Rundale Municipality offers a rich mix of royal palaces, medieval castles, and meaningful monuments, all set within Latvia’s scenic countryside. What makes this region special isn’t just its historical sights, but the way each tour allows you to experience these places intimately—whether on a private group tour or a guided day trip. We particularly like the Private Castle tour from Riga for its personalized approach and the chance to see multiple highlights in a single day, including the iconic Rundale Palace and the Hill of Crosses. If you want a deeper dive with a flexible itinerary, this tour is a great pick.
For a more structured experience, the From Riga: Rundale palace and Bauska castle tour and back offers guided visits with a focus on Bauska’s fortress and Rundale Palace, perfect for history enthusiasts. And if your time is limited but you want a rundown, the Riga: Private Tour to Hill of Crosses and Rundāle Palace combines major sights with personal attention, making it ideal for travelers seeking an in-depth but manageable day.
Quick Overview
Rundale Municipality features a variety of tours that include private explorations of Rundale Palace (see more here), guided castle visits (overview here), and full-day private excursions (learn more here). Each offers different angles—some focus on history, others on culture or scenic drives—so you can pick based on your interests and schedule.
1. Private Castle tour from Riga: Rundale, Bauska+Hill of Crosses
At number one, this private tour is a standout because it combines Latvia’s most striking sights into a flexible, personalized day. Starting from Riga, the tour takes you to the Rundale Palace, an 18th-century masterpiece built for the Duke of Courland. Its ornate Baroque and Rococo interiors are complemented by lush gardens and a captivating rose garden that reflects historic European floral cultivation.
The tour then heads to Bauska castle ruins, where you can explore the remains of a fortress that once controlled important trade routes. The highlight for many is the Hill of Crosses, a powerful symbol of Latvian resilience, covered with over 100,000 crosses and a poignant reminder of the nation’s struggles for independence. The entire experience lasts about 4 to 6 hours, with convenient pickup options in Riga, Vecrīga, or the Riga airport.
This tour is perfect if you want a personalized experience with a knowledgeable guide sharing insights about Latvian history and culture. The self-guided walks at Rundale Palace and Bauska allow you to soak in the atmosphere at your own pace. The main appeal here is the balance between guided transportation and free exploration.
Bottom line: This tour shines for travelers seeking a tailored, in-depth day with a touch of luxury and plenty of photo opportunities.
2. From Riga: Rundale palace and Bauska castle tour and back
Coming in at number two, this guided day trip offers a well-organized experience focusing on Latvia’s medieval and baroque architecture. Starting from Bauska, you’ll visit Bauska castle, where guided insights reveal its strategic importance in the region’s past. Afterward, you’ll head to Rundale Palace—about a 12-minute drive—for a self-guided exploration that lets you absorb the palace’s grandeur at your own pace.
The tour’s guided component makes it ideal for history buffs or those who prefer a structured itinerary. The guided Bauska castle visit lasts about an hour, giving you time to walk around the impressive fortress and learn its stories. Then, you’ll have an hour at Rundale Palace for photography and independent exploration. The tour ends with convenient drop-offs at the starting point or other designated locations.
This option is particularly suited for travelers who want a rundown with a guided element, but still enjoy some free time. The slightly longer duration (5 to 9 hours) allows for a relaxed pace and deeper understanding of Latvia’s past.
Bottom line: Best for visitors who appreciate guided insights and prefer a straightforward, multi-site experience without the need for extensive planning.
3. Riga: Private Tour to Hill of Crosses and Rundāle Palace
Number three offers a luxurious private experience designed for travelers who want a full-day, immersive trip. Starting from Riga, this 7-hour tour covers the Hill of Crosses, a powerful symbol of national perseverance, and the stunning Rundale Palace, often called Latvia’s version of Versailles.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on emotional and cultural significance. The tour includes a stop at the Latvian-Lithuanian border sign, adding a geopolitical dimension, and offers a lunch in a local restaurant, giving you a taste of regional cuisine. The guide shares stories about Latvia’s fight for independence, making this more than just sightseeing.
The Hill of Crosses is a moving site, and during the visit, you can experience the solemnity and resilience of the Latvian people. Afterward, the visit to Rundale Palace provides a chance to admire exquisite architecture and art collections. Guests frequently mention the guide’s engaging storytelling, like the reviewer who said, “I learned so much—not only about the places we visited, but also about Latvian history and the resilience of this proud country.”
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers seeking a curated, insightful journey that combines history, culture, and scenic beauty with a personal touch.
How to Choose
When selecting your Rundale trip, consider your schedule, interests, and budget. If you want a luxury, private experience that covers all major sights in one day, the Private Castle tour from Riga (see more here) offers flexibility and comfort. For those who prefer a guided, structured tour with less planning, the From Riga: Rundale palace and Bauska castle (details here) provides a solid itinerary. If you’re after a more in-depth, personalized experience that includes meaningful stops like the border sign and lunch, the Riga private tour (more info here) is ideal.
Consider your time availability—the private tour is 4-6 hours, perfect for a half-day, while the guided day trip extends up to 9 hours. Budget-wise, private tours tend to be more costly but include personalized service, whereas guided group tours are more economical.
Booking early is recommended during peak seasons, especially for private excursions, to secure your preferred times and availability.
To sum it up, Rundale Municipality offers a fantastic array of tour options catering to different interests—from dazzling palaces and historic castles to symbolic monuments. If you’re short on time but want an insightful taste, the private tour from Riga is superb. For a guided, structured experience, the day trip to Rundale and Bauska works well. And for those craving a fully personalized, meaningful journey, the private full-day tour delivers an enriching experience.
No matter which tour you choose, booking early will ensure you get the most out of your Latvian adventure. Each option provides a different flavor of Rundale’s impressive heritage—so pick what suits your travel style and enjoy discovering Latvia’s rich past.