Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Riga's Jewish community dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Although they faced restrictions on buying land, choice of profession and education, more than 44,000 Jews were living in Riga by 1935. However, just five years later, the Soviet Union's Red Army entered Riga and arrested leading Jewish political and religious leaders; followed by Nazi atrocities. This poignant four-hour tour showcases the Jews' incredible stories and unforgettable history.

After boarding your air-conditioned motorcoach you'll drive through Riga centre. The Big Choral Synagogue, built in 1868, was the biggest and most beautiful synagogue in Riga and famous for its singers, cantors and choir. As the Jewish community thrived, the synagogue became the center of Jewish life. But at the beginning of World War II, it became a death trap when German soldiers forced over 300 Jews into the basement and threw grenades into the windows; there were no survivors. Remnants of the synagogue still stand just few feet away from the large gray memorial commemorating those who perished.

The bus tour also passes by 'Bikur Holim,' the Jewish Hospital, and the Old Jewish Cemetery. Jews were not allowed to be buried within Riga's city limits until they were allowed to build a cemetery in 1725. The cemetery was destroyed by the Nazis, and when the Soviets occupied Riga after World War II they relocated all the graves and converted the cemetery into a park.

Continuing on, your coach will drive to the outskirts to Rumbula forest, where more than 25,000 European Jews were executed by the Nazis in 1941. The path where thousands of Jews walked to their deaths holds a grey memorial stone detailing the horrors.

Your tour concludes with a return to Old Town and short walking tour where you will see the only functioning Synagogue in Riga and will have a possibility to visit it's reconstructed premises.