Private Soviet Riga tour
Description
This Soviet Riga tour provides a compelling view of life under occupation, grounded in the memories of those who lived it. Our local guides use significant city centre landmarks, such as the imposing Latvian Riflemen Monument and the notorious KGB "Corner House," to share personal accounts and human stories of survival, quiet resistance, and the struggle to maintain Latvian identity right here in the heart of Riga. The tour offers a nuanced understanding of the heavy shadow the Soviet regime cast and the resilience shown by the people until independence was regained.
Tour Options
Itinerary
A brief overview of the Soviet period - the different eras from Stalin to Gorbachev. The history of the Latvian red riflemen and the significance of their monument in the broader discussion of Soviet cultural heritage.
The deportations to Siberia will be discussed - the reason, scale and impact of the deportations will be covered.
The climax of the fight for Latvia's independence - the era of the barricades will be discussed.
The Baltic way - the largest non violent anti Soviet demonstration in the Baltics - will be analysed. The logistics, mood of the time period and impact will be covered.
The monument of freedom - Riga's most iconic monument - it's significance and how it survived the Soviet period.
The Orthodox cathedral - the role and treatment of religion in the Soviet period will be discussed.
Formerly Hotel Latvia - the only hotel where western tourists where allowed to stay in Soviet Riga, the rooms famously bugged by the KGB
Freedom street - formerly Lenin street. The street features examples of Soviet era residential archiecture and Soviet Latvia's most famous fashion house - Rigas Modes.
KGB building. The HQ of the Russian secret police in Latvia - the highest building in Riga - from the top of it you can see all the way to Siberia... KGB recruitment methods, interrogation methods and more will be discussed
Dailes theatre - an iconic example of Soviet era architecture is our final stop. The collapse of the Soviet union will be discussed.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Reviews(12)
Guide was incredibly knowledgeable and adjusted his information based on our interests and knowledge. Highly engaging. Would highly recommend.
Our guide was EXCELLENT! His knowledge of the history of Riga was anwesome and he had many personal stories that included his parents and grandparents experiences of living in Riga during Soviet rule. There were three of us on the tour and we learned so much more than the larger groups we encountered. We are so glad we this tour!
Guide Edvards explained the Soviet Era history of Riga very well to us, accessible to the layman, but not dumbed down. Especially interesting was the history of several monuments and buildings, which over their existence were redefined in their meaning according to the ideology of the government, such as transforming a church into a a planetarium. I definitely recommend. We had a splendid tour!
Really informative, personalized, knowledgeable and interesting experience. Highly recommend our guide.
Edvards is so extremely passionate about this topic! His knowledge is immense, yet he conveys it in a way that is easy to understand and follow along. I really enjoyed this tour and it’s the perfect way to actually understand the history of the city you’re visiting, rather than just check out some coffee shops and move on to the next city. Thank you Edvards!
A great tour from Edvards. What made it really special was how he wove the history and experience of his own family into things - really brought everything to life. And then, as we walked between sites, he was happy to answer further questions with even more knowledge.
Thanks so much for the review Robert! Very glad to hear you found the tour worthwhile.
Edvard was exceptionally personable, highly knowledgeable about history, geography, cultural, and current affairs. Our time with Edvard flew by as we walked Riga. He provided suggestions for meals, local food dishes, and offered a wonderful overview of the country and city.
Rihards is a friendly and informed guide. We had a walk through old town and then to art nouveau area of Riga. We really enjoyed the tour and he knows his history. He’s easygoing too.
Very interesting presentation and explanation. Edwards was a fantastic guide. We learned a lot about this nice country!
Great guide, very engaging and informative. Lovely city with very interesting history. Tour was tailored to our requirements
Thank you. Great to hear and all the best!
