Vilnius: Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace, Bauska Castle Trip

Planning a day trip that covers some of Latvia’s most iconic sights while traveling comfortably sounds ideal, right? This particular tour from Vilnius offers just that—a well-rounded day exploring one of the most spiritually significant sites in the region, a stunning Baroque palace, and a medieval castle, all without the hassle of organizing transport yourself. We haven’t done this exact trip ourselves, but based on detailed reviews and the info available, it’s a solid choice for travelers looking to maximize their Baltic experience in a single day.

What really caught our eye are the convenient door-to-door service and the chance to see the Hill of Crosses, an extraordinary spiritual monument with over 100,000 crosses. Plus, Rundale Palace offers a chance to admire impressive architecture, and the optional stop at Bauska Castle provides a glimpse into Latvia’s medieval history. But, as with any day trip, there are some things to consider—the main one being the fairly packed schedule and the need to be comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.

This tour is particularly suited for those who want a hassle-free way to see Latvian highlights without spending hours arranging transportation or navigating unfamiliar roads. If you’re traveling from Vilnius and want a balanced mix of cultural, historical, and spiritual sights, this trip could be just what you’re after.

Key Points

• Comfortable private transport: Enjoy stress-free travel with air-conditioned vehicle and hotel pick-up.
• Unique sites: The Hill of Crosses offers a spiritual and photographic highlight, while Rundale Palace impresses with its architecture.
• Flexible options: An optional stop at Bauska Castle adds historical flavor.
• Time-efficient: The eight-hour schedule covers major sights without feeling rushed.
• Cost or value: The price includes transport, taxes, parking, and fuel, but tickets to attractions are separate.
• Reviews highlight punctuality: Travelers mention drivers being helpful and on time, making the experience smooth.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Trip

This full-day private tour kicks off with a pick-up from your Vilnius hotel, making the entire process simple and stress-free. From there, you’ll head north with a comfortable vehicle, traveling directly to Latvia. The journey itself is part of the experience, giving you a chance to relax while enjoying the scenery of the Baltic countryside.

Stop at the Hill of Crosses

The first major stop is the Hill of Crosses, about 2.5 hours from Vilnius. It’s one of those sites that’s hard to forget. With approximately 100,000 crosses of varying sizes, the site feels more like a living sculpture than a traditional monument. The crosses are believed to have been first erected by families of rebels from the 1831 uprising, making it a powerful symbol of faith and resilience.

What makes this site stand out is its authenticity and spiritual atmosphere. Many visitors, including Pope John Paul II, have visited, and you’ll find that it’s both a place of reflection and a striking visual spectacle. The crosses are arranged haphazardly, creating a chaotic yet meaningful landscape that’s perfect for photos or quiet contemplation.

Rundale Palace: An Architectural Jewel

After soaking in the spiritual ambiance, the tour moves on to Rundale Palace, a Baroque masterpiece designed by Rastrelli, the same architect behind the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. Built for the Dukes of Courland, the palace is a grand structure with ornate interiors and sprawling gardens.

The drive from the Hill of Crosses to Rundale takes roughly 40 minutes, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy the countryside views. Once at the palace, you’ll have some free time to explore the luxurious rooms, the decorative facades, and take in the perfectly maintained gardens. If you’re into architecture or historical residences, this place really delivers.

Optional Stop at Bauska Castle

Following Rundale, there’s an optional stop at Bauska Castle—a perfect addition for history buffs. The castle is a medieval stronghold located at the confluence of two rivers. While the stop is optional, it offers an opportunity to get some great photos and imagine life in medieval Latvia. The timing is flexible enough that if you’re not into castles, you can pass on this, but many find it adds a nice historical touch to the day.

More Great Tours Nearby

End in Riga

From Bauska or Rundale, it’s about an hour’s drive to Riga, where you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation. This seamless transfer means no need to worry about transportation logistics, especially after a full day of sightseeing.

What to Expect: The Practical Side

Considering the reviews, most travelers found the transportation to be comfortable and punctual, with drivers helpful and reliable. One reviewer specifically mentioned the driver’s helpful attitude and punctuality, which makes a big difference when you’re on a tight schedule.

You’ll be transported in an air-conditioned vehicle, and since the trip is private, you can customize some aspects of the experience or ask your driver questions along the way. Keep in mind that entrance tickets are not included, so if you want to go inside the palaces or castles, you’ll need to buy tickets separately. Also, the tour excludes lunch, so bringing snacks or planning a meal around the stops might be wise.

Timing and Duration

The total duration of around 8 hours means you’ll be on the move most of the day. The schedule is fairly tight, but it’s designed to give you enough time at each stop without feeling rushed. The start time varies depending on availability, so it’s best to check in advance.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys cultural and historical sites, appreciates meaningful symbols like the Hill of Crosses, and prefers comfortable, door-to-door service, this tour will suit you well. It’s ideal for those who want to see a variety of sights in a single day without the hassle of planning multiple transfers. It’s also a good fit for travelers who don’t mind a full day in the vehicle, as the drive times are reasonable.

The Cost and Value

While the price covers private transport, fuel, parking, and taxes, it does not include entrance tickets or meals. Considering the convenience of door-to-door service and the opportunity to see major sights in one trip, the value seems fair for travelers seeking a hassle-free experience. The fact that you avoid tolls or navigating unfamiliar roads adds peace of mind.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right For You?

This full-day trip from Vilnius to Latvia offers a well-balanced mix of spiritual, architectural, and historical sites—all with minimal fuss. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to make the most of their time and prefer comfort and convenience. The tour’s highlights are the Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace, both of which provide memorable photo opportunities and insights into Baltic history and culture.

If you’re a curious traveler who appreciates authentic sites with a touch of spirituality and grandeur, this trip serves as a great introduction to Latvia. However, if your interests lean more toward outdoor activities or you prefer flexible, self-guided exploration, you might want to consider other options.

The reviews and details point to a reliable, enjoyable experience that balances sightseeing with comfort. Just remember to bring some comfortable shoes, a camera, and your passport for the border crossing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pick-up included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pick-up from your centrally located Vilnius accommodation, making it easy to start your day without extra hassle.

How long is the trip?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, so it’s a full day of sightseeing, travel, and exploration.

What sights are included?
The main highlights are the Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace, and optional Bauska Castle. You also enjoy scenic drives through the Baltic countryside.

Are entrance tickets included?
No, entrance tickets are not included, so if you wish to go inside the palaces or castles, you will need to purchase them separately.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the trip features private, air-conditioned transportation, with many reviews noting the driver’s helpfulness and punctuality.

Can I customize the schedule?
Since it’s a private tour, you might have some flexibility, but the itinerary is primarily structured to fit within the 8-hour window.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially for walking around sites. A passport or ID is needed for crossing borders.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included in the package, so plan accordingly.

Who is this trip suitable for?
It’s ideal for travelers who want a relaxing, guided experience with minimal planning, especially those interested in cultural and historical sites in Latvia.

If you’re looking to explore Latvia’s highlights in a convenient, comfortable way, this trip is definitely worth considering. It combines spiritual significance with architectural beauty and medieval history—an engaging way to spend a day connecting with the Baltic region.

You can check availability for your dates here: