Rundale Municipality offers a surprising variety of tours that combine architectural marvels, stunning landscapes, and deep local stories. Its unique mix of baroque palaces, medieval castles, and spiritual landmarks makes it a perfect destination for travelers wanting to experience both cultural richness and scenic beauty. We particularly appreciate tours like the From Riga: Trip to Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace & Bauska for their comprehensive day in a single trip, especially for first-timers eager to see Latvia’s highlights without hassle. The combination of Rundale Palace, often called “Little Versailles,” and the Hill of Crosses, a profoundly moving spiritual site, captures the essence of Latvia’s resilience and artistry.
The list below showcases a variety of options — from shared group adventures to private tours — each with its own flavor. Whether you’re looking for a full-day immersion, a private experience, or a transfer that combines sightseeing en route to Lithuania, these tours cover a broad spectrum of interests and budgets.
1. From Riga: Trip to Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace & Bauska
At number 1, this popular shared day trip takes you from Riga to three iconic sites in Latvia and Lithuania in about 8 hours. It’s perfect for travelers who want a well-rounded overview without the hassle of planning multiple visits. The tour includes a visit to Rundale Palace, often called the “Little Versailles,” with its French-style gardens and grand halls, where you can enjoy no-queue entry and explore at your own pace. The Hill of Crosses is a deeply spiritual site with over 100,000 crosses, standing as a symbol of Latvian resilience. You’ll also climb the sightseeing tower at Bauska Castle for panoramic views of the region. The tour features a comfortable vehicle, a professional driver, and detailed printouts that help deepen your understanding. With consistently high reviews, travelers praise the smooth organization and knowledgeable guides.
Bottom Line: This tour offers excellent value for a full day of sightseeing, combining cultural, spiritual, and scenic highlights in one straightforward package. Ideal for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive Latvian experience.
2. Riga-Vilnius: Rundale Palace, Hill of Crosses & Medieval Kernave
Number 2 on our list is a private transfer service that also functions as a sightseeing tour. It’s perfect if you’re heading from Riga to Vilnius, and want to see Latvia and Lithuania’s highlights in one go. This private tour includes visits to Rundale Palace, the spiritual Hill of Crosses, and Kernavė, Lithuania’s first capital and UNESCO World Heritage site. The flexibility of a private vehicle means you can customize your stops and spend more or less time at each site. The tour highlights the Baroque splendor of Rundale and the deep symbolism of the Hill of Crosses, along with walking through medieval ruins that have stood for centuries.
Reviews reflect how this tour combines convenience and depth, with travelers appreciating the chance to avoid big tour groups and enjoy personalized attention. The inclusion of Kernavė adds a touch of Lithuanian history, making it especially appealing for history enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: This is a good choice for those traveling between Riga and Vilnius who want a compact but thorough introduction to the Baltic region’s most important cultural sites.
3. From Riga: Hill of Crosses, Rundale & Bauska Private Day Trip
Number 3 is a private day trip focusing on a personalized experience of Latvia and Lithuania’s key landmarks. The private tour is ideal if you prefer flexibility and in-depth exploration. It covers the Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace, and Bauska Castle in about 8 hours, with a knowledgeable driver guiding you smoothly between sites. Starting from Riga, you’ll have the chance to experience the spiritual significance of the Hill of Crosses, marvel at Rundale’s rococo architecture, and walk around Bauska’s castle ruins.
What makes this tour stand out is its private nature, allowing you to tailor the pace or include extra sights if desired. Travelers often praise the driver’s friendliness and knowledge, noting how seamless the day is from start to finish. The lunch at a local restaurant adds a delicious regional touch.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who value a personalized itinerary and want to explore at their own pace without the constraints of a group.
4. From Riga: Bauska, Rundale and Jelgava Private Full-Day Trip
Number 4 offers a comprehensive private journey through southern Latvia, blending royal palaces, medieval castles, and baroque architecture. This full-day tour starts with a visit to Bauska Castle, where you can walk through the fortress and enjoy scenic views. Next, you’ll explore Rundale Palace, renowned for its opulent interiors and sprawling gardens. The trip also includes Jelgava Palace, a striking neoclassical building, giving you a rich taste of Latvian aristocratic life.
