Latvia

In June 1940 the Latvian capital, Riga, was occupied by Soviet forces, it was then occupied by Nazi Germany from 1941 to 1944. In October 1944 it was reoccupied by the Soviets who would exert control over the state until September 6, 1991 when Latvia was declared independent of the Soviet Union. Thirteen years later the next invasion commenced when Ryanair’s first Latvian flight route commenced between Riga and Frankfurt. Soon the budget airline was offering cheap flights to Riga from multiple European destinations including the UK and Ireland which was largely responsible for the budget tourism which ensued, turning

Many people know Riga, the capital of Latvia as ‘the Paris of the North’ and indeed the city is impressive in every way. A buzzing vibe resonates throughout and the stunning Art Nouveau architecture is captivating. Known to have the largest collection of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe, Riga is adorned with gargoyles and other eclectic figures all over. Its buildings radiate outwards from the castle that stands at the centre of the city and right at the city’s core is the Old Town where charming narrow streets wind their way around fairytale houses. Riga has much to offer its