The 7 Best Tours & Experiences in Rundale Municipality
Rundale Municipality offers a fascinating mix of baroque palaces, medieval castles, and spiritual landmarks that make for unforgettable day trips and excursions. This region is perfect for travelers interested in history, architecture, and Latvian-Lithuanian culture. We particularly love tours that combine both guided visits and self-exploration, like the From Riga: Trip to Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace & Bauska — a comprehensive day that hits all the highlights in one smooth journey. Whether you’re into royal estates, like Rundale Palace, or want to experience spiritual resilience at the Hill of Crosses, Rundale’s diverse offerings won’t disappoint.
Many tours excel at blending comfortable transportation with insightful guided commentary, making the experience both educational and relaxing. The region’s beautiful gardens, medieval ruins, and artistic architecture make it a great choice for travelers who want a mix of culture and scenic beauty. For those short on time, private options and full-day packages give you plenty of flexibility. We’ll walk through each of these top-rated tours to help you find the one that matches your interests and schedule.
Quick Overview
This list covers a variety of tours: from shared day trips with detailed itineraries to private bespoke experiences. Some tours focus on the classic highlights like Rundale Palace, Bauska Castle, and the Hill of Crosses. For example, the Riga-Vilnius: Rundale Palace/Hill of Crosses/Medieval Kernave combines Latvia and Lithuania’s most notable sites in one seamless transfer. Others, like the Private Castle Tour from Riga, focus on personalized experience and flexibility. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of each.
1. From Riga: Trip to Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace & Bauska
Rated 4.9/5, this full-day shared tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Latvia’s highlights. It’s perfect if you want a comfortable, guided experience with minimal hassle. The tour starts in Riga and takes you directly to the Rundale Palace, often called “Little Versailles” — a stunning example of baroque architecture with French-style gardens. You’ll skip the queues and enjoy exploring the gardens and interiors at your own pace. The tour also includes a visit to Bauska Castle, where you can climb the sightseeing tower for great views. The Hill of Crosses is the final spiritual stop, offering a powerful glimpse into Latvian resilience.
The itinerary balances guided commentary with free time, and the comfortable van ride allows you to sit back and soak in the scenery. Many travelers praise driver and guide Tom for his friendly demeanor and knowledge, with some calling it a “highly recommended” tour. The 8-hour day is suitable for those wanting a comprehensive yet relaxed day out. The included printout sheets and clear timings make planning easy.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting an all-in-one, guided experience that covers culture, history, and spirituality without rushing.
Rated 4.9/5, this 8-hour private transfer takes you from Riga to Vilnius with stops at Latvia and Lithuania’s most iconic sites. It’s perfect if you prefer a luxury, personalized experience and want to save time by avoiding separate trips. You’ll visit Rundale Palace, often called the Baltics’ Versailles, allowing you to admire its Baroque splendor. Then, the Hill of Crosses offers a deeply moving look into Latvian-Lithuanian spiritual resilience. Finally, the tour includes exploring Kernave, Lithuania’s first capital and UNESCO World Heritage site, with its ancient medieval ruins and archaeological significance.
What sets this experience apart is the combination of private transportation with in-depth visits to sites in both Latvia and Lithuania, making it perfect for curious travelers wanting a cultural cross-section of the Baltics in one day. The flexibility of a private guide means you can customize your visit or linger longer at favorite spots.
Bottom Line: Best for those who want a luxury, tailored journey with the convenience of a multi-country experience in one day.
3. From Riga: Hill of Crosses, Rundale & Bauska Private Day Trip
Rated 5/5, this private tour offers a personalized itinerary focused on your interests. It combines the spiritual power of the Hill of Crosses with the royal elegance of Rundale Palace and the medieval ruins of Bauska Castle. The tour provides flexible start times and the chance to explore each site at your own pace.
This experience is especially suited for travelers who prefer a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere and want detailed commentary from an expert guide. You get to visit the Hill of Crosses, a site with over 100,000 crosses that symbolize resistance and hope. Then, you’ll enjoy the opulence of Rundale Palace, a highlight for its Rococo art and beautiful gardens. Lastly, the Bauska Castle offers a glimpse into medieval life with castle ruins and panoramic views.
Guests often praise the guide’s friendliness and storytelling. One review highlights how the trip was “very entertaining” and it was “great to be mostly the only travelers.” The private nature of this tour makes it ideal for families or small groups.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a customized, private experience with deep dives into Latvia and Lithuania’s cultural sites.
4. From Riga: Bauska, Rundale and Jelgava Private Full-Day Trip
Rated 4.8/5, this full-day private tour suits travelers looking for a mix of medieval castles, grand palaces, and elegant parks. Starting in Riga, you’ll visit Bauska Castle, a striking medieval fortress situated between two rivers, where guided tours reveal centuries of history. Next, you’ll explore Rundale Palace, often called the Latvian Versailles, with its Baroque grandeur and famous art collection. The tour concludes with a visit to Jelgava Palace, a neoclassical gem with ornate interiors and lush gardens.
This tour balances guided visits with free time, allowing you to appreciate each site’s architectural details and historic stories. The route includes scenic views during travel, making for a visually pleasant day. Many travelers find it a rich cultural experience and good value given the variety of sites covered.
Guests appreciate the insightful guided commentary and easy-paced itinerary. It’s best suited for those who want to see multiple highlights in one day without rushing. The 7-hour duration makes it manageable even for travelers with limited time.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, private way to see Latvia’s castles and palaces with personalized attention.
5. Private Castle Tour from Riga: Rundale, Bauska + Hill of Crosses
Rated 5/5, this private 4-6 hour tour offers an intimate look at some of the region’s most iconic sites, with personalized guidance. The tour includes a visit to Rundale Palace, where you can marvel at its baroque style and flower-filled gardens. You’ll also explore Bauska Castle, a medieval fortress with panoramic views from its tower. The highlight is a stop at the Hill of Crosses, a powerful symbol of resistance and hope for the Baltic people.
This experience is ideal for travelers who want a shorter, flexible tour with the chance to explore at their own pace. The tour can start from several Riga locations, making it convenient. Many reviews praise the friendly guide and the beautiful scenery. It’s especially good for those seeking an immersive, personal experience rather than group tours.
The self-guided walks at each site allow you to take your time, while the driver and guide keep logistics smooth. The tour’s intimate setting makes it a memorable, meaningful day.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a short, private, and flexible cultural trip with meaningful stops.
6. From Riga: Rundale Palace and Bauska Castle Tour and Back
Rated 3.8/5, this shorter tour focuses on Bauska Castle and Rundale Palace with a simple, efficient itinerary. Starting in Bauska, you’ll explore the castle and enjoy scenic views along the way. Then, you’ll visit Rundale Palace, with ample time to explore its interior and gardens. It’s a straightforward option for travelers with limited time.
While it offers less detailed commentary, the focus on two major highlights makes it a good choice if you want a quick, no-fuss trip. Many reviewers mention that it’s a cost-effective way to get a taste of the region without too much hassle. The 5-9 hour window provides flexibility based on your schedule.
This tour is best for those who prioritize efficient sightseeing over deep dives or private experiences. It’s ideal for families or travelers on a tight schedule.
Bottom Line: A practical, time-efficient way to see Latvia’s key castles and palaces without extra frills.
7. Riga: Private Tour to Hill of Crosses and Rundāle Palace
Rated 5/5, this private experience combines cultural history and powerful symbolism in a 7-hour day. Starting from Riga, you’ll visit the Hill of Crosses, a site with over 100,000 crosses symbolizing resistance and hope. Then, the tour continues to the Rundale Palace, often called “Little Versailles”, known for its ornate Rococo interiors and beautiful gardens. The tour often includes a stop at Bauska Castle and a lunch in a local restaurant.
The guide’s personal touch and deep knowledge make this experience special. It’s perfect for travelers interested in history, architecture, and cultural resilience. Many reviews highlight how the guide’s storytelling enhances the experience, making the sights more meaningful.
The 7-hour duration suits travelers who want a balanced day without rushing. The inclusion of lunch adds a local flavor, and the private nature makes it highly customizable.
Bottom Line: A great choice for those who want a personalized, in-depth tour emphasizing Latvia’s and Lithuania’s cultural symbols.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interests, and available time. If you prefer a stress-free, guided experience, the From Riga: Trip to Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace & Bauska is hard to beat for its comprehensive coverage. For travelers wanting a luxury experience with flexibility, the private Riga-Vilnius tour offers the most customization. Budget-conscious visitors may opt for the shorter Rundale Palace and Bauska Castle tour, which still provides a good overview.
If you want a deeply personal journey, the Private Castle Tour is perfect, especially if you value flexible timing and intimate insights. For those interested in cultural symbolism and history, the Riga Private Tour to Hill of Crosses and Rundāle Palace delivers a meaningful experience.
Final Thoughts
Rundale Municipality is packed with royal palaces, medieval ruins, and spiritual sites that suit a variety of interests and travel styles. For a comprehensive day with a good balance of guided visits and free time, the From Riga: Trip to Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace & Bauska stands out. If privacy and customization matter most, the private tours like Riga-Vilnius or Private Castle Tour are excellent choices.
No matter which option you choose, these tours promise an enriching look into Latvia’s and Lithuania’s architectural grandeur, resilient spirit, and scenic landscapes. Book early, especially for private options, to secure your spot and ensure a smooth, memorable adventure through Rundale’s cultural treasures.