From Riga: Trip to Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace & Bauska

Travelers seeking a well-rounded day trip from Riga will find this tour offers a compelling mix of royal elegance, medieval history, and spiritual reflection. With carefully curated stops at Latvia’s Rundale Palace, Bauska Castle, and Lithuania’s Hill of Crosses, it’s a journey that combines stunning architecture, fascinating history, and meaningful cultural sites.

What sets this tour apart are the professional guides who bring each location to life, the comfort of private transportation, and the opportunity to avoid long queues at popular spots. Plus, the small group size (limited to 8 participants) ensures a friendly, personalized experience.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, so it’s best for travelers who are comfortable on their feet and enjoy walking through scenic sites. This experience suits those with a curiosity for history, royal estates, or spiritual places, and who want a full day of sightseeing with expert insight.

Key Points

• Comfort & Convenience: Private, air-conditioned transportation with a professional driver and printed information sheets make the day smooth.
• Rich Cultural Stops: Visit Latvia’s “Little Versailles,” medieval ruins, and a powerful pilgrimage site.
• Balanced Itinerary: With 2 hours at Rundale Palace, and 1 hour each at Bauska Castle and the Hill of Crosses, there’s enough time to explore without feeling rushed.
• Authentic Experience: Knowledgeable guides share insights that bring each site to life, with reviews highlighting Tom and Thomas’s friendly and informative approach.
• Cost & Value: Entrance fees for major sites are included, making this a cost-effective way to see multiple landmarks without hidden costs.
• Small Group Feel: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more intimate and engaging experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Thorough Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point & Transportation

The tour begins in the heart of Riga at Rtslaukums, next to the Occupation Museum, where you’ll meet your guide and hop into a comfortable Opel Vivaro or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van. This private transport is key to making the day seamless, especially when traveling between Latvia and Lithuania. The driver is both professional and friendly, often earning praise from travelers. The ride is typically relaxed, with sheets provided that contain interesting facts about each site, helping to set the tone before arrival.

First Stop: Rundale Palace

The first highlight is Latvia’s “Little Versailles” — the stunning Rundale Palace. Built in the 18th century for the Duke of Courland, this Baroque masterpiece boasts grand halls like the Golden Hall and the White Hall, which once hosted royal gatherings. Visitors are free to wander through these opulent interiors and imagine the grandeur of aristocratic life.

The gardens and Rose Garden are true showstoppers, with hundreds of roses blooming in season, and the meticulously maintained French gardens offering picturesque views. The tour includes access to the Big Circle and Rose Garden with paid entrance fees covered, so you can soak in the beauty without extra cost.

Reviewers frequently mention the lack of long queues here, which is a real plus, and the guide’s commentary adds context to the lavish decor and history. One traveler appreciated how the guide shared details about the palace’s heating system, which is quite remarkable for its age.

Next Stop: Bauska Castle

After marveling at regal elegance, the tour shifts gears to medieval history at Bauska Castle. Perched on a hill where the Msa and Mmele rivers meet, this site offers a fascinating glimpse into Latvia’s fortified past. The ruins of the 15th-century fortress are impressive, and climbing up the castle tower rewards visitors with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

The site also includes a Renaissance wing, allowing visitors to see how nobility lived and was defended. The guided tour here provides insights into the castle’s role as a key defense point, and the history is further enriched by the stories shared by the guide.

A review happily notes the “friendly and knowledgeable” guide, Thomas, who kept the group engaged and made the walk around the castle enjoyable. The site is compact enough to explore comfortably in about 25 minutes, leaving time for photos and soaking in the atmosphere.

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Final Stop: Hill of Crosses

The last, deeply moving stop is the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania. This site is a symbol of faith, resistance, and hope, with thousands of crosses of all sizes covering the hill. The atmosphere is powerful — a place where pilgrims and visitors alike come to reflect on resilience in the face of repression.

The visit lasts about 40 minutes, enough to walk among the crosses, take photos, and absorb the spiritual energy of the site. Many travelers highlight the site’s emotional impact and the guide’s respectful narration, which adds depth to the experience.

Return & Practicalities

The tour wraps up with a return to Riga, arriving back at the starting point after approximately 8 hours. The schedule is well-paced, allowing enough time at each site but also avoiding overly rushed visits. The total cost covers entrance fees at Rundale Palace and Bauska Castle, along with the comfortable ride.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for history buffs, architecture lovers, and those interested in cultural or spiritual sites. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want to see a mix of royal grandeur, medieval history, and religious resilience in a single day.

It’s also great for visitors who prefer small groups and guided commentary, ensuring a more personal and educational experience. Keep in mind that walking is involved, so comfortable shoes are a must.

The Value Proposition

For the price, you’re getting a well-organized, informative day out with expert guides that bring each location alive. The inclusion of entrance fees and transfer makes it straightforward and budget-friendly for travelers wanting to maximize their sightseeing without the hassle of planning logistics themselves.

The tour’s flexibility — like the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance — adds peace of mind, and the small group size boosts the overall experience’s intimacy.

Final thoughts:

• If you’re keen to explore Latvia’s regal and medieval sites, this tour offers a balanced snapshot with expert insight.
• For those interested in cultural and spiritual history, the Hill of Crosses is an especially meaningful highlight.
• The comfort of private transportation and the friendly guides make it a stress-free way to see some of the Baltic’s most notable landmarks.
• While it’s a full day, the carefully curated stops and engaging guides ensure it feels rewarding rather than tiring.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour involves walking at each site and some sightseeing, so children comfortable with walking and engaging with historical sites should enjoy it.

How long is the transfer between sites?
The tour includes a comfortable ride with the driver, but precise times aren’t specified — expect the transfer to be smooth and scenic, given the small group size.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, the fees for the Big Circle and Rose Garden at Rundale Palace, as well as the tower at Bauska Castle, are covered.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing flexibility in your plans.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or eat before/after the tour.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and water. Be prepared for walking and some outdoor exposure.

Is the guide language English?
Yes, the tour is led by an English-speaking guide, with reviews praising their friendliness and knowledge.

What if I don’t speak English?
Some travelers who don’t speak English have still enjoyed the tour, thanks to the guidance and smooth organization.

How big are the groups?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the sites and walking involved.

Final Words

This day trip from Riga offers a thoughtfully crafted blend of beauty, history, and spirituality. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who love learning about the Baltic region’s royal past, medieval defenses, and resilient faith communities, all with the comfort of small group travel.

Guided by knowledgeable and friendly hosts, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Latvia and Lithuania’s cultural tapestry, along with stunning photos and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a history lover, a spiritual seeker, or someone simply looking to explore beyond Riga, this tour is a worthwhile addition to your Baltic itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: