For travellers, the best thing about Latvia is that it is so compact. Its 500 km of sandy beaches are easily reached from historical towns, where medieval hanseatic foundations support baroque and art nouveau buildings, that become venues for cultural festivals during the summer. Families of storks happily give their seal of approval to the unspoilt nature, fresh air and clean water around them. In addition to Riga, its spectacular gateway, there are 6 other UNESCO world heritage listed sites. A

Jurmala is located 20 km from Riga on the shore of the Gulf of Riga. The city's name in Latvian means "beach resort, beach ". There, sandy beaches stretch for 32 miles. They all meet the European standards and are awarded the EU Blue Flag. Jurmala was once an integral part of Riga, but today it is a separate democratic resort town famous for its health and SPA centres. Jurmala has 12 beach areas. Pirates and Latvian fishermen gather visitors together on

Hotel Astoria occupies an unrivalled setting in St Isaac's Square at the hub of St Petersburg's city centre. Complementing the beauty and heritage of St Petersburg, the 169 rooms at Hotel Astoria are carefully furnished with comfort and tranquility in mind. Contemporary facilities share a harmonious space with elegant decor, luxurious marble bathrooms. Rocco Forte's Hotel Astoria is not only the ideal resting place for leisure visitors to this historic city. Business travelers are welcomed with