Experience the Vilnius to Riga Journey with a Unique Stop at the Hill of Crosses
Imagine traveling from Vilnius to Riga, two Baltic capitals packed with charm and history, but with a special twist — an unforgettable stop at the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania. For just $115 per person, this guided trip offers a relaxed, well-organized way to see one of Lithuania’s most sacred sites, with plenty of time for photos, souvenirs, and reflection. Led by knowledgeable guides like Maarten, the tour combines train travel and car rides, giving you a comfortable pace and authentic experience.
What we really appreciated was the flexibility built into the itinerary — no rush to race through the sights, with ample time at the hill to soak in its spiritual atmosphere and snap countless pictures. Plus, the opportunity to leave your own cross or pin on the map adds a personal touch to the visit. The only potential downside? This is a one-way trip, so it’s best suited for travelers who plan to continue onward to Riga rather than return the same way.
This tour is perfect if you love cultural landmarks, enjoy guided commentary, and value authentic experiences that aren’t overly commercialized. It’s especially suited for those traveling between Lithuania and Latvia who want an accessible way to visit the Hill of Crosses without the hassle of planning separate transport.
Key Points
- Comfortable transportation with a mix of train and car rides
- Ample free time at the Hill of Crosses for photos and reflection
- Personalized experience including the possibility to leave a cross or pin
- Cost-effective option for travelers moving between Vilnius and Riga
- Experienced guides who provide detailed explanations and helpful local tips
- Note: The tour ends at a Riga location slightly outside the city center, so plan accordingly
A Practical Guide to the Vilnius–Riga with a Stop at the Hill of Crosses
Traveling through the Baltic states offers many opportunities to see history, spirituality, and local life. This tour, organized by SIA Baltic guide, provides a straightforward way to incorporate one of Lithuania’s most iconic sites into your journey from Vilnius to Riga, without the stress of coordinating separate transport plans.
Planning more time in Siauliai? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
How the Itinerary Unfolds
The experience kicks off with train travel from Vilnius to Siauliai, Lithuania’s fourth-largest city. While you’re responsible for purchasing your train tickets (a good idea to do in advance, especially during busy seasons), the tour includes a pick-up at Siauliai train station. From there, a short car ride of about 20 minutes takes you to the Hill of Crosses, a place that captivates visitors with its thousands of crosses and spiritual significance.
Once at the hill, you’ll have plenty of time to explore. Visitors often comment that they appreciated the no-rush approach — plenty of space to take photos, leave your own cross, or simply soak in the atmosphere. There are souvenirs and drinks available if you want a quick snack, and you can also visit the nearby monastery and chapel, enhancing the experience with additional historical context.
After your visit, the guide will take you back to Siauliai train station, and then you’ll continue your journey by car to Riga. The entire trip is designed to be relaxed and flexible, allowing you to enjoy each stage without feeling hurried.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out
Two aspects stand out as real highlights. First, the personalized nature of the visit — guides like Maarten are praised for their friendliness and multilingual abilities, making communication smooth and engaging. As one reviewer noted, Maarten also showed some local sights on the way to Riga, turning the trip into a mini sightseeing tour.
Second, the authenticity of the stop at the Hill of Crosses. Unlike quick bus tours, this experience allows you to connect with the spiritual and cultural significance of Lithuania. You can leave your own cross or pin on the map, making it a symbolic part of your journey.
Practical Considerations and Tips
While the experience is generally praised, remember this is a one-way trip. If you’re planning to return to Vilnius, this tour isn’t designed for that — it’s best for those heading onward to Riga. The end point is not a hotel but a location near the National Library in Riga, so you’ll want to plan your transportation from there.
Plus, travelers should bring their passport or ID for the border crossing between Lithuania and Latvia. The tour emphasizes no smoking, alcohol, or drugs, respecting the spiritual nature of the site.
More Great Tours NearbyIn-Depth Look at the Experience
Transportation and Group Dynamics
The combination of train and car travel creates a comfortable and scenic route. The train journey to Siauliai is straightforward, and the car ride short but scenic, offering glimpses of Lithuanian countryside. According to reviews, the guides are skilled at keeping groups engaged and informed, often answering questions thoroughly. The group size typically allows for a personalized experience, which many travelers find valuable.
Visiting the Hill of Crosses
The Hill of Crosses is more than just a collection of crosses; it’s a potent symbol of Lithuanian resilience and faith. Visitors often describe it as a place of peace and reflection, where the number of crosses exceeds 200,000. You’ll find crosses of all sizes — some small and handmade, others towering and elaborate.
Expect to spend at least an hour here. This gives you time to walk around, take photos, leave your own cross if you wish, and visit the nearby chapel and monastery. The reviews mention how impressive and spiritual this place is, with one reviewer stating, “I haven’t seen so many crosses in my life,” capturing the awe many feel.
The Guide’s Role
The guides, like Maarten, are often highlighted for their knowledge and friendliness. From answering questions to sharing local stories, they enrich the visit with insights you might not find in guidebooks. Some reviews mention that guides are multilingual, making the experience accessible for international travelers.
The End of the Tour
After the Hill of Crosses, the trip continues to Riga, ending at a location near the National Library, which is convenient for those staying in the city or heading elsewhere. While not a hotel drop-off, this spot is close enough for easy access to transportation or accommodations.
Value and Pricing
At $115 per person, the price covers all transport and guide services, making it a cost-effective option compared to arranging separate train tickets, car rentals, and entrance fees. The reviews consistently mention that the value is excellent, especially considering the guided commentary and personalized attention.
Who Should Book This Tour?
This experience suits travelers between Vilnius and Riga who want a meaningful stop en route. It’s ideal for those interested in spiritual sites, cultural symbols, and authentic local experiences. If you prefer a relaxed pace with plenty of time for reflection, this tour is a perfect fit.
Final Thoughts
For anyone traveling through the Baltics, this trip offers a rare window into Lithuanian faith and resilience at the Hill of Crosses, combined with the chance to explore two vibrant capitals. The mix of train and car travel, guided by friendly, knowledgeable guides, makes for a comfortable and enriching day.
The flexible schedule and authentic experience make it especially appealing to those who dislike hurried bus tours or want a more personal connection to the sites they visit. Plus, the opportunity to leave your own cross as a personal symbol adds a meaningful touch.
This tour is a valuable addition to your Baltic itinerary — especially if you’re traveling from Vilnius to Riga and want to include a spiritual highlight along the way. It balances history, culture, and personal reflection, all wrapped in a practical and well-organized package.
FAQ
Do I need to buy train tickets in advance?
Yes, travelers are responsible for purchasing their train tickets from Vilnius to Siauliai ahead of time, which helps ensure smooth planning.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at the Vilnius train station (you need to arrange your own tickets) and ends at a location near the Latvian National Library in Riga, not a hotel.
Is this a round trip or one-way?
This is a one-way trip from Vilnius to Riga, with the stop at the Hill of Crosses en route. It doesn’t include return transportation.
How much free time do I have at the Hill of Crosses?
You’ll have ample time, approximately an hour or more, to walk around, take pictures, buy souvenirs, and leave a cross.
What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID for border crossing, comfortable walking shoes, and perhaps a camera or smartphone for photos.
Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides like Maarten speak several languages, including English, Dutch, German, and French.
Is there any food available during the tour?
Yes, you can buy drinks and snacks at the hill, and guides have information on nearby cafes or places to eat after the visit.
What about group size?
The reviews suggest a small group experience, allowing for personalized attention and more meaningful interaction.
Can I leave a personal cross?
Absolutely. Visitors often leave crosses or pins on the hill as a personal gesture.
This guided journey from Vilnius to Riga, with its meaningful stop at the Hill of Crosses, offers a balanced blend of history, spirituality, and scenic travel. It’s a thoughtful choice for those wanting to connect with Lithuanian culture while making their way through the Baltics.
You can check availability for your dates here: