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

Planning a trip between Vilnius and Riga? If you’re after a mix of sightseeing, cultural insight, and comfortable travel, this full-day tour might just be worth considering. It promises to take you from Lithuania’s vibrant capital to Latvia’s charming capital with stops at some of the most iconic sites along the way.

What we really like about this experience? First, the well-organized stops at the Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace, and Bauska Castle offer a real taste of the region’s spiritual and architectural heritage. Second, the comfortable transportation and the chance to learn from a guidebook or live guide make the journey both educational and relaxing.

On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is the potential for uneven experiences at the sites, especially since entrance fees are not included. Some reviews mention that timing can be tight, and at least a couple of travelers have faced less-than-ideal driver behavior, which could impact the overall enjoyment.

This tour could be a great fit if you’re looking for a cost-effective, scenic way to transfer between Vilnius and Riga while getting a glimpse of local landmarks. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy self-guided exploration with a bit of guided context along the way and don’t mind the trade-off of some site entry costs and variable driver experiences.

Key Points

• Affordable and well-timed for a day trip between Vilnius and Riga
• Stops at three key sites: Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace, and Bauska Castle
• Flexible guide options: either a helpful guidebook or live guide
• Comfortable transport with space for luggage
• Varied reviews highlight both highly positive experiences and some concerns
• Entrance fees not included for Rundale Palace and Bauska Castle, which means additional costs

Why This Tour Might Be Just Right for You

This tour is ideal if you want a structured yet flexible day that shows off some of the best sights between Lithuania and Latvia. It offers a helpful mix of history, architecture, and scenery that appeals to curious travelers. The price point of around $110 per person makes it a good value, considering the stops and transportation included.

If you prefer sticking to a budget without sacrificing comfort, this tour provides a lot of bang for your buck—especially with the convenience of door-to-door service at your Vilnius accommodation and a straightforward end point at your Riga hotel.

However, it’s worth noting that entrance fees to Rundale Palace and Bauska Castle are not included, so you’ll want to budget extra for tickets if you’re eager to explore inside. The inclusion of a detailed guidebook or live commentary enhances the experience, giving you context about each site without feeling like just a transfer service.

The Full Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: The Hill of Crosses

A morning start at Vilnius’s outskirts, about 16 kilometers from Siauliai, the Hill of Crosses is a truly special spot. With over 200,000 crosses piled on this tiny hill, it’s a powerful symbol of faith and resilience for Lithuanians. This site isn’t just a religious monument; it’s a testament to resistance through faith, particularly during times of occupation.

Expect about an hour here, giving you enough time to absorb the atmosphere and snap some photos. Reviewers rave about this stop, with one saying, “The Hill of Crosses alone makes this an amazing tour.” As most visits are free, it’s a meaningful and poignant way to start your day.

Stop 2: Rundale Palace

Next, you’ll head to Rundale Palace, roughly 15 km from the Latvia border. Built in the 18th century, it was designed by Francesco Rastrelli, the same architect behind Saint Petersburg’s Winter Palace. Originally a summer residence for the Duke of Courland, the palace has seen many uses over the years—hospital, school, grain storage—and has now been restored to its former glory.

Inside, you’ll find stunning Baroque and Rococo interiors, and outside, the gardens are a delight to stroll through. Expect around two hours here (if you choose to explore inside, which isn’t included in the fee), so plan your time accordingly. A lot of travelers mention the palace, with one calling it the ‘Versailles of Latvia,’ and many appreciate the well-maintained grounds that add a regal feel to the visit.

Stop 3: Bauska Castle

The last major stop is Bauska Castle, situated between the rivers Musa and Memele. This 15th-century Livonian Order fortress is partly in ruins, but the restored residence of the Duke of Courland is now a castle museum. As one reviewer pointed out, the site offers a mix of history and scenic views with the rivers flanking the ruins.

You’ll spend about an hour here, which is enough to take in the sights, climb the tower (if you wish), and explore the grounds. Keep in mind that the ruins are not fully reconstructed, so the experience is more about getting a sense of history rather than a grand castle tour.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses a comfortable van with plenty of luggage space, which is crucial for travelers transferring between two cities. With a maximum of 35 travelers, you’re not stuck in a huge bus, and many reviews mention the driver as friendly and knowledgeable. Some even say the journey was so smooth they could nap comfortably—always a plus on long trips.

The Driver and Guide Experience

Most travelers praise the driver for being personable, with some reviews highlighting the driver’s sense of humor and knowledge. For example, one reviewer notes that their driver, Adam, was “hugely informative and entertaining.”

However, not everyone had a perfect experience. A few reviews mention issues with driver behavior—ranging from delays and minor irritations to very negative encounters. These seem to be exceptions rather than the rule, but worth keeping in mind if you prioritize a highly professional experience.

Timing and Pacing

The trip lasts roughly eight hours, including the stops. Most reviews agree the timing at each site is sufficient for sightseeing, with some noting that Bauska Castle’s short visit felt a bit rushed. The stops are well spaced to allow exploration without feeling overly hurried, but the guidebook or live guide helps fill in the gaps.

Cost and Value

At approximately $110 per person, this tour offers good value considering the transportation and multiple sights. Since entrance fees are not included, you’ll want to budget extra for entry tickets, especially for Rundale Palace, which is a popular attraction.

The Authenticity of the Experience

The reviews paint a picture of a tour that’s generally well-organized and enjoyable. The stops at the Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace are frequently highlighted as highlights. Many travelers appreciate the insights shared by guides, whether through guidebooks or live commentary, which turn the journey into a learning experience.

Some reviews emphasize the beauty of the scenery—rolling green fields, rivers, and the historic architecture—making the drive itself a pleasant part of the trip. The stops are chosen for their cultural and historical significance, which adds depth beyond just passing through.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want to:

• Transfer comfortably between Vilnius and Riga while seeing interesting sights along the way
• Enjoy a self-guided or guided exploration of notable landmarks
• Have a full-day itinerary that balances sightseeing with travel time
• Stay within a moderate budget without sacrificing comfort
• Appreciate sites with cultural, historical, or religious significance

It’s less ideal for those expecting a fully guided inside tour of each site (since entrance fees are extra), or travelers looking for a highly personalized or luxury experience. Also, if you’re sensitive to driver behavior or prefer a tour with included tickets, this might be less suitable.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a value-packed, scenic, and historically meaningful day between Vilnius and Riga, this tour ticks many boxes. You’ll love the chance to see the emotional and spiritual significance of the Hill of Crosses, marvel at the grandeur of Rundale Palace, and get a feel for Latvia’s history at Bauska Castle—all without the hassle of organizing each stop independently.

The comfort of the van and the informative guides (whether through a book or live narration) make the journey relaxing and enriching. While some reviews highlight less-than-ideal driver behavior, these appear to be rare exceptions rather than the norm. Most travelers leave feeling they gained a meaningful perspective of the region, with ample time at each site.

In summary, this tour is best suited for curious travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and transfer, and who value a reliable, comfortable transportation service with some local insights. If you’re okay with paying a bit extra for entrance tickets and don’t mind the occasional review of less-than-stellar driver behavior, this could be a great addition to your Baltic adventure.

FAQ

Are entrance tickets included in the tour price?
No, entrance tickets for Rundale Palace and Bauska Castle are not included. You should budget extra if you plan to explore inside these sites.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, including all stops and travel time. It departs at 8:00 am from Vilnius and concludes at your Riga accommodation.

Is it suitable for travelers with luggage?
Yes, the transportation includes space for a reasonable amount of luggage, making it convenient for those transferring between cities.

How many people are on the tour?
The tour can accommodate up to 35 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable.

What days does the tour run?
It operates on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the season, so check availability in advance.

What should I bring or prepare?
Bring your passport (needed for crossing borders), some cash for entrance fees and snacks, and comfortable clothing and shoes for site visits.

This tour offers a flexible way to see some of the Baltic region’s highlights, especially if you enjoy exploring sites at your own pace with some guided context. It’s not a tour for those expecting full inside access or a perfectly polished experience, but for many, it strikes a good balance between value, scenery, and cultural insight.