Royal Botanical Route of Zemgale

Day 1: Jelgava, Dobele, Tērvete

Morning

Departure to Jelgava. Coffee break and a visit to the garden of the farm “Līči”, often described as one of Latvia’s calling cards in rural tourism and gastronomy.

Private ornamental garden visit in Ozolnieki.

Jelgava Palace – the largest Baroque-style palace in the Baltics, built by Rastrelli as the residence of the Dukes of Courland. Although damaged during the war, the palace remains grand and impressive, surrounded by a spacious park and overlooking the Lielupe River.

Tower of the Holy Trinity Church – once home to the first Lutheran church in the world with this name. Today the tower features a panoramic viewing platform and an interactive exhibition about Jelgava.

Lunch in a restaurant and a walk along the promenade and Pasta Island.

Afternoon

Upītis Dendrological Garden – one of the most unique natural and cultural treasures of Zemgale, home to more than 2,000 species of trees and shrubs. In spring, vast lilac collections bloom, in summer the garden offers cherry tastings, and in autumn it delights with a spectacular display of foliage.

Dobele Castle Ruins – one of the most impressive historical sites in Zemgale. In ancient times, a wooden Semigallian fortress stood here, and in 1335 the Livonian Order built a stone castle on the site.

Check-in at a 3* hotel.

Day 2: Bauska and Mežotne

Morning

Breakfast at the hotel, check-out.

Lielplatone Manor and Park – for centuries the estate of the von Hahn family. The impressive neoclassical manor is surrounded by a romantic park with century-old trees and walking paths.

Rundāle Palace – the most magnificent Baroque and Rococo palace in Latvia, the summer residence of Duke Ernst Johann Biron. The palace is surrounded by a French formal garden with symmetrical alleys, fountains, sculptures, and classic 18th-century aristocratic landscaping.

A special highlight is the Rose Garden, featuring more than 2,400 rose varieties, including around 600 historic varieties.

Lunch in one of the Rundāle Palace restaurants.

Afternoon

Bauska Castle – a 15th-century Renaissance and Baroque fortified castle built during the Livonian Order era. The surrounding park with ancient trees, alleys, and ponds offers a peaceful setting for walks and enjoying the historical atmosphere.

Mežotne Palace – an elegant example of Neoclassical architecture, featuring an English-style landscape park on the banks of the Lielupe River. The manor preserves an authentic historical ambiance and serene natural charm.

Coffee break.

Visit to a plant nursery.

Return trip home.