Private Full-Day Trip to Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace & Bauska

Exploring the Baltics: A Private Full-Day Tour to the Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace, and Bauska Castle

Taking a day to explore the Baltics beyond Riga offers a chance to see some of the region’s most iconic sites with comfort and insight. This private tour, rated a perfect 5.0 based on 28 reviews, promises a tailored experience that balances breathtaking sights, historical stories, and authentic cultural moments.

One thing we particularly appreciate about this experience is the personalized attention a private guide provides. It’s easy to feel rushed or lost in a large group, but with a group of up to three, your guide can focus on your interests and pace. While the cost of about $387 for the whole group might seem high initially, the value truly shines when you consider the convenience, expert commentary, and inclusion of private transportation.

A potential consideration is the fixed itinerary and timing—with about 8 hours of touring, you’ll want to be ready for a full day, including some walking at each site. This tour suits travelers who love history, photography, and authentic cultural sites, and who prefer a flexible, intimate experience over crowded group tours.

Key Points

• Private & Personalized: A small group ensures focused attention and flexibility.
• Culturally Rich Stops: From religious symbolism to royal opulence, each site tells a story.
• Comfort & Convenience: Air-conditioned vehicle and door-to-door pickup simplify logistics.
• Balanced Itinerary: Enough time at each location for exploration without feeling rushed.
• Expert Guide: Knowledgeable guides like Normund bring history alive with stories and insights.
• Value for Money: Considering transportation, entry fees, and personalized service, it offers good value.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This private day trip offers a well-rounded glimpse into the Baltics’ heart — combining spiritual, historical, and regal sites into one seamless experience. You’ll start with the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania, a place that’s as visually striking as it is emotionally moving. The sea of crosses, each symbolizing hopes, prayers, or memories, creates a powerful atmosphere. Reviewers highlight the site as “simply amazing,” and note that the intricate crosses and personal messages add a layer of depth that many visitors find unforgettable.

Next, the tour takes you to Rundale Palace, often called one of the Baltics’ most beautiful Baroque mansions. This is where the crowd-pleaser factor kicks in — the ornate stucco work, gilded ceilings, and frescoed halls make you feel like you’ve stepped back into a noble era. Reviewers mention that the guide’s detailed explanations help bring the palace’s history to life, making it more than just a stroll through opulence. The gardens, bursting with vibrant blooms, provide a perfect setting for photos and a moment of calm amid the grandeur.

Finally, the journey ends at Bauska Castle, a fortress that whispers stories of knights, battles, and legends. Its strategic location overlooking the River Musa offers stunning panoramic views that are perfect for snapping memorable photos. The underground tunnels and tower views give you a real sense of what life was like centuries ago, with reviews pointing out that the guide’s storytelling really helps visualize the past.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Hill of Crosses in Lithuania – The Spirit of Faith and Resilience

The visit to the Hill of Crosses is more than just a photo stop; it’s an emotional experience. As you approach, the sheer number of crosses—some towering, others tiny—fills the landscape, creating a textured mosaic of hope and devotion. The site is free to enter, and visitors are encouraged to explore and reflect. Reviewers like Nadja note, “The trip was outstanding and the driver was courteous and knowledgeable,” making this stop both meaningful and comfortable.

What’s special here is not only the visual impact but the stories behind it. The crosses symbolize personal messages, religious faith, or resilience in Lithuania’s history. Many visitors appreciate the chance to freely wander among the crosses and absorb the tranquil yet profound atmosphere.

Rundale Palace – A Showcase of Baroque Splendor

A drive to Rundale Palace takes you into a world of ornate furnishings and meticulous gardens. The palace’s architecture, with its gilded carvings and frescoed ceilings, makes a lasting impression. Given that the entrance fee isn’t included, planning to allocate around 12 Euros for adults is wise, but it’s a worthwhile investment for the chance to walk through rooms once reserved for nobility.

Our reviews repeatedly mention the relevance of a knowledgeable guide like Normund, who enhances the experience with engaging stories about the palace’s history and its connections to regional nobility. The gardens are kept in pristine condition and blooming all year, so you’ll always find beautiful photo opportunities.

Bauska Castle – History with a View

The final stop, Bauska Castle, transports visitors to medieval times. Standing on the castle grounds, you can explore the towers, walk through underground tunnels, and take in panoramic views of the surrounding river landscape. The admission fee of around 9 Euros is modest, but it adds to the authenticity of the experience.

Reviewers such as Liam praise their guide for sharing stories of knights, battles, and legends that make the ancient stones come alive. The castle’s strategic location means that the views of the river and the neighboring landscape are breathtaking — perfect for photos and soaking in the atmosphere.

What’s Included and What to Budget For

The private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle makes traveling between sites smooth and comfortable, especially given the approximately 8-hour duration of the tour. Pickup is offered, which saves you time and effort on logistics.

Entrance fees to Rundale Palace and Bauska Castle are not included in the price—expected to be around 12 Euros for Rundale and 9 Euros for Bauska (per adult). While this might seem like an extra expense, most visitors consider it worthwhile for the access and experience.

The price of $387.53 per group for up to three people breaks down to roughly $129 per person, which is reasonable considering the private nature of the tour, expert guiding, and transportation. For travelers seeking a personalized experience that combines cultural, historical, and scenic elements, this tour offers serious value.

Authenticity and Traveler Experience

From the reviews, one thing stands out: the knowledgeable guides like Normund and Andrejs truly elevate this experience. They’re praised not only for their storytelling but also for their flexibility—allowing stops for photos, wandering, or simply soaking in the atmosphere.

Travelers also appreciated the balance of structured visits and free time. One reviewer mentioned how the tour offers “good time at each stop and a bonus lunch,” which helps break up the day and adds a local flavor to the experience. The opportunity to explore sites at your own pace is a significant advantage over larger group tours, providing a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

The delicious restaurant recommendations and the opportunity to ask questions about local culture and history make this tour more than just a sightseeing checklist — it becomes a genuine cultural exchange.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This private Baltic tour is ideal for history buffs, culture lovers, and photographers who want a personalized experience. It’s perfect if you prefer to avoid large groups and want the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Travelers who love stunning landscapes, beautiful architecture, and meaningful sites will find this trip rewarding. The tour’s intimate size makes it suitable for couples, friends, or small families who value comfort and insider knowledge.

While the cost might seem on the higher side for some, the quality of guiding, the comfort of private transportation, and the depth of experience make it a worthwhile investment, especially if you’re eager to see these three highlights in one day.

Final Thoughts

This private full-day tour offers a thoughtfully curated way to explore some of the Baltics’ most captivating sites beyond Riga. The combination of the spiritual impact of the Hill of Crosses, the regal splendor of Rundale Palace, and the historic intrigue of Bauska Castle makes it a well-rounded experience.

The personalized attention from knowledgeable guides ensures you get the stories behind the sights, making each stop more meaningful. The flexible pace, combined with comfortable transportation, provides a stress-free way to see three countries in one day, making it a fantastic option for travelers with limited time who want depth, comfort, and authenticity.

For those seeking a memorable journey into the Baltics’ culture and history, this tour hits all the right notes. It’s a balance of beauty, storytelling, and personal connection that will leave you with stories to tell and photos to cherish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and it’s especially good for those interested in history, architecture, and scenic views. Service animals are allowed.

How long is the tour?
The tour is approximately 8 hours long, starting at 10:00 am, with time allocated for each site, lunch, and travel.

Do I need to pay extra for entrance tickets?
Yes, entrance fees for Rundale Palace (about 12 Euros) and Bauska Castle (around 9 Euros) are not included in the tour price.

Is there flexibility in the itinerary?
Yes, the guide can adjust the pace and duration at each site within the overall schedule, and you can choose how long to stay at each location.

What is the transportation like?
You’ll travel in an air-conditioned private vehicle, which makes the day comfortable and stress-free.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing peace of mind.

Is this tour worth the cost?
Considering private transportation, expert guides, and the three major sites, many travelers find this offers excellent value for a personalized experience.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but the guide typically recommends local restaurants for lunch during the day.

This private Baltic tour combines authenticity, comfort, and knowledge, making it an excellent choice for travelers eager to see Lithuania and Latvia’s highlights without the hassle of big group tours.