Riga is a fantastic hub for full-day tours that go beyond the city limits, offering a mix of history, nature, and Baltic culture. The city’s compact size makes it easy to base yourself while exploring nearby highlights like Rundale Palace, Hill of Crosses, or the Gauja River Valley. We love trips that combine history with scenery—imagine walking through fairy-tale castles or paddling past sandstone cliffs. Tours like the private Full-Day Trip to Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace & Bauska give you deep dives into Lithuanian and Latvian heritage in one day, with flexible schedules and personal guides.
For travelers craving authentic experiences, tours exploring medieval castles, Baroque palaces, or breathtaking nature parks stand out. Whether you prefer a relaxed seaside day in Jurmala, a vigorous hike in Gauja National Park, or a journey into Soviet history at a secret missile base, Riga’s full-day options cover a wide range. Below, we’ve outlined 14 of the best tours to help you decide.
1. Private Full-Day Trip to Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace & Bauska
At number 1 on our list, this tour offers an excellent blend of religious symbolism, Baroque architecture, and medieval ruins. You’ll start at the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania, a profound pilgrimage site adorned with over 100,000 crosses, symbolizing faith and resilience. After soaking in the spiritual atmosphere, the journey continues to Rundale Palace, an 18th-century masterpiece often called the “Baltic Versailles” for its ornate halls and lush gardens. Finally, a stop at Bauska Castle brings you into medieval Latvia, with its fortress walls and scenic river views.
This tour is perfect if you want a personalized experience with a knowledgeable driver, as reviews praise guides for their enthusiasm and historical insights. The 8-hour trip is flexible, with plenty of time to explore and take photos. Guests appreciate the balance of cultural highlights and scenic drives, calling it “outstanding” and “worth every penny.” Bottom line: ideal for those wanting a deep, relaxed day with memorable landmarks.
2. From Riga: Hill of Crosses, Bauska & Rundale Full-Day Tour
This slightly shorter, 7-hour private tour combines the iconic Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace, and Bauska Castle. It’s especially good for travelers who want a comprehensive Latvian-Lithuanian experience without rushing. Participants rave about the smooth communication and flexibility offered by guides, who adapt the itinerary to your interests. The stops include scenic drives, with ample time at each site for photos and self-guided exploration.
Reviews highlight the guides’ local knowledge and the ability to customize the day, making it suitable for families or history enthusiasts. For around $119 per person, it’s a great value, especially with private transport and personal attention. Bottom line: a flexible, well-rated choice for those wanting a full culture.
3. Private Full-Day Trip to Turaida, Sigulda, and Cesis
At number 3, this tour offers a storybook journey into Latvia’s medieval past. Starting at Turaida Castle, you’ll explore its towers, learn about legendary love stories, and enjoy scenic views of the Gauja River. Then, on to Sigulda, famous for fascinating legends and adventure activities. The final stop is Cesis, a charming town with a fortress that dates back to the 13th century.
The 7-8 hour trip is suitable for history lovers and families who want to bring stories alive through exploration. Guides share detailed stories about battles, legends, and architecture, making history tangible. Guests value the personalized service and detailed commentary. This is a perfect day for those who want to combine castles, towns, and natural beauty. Bottom line: a balanced mix of history, scenery, and local charm.
4. From Riga: Full-Day Scenic Gauja River Valley Kayaking Trip
Number 4 on our list is a refreshing way to experience Latvia’s natural beauty—by kayak. This 8-hour tour in the Gauja River Valley features paddling past sandstone cliffs, lush forests, and wild riverbanks. It’s perfect for adventurers and nature lovers who want an active day outside the city. The guide is praised for their local knowledge and safety focus, making it suitable even for beginners.
The trip ends in Sigulda, where you can continue exploring or relax after your paddling adventure. Reviewers describe it as “unforgettable,” emphasizing the breathtaking scenery and personalized experience. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with moderate physical activity and eager to see Latvia from a different perspective. Bottom line: an active, scenic day out that combines adventure with sightseeing.
5. Full-Day Private Trip to Cesis, Sigulda and Turaida from Riga
At number 5, this private tour offers a personalized look at three Latvian towns and castles. The Cesis Castle, Araisi Lake Dwelling Site, and Sigulda provide a mix of medieval architecture, archaeological sites, and scenic landscapes. The tour is highly flexible, with guides tailoring the trip based on your interests, and includes local insights and recommendations.
Guests praise the friendly driver and the pace of exploration, with time to enjoy the countryside and town squares. It’s suited for those who prefer a customized, intimate experience rather than large group tours. This tour offers a nice balance of history, culture, and nature. Bottom line: ideal for travelers who want a customized day with in-depth local stories.
6. Full-Day Rundale Palace Tour from Riga
Number 6 features the majestic Rundale Palace, a true highlight for lovers of Baroque architecture. The 7-hour trip includes a guided tour of the palace interiors, with ornate stucco, gilded details, and beautiful gardens reminiscent of Versailles. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (own expense) before heading to Bauska Castle for a scenic walk.
This small-group tour (max seven people) emphasizes personalized attention and comfort, with reviews praising the knowledgeable guides. The value for money is high considering the detailed tour of the palace and castle, plus the scenic drive. Best suited for architecture enthusiasts and those wanting a relaxed, cultural day. Bottom line: a luxurious, detailed exploration of one of Latvia’s most stunning palaces.
7. From Riga: Full-Day Scenic Gauja River Valley Kayaking Trip
This is a different entry for kayak lovers—number 7 again highlights the Gauja River Valley, perfect for active travelers. The 8-hour trip emphasizes wild nature and serene paddling experiences, ending with options to explore Gauja National Park or relax in Sigulda. The guide’s local expertise ensures an enriching experience, described as “absolutely breath-taking.”
Ideal for those looking for physical activity combined with scenery. Reviewers mention feeling well cared for and recommend it as a “truly unforgettable experience.” Suitable for confident paddlers and nature fans alike. Bottom line: for active travelers who want to combine adventure with sightseeing.
8. Private Full-Day Trip to Bauska, Rundale and Jelgava Palace
Number 8 centers on Latvia’s royal residences with visits to Bauska Castle, Rundale Palace, and Jelgava Palace. The 7-hour private tour offers a personalized experience with your own driver, perfect for those interested in architecture and noble history. Guests love the seamless logistics and the opportunity to explore multiple palaces in one day.
The tour provides detailed commentary on the history and architecture of each site, as well as scenic drives through the Latvian countryside. It’s best suited for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts, offering excellent value for private transportation and tailored sightseeing. Bottom line: a comprehensive, flexible option for palace lovers.
9. Full Day Gauja National Park Ultimate Hiking & Sightseeing Trip
Number 9 is for nature and hiking enthusiasts. Over 10 hours, you’ll explore hidden forest trails, spectacular sandstone cliffs, and local fruit wines in Ligatne. The highlight is forest bathing and a picknick-style lunch in the park, making it a full immersion into Latvia’s wilderness.
The guide is praised for their depth of knowledge, while the walk itself is considered “beautiful and peaceful.” This trip is ideal for fit travelers comfortable with longer hikes and eager to see Latvia’s natural landscapes. Bottom line: a deep nature experience for outdoor lovers seeking endurance and serenity.
10. From Riga: Jurmala and Great Kemeri Bog Private Full-Day Trip
Rounding out our list, this private 7-hour tour combines relaxing seaside moments in Jurmala with a walk through Kemeri Bog. You’ll visit the Open-Air Museum to learn about traditional fishing, then stroll along Jurmala’s beaches, followed by exploring Kemeri National Park with its unique bog landscape and wildlife.
This trip is ideal for families and nature lovers who want a personalized, leisurely day. Guests appreciate the flexibility and local insights, describing it as “a very beautiful outing.” Perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic escape from the city. Bottom line: a peaceful day blending culture, nature, and coastal beauty.
11. Full-Day Private Trip to Palace and Medieval Castle from Riga
This tour focuses on Latvia’s iconic castles and palaces with visits to Bauska Castle and Rundale Palace. With private transportation and a knowledgeable driver, you’ll enjoy a stress-free day exploring Latvian architecture and scenic countryside. The 8-hour itinerary allows time at each site for in-depth exploration.
Guests mention the excellent organization and guidance, with one reviewer calling it “a great day to see the countryside and enjoy local stories.” It’s perfect for history and architecture fans who want a relaxed, private experience. Bottom line: flexible, well-organized, and suitable for small groups.
12. Full-Day Private Trip to Jurmala, Fisherman Villages and Nature Trails from Riga
This 8-hour trip suits outdoor lovers and cultural explorers. You’ll visit fishermen’s villages, explore Kemeri National Park, and enjoy fresh regional food. The focus is on authentic local life and stunning coastlines, making it a different kind of seaside day.
Reviewers praise the attention to detail and personalized approach, noting “a very beautiful outing to gorgeous places.” It’s well-suited for families and travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic day. Bottom line: a laid-back, culturally rich coastal experience.
13. Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle
Number 13 offers a compact, efficient itinerary combining Lithuanian and Latvian landmarks. Visiting the Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace, and Bauska Castle, this tour emphasizes historical significance and scenic beauty. The driver provides basic but insightful info, making it a good choice for independent-minded travelers.
Reviewers note it as “an excellent day,” with particular praise for the landmarks’ beauty and the flexibility of the trip. It’s suitable for those interested in seeing key sites without a guide. Bottom line: a straightforward, well-rated option for a full, meaningful day.
14. Full-Day Private Trip to Nuclear Missile Base and Secret Soviet Bunker
Lastly, for military history enthusiasts, this 8-10 hour tour dives into Soviet-era military sites. You’ll explore Zeltiži Nuclear Missile Base, see abandoned missile silos, and tour a secret Soviet bunker in Ligatne. The trip offers a fascinating glimpse into Cold War secrets.
Guests highlight the well-organized itinerary and the opportunity to visit sites usually off-limits, describing the experience as “fascinating” and “not to be missed” for Cold War history fans. It’s best suited for history buffs willing to walk through abandoned military structures. Bottom line: a unique, immersive day into Latvia’s Soviet past.
How to Choose the Best Full-Day Tour in Riga
When selecting the right tour, think about your interests: history, architecture, outdoor activities, or culture. For luxury and detailed exploration, consider Rundale Palace. If you love active days, the kayaking trips or forest hikes like Gauja National Park are perfect. For a history-focused, private experience, tours like Private Full-Day Trip to Bauska, Rundale provide flexibility.
Budget-wise, private tours tend to offer more personal attention but at a higher cost, while group tours can be more economical. Consider your fitness level—active options like kayaking or hiking demand more physical effort. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and guide.
Final Thoughts
Riga offers a wide array of full-day tours that cater to different interests and activity levels. For a regal experience, the Rundale Palace tours provide a chance to walk through Baltic baroque splendor. History lovers will enjoy Turaida and Sigulda, while outdoor enthusiasts can opt for kayaking or forest hikes. For those intrigued by Latvia’s Soviet past, the nuclear missile base tour is an unforgettable deep dive.
No matter your preference, early booking can help you lock in the best guides and spots. Take your pick based on what excites you most—each tour promises a memorable day discovering Latvia’s diversity just outside Riga.