Group Day trip to Rundale Palace, Hill of Crosses & Bauska Castle

A Day Beyond Riga: Exploring Latvia and Lithuania with a Guided Tour

If you’re visiting Riga and eager to see more of the Baltic region, this full-day, small-group tour offers a fantastic way to explore Latvia’s stunning sights and a key Lithuanian monument without the hassle of driving. For $127.72 per person, you’ll spend approximately 8 hours traveling comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with a knowledgeable guide who shares stories and insights that bring each site to life. The tour includes visits to Rundale Palace, Bauska Castle, and the Hill of Crosses, crossing into Lithuania for a taste of its spiritual heritage.

What we really love about this experience is its blend of historic grandeur and authentic religious symbolism. Rundale Palace is often called a “little Versailles,” thanks to its ornate architecture and French-style gardens — perfect for picture-taking and soaking in Latvian elegance. Meanwhile, the Hill of Crosses is a moving testament to faith and resilience, offering an emotional break from more traditional sightseeing. Plus, the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off makes this a stress-free way to see beyond the city.

That said, one thing to consider is the length of the drive — around 90 minutes each way — which means some downtime in transit. However, most reviews suggest the comfort and commentary more than make up for the hours spent on the road. This tour suits travelers who appreciate history, culture, and landscape in a balanced, relaxed setting and are comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and travel.

Key Points

• Comfortable Transportation: Travel in a well-maintained, air-conditioned van, making the long drive more pleasant.
• Authentic Experiences: Visit iconic Latvian and Lithuanian sites, from palaces to spiritual landmarks, with time to explore at your own pace.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Thomas and Paul are praised for their personable, insightful commentary and local knowledge.
• Flexible Itinerary: Free time at each site enables you to enjoy the surroundings without feeling rushed.
• Good Value: For around $130, you get entrance fees, transportation, and expert guidance, making it a cost-effective way to see the region.
• Mixed Group Sizes: The tour is small, often just a couple of travelers, allowing for a personalized experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Duration

The tour begins promptly at 9:00 am from the meeting point at Latvieu strlnieku laukums 3 in Riga. After a quick introduction, you’re off in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle headed for the first stop. While the journey can be a bit lengthy — around an hour and a half each way — most reviews highlight the quality of the transport and the engaging commentary that makes the time fly by. “Kristine was a calm and careful driver and her car was clean and comfortable,” noted one traveler, emphasizing the importance of good transportation for such a full-day venture.

Bauska Castle: Medieval Charm and Scenic Views

Your first stop is Bauska Castle, a medieval fortress perched on a narrow land strip between the rivers Misa and Memele. Here, you’ll get splendid views of the surrounding countryside — an ideal photo opportunity. Entrance to the castle museum costs just 4 EUR, but the outside views are free, so you might prefer to enjoy the scenery from outside first. The reviews mention how this site is a good introduction to Latvia’s history, with some travelers appreciating the chance to walk around and absorb the ambiance of a true medieval stronghold.

Rundale Palace: Latvian Versailles

Next, you’ll journey to Rundale Palace, often called Latvia’s “Little Versailles”. This Baroque masterpiece is set in a lush rural landscape, with its ornate architecture and French-style gardens offering a glimpse into the opulence of Latvian aristocratic life. The two-hour visit includes the palace interior, where authentic furniture and interactive screens help bring the history to life. One reviewer described it as a “fascinating slice of Latvian history,” praising the well-preserved state and the opportunity to explore at leisure.

What really shines about Rundale Palace is how it combines architectural beauty with the lush countryside — perfect for a photographer or anyone wanting a scenic, elegant stop. Plus, you’ll have a bit of free time to enjoy the gardens and perhaps indulge in the on-site restaurant, where good food and cozy ambiance await.

Kryziu Kalnas: The Hill of Crosses

Crossing into Lithuania for about 40 minutes, you’ll arrive at the Hill of Crosses, a site renowned for its symbolic power and spiritual significance. Visitors have been placing crosses here for centuries as an act of faith and hope. It’s a moving space where faith and resilience meet, making it more than just a tourist stop — it’s a heartfelt monument to trust and sacrifice.

Reviews highlight how impressive and emotional this site is. One traveler remarked, “a long ride to it, but worth it,” emphasizing that the journey to the hill adds to its significance. The site is lively, with local vendors selling crosses and souvenirs, giving you a chance to participate in the tradition by leaving your own small cross if you wish.

End of the Day and Return

The tour wraps up around 5 pm, with a return to Riga. Most travelers appreciate the comprehensive nature of the trip, feeling they’ve gained a well-rounded picture of Latvia and Lithuania’s culture, history, and faith traditions—all without the stress of navigating on your own.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

The price includes entrance fees to Rundale Palace and Bauska Castle, transportation in a comfortable vehicle, and the guidance of a knowledgeable, personable guide. Compared to independent travel, where you’d need to rent a car, plan routes, and buy tickets separately, this package offers convenience and expert commentary. Most reviews describe guides like Paul or Thomas as thorough, engaging, and eager to share their knowledge, elevating the experience far beyond just ticking boxes.

Plus, the flexibility of free time at each site stands out. You can choose to linger or move quickly, tailoring the day to your interests. The small group size, often just one or two couples, makes for a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere.

Considerations

The main consideration is the driving time — roughly three hours total — which might be tiring for some. However, most travelers agree that the vehicle comfort and the insightful commentary make the hours pass quickly. Also, if you’re looking for a culinary experience, you might want to budget for lunch, as an a’la carte meal costs around 6 EUR and can be reserved on the day.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for history buffs and cultural explorers who enjoy discovering architecture, landscapes, and spiritual sites. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate small-group settings and want a hassle-free way to see Latvia and Lithuania’s highlights in one day. If you’re keen on authentic experiences and don’t mind a full schedule, you’ll find this tour wonderfully rewarding.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hassle-free pickup and drop-off from your Riga hotel, making it easy to start and end your day comfortably.

How long is the drive between sites?
The drive to Rundale Palace from Riga is about 90 minutes, with similar time returning, so expect roughly 3 hours on the road overall, plus stops.

What’s included in the price?
Entrance fees to Rundale Palace and Bauska Castle, transportation, and guidance are included. Lunch is not included but can be reserved for about 6 EUR.

Can I explore the sites at my own pace?
Yes, the schedule allows for free time at each site, so you can take photos, walk around, or relax as you prefer.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, some cash for optional extras or souvenirs, and your camera for the stunning views and photos.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Most travelers find it accessible, and guides are attentive, but be aware of some walking involved at the sites and the length of the day.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance. If weather causes cancellation, you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

Summing It Up

This day trip from Riga balances historical discovery, scenic beauty, and spiritual reflection in a way that’s accessible and engaging. The combination of luxury transport, expert guides, and carefully curated stops ensures you’ll come away with vivid memories and a deeper appreciation of Latvia and its neighboring Lithuania.

It’s best suited for those who want to avoid the hassle of independent travel but still crave authentic, meaningful experiences. If you enjoy exploring castles and palaces, marveling at unique landmarks, and learning about local faith and traditions, this tour offers excellent value and a thoughtfully planned itinerary. Whether you’re a history lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply curious about the Baltic region, this trip will leave you feeling inspired and well-informed.