Group Tour: Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace & Bauska Castle

Traveling beyond Riga’s city limits, this full-day group tour promises to unveil some of Latvia’s most captivating sights, from spiritual landmarks to baroque grandeur and medieval ruins. With a strong reputation, a perfect 5-star rating from recent travelers, and an attractive price point, this experience offers a well-rounded taste of Latvia’s culture and history.

What makes this tour stand out? We loved the expert guidance that transforms a sightseeing trip into storytelling, the breathtaking views from the castle towers, and the chance to enjoy authentic local cuisine during the day. The only consideration? The timing might catch some travelers off guard if museum hours are affected, as one reviewer noted a closure at Bauska Castle during a holiday period.

This tour is ideal for those who want an enriching, relaxed day outside Riga—perfect if you’re keen on history, architecture, or simply enjoy exploring at a comfortable pace with a small, friendly group.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Visits to key Latvian sites with expert guides and included entrance fees.
• Balanced Itinerary: From spiritual symbolism to baroque splendor and medieval ruins.
• Small Group Dynamics: Personalized attention and less crowded visits.
• Value for Money: Competitive price includes transportation, guiding, and entry fees.
• Authentic Food: Curated options for a taste of local Latvian cuisine.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

An Authentic Day Out in Latvia: What to Expect

This eight-hour adventure kicks off early from Riga at 8:00 am, giving you plenty of time to soak in the sights without feeling rushed. The journey is comfortably cushioned in an air-conditioned minivan with WiFi—ideal for planning your day or sharing snaps as you go. The group size is capped at 16 travelers, ensuring a friendly, intimate atmosphere and the chance to ask questions along the way.

The Hill of Crosses: A Moving Symbol of Faith

Starting with the Hill of Crosses, you’ll visit a site that’s both mysterious and powerful. Although its exact origins are uncertain, it’s become a pilgrimage spot filled with thousands of crosses, rosaries, and religious icons. Walking among these symbols of hope and resilience, you’ll understand why visitors describe it as “awe-inspiring” and “poignant.” One reviewer noted how the crosses sway in the wind, creating a melodic backdrop, making it feel almost alive.

Our guide will explain its history and significance, helping you appreciate the devotion that keeps this site alive despite political and social upheavals. The site is free to enter, and most visitors spend about an hour wandering through and capturing the perfect photo.

Border Stop: A Snapshot of the Region

Next, the tour makes a brief stop at the Lithuanian-Latvian border for roughly 10 minutes. It’s a quick chance to stretch your legs and snap a souvenir photo of the border marker. While no additional costs are involved, this stop adds a nice touch of regional context, giving you a sense of the landscape and the countries’ connection.

Rundale Palace: Latvia’s French-Style Gem

The highlight for many is the visit to Rundale Palace, often compared to Versailles for its grandeur. Designed by Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the architect behind Russia’s Winter Palace, this baroque masterpiece was built between 1736 and 1740. Walking through its ornate interiors, you’ll admire the intricate stuccoes, gilded details, and opulent furnishings, all echoing the style of European aristocracy.

The French garden adds a lush, meticulously manicured backdrop to the palace’s beauty. Many reviews praise the guide for sharing fascinating stories about the palace’s history and architecture, making the visit less like a museum walk and more like a living story. The entrance fee is included in the tour price, making this a top-value stop.

Bauska Castle: Medieval Views & Panoramas

After a taste of baroque splendor, the journey continues to Bauska Castle, founded in the mid-15th century. Travelers can wander through the ruins, imagining the battles and stories that unfolded here. The recent renovation has preserved its medieval charm, and the tower offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding forests and fields.

One reviewer described the experience as “walking through history,” highlighting how the tower’s lookout provides a unique perspective of the landscape. The castle’s mixture of old stone and reconstructed elements makes it a compelling site. While one reviewer mentioned the castle was closed during a holiday, the tower’s views are generally a highlight for visitors, and it’s included in the tour fee.

Culinary Highlights & Authentic Flavors

Throughout the day, the tour includes stops at curated local dining spots. Many reviews praise the delicious local cuisine, which provides a welcome break from sightseeing and an authentic taste of Latvia. Whether it’s hearty Latvian meats, fresh baked goods, or regional specialties, the meals are chosen to showcase local flavors and add to the day’s enjoyment.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

For around $136, the tour delivers a full day of engaging sights and stories, guided by knowledgeable locals. The entrance fees to the palace and castle are included, removing the hassle of extra costs. Plus, the transportation ensures comfort and convenience, so you can focus on enjoying the scenery and history.

The feedback from past travelers emphasizes the quality of guiding—many mention their guides like Erlens, who is described as “fantastic, knowledgeable, and friendly”. They also highlight how the small group size enhances the experience, allowing for more interaction and personalized attention.

The Experience for Different Travelers

This tour suits anyone interested in history, architecture, or religious symbolism, as well as those who simply want a beautiful day out exploring Latvia’s countryside. It’s especially good for travelers who prefer structured, guided experiences that include transportation and entry fees, freeing them from logistical worries.

Final Thoughts

This combination of cultural, historical, and scenic sites makes for a well-rounded Latvia day trip. The expert guides and authentic stops elevate the experience beyond a typical sightseeing tour, turning it into a memorable journey. It’s a fantastic way to see Latvia’s highlights without the stress of planning, especially if you’re short on time but eager to see a lot.

The only real caveat is to be aware of potential closures during holidays, as one reviewer pointed out. Otherwise, the tour offers incredible value, blending storytelling, stunning views, and local flavor into one affordable package.

If you’re looking for an engaging, well-organized day that showcases Latvia’s spiritual, royal, and medieval sides, this tour will meet and likely exceed your expectations. Perfect for curious travelers who want a relaxed yet enriching exploration outside Riga.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour provides comfortable transport in an air-conditioned minivan, with WiFi, making the journey smooth and enjoyable.

How long are the stops at each site?
You’ll spend approximately an hour at the Hill of Crosses, two hours touring Rundale Palace, and around 40 minutes exploring Bauska Castle, including the panoramic tower.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and allows for more interaction with the guide.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all museum and castle entrance fees are covered in the tour price, offering good value.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially for uneven castle grounds and the hill. A camera or smartphone is a must for capturing the picturesque scenery.

Can children join?
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is suitable for most age groups, especially those interested in history and architecture.

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of awe-inspiring sites, expert storytelling, and cultural insight — perfect for travelers eager to see Latvia’s highlights with ease and authenticity.