Riga: Bauska Castle, Rundale Palace and Hill of Crosses Trip

Traveling through the Baltic states offers a fascinating blend of history, architecture, and unique cultural sites — and this day trip from Riga manages to pack a lot of that into just nine hours. It’s an ideal way for those short on time but eager to see some of Latvia and Lithuania’s most iconic sights, all in one seamless, well-organized journey. With comfortable transportation, a friendly guide, and insightful printed materials, this tour promises both convenience and authenticity.

What really stands out is the opportunity to visit two countries in one day — Latvia and Lithuania — and explore three distinct sites: Bauska Castle, Rundale Palace, and the Hill of Crosses. We think the beautiful scenery, stunning architecture, and local stories make it a compelling itinerary. However, keep in mind that it’s a fairly full day that involves some driving and walking, so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy an active, sightseeing-focused experience.

Our favorite aspect? The expert guides and well-paced schedule. But if you’re not a fan of early mornings or long bus rides, it might feel a bit rushed. Still, for those wanting a taste of the Baltics’ highlights without fuss, this tour hits all the right notes. Let’s explore what makes this trip a solid choice and what to expect along the way.

Key Points

• Visit two countries in one day with ease, crossing Latvia and Lithuania borders smoothly.
• Well-organized transportation ensures comfort throughout the 9-hour journey.
• Expert guides provide engaging, clear commentary, enhancing your understanding of each site.
• Visits to iconic sites like Bauska Castle, Rundale Palace, and Hill of Crosses offer varied experiences.
• Flexible free time at Rundale Palace allows for exploration and lunch, making the visit more personalized.
• Authentic insights from real traveler reviews highlight the guide’s knowledge and the tour’s value.

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This tour is essentially a well-oiled machine designed for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing without the stress of planning logistics themselves. Starting bright and early at St. Peter’s Church in Riga Old Town, you’ll hop into a comfortable van, ready for a day packed with history, architecture, and cultural marvels.

The journey