Travelers looking to combine scenic train journeys with a powerful spiritual experience will find this tour from Vilnius to Riga a compelling option. Though it’s marketed as a one-way trip, it offers the chance to visit one of Lithuania’s most extraordinary landmarks – the Hill of Crosses – in a relaxed and authentic way. We love that it blends flexible travel, cultural insight, and a personal touch, all at a reasonable price. However, a key consideration is that you’ll need to organize your own train tickets, which requires some planning.
This tour is ideal for those who prefer traveling at their own pace, enjoy meaningful stops, and want to experience Lithuania’s unique vibe without spending a fortune. If you’re crossing from Vilnius to Riga and craving a memorable cultural detour, this could be perfect for you.
Key Points
- Flexible Itinerary: You control your train tickets and timing, making for a stress-free experience.
- Affordable Price: At $115 per person, it offers great value, especially considering the personalized pickup and local transport.
- Cultural Highlight: The Hill of Crosses is a powerful, visual symbol of faith and resilience, with plenty of opportunities for photos and souvenirs.
- Authentic Experience: Guides are knowledgeable, and reviews praise the personal care and language skills.
- Relaxed Pace: The stop at the hill allows ample time for exploring, photos, and even leaving a cross or pin on the map.
- Additional Stops: Optional visits include the nearby monastery and chapel, adding a spiritual dimension to the trip.
How the Journey Unfolds
Looking for more options in Siauliai? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Starting Point: Vilnius to Siauliai by Train
Your adventure kicks off in Vilnius, where you’ll need to purchase your own train tickets to Siauliai. This flexibility means you can choose your preferred departure time, and there’s no set schedule you must follow. The train ride itself offers a chance to sit back, relax, and watch the Lithuanian landscape roll by—an often overlooked pleasure. The train journey, depending on your timing, typically takes about 2 hours, giving you a leisurely start to your day.
Pickup at Siauliai Train Station and Transfer to the Hill of Crosses
Once you arrive in Siauliai, a friendly guide or driver will meet you at the station. From there, it’s just about a 20-minute drive to the Hill of Crosses, a site that leaves many visitors awestruck at first sight. This sacred spot is covered with more than 200,000 crosses, ranging from tiny tokens to large monuments—each representing a prayer, hope, or memory.
What makes this part of the tour stand out is the opportunity to leave your own cross or place a pin on the map. Reviewers like Sudarat shared that seeing these crosses in their thousands is an experience unlike any other, leaving her in awe. Franca also appreciated the personal touch, noting how guides like Maarten patiently answered questions and shared stories that added depth to the visit.
Exploring the Hill of Crosses
You’ll have ample time here—plenty of moments to take photos, walk among the crosses, and soak in the powerful atmosphere. You can also visit the nearby monastery and peek into the chapel, which adds a spiritual layer to your visit. There are small stalls where you can buy souvenirs, drinks, or use the facilities, making this a comfortable stop.
You might find some guides and reviews mentioning that the timing is perfect to enjoy the site without feeling rushed. Sudarat mentioned that her guide was attentive and helpful, ensuring she had all her questions answered. The ability to take your time is a clear highlight, especially since the site can be overwhelming in its scale.
More Great Tours NearbyFrom the Hill to Riga
After the visit, your driver takes you back to Siauliai train station, where you’ll board a train to Jelgava. The ride from Siauliai to Riga isn’t included in the price but is part of the overall experience—so you’ll need to buy your own ticket for this segment.
Once you arrive in Jelgava, a final transfer in a car will take you directly to Riga. Unlike other tours that drop you off at central locations, this trip ends at Starp Krastiem pizzeria, near the National Library, offering a relaxed end to your day. Reviews like Franca’s highlight how guides often go above and beyond by showing additional sights or recommending local eateries, making the journey more personal and enjoyable.
Why This Tour Offers Great Value
For just $115, you get the benefit of a customizable train journey, a guided visit to the Hill of Crosses, and door-to-door transport from Siauliai to Riga. Since you’ll organize your train tickets, you can choose departure times that suit your plans, giving you flexibility.
Compared to other options that might include group tours or packaged excursions, this experience stands out for its personalized approach and the opportunity to explore at your own pace. The reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, which adds a layer of comfort—especially if you’re traveling alone or want to learn more about Lithuanian culture.
Authenticity and Comfort
The visit to the Hill of Crosses is the core highlight, offering a deeply personal and visual experience. The site’s significance as a symbol of faith and perseverance makes it a meaningful stop. Many travelers mention the chance to leave a cross or pin, making it a memorable, participatory experience.
Practical Aspects
While the tour is straightforward, remember that you’ll need to handle your train tickets from Vilnius to Siauliai and from Siauliai to Riga. This allows you to tailor your schedule but requires some planning. The tour itself includes pickup, transfer, and a knowledgeable guide, ensuring you’re well looked after during the key moments.
Who Will Love This Tour?
It’s perfect for travelers who value flexibility, want to avoid crowded group tours, and are interested in authentic cultural sights. It’s also well-suited for those who enjoy scenic train rides and are comfortable organizing their own transportation in advance. If you’re intrigued by spiritual sites or looking for a meaningful stop en route between Vilnius and Riga, this experience offers a genuine taste of Lithuania’s soul.
Final Thoughts
This trip offers a compelling mix of scenic rail travel, cultural exploration, and spiritual significance. The ability to personalize your journey—buying your train tickets and choosing your departure times—is a big plus for independent travelers. The highlights, like the Hill of Crosses, are visually stunning and emotionally impactful, making this a memorable addition to any Baltic itinerary.
It’s especially useful if you want to see one of Lithuania’s most iconic sites without feeling rushed, and if you appreciate guides who provide genuine insight and care. The overall value and flexibility make this tour a smart choice for anyone crossing from Vilnius to Riga and seeking an authentic Lithuanian experience.
FAQ
Do I need to buy train tickets myself?
Yes, you should purchase your train tickets from Vilnius to Siauliai and from Siauliai to Riga separately. This allows you to choose your preferred departure times and travel at your own pace.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at the Siauliai train station, where you’ll be picked up, and ends at the pizzeria on Akmenu iela 13 next to the National Library in Riga.
How much time do I get at the Hill of Crosses?
You’ll have plenty of time—enough to take photos, leave a cross or pin on the map, visit the chapel, and browse souvenir stalls. Reviewers appreciate the relaxed pace.
Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable, and the flexible nature of the trip makes it ideal for solo explorers who want an authentic experience.
What should I bring?
Carry your passport or ID card because you’ll be crossing the border from Lithuania to Latvia. Also, pack snacks, water, and a camera for the scenic and spiritual moments.
Can I leave a cross or pin on the hill?
Yes, visitors are encouraged to leave a cross or place a pin on the map, adding a personal touch to the experience.
Is there an option to visit the nearby monastery?
Yes, there’s a chance to visit the monastery and chapel if you wish, adding a spiritual dimension to your trip.
In summary, this tour offers a flexible, meaningful way to experience the Hill of Crosses on your way from Vilnius to Riga. It’s best suited for independent travelers who value authenticity, personalized service, and the opportunity to explore at their own pace. With knowledgeable guides, scenic routes, and a deeply symbolic site, it provides a memorable highlight that will stay with you long after your trip.
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