Hill of Crosses and Siauliai Tour

If you’re visiting Vilnius and craving a meaningful day outside the city, a trip to the Hill of Crosses might be just what you need. This tour promises a mix of history, culture, and some unforgettable sights. We’ve looked into it, and from what we gather, it’s a solid experience for those curious about Lithuanian traditions and the country’s spiritual layers.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines the iconic Hill of Crosses with a visit to Siauliai, giving you a well-rounded glimpse of northern Lithuania. Plus, the picturesque drive and the chance to see notable landmarks along the way add to the overall appeal. That said, a potential downside is that some reviews mention language barriers and limited interaction with guides, which might impact those looking for more storytelling or a personalized experience.

For travelers who prefer structured, day-long excursions and are okay with some quiet moments in transit, this could be a good fit. It’s especially suitable if you’re interested in religious sites, Lithuanian craftsmanship, or just want a taste of local life outside Vilnius.

Key Points

• Iconic Landmark: The Hill of Crosses is a place of pilgrimage, packed with over 100,000 crosses, and features in the list of the world’s 10 creepiest spots.
• Cultural Craft: You’ll learn about cross-making, a Lithuanian tradition now recognized by UNESCO, adding depth to the visit.
• Efficient Drive: The scenery during the 8-hour trip makes the long drive more enjoyable, even if the driver’s English is limited.
• Limited Guide Interaction: Some travelers note that the driver mainly acts as a driver, with little commentary, which might affect those wanting more context.
• Cost and Value: At $272 for up to 2 people, it’s a pricier option for a tour that mainly offers transportation and site visits rather than guided storytelling.
• Great for Curious Travelers: If you appreciate historical and cultural sites, and don’t mind basic guided experiences, this tour fits well.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What the Tour Looks Like in Practice

Starting Point and Journey to Siauliai

The day begins with a pickup from your Vilnius hotel, setting the tone for a hassle-free start. The comfortable van takes you north, offering glimpses of Lithuanian life, including notable sights like the Frenkel Villa, the Church of St. Peter and Paul, and statues like the Millennium Fox and the Golden Archer of the Sundial.

The drive itself is a chance to relax and enjoy the Lithuanian countryside. The scenery offers frequent photo opportunities, especially if you’re into capturing everyday life or rural landscapes. However, based on reviews, be prepared for about 3 hours of driving without stops for a bathroom or coffee, which some found a bit uncomfortable.

The Hill of Crosses — A Striking Site

The main event is the Hill of Crosses, historically linked to Lithuania’s resilience, faith, and patriotism. It’s been an important pilgrimage site since the days of crusaders, and today it’s a sea of crosses of all shapes and sizes.

This site gained international prominence when Pope John Paul II held a mass here in 1993, drawing thousands of visitors. For many, the sight of this countless collection of crosses is both moving and slightly surreal. It’s hard not to feel something special walking among what locals see as a symbol of Lithuanian devotion.

The tour provides an opportunity to learn about cross-making, a craft so unique it’s added to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage. We loved the way this tradition ties into Lithuania’s cultural identity—something you might want to explore further if you’re into artisan crafts.

Visiting Siauliai

After the hill, the journey continues to Siauliai, Lithuania’s fourth-largest city. Here, the highlight is the Archer statue, a distinctive monument that’s quite popular locally. You might also get a quick glimpse of the city’s other sights, such as the Church of St. Peter and Paul, depending on the time.

One interesting note from reviews is that some travelers felt the city tour was quite brief or even boring, with limited guide interaction. If you’re expecting a detailed city exploration, keep your expectations in check—this part of the tour is quite brief and more of a quick stop.

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Lunch and Return

The tour often includes a stop at a traditional restaurant for lunch, which is a good chance to sample Lithuanian cuisine. Afterward, the journey back to Vilnius wraps up the day.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers pick-up from your hotel and transportation, making logistics straightforward. However, meals, drinks, and souvenirs are extra. This is typical, but worth noting if you’re trying to budget or want to plan ahead.

While the price of around $272 for two might seem high at first glance, it covers the convenience of a full-day guided trip with transport and some insights (though some reviews suggest the guide’s English might be limited).

The Experience According to Travelers

Several reviewers have shared mixed feelings. Some, like Andrea from the US, enjoyed the sights but were disappointed in the lack of guide interaction due to language barriers. Others appreciated the professionalism of their drivers, like Pamela from Italy, who praised her driver as “perfect,” and James from Germany, who felt it was a good trip despite the language barrier.

On the flip side, some felt the travel time was too long without enough stops or commentary, leading to boredom or frustration. Monica from Guatemala was particularly critical, citing the driver’s silence, rushed visits, and the high cost relative to the experience.

This variation highlights the importance of adjusting expectations: if you’re seeking a rich guided narrative, this might not fully deliver. But if you’re comfortable with a more straightforward, transport-focused experience, it can still be worthwhile.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour works best if you’re intrigued by Lithuanian religious symbols, the mystery of the Hill of Crosses, or want a convenient way to see Siauliai without the hassle of planning transport. It’s a good fit for travelers who are okay with minimal guide interaction and are content with a quiet, reflective atmosphere.

However, if you prefer a tour with in-depth commentary and lively storytelling, or if you want more time exploring Siauliai city itself, you might find this experience lacking. The long drive, coupled with some reviews mentioning language barriers, suggests it’s better suited for those more adaptable or with basic expectations.

In the end, it offers a glimpse into Lithuania’s spiritual and cultural soul, wrapped in a comfortable day trip package. Just be prepared for some quiet driving and limited interaction, but enjoy the feeling of standing among thousands of crosses—it’s truly a sight to remember.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people who don’t speak Lithuanian?
Yes, but keep in mind that the guide or driver may have limited English. Some travelers mention that the driver mainly acts as a driver, with little commentary, which might affect those wanting detailed explanations.

How long is the drive?
The total experience lasts around 8 hours, with about 3 hours of driving each way. Some reviewers found the drive long without rest stops, so bring water or a snack if you need.

What does the tour include?
It includes hotel pick-up and transportation. Meals, drinks, and souvenirs are not included, so plan accordingly.

Is the Hill of Crosses an active pilgrimage site?
Yes, it remains a significant religious and cultural site, decorated with over 100,000 crosses, and was the site of a major mass by Pope John Paul II in 1993.

Can I expect guided commentary at the sites?
It varies. Some travelers received little to no commentary, especially from drivers with limited English. If guided storytelling is important to you, this might not be the best choice.

Are there family-friendly aspects?
While not explicitly aimed at children, the site is open and safe for visitors of all ages. However, the long drive and limited stops might be tiring for young children.

What is the best time of year for this tour?
Since the tour is scenic and outdoor-focused, spring or summer would be ideal for the best weather and vibrant scenery.

Is there a possibility of cancellation?
Yes, if the minimum number of participants (3) isn’t met, the tour could be canceled, and you’d be offered a full refund or alternative options.

In all, this tour offers a straightforward way to see some of Lithuania’s most symbolic sites. It’s best for travelers who are flexible, curious about the culture, and don’t mind a quiet, transport-focused day. If you’re after lively guides or in-depth city explorations, you might want to look for other options. But if you’re drawn to the mystery of the Crosses and want an easy, scenic day trip, this one could just surprise you.

You can check availability for your dates here: