arrived The kayak-trip through the Gauja valley was the highlight of our Eastern Europe Tour. Because the unique landscape and because of our guide Rolands, who brought us closer to his homeland with a lot o... read moreThe kayak-trip through the Gauja valley was the highlight of our Eastern Europe Tour. Because the unique landscape and because of our guide Rolands, who brought us closer to his homeland with a lot of dedication and detailed knowledge - also in terms of local cuisine by the way. we had the opportunity to taste local delicacies during one of three stopps where we also took a bath in the river. it is unforgettable.
But I have to say, there was something else. Of course we travelled to eastern Europe with a lot of expectations. But expectations sometimes limit the view, because you look for what you think you will find. And you don’t see what is outside your expectations. Here, with Roland, our trip finally started to become a trip by getting involved with what we encountered. Yes, in this case it took a kayak trip with rolands through the Gauja valley. thanks again. And last, and only for insiders: a bootle of Kvass made it to Germany. 😉 read less

Great experience hiking in Gauja! Me and my mom had a great time hiking in gauja national park, visiting cesi castle, and tasting some local Latvian food! Rolands was a great guide, and we learned a lot about Latvia! Would most certai... read moreMe and my mom had a great time hiking in gauja national park, visiting cesi castle, and tasting some local Latvian food! Rolands was a great guide, and we learned a lot about Latvia! Would most certainly recommend if you love natur and hiking! Such a great experience! read less

Perfect day while hiking on the water I did the Gauja River Valley One-Day Kayaking Trip and can highly recommend that! From the first second the atmosphere was great and relaxed. It was a mega experience and Roland provides a super pleas... read moreI did the Gauja River Valley One-Day Kayaking Trip and can highly recommend that! From the first second the atmosphere was great and relaxed. It was a mega experience and Roland provides a super pleasant and fun atmosphere. Thank you for being so attentive and trying to make sure we all have a wonderful and special day. It was really a nice, fun day in beautiful nature!
It was a pleasure to be your kayakbuddy! read less

Kayaking in Gauja National Park, Latvia Having spent the last few days visiting museums and walking the streets of Riga, my friend and I were ready to enjoy some nature so I booked a one day kayaking trip with i-DA Adventure down the Gauja ... read moreHaving spent the last few days visiting museums and walking the streets of Riga, my friend and I were ready to enjoy some nature so I booked a one day kayaking trip with i-DA Adventure down the Gauja River in the Gauja National Park. I didn’t really know what to expect but I am now so glad we did it.

Rolands our guide picked us up from the hotel and we knew straight away that this was going to a fun day out.

Rolands started our adventure in a tributary of the Gauja River so that we could enjoy kayaking on different terrains, dodging trees and some fun rapids, great for beginners and more experienced kayakers under the watchful eye of Rolands.

We then reached the vast open river and kayaked through the beautiful sandstone cliffs aligning the river banks. The river’s current helping any tired arms and one could just really just sit back and paddle down this vast open water.

Rolands offered us some local knowledge about the conservation projects in the areas and an insight into Latvian culture and social history along with relaxing silences as we enjoyed the surrounding landscape.

It was a fantastically hot day and the trip was interjected with stops for swimming to cool off along with a prepared a lunch of traditional Latvian delights which was a lovely surprise.

It really was a highlight of our 2-week trip travelling through the Baltics, with a particular shout out to Roland our guide who was just like having another friend of the trip. I would really recommend if you can take the time to fit it into your itinerary.

After 23K, with tired arms , we then slept well that night. read less

Excellent and varied day trip We'd planned to visit Kemeri National Park on our weekend in Riga but couldn't have hoped for such a fantastic experience. Our guide Rolands picked us up from our hotel and drove us and another couple... read moreWe'd planned to visit Kemeri National Park on our weekend in Riga but couldn't have hoped for such a fantastic experience. Our guide Rolands picked us up from our hotel and drove us and another couple to the park, guiding us round four very different parts of this fascinating area. He is hugely knowledgeable about the biology and geography of the park, and about Latvia in general - always happy to answer and discuss any questions (in excellent English!). Rolands provided an interesting and tasty Latvian picnic lunch, and took some great photos to remind us of our trip. The walk was easy for anyone of reasonable fitness, and we even managed a dip in the Baltic from a pristine near-empty beach. Thoroughly recommended. read less

Wonderful nature experience with professional guide We had a great day with Roelands, our guide of the day. He drove us to four locations with beautiful nature. We started in a bog where you could walk on a special made path through the swamps. Very sp... read moreWe had a great day with Roelands, our guide of the day. He drove us to four locations with beautiful nature. We started in a bog where you could walk on a special made path through the swamps. Very special location and a place rarely seen in Europe. Along the way Roeland explained about all the different plants and animals. As a biologist he has a lot of experience and knowledge to share. After that we went to a dense forest, like a sort of northern tropical forest. After that we visited a lake where we walked a floating path in the water. Roelands made us a great snack and drinks and afterwards we had a walk along the seaside and was a possibility to swim. All in all an excellent tour. We walked about 14 kilometers, but in segments. Not very difficult if you have a normal heath. I really recommend this tour when in Riga. read less

Exploring natural wonders From the start Roland’s knowledge and experience made this a day never to be forgotten The Kemeri national park is like nothing I have ever seen . From the natural bog areas to the ponds you are lef... read moreFrom the start Roland’s knowledge and experience made this a day never to be forgotten The Kemeri national park is like nothing I have ever seen . From the natural bog areas to the ponds you are left speechless .
Finishing on a stretch of the stunning 200km beach on the Baltic Sea where you could swim , paddle or just take in the view.
A surprise was the taste of Latvian food and drink.. have to admit we did buy some chocolates before leaving Riga.
This trip is a must if you are spending time in Riga. We were on a cruise and it was easily do able as we were in port overnight.. you learn so much more than walking around a city read less

Kemeri National Park tour a highlight of our vacation We really enjoyed seeing several different areas in Kemeri National Park, and our guide, Rolands, may have been the best guide we've ever had on any tour. Friendly, knowledgeable, eager to share his e... read moreWe really enjoyed seeing several different areas in Kemeri National Park, and our guide, Rolands, may have been the best guide we've ever had on any tour. Friendly, knowledgeable, eager to share his enjoyment of the sights and science of the park with us. This was a long tour - Rolands picked us up at our cruise ship, which we weren't able to disembark until after 1pm. It was nearly 9pm when we got back, tired but happy. The walking wasn't challenging - mostly very flat - but we did walk at least a few miles this day. Driving to and from the park was enjoyable as well, as Rolands pointed out several things and shared lots of facts and stories. He also prepared a nice snack for us featuring several local foods and drink. Kemeri National Park itself is interesting in that we don't really have bog areas where we live. The weather was perfect on this day for photos of the sun and clouds reflecting on the ponds, but of course that was just luck. Thank you, Rolands! read less

Latvian Nature!! It was so special! Very personalized trip. The guide was so friendly and provided us with information you cant get somewhere else. 100/100
I'll come back for sure!