From Riga: Hill of Crosses & Enchanting Jelgava Group Tour

What’s this tour all about?

This highly rated day trip from Riga takes you beyond Latvia’s borders to explore two fascinating destinations: Lithuania’s Hill of Crosses and the charming Latvian city of Jelgava. With a consistent 5-star rating from 89 reviews, it’s clear that travelers find this experience both meaningful and enjoyable. For just about $70 per person, you get a well-paced, thoughtfully organized itinerary that combines cultural sights, stunning scenery, and local stories.

What really makes this tour stand out? First, the expert guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness. Second, the scenic drive offers plenty of time to relax and soak in the Baltic countryside. And third, the visits to iconic sites like the Crosses and Jelgava Palace are genuinely memorable. The main consideration? The journey involves some long drives, but most travelers say it’s worth every minute.

If you’re interested in learning about Baltic history, love picturesque landscapes, or want a hassle-free way to see Lithuania and Latvia in one day, this tour is a smart pick. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate stories, good company, and a taste of local life outside the city buzz.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation with WiFi and bottled water makes the long drive enjoyable.
• Expert guides enhance the experience with stories, history, and helpful tips.
• Stunning sights at the Hill of Crosses and Jelgava Palace provide great photo opportunities.
• Flexible stops for photos, reflection, and exploration are well valued.
• Authentic local spots like Jelgava offer a glimpse into Latvian life beyond the capital.
• Affordable price point offers excellent value considering the sites and guidance included.

A closer look at what you’ll see and do

Starting Point & Timing

The tour kicks off early at 9:00 am from Herdera laukums in Riga, giving you a full day to explore. The group stays small—up to 16 travelers—which means more personalized attention and a cozy vibe. Your guides, including Erlens and Elvis, are praised for their professionalism, humor, and deep knowledge, making the long hours on the road fly by with interesting facts and stories.

Lithuanian Hill of Crosses

The main highlight here is the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania, a site that embodies spiritual resilience. You’ll have about an hour to explore this surreal landscape of thousands of crosses, many of which are creatively decorated or large enough to leave a mark. The guide shares its history, which dates back to the 19th century, and explains its importance as a symbol of faith and resistance.

Reviewers love how personal and emotional the visit feels, especially since you’re encouraged to leave a cross if you wish. Nearby, the Domus Mariae Monastery offers a peaceful spot for reflection and photos, adding to the spiritual vibe. The site is described as unusual and interesting, with one visitor noting that “no picture can do it justice.”

Border Crossing & Photo Stops

After the Crosses, you’ll cross the Latvia-Lithuania border—an authentic experience on its own—then stop briefly in Kalviai for photos. It’s a quick, free stop where you can stretch your legs, snap some shots of the countryside, and appreciate the transition between the two countries.

Jelgava: The Latvian Charm

The second part of the day focuses on Jelgava, a city that’s often overlooked but packed with history and local flavor. The guide leads a tour of St. Simeon and St. Anna Orthodox Cathedral, which is a standout for its architecture and spiritual significance. Visitors mention how the guide’s stories bring the building’s 19th-century origins alive.

Next, you’ll stroll along the Mitava Pedestrian Bridge and Jelgava Promenade, a peaceful waterfront with scenic views of the Lielupe River. Many reviewers note the promenade as a scenic highlight—a perfect spot for photos and some quiet reflection.

Finally, the Jelgava Palace caps off the tour, a stunning Baroque masterpiece designed by Rastrelli. It served as the home of the Dukes of Courland and now offers a glimpse into the regal past of the region. The guide’s insights help you appreciate the grandeur and history of this impressive building.

Additional Comfort & Convenience

Throughout the day, the vehicle—described as spacious and comfortable—keeps everyone relaxed. The tour includes bottled water, treats, and WiFi onboard, which is a nice touch for staying refreshed and connected. If needed, the guides can also organize coffee stops or detours, making the experience flexible to your needs.

Why travelers love this tour

Multiple reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides—Erlens and Elvis stand out for their friendliness, storytelling skills, and professionalism. Comments like “Eriens worked very hard to ensure the best experience” and “Elvis was perfect” confirm that guides make a big difference in creating an engaging and smooth day.

The scenery and sites themselves are often described as breathtaking. The Hill of Crosses, in particular, leaves visitors speechless—some say pictures just can’t capture how impressive it is. Jelgava’s architecture and waterfront also receive compliments, offering a genuine sense of regional character.

Most travelers agree that the value for money is excellent. For less than $70, you get transportation, expert guidance, multiple meaningful stops, and insider stories that bring the sites to life. It’s perfect for those wanting to see more of the Baltics without the hassle of organizing transport or missing out on the cultural context.

Authentic Experiences & Hidden Gems

Beyond the main sites, many reviews highlight those little touches that elevate the trip—like the friendly, informative guides, the comfortable vehicle, and the opportunity to ask questions. One reviewer even appreciated the local food and tapas options, adding to the immersion.

Potential Drawbacks

The main consideration is the long drive time, which may not suit travelers looking for a more relaxed pace or who prefer shorter excursions. However, the guides’ engaging commentary helps pass the time, and most find the journey part of the overall charm.

Who’s this tour perfect for?

This trip is ideal for history buffs, culture lovers, or anyone curious about the Baltic region’s stories of resilience. It’s also great for small-group travelers who enjoy personalized attention and authentic insights. If you want a well-organized, value-packed day with a mix of spiritual sites, architecture, and scenic views, this tour will suit you perfectly.

Travelers who prefer flexibility and comfort will appreciate the small-group setup, WiFi, and the chance to relax without worrying about logistics. And if you’re visiting Riga and want a meaningful day outside the city, this guided tour offers a compelling mix of history, scenery, and local flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Keep in mind that the day involves some long drives, so it’s best suited for families comfortable with that.

How long is the drive in total?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, the trip involves significant travel time between sites, with some reviews mentioning the comfort of the vehicle and the informative guidance that makes the hours pass quickly.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes for walking, a camera for photos, and perhaps a light jacket or raincoat depending on the weather. Bottled water and treats are provided, but snacks or additional drinks are up to you.

Can I customize this tour?
Coffee stops and detours can be arranged with the driver if needed, giving some flexibility during the day.

How much time do I get at the Hill of Crosses?
You’ll have about an hour to explore on your own, which is typically enough to take photos, absorb the atmosphere, and leave a cross if you wish.

What is Jelgava known for?
Jelgava is praised for its scenic waterfront, Orthodox cathedral, and Baroque palace, making it a charming and historically significant Latvian city.

Is lunch included?
The tour description doesn’t specify that lunch is included, but reviews mention a stop at Jelgava for food. You might find options for local cuisine or bring snacks.

Final thoughts

This Riga day trip offers a beautifully balanced mix of history, spirituality, and local life. The guides’ expertise, combined with stunning sites and comfortable transport, make it a worthwhile experience for those wanting to explore the Baltic region beyond the city limits.

If you’re after a meaningful cultural journey that’s easy to book and offers excellent value, this tour is a dependable choice. The chance to see Lithuania’s iconic Crosses and explore Jelgava’s historic streets makes it a memorable addition to any Baltic itinerary.

It’s especially suited for curious travelers, history lovers, and small-group enthusiasts who appreciate a personal touch and authentic stories. If these sound like your travel style, you’ll probably find this day trip to be one of the highlights of your Baltic adventure.