Tour from Riga to Vilnius: Bauska Castle, Rundale Palace and The Hill of Crosses

A Full-Day Adventure from Riga to Vilnius: Bauska Castle, Rundale Palace, and the Hill of Crosses

If you’re looking to explore some of the most captivating sights between Latvia and Lithuania without the hassle of planning multiple trips, this guided tour offers a smart, engaging solution. For about $255 per person, you get a 10-hour journey that combines comfortable transportation with visits to three remarkable landmarks. From the medieval Bauska Castle and the stunning Rundale Palace in Latvia, to the mysterious Hill of Crosses in Lithuania, this tour gives you a taste of the region’s history, architecture, and local culture.

What we really appreciate are the ample sightseeing time at each of these sites—you won’t feel rushed—and the knowledgeable guides who enrich the experience with insightful commentary. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that the Rundale Palace visit is not included in the ticket price, so you’ll want to budget extra if you want to explore its gardens and interiors. This tour suits travelers who love combining sightseeing with convenient logistics and prefer small group or private experiences over crowded buses.

If you enjoy discovering historic castles, regal palaces, and sites with stories behind them, this trip is especially well-suited for history buffs, architecture lovers, or anyone simply eager to see more of the Baltics during a single, well-organized day.

Key Points

• Comfortable multi-site day trip combining Latvia and Lithuania highlights
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics easy
• Ample time at each stop ensures a meaningful visit
• Insightful driver-guides add context and local stories
• Entry to Bauska Castle included; Rundale Palace is optional
• Ideal for travelers seeking convenience and authentic sights

Exploring Latvia and Lithuania in One Day

This tour is a neat way to see some of the most iconic sights in Latvia and Lithuania without the need for multiple separate trips. Starting with a hotel pickup in Riga, the journey is designed to maximize your sightseeing time while keeping travel comfortable.

The total duration of about 10 hours means you’ll get a full day of exploration, but without feeling exhausted. The group size tends to be small or private—which is a big plus if you’re after a more personalized experience—and the tour ends conveniently in Vilnius, where your drop-off is arranged at your hotel or central location.

Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll See and Experience

Stop 1: Bauska Castle

Your first stop is the medieval Bauska Castle, roughly an hour from Riga. You’ll be fascinated by its military architecture dating back to the 15th to 17th centuries. The castle is beautifully situated, surrounded by lush scenery that makes for great photos. The castle features two distinct parts: a fortress built for firearms and a residential castle with bastions, walls, and ramparts. The structure offers a glimpse into the region’s past as a strategic military site.

One reviewer, Malcolm, praised the visit, noting the “admission ticket included” makes it easy to explore without fuss, and he called the guide “excellent and knowledgeable.” You’ll have about an hour here, enough to stroll around, take photos, and soak in the history.

Stop 2: Rundale Palace

Next, you’ll visit the Rundale Palace, often called “The Versailles of Latvia.” This Baroque and Rococo masterpiece is a highlight of Latvian architecture. You might find yourself marveling at the ornate facades, lavish interiors, and beautifully maintained gardens. Though the ticket to the palace isn’t included in the basic tour, the two-hour stop allows plenty of time to walk through the public rooms, admire the furnishings, and enjoy the gardens.

Many travelers, especially those who love architecture and history, will appreciate how Rundale offers a glimpse into aristocratic life in the 18th century. The palace’s grandeur, combined with its location amid scenic countryside, makes it a memorable highlight.

Stop 3: The Hill of Crosses

Crossing into Lithuania, your last stop is the Hill of Crosses, a site with over 200,000 crosses of all sizes—some simple, others elaborate—clinging to a small hill. It’s a powerful, spiritual site with compelling stories about Lithuanian resistance and faith. You’ll learn about the legendary origins of the hill during your visit, adding depth to this striking sight.

The one-hour stop offers enough time for reflection, a walk among the crosses, and perhaps some photos. Many visitors find this site both moving and photogenic, especially with the changing light and the sheer number of crosses.

Transportation and Guide Insights

The transportation is comfortable, with pickup in Riga and drop-off in Vilnius, making this a hassle-free way to connect two cities. The driver-guide is a key part of the experience—Malcolm and Brett both praised guides for their knowledge and friendliness. Their insights turn what could be a simple transfer into an informative journey full of stories and background.

You’ll travel in a private or small-group setting, which enhances the sense of intimacy and allows for customized attention. The tour’s timing begins at 9:00 am, giving you a full day to enjoy each site.

One consideration: Rundale Palace is not included in the entry fee. If you want to explore its interiors or gardens, expect to pay extra. The upside is you can choose how much time and money to spend beyond the basic tour.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At $254.67 per person, this tour is good value for the convenience of all-inclusive logistics, guided commentary, and multiple sites in one day. When you compare this to the cost of individual tickets, transportation, and guides, it’s a smart way to maximize your time and budget.

The reviews emphasize the excellent guide and the value of seeing diverse sights—from castles to religious sites—without the stress of planning it yourself. The fact that the tour is booked an average of 103 days in advance indicates its popularity among travelers eager to see these landmarks efficiently.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect if you enjoy history, architecture, and authentic cultural sights and prefer organized tours that handle the logistics. It’s especially appealing for those who want to see Latvia and Lithuania in one day without renting a car or making multiple arrangements. The small-group or private setup makes it suitable for travelers who appreciate a more personalized atmosphere.

If you’re on a tight schedule or prefer a stress-free way to explore, this tour fits the bill. It’s also ideal for first-time visitors to the Baltics who want a broad overview of the region’s highlights.

Final Thoughts

This Riga to Vilnius tour offers a well-rounded day of sightseeing, combining historic castles, royal palaces, and a unique religious site with practical comfort and insightful guiding. The combination of timing, sites, and guide expertise ensures you’ll come away with a richer understanding of Latvia and Lithuania’s shared history and culture.

While the Rundale Palace is an optional extra, the included visits and overall experience make this a great value for travelers wanting a seamless, enriching day with minimal planning. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about the Baltic region, this tour delivers a memorable, meaningful experience that’s hard to beat for convenience and authenticity.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel or centrally located accommodation in Riga, making it easy to start your day comfortably.

How long is the total tour duration?
The entire experience lasts approximately 10 hours, from pickup in Riga to drop-off in Vilnius.

Are the entrance tickets to Rundale Palace included?
No, the entrance to Rundale Palace is not included, so you will need to buy tickets separately if you wish to explore inside.

What is the best time to start the tour?
The tour begins at 9:00 am, allowing a full day for sightseeing.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s especially fitting for those interested in history, architecture, and culture. Keep in mind that a current passport is required for crossing borders.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, making it flexible for unforeseen changes.

This guided journey from Riga to Vilnius stands out as a practical, enriching way to see some of the Baltics’ most iconic sights—all with the convenience of door-to-door service and expert guidance. Whether you’re after history, stunning architecture, or simply a hassle-free travel experience, it’s a trip that provides great value and lasting memories.