Košrags. sibly to see some beaver actions. Lunch in Valmiera. Afternoon drive to Mežole Day 6 forests (owls and woodpeckers) and the Kolka - Ventspils - Užava - Kuldīga - Sa- Gauja national park. Accommodation bile - Rīga and dinner in Cēsis. Charming provincial towns, cultural and historic atttractions. Breakfast. Ventspils- Day 4 small Old Town with Livonian Order Mežole - Sigulda - Bīriņi Castle. Walk breakwater for sea watching. Mushrooms, berries, animals. Breakfast. Continue to Užava floodplains and stop

Baltic Country Holidays / Lauku ceļotājs Kalnciema Str. 40, Riga, LV-1046, Latvia, T: +(371) 67617600, [email protected] www.countryholidays.lv

...mushrooms, mammals,birds and butterflies as you go along...

Honey Fungus (Armillaria mellea) The stairs to Sigulda medieval castle ruines TRIP DETAILS Package price per person: from EUR 698.00 Based on group of 8-10 persons

INCLUDES: • Accomodation based on shared DBL room with breakfast and dinner • Bus transfers • Guides • Information pack

EXTRA COSTS: • Single supplement Sabiles vīna kalns • Other meals • Possible fees

TOUR GUIDE:

PERIOD OF TRAVEL: September - October

WALKING: Easy short walks in different terrains: meadows, forests, na- ture trails combined with bus drives.

at Jūrkalne steep coast. Turn inland to- Ēvažu klints wards Kuldīga - charming provincial town with well preserved wooden architecture and the widest waterfall in Europe. Head towards Rīga through Sabile and visit the Wine Hill there- the most Northerly vineyards from where wine used to be produced for export. On the way make a stop at Jaunmoku Manor at Tukums dis- trict to inspect hotel there. Accommoda- tion in Rīga.

Day 7 Rīga Breakfast. Departure to the airport.

For further information contact: Baltic Country Holidays / Lauku ceļotājs Kalnciemawww.countryholidays.lv Str. 40, Riga, LV-1046, Latvia, T: +(371) 67617600, [email protected]