Riga: Bauska Castle, Rundale Palace and Hill of Crosses Trip

Discover Latvia and Lithuania in a Day: Bauska Castle, Rundale Palace, and Hill of Crosses Tour

If you’re looking for an easy, memorable way to see some of the most captivating sites in Latvia and Lithuania without the fuss of planning every detail, this tour might just be your answer. It promises to take you through stunning castles, a palace with Versailles-like charm, and the profound spirituality of the Hill of Crosses—all in one day. We’ve dug into what makes this trip special, as well as some points to consider, to help you decide if it’s the right fit.

What makes this trip stand out? For starters, the flexibility—it suits travelers who want to enjoy many sights without rushing. Plus, the knowledgeable guides and smooth transportation make the experience feel effortless. However, it’s a pretty packed itinerary, so if you prefer a slow, immersive visit, this may feel a bit hurried. This tour is perfect for those who want to tick multiple countries and iconic sites off their list efficiently, especially if you’re into culture, history, or simply want a comfortable day out with good company.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Two countries in one day: Visit Latvia and Lithuania without the hassle of multiple trips.
• Comfortable, organized travel: Reliable transportation and professional guides make the day flow smoothly.
• Rich variety of sites: Castles, palaces, and spiritual landmarks offer diverse experiences.
• Flexible timing: Ample free time at each stop allows for personal exploration and optional meals.
• Informative experience: Printed sheets and audio guides enhance your understanding of each location.
• Limited museum visits: The tour focuses on outdoor sites and castle towers, not museums, aligning with a quick-paced day.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off in Riga, in front of the historic St. Peter’s Church in the Old Town. From there, you’ll hop into a comfortable van with a small group, which makes the whole journey feel more intimate. The driver, who is also your guide, remains with you throughout the day, ensuring you stay on schedule and providing insights along the way. This setup is a real plus because it avoids the stress of navigating on your own, especially when crossing borders.

The Bauska Castle

Your first stop is the Bauska Medieval castle, a spot that history buffs and architecture lovers will appreciate. You get about an hour here, enough to climb the recently renovated tower and take in the castle ruins. The views from the tower are worth the little climb — you’ll see the surrounding countryside and get a sense of the strategic importance of this site. Reviewers mention that “the castle tower is worth checking out,” and that the entire site offers a good introduction to the area’s medieval past.

While the tour doesn’t include a museum visit, the ruins and tower offer plenty of visual interest and photo opportunities. If you’re interested in history, you’ll enjoy imagining what life was like when this fortress was active.

More Great Tours Nearby

Rundale Palace and Gardens

Next up is Rundale Palace, often called the “little Versailles,” and rightly so. This grand estate, built in the 18th century, features exquisite architecture and beautifully maintained gardens. You’ll get about two hours here, which is a healthy chunk of time for wandering the palace’s opulent rooms and exploring its lush grounds.

What we love about this part of the tour is the chance to enjoy the palace without the usual crowds — since the entrance tickets and audio guides are included, you can wander at your own pace. The audio guides, accessible via your phone, provide useful tidbits about the palace’s history and design, making your visit more engaging.

Reviewers echo this sentiment, mentioning “adequate time for all locations” and appreciating the “no queues” aspect. It’s a great chance to soak in the elegance of this 18th-century masterpiece, especially if you have an interest in architecture or gardens.

The Border Crossing and Hill of Crosses

After a leisurely visit to Rundale, you’ll cross from Latvia into Lithuania, with a quick stop at the border for a photo — a fun and symbolic moment. Then comes the Hill of Crosses, a deeply moving site where thousands of crosses of different sizes and styles are amassed on a small hill. It’s a site that invites reflection and spiritual connection.

You’ll have about an hour to walk around, take photos, and either bring your own cross or pick one up from local vendors. Many visitors find it a profoundly emotional experience. One reviewer notes that “the Hill of crosses was something extraordinary, well worth the drive,” highlighting how impactful this site can be.

The audio guide available on your phone adds depth to your visit, explaining the site’s significance and history. Keep in mind, the site is outdoors — so dress appropriately for the weather.

Final Stops and Return

The last part of the day involves a brief visit to Bauska Castle’s tower again or the ruins, giving you a chance to absorb the history one more time before heading back to Riga. The tour wraps up with the group returning to the starting point at St. Peter’s Church, completing a satisfying, well-paced day.

What’s Included and What to Consider

This tour offers impressive value. The price covers all transportation, entrance tickets to Rundale Palace and its gardens, and the Bauska Castle tower. The guides and printed informational sheets help deepen your understanding, making it more than just a sightseeing bus ride.

A couple of things to keep in mind: lunch isn’t included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to eat at the palace’s restaurant during your free time. The tour operates with a minimum of three people, so it’s not guaranteed every day, and booking in advance is recommended.

The group size tends to be small, fostering a friendly, personalized atmosphere, and the driver/guide is praised for being knowledgeable and friendly, making the day more enjoyable.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want an efficient way to see some of Latvia and Lithuania’s most iconic sites without spending days on the road. It suits those with an interest in historical sites, architecture, and cultural landmarks. If you enjoy guided experiences but also want some free time to explore on your own, this tour strikes a good balance.

It’s also well-rated for its organization and the quality of guides, making it suitable for visitors who appreciate good storytelling and background. If you’re traveling with friends or a small group and like the idea of sharing a meaningful cultural day, this tour might be just right.

Final Thoughts

This Riga-based day trip offers a thoughtfully curated itinerary that packs in a lot of highlights across Latvia and Lithuania. You’re taken through castles, palaces, and a spiritual landmark, all with the comfort of organized transport and insightful guides. The inclusion of free time and audio guides adds flexibility, letting you tailor your experience slightly to your interests.

While it’s a full day and might feel a bit rushed if you’re a slow explorer, the benefits of seeing both countries with minimal hassle are hard to beat. Plus, the excellent reviews suggest that travelers consistently find it worth the cost and effort.

If you’re eager to explore beyond Riga, love discovering historical sites, and want a well-organized, enjoyable day out, this tour could be a highlight of your Baltic adventure.

FAQ

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch isn’t included. You can bring your own snacks or enjoy a meal at the palace restaurant during your free time.

Do I need my passport or ID?
Yes, it’s mandatory to bring your passport or EU ID because there will be a border crossing between Latvia and Lithuania.

How long are the stops at each site?
You’ll have about an hour at Bauska Castle, two hours at Rundale Palace, and another hour at the Hill of Crosses, giving you enough time to explore and take photos.

What transportation is used?
A comfortable van or car is provided, with a professional driver who stays with you throughout the day, making travel smooth and hassle-free.

Can I get audio guides for the sites?
Yes, audio guides are available on your phone at Rundale Palace and the Hill of Crosses, accessible via Wi-Fi and your earbuds.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, children who enjoy history and outdoor sites might find it engaging, especially since there’s no museum visit involved and plenty of open space for exploration.

Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking to see some of the Baltic region’s most compelling sights in a single day, this trip offers a balanced, enjoyable way to do so.

You can check availability for your dates here: