Lori L.United States
We loved our tour. Philip was very knowledgeable and interactive. We truly got a flavor of life in Latvia. The home meal was a special treat which I thoroughly enjoyed. I am grateful for the experience.
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Private tour in Riga Philip B
Riga Soviet History and Latvian Freedom Tour
5.0
(4) reviews
-
5 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
5 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Philip B.
5.0
Guide rating
30
Reviews
Tours delivered
17 hrs
Avg. response time
Welcome to Riga! I grew up in Australia in a Latvian family, and when I came to Riga 25 years ago I fell in love with the place and never left! It's a place of stunning beauty (whatever the season - there are parks galore), fascinating history (did you know the guy who invented blue jeans came from Riga?), intriguing food (try the garlic rye bread or the hemp butter), sensational beer (I'll point you towards the best brewpubs) - and it is a joy for me to share it with visitors from around the world. In my 25 years here, I've worked as a journalist, a translator and for the last six years a tour guide. So telling stories is my thing, and there are lots of amazing ones in Latvia! Let me introduce you to the romantic, medieval cobblestone streets of the Old Town, the magnificent Art Nouveau buildings on the boulevards, delightful old wooden houses, freaky Soviet structures and much, much more! Please check out my tours, and if you like I can customize one to suit you perfectly. And please let me know if I can help in any other way. Looking forward to seeing you, Philip. Licensed Riga tour guide. None.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Philip B.
Travel back to the USSR on this intriguing tour!
Overview of your Riga tour
Explore the traces left in Riga by the Evil Empire on this fascinating tour! From 1940 to 1991, Latvia was brutally occupied by the USSR. This left some lasting scars on the landscape, and some bad habits. But there were also brave acts of resistance and funny political jokes, and even some delicious foods. Join the tour for sights, sounds and tastes of a bygone era!
Recent Reviews
Virginia M.United States
Philip was a great tour guide, we saw everything at a very nice pace. He was knowledgeable and answered all our questions. he was an exceptional host taking us to his home for foods commonly eaten in Latvia. The car was comfortable and he was a safe driver. Highly recommend taking his tour.
Joanne H.
Philip was an engaging tour guide. He showed us a side of history that we didn’t know before. We really enjoyed it and would recommend to everyone.
Your Riga tour itinerary
The tour begins in front of the Freedom Monument symbol of Latvia's struggle for independence and the scene of brave anti-Soviet protests. We then walk to the courthouse where anti-communist freedom fighter Gunārs Astra made a defiant speech in 1983. Next we stroll to the site of the former Lenin statue and the former Intourist Hotel Latvija. Then we head to the old KGB Headquarters, where we go inside the first floor museum. We then travel by car to a unique "Lenin museum", followed by the Academy of Science building (aka "Stalin's Birthday Cake). We will go to the observation deck for superb views of the city. Then we drive to Zolitūde, a typical communist housing estate to get a feel for how the masses lived. The tour concludes with a visit to an apartment in a typical Soviet building for tea and "proletarian" snacks. I will drive you back to your hotel.
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Station Wagon
We will drive in my VW Passat station wagon. Please see the gallery for photos of the vehicle.
What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Tickets: Academy of Science viewing platform
Food Drinks Snacks
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Meeting location
1C Eksporta iela, Rīga, 1010, Latvia
We can choose a meeting point best for you
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Architecture
History
Tour reference number
1065635
Languages
EnglishActivity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Riga best suited for?
This private tour in Riga is perfect for history enthusiasts, especially those interested in Soviet history and Latvian freedom. It's also suitable for families, as it's kid-friendly, and for travellers who want to connect with a local guide like Philip B. for deeper insights into the city's past.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Riga be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
Is this private tour in Riga suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
5 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
5 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.