The guided tours and walking at each site are complemented by scenic drives through the countryside, making it a visually rewarding experience. Travelers comment on the insightful guides and the flexibility of the private format that allows for spontaneous stops. The tour’s length and depth suit those with a full day to spare and a keen interest in architecture and history.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting an in-depth, private exploration of Latvia’s southern highlights, with enough time to soak in the details.
5. Private Castle Tour from Riga: Rundale, Bauska + Hill of Crosses
Number 5 is a compact private tour that packs a punch in 4 to 6 hours. It’s designed for travelers who want a powerful snapshot of Latvia and Lithuania’s highlights without a long day. Starting from Riga, the tour visits the Hill of Crosses, a site with over 100,000 crosses symbolizing Lithuanian resilience. Then, it’s on to Rundale Palace, which is described as an “exceptional monument” full of Baroque and Rococo art. Finally, the Bauska castle ruins provide a medieval counterpoint to the palatial grandeur.
The tour includes self-guided exploration at Rundale and Bauska, allowing you to take your time. The driver guide has received rave reviews for friendliness and insight. The flexible itinerary makes it a perfect choice if your schedule is tight but you want meaningful experiences.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who prefer a shorter, private trip that hits the essentials with a personal touch.
6. From Riga: Rundale Palace and Bauska Castle Tour and Back
Number 6 is a simpler, round-trip tour focused on Bauska Castle and Rundale Palace. It’s suited for travelers who want a straightforward half-day trip that emphasizes dynamics of medieval and baroque architecture. The tour begins with a guided visit to Bauska Castle, set between two rivers, offering stunning views and a tangible sense of history. Afterward, you’ll visit Rundale Palace for a self-guided tour, exploring the ornate interiors and gardens.
The itinerary is flexible, with options for extra time at each site or quick visits. It’s well-reviewed for its value and simplicity, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a low-pressure experience without the need for a full day’s commitment.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those seeking a quick yet enriching overview of Latvia’s castle and palace highlights.
7. Riga: Private Tour to Hill of Crosses and Rundāle Palace
Rounding out our list is a 7-hour private tour designed for a personal, in-depth experience. This private excursion emphasizes the powerful symbolism of the Hill of Crosses and the elegance of Rundāle Palace. Starting from Riga, your guide will take you to the Hill of Crosses, a pilgrimage site with over 100,000 crosses, then to the Rundāle Palace for an immersive visit. The tour also includes a stop at Bauska Castle and a lunch in a local restaurant, offering a taste of regional cuisine.
Travelers praise the knowledgeable guide and the flexible schedule, making this a perfect choice for those who want a personalized itinerary and rich storytelling. The tour balances the emotional weight of the crosses with the architectural beauty of the palace.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a deep, private experience with a focus on Latvian and Lithuanian symbols of resilience and grandeur.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting your ideal Rundale experience, consider your budget, timing, and interests. If you prefer a full day with everything included, the From Riga: Trip to Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace & Bauska is excellent. For a customized private outing, options like the private Rundale, Bauska, and Hill of Crosses or the shorter Private Castle Tour fit well. Those with limited time might prefer the round-trip Bauska and Rundale tour.
Consider also whether you want a guided group experience or a private, tailored visit. Booking early is wise, especially in high season, to secure your preferred time and format.
Final Thoughts
Rundale Municipality offers a versatile range of tours suitable for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and those seeking spiritual reflection. If you’re after comprehensive exploration, the combination tours like the Trip to Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace & Bauska are hard to beat. For a more personalized experience, private tours such as those listed here deliver tailored, in-depth visits.
Whether you’re aiming for a quick overview or a deep dive into Baltic culture and architecture, these tours give you a well-rounded perspective on Rundale’s treasures. Book early, plan according to your interests, and enjoy exploring Latvia’s and Lithuania’s most memorable sights.