Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle

Introduction

If you’re looking to add a touch of history and architecture to your Baltic adventure, this full-day private trip from Riga offers a well-balanced blend of cultural landmarks and scenic views. Visiting the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania, Rundale Palace, and Bauska Castle, this tour covers some of the most iconic sites within a manageable day trip. What makes this experience particularly appealing is the personalized service—your own private driver, flexible stops, and the ability to customize your visit based on your interests.

One of the features we love is the dedicated driver who not only handles the logistics but also provides useful local tips, including restaurant suggestions if you want to enjoy regional cuisine. The only caveat is that this tour does not include licensed guides at each site, so if you’re keen on deep historical narratives, you might want to consider adding guide services. This trip is ideal for travelers who appreciate flexibility, authentic experiences, and a comfortably paced schedule—especially those who prefer exploring with minimal fuss.

Key Points:
– Private, flexible experience tailored to your interests
– Includes transport and bottled water for comfort and convenience
– Highlights iconic sites like Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace
– Not a guided tour—basic info from the driver, optional guides at extra cost
– Good value for a full-day private trip with personalized service
– Ideal for those wanting a mix of history and scenery in a single day

Exploring the Highlights of the Full-Day Private Trip

This tour offers a deep dive into some of the most compelling sights near Riga—famous landmarks that provide insight into the region’s history, culture, and spirit. It’s a well-structured itinerary that balances travel with sightseeing, making it a great choice for those who want to maximize their day without feeling rushed.

The Hill of Crosses: A Symbol of Resilience and Faith

The first stop, the Hill of Crosses, is more than just a pile of crosses—it’s a powerful emblem of Lithuanian resistance and devotion. Located about two hours from Riga, this site has been a site of pilgrimage and defiance since the 1831 Uprising. Today, over 100,000 crosses adorn the mound, many strung with rosary beads still rattling in the breeze, giving it a haunting, deeply spiritual atmosphere.

We loved the way this site encapsulates a story of perseverance; despite efforts to remove it during the Soviet era, locals kept returning to leave crosses, symbolizing their unwavering faith. Some legends suggest that the hill might hide ancient warriors’ remains or that it’s haunted by monks, adding a layer of mystery. The basic but insightful commentary from your driver helps make sense of its significance, even if there’s no formal guide.

Expect about 45 minutes here, which is enough to wander, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere. Remember, the entrance is included, so you can explore at your own pace.

Rundale Palace: A Fairytale of Architecture and Art

Next, the tour takes you to Rundale Palace, often called the “Versailles of the Baltics.” Built in the 18th century for Duke Ernst Johann Biron, this grand residence showcases the opulence of the Latvian aristocracy. Designed by architect F.B. Rastrelli, the palace combines Baroque and Rococo styles, with beautifully restored interiors and lush gardens.

The interior highlights include the Golden Hall, White Hall, and the Large Gallery, each decorated with exquisite sculptures, paintings, and ornate furniture. The private apartments of the Duke and Duchess are also open for viewing, providing a glimpse into aristocratic life centuries ago.

We appreciated the flexibility of this stop—while admission isn’t included, the ticket price is reasonable, and the palace’s exhibits of applied arts and fine arts are worth exploring if you love architecture and history. Many travelers raved about the stunning views and the chance to walk through a building that feels like stepping into a storybook. If you’re a classical music fan, keep an eye out for concerts or festivals that sometimes take place here.

Bauska Castle: A Picture-Perfect Fortress

The final stop, Bauska Castle, sits on a scenic hill between the Msa and Mumele rivers. What makes Bauska particularly interesting is that it’s a compound of two castles joined together—the older Livonian Order fortress in ruins and a more intact 16th-century manor house built by the Duke of Courland.

Walking through Bauska, you’ll see the ruined tower and the well-preserved fortifications, which give a tangible sense of medieval life and conflict. The castle also hosts a museum that covers its long, tangled history, offering context about the region’s strategic importance over the centuries.

A humorous note from a reviewer mentioned a character named Magno Cavala, an Italian who claimed to have bottled a “love potion” water at the castle junction, making a fortune from local gullibility. It’s small stories like these that remind you how layered the history is.

The admission fee is modest, and the 1-hour stop allows enough time for touring the grounds and browsing the museum, if you choose.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Transportation: Comfort and Convenience

Your private driver will pick you up at 10:00 am, traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. This personalized approach ensures minimal waiting around and allows for a relaxed pace. The driver will also offer bottled water, helping keep everyone refreshed throughout the day.

Flexibility and Personalization

Since this is a private tour, you can tailor the experience slightly—whether that’s spending more time at Rundale Palace or asking for restaurant recommendations. The driver can suggest good local eateries for lunch, which is helpful if you want to try regional dishes without the hassle of researching on your own.

Cost and Value

At $370.76 for a group of up to three, this tour offers good value considering the personalized service, private transport, and multiple iconic sites. Entrance fees to Rundale Palace and Bauska Castle are not included, but they are reasonably priced, and many reviews note that the overall experience feels well worth the expense.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

One aspect to be aware of is the absence of licensed guides at each site—your driver provides basic info, but if you crave in-depth historical commentary, you might want to arrange guides in advance. Also, some sites can have limited hours during winter, so it’s worth confirming availability before your trip.

What Our Reviewers Say

A reviewer from Tripadvisor noted, “Great service by Karlis and Baltic Transfers and Tours,” emphasizing the courteous driver, hotel pickup, and informative yet unobtrusive service. They appreciated the careful planning that allowed for a smooth day, and the fact that the driver shared useful tips about the best eateries and sights.

Another comments on the stunning views at Rundale Palace and the meaningful symbolism of the Hill of Crosses, which adds depth to the sightseeing experience. The driver’s basic but insightful commentary was described as “impeccable,” giving just enough context to enrich the visit.

The Sum Up

This full-day private trip from Riga offers an excellent way to explore some of the Baltic region’s most evocative landmarks without the hassle of navigating alone. The combination of the Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace, and Bauska Castle provides a well-rounded experience—covering religious symbolism, aristocratic splendor, and medieval fortifications.

The personalized service and flexible itinerary make this trip especially appealing for travelers who value comfort and customization. Though it doesn’t include guided tours at each site, the driver’s basic insights and local suggestions add meaningful context.

This tour suits history buffs, architecture lovers, and anyone keen to see the countryside and learn stories behind Latvia and Lithuania’s iconic landmarks. It’s a thoughtful, value-packed option that provides a glimpse into the region’s resilience, elegance, and strategic importance—an authentic touchstone for your Baltic adventure.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
While the tour is priced per group, solo travelers can often book it and share the experience with others. It’s private, so you’ll have your own driver and vehicle, making it comfortable for solo trips.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, you can ask your driver for suggestions or minor modifications, such as spending more time at a site or adding another stop if available.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the entrance tickets for Rundale Palace and Bauska Castle are not included, but they are reasonably priced. Your driver can advise on tickets and opening hours to plan accordingly.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes for walking around the sites, some cash or card for entrance fees, and a camera to capture the scenic views and historic architecture.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but your driver can recommend good local restaurants. It’s a great opportunity to try regional dishes or enjoy a picnic if you prefer.

How long is the drive from Riga?
The drive to the first site, Hill of Crosses, is about two hours, with the entire tour lasting approximately 8 hours including stops and travel time.

What if some sites are closed during winter?
Your driver will inform you beforehand and suggest alternative places or adjustments to the schedule to maximize your day.

This private tour presents a well-rounded, manageable way to discover some of the Baltic’s most meaningful sights, offering a blend of history, architecture, and local stories—all with the comfort of personalized service.