Private Soviet Riga tour
About This Experience
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 Itinerary
15 min
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.
10 min
The deportations to Siberia will be discussed - the reason, scale and impact of the deportations will be covered.
10 min
The climax of the fight for Latvia's independence - the era of the barricades will be discussed.
10 min
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.
10 min
The monument of freedom - Riga's most iconic monument - it's significance and how it survived the Soviet period.
10 min
The Orthodox cathedral - the role and treatment of religion in the Soviet period will be discussed.
10 min
Formerly Hotel Latvia - the only hotel where western tourists where allowed to stay in Soviet Riga, the rooms famously bugged by the KGB
10 min
Freedom street - formerly Lenin street. The street features examples of Soviet era residential archiecture and Soviet Latvia's most famous fashion house - Rigas Modes.
10 min
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
15 min
Dailes theatre - an iconic example of Soviet era architecture is our final stop. The collapse of the Soviet union will be discussed.
What's Included
Included
- Private tour
- Professional guide
- Local taxes
Not Included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick-up / drop off
Meeting Point & Logistics
Start Point
In the middle of Latvian rifleman's square, next to the statue of the Latvian riflemen.
Traveler Reviews
Important Information
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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