Tour from Riga – Vilnius via Bauska, Rundale, The Hill of Crosses

Traveling between Riga and Vilnius doesn’t have to be just a simple transfer on a bus or train. For those wanting to turn an ordinary journey into a richer experience, this tour offers a great way to see some captivating sights along the way. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy combining travel with sightseeing, and if you’re curious about the Baltic region’s cultural landmarks.

From what we’ve seen in reviews, two things stand out about this tour: the knowledgeable guides who bring the stops to life, and the chance to see three very distinct attractions in one day—saving both time and money. However, there are a few things to keep in mind, such as the fact that entrance tickets are not included in the price, so you’ll want to budget for those separately. This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate a mix of comfort, history, and scenic stops without the hassle of driving themselves.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Convenient way to travel between Riga and Vilnius with sightseeing included.
• Stops at key attractions like Bauska Castle, Rundale Palace, and the Hill of Crosses.
• Comfortable transportation with ample room for luggage and a relaxed schedule.
• Informative guides that provide insights, making the stops more meaningful.
• Good value for money considering the multiple stops and scenic experiences.
• Not suitable for those looking for an all-inclusive ticketed experience at each site.

What the Tour Offers: A Closer Look

If your goal is to make the most of your trip from Riga to Vilnius without feeling rushed, this tour could be a smart choice. It’s designed to maximize sightseeing while providing comfortable transportation — a real bonus if you dislike long bus rides with cramped seats. The tour lasts about 8 hours, so you’ll get a full day of exploring, but still comfortably back in Vilnius by evening.

Why Choose This Tour?

The main appeal is the combination of multiple stops with insightful commentary from your guide (whether live or via the guidebook). It’s also a fantastic way to get a taste of the region’s history, architecture, and religious traditions—all in one trip.

Many reviews highlight the comfortable transportation, with travelers noting that there’s plenty of space for luggage and that the overall experience feels like a private tour, even if you’re part of a small group. The driver also doubles as a guide, providing historical context and local insights, which elevates the experience beyond just a bus ride.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Stop 1: Bauska Castle

Your first stop is Bauska Castle, located on a scenic land between the Musa and Memele rivers. The castle complex combines an older Livonian Order fortress (from the 15th century) and a more recent residence built in the 16th century for the Duke of Courland. Sadly, during the Great Northern War, the Russian military blew up much of the ensemble. Today, the residence has been fully restored and houses the Castle Museum, but only ruins remain of the original Livonian Order seat.

Travelers generally find this stop to be a good introduction to medieval architecture and regional history. The castle’s location offers lovely views, and many reviewers appreciate that the visit doesn’t just focus on the structure but also discusses its past. Entrance to the castle isn’t included, so plan for a small additional fee if you want to go inside. Expect about an hour here, enough to take photos and soak in the atmosphere.

One reviewer mentioned, “The Bauska Castle is a beautiful spot, surrounded by rivers, and gives a real sense of history.” Others appreciated the insight provided about its strategic importance and historical upheavals.

Stop 2: Rundale Palace Museum

Just a short drive from the Latvian-Lithuanian border, Rundale Palace is often called the “Versailles of Latvia.” Built in the 18th century by Ernst Johann von Biron — the Duke of Courland — it was designed by the Italian architect Francesco Rastrelli, the same mind behind Saint Petersburg’s Winter Palace.

We love the way Rundale Palace combines baroque elegance with sprawling gardens, making it a feast for both the eyes and the imagination. Over the centuries, it has served various roles—hospital, school, grain storage—before its impressive renovation restored it to its former glory.

Expect about two hours here, which should give you enough time to explore the palace interiors, stroll through the gardens, and take plenty of photos. Entrance fees aren’t included, but reviewers agree that the renovation work elevates the experience, making it feel like walking through a palace from a fairy tale.

One traveler remarked, “Rundale Palace is stunning—definitely worth the trip. The gardens and architecture are just gorgeous, and the guide provided plenty of interesting facts to keep us engaged.”

Stop 3: Hill of Crosses

The last stop, and perhaps the most emotionally powerful, is the Hill of Crosses. Located near Siauliai, this small hill is covered with over 200,000 crosses of all sizes. It’s not just a religious site but also a symbol of Lithuanian faith, resilience, and resistance through turbulent history.

Most visitors find this place to be haunting and inspiring. The crosses are left by pilgrims and visitors over decades, creating a landscape that’s more like an open-air cathedral than a typical tourist site. It’s free to visit, and most spend about an hour wandering among the crosses, contemplating the stories behind them.

Reviewers frequently mention this as a highlight: “The Hill of Crosses was honestly a magical place. It’s a powerful reminder of faith and perseverance,” one said. Another appreciated that the site is accessible and free, making it a meaningful stop without any extra cost.

The Practical Aspects

Transportation and Comfort

The tour uses a comfortable vehicle, with enough space for luggage, making it a relaxing ride between stops. The driver also functions as the guide, providing historical insights along the way, which many travelers find adds a personal touch. Multiple reviews praise the driver’s knowledge and the safe, smooth driving.

Duration & Timing

Starting at 9:00 am from Riga, the trip lasts about 8 hours total, including the stops. The schedule allows for ample time at each attraction, so you won’t feel rushed. Most reviews note that the timing works out well, with some travelers mentioning they arrived in Vilnius around 6 pm, just in time for dinner or an evening walk.

Cost & Value

At around $110 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering the multiple stops and the comfort offered. Keep in mind, entrance fees aren’t included, so you should budget for those. Many reviews indicate that the experience is worth the price, emphasizing the value of getting insights from an experienced guide and seeing these sights without needing to plan multiple separate trips.

Group Size & Atmosphere

The tour typically involves a small group—up to 38 travelers—creating a friendly, intimate vibe. Travelers mention that the driver often acts as a guide, making the experience feel more personalized. Some reviews mention small issues, like group members arriving late or seating arrangements, but overall, the atmosphere remains positive and relaxed.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers who want to explore beyond the basics, combining transportation with sightseeing. It suits those who enjoy history, architecture, and scenic landscapes without the hassle of navigating on their own. If you’re short on time but want to see a few highlights in one go, this is a solid choice.

It’s especially good if you appreciate guided commentary or want to learn more about the region’s past. While it’s not designed explicitly for families or children, the stops are generally accessible and interesting for a broad range of travelers.

Final Thoughts

If you’re heading from Riga to Vilnius and want to make that journey part of your adventure, this tour offers a well-rounded experience. The stops at Bauska Castle, Rundale Palace, and the Hill of Crosses are thoughtfully chosen—they’re meaningful, beautiful, and culturally significant.

The combination of comfortable transport, insightful guides, and scenic stops makes this a practical and enjoyable way to travel. While it doesn’t include entrance fees, the overall value, especially with the guiding insights and scenic beauty, makes it worth considering.

This tour is best suited for travelers who value storytelling and history, dislike long drives without stops, and want to see notable sights without planning every detail themselves. If you’re open to a small group experience that mixes learning with sightseeing, this trip could be a highlight of your Baltic travels.

FAQ

Are entrance tickets to the attractions included in the price?
No, the ticket prices for Bauska Castle and Rundale Palace are not included, so you should budget separately for those.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour takes approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am, with enough time at each stop for sightseeing and photos.

Can I bring luggage?
Yes, the transportation provides room for a reasonable amount of luggage, making it convenient for travelers on the move.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but the stops involve walking and outdoor exposure. It’s not specifically designed for children, but older kids who enjoy history might find it interesting.

What kind of vehicle is used?
A comfortable minicoach or similar vehicle is used, which offers enough space and easy access, as noted by many reviewers.

What if I’m running late or need to cancel?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving you flexibility if plans change.

How do I meet the tour?
The tour begins at the Latvian Riflemen Monument in Riga and ends in Vilnius at Cathedral Square. Specific timing and meeting points are provided, and the driver usually provides instructions.

If this sounds like your kind of day trip, it’s worth booking ahead—many travelers book about a month in advance, and reviews confirm that it’s a reliable, worthwhile way to see some of the Baltic region’s most interesting sights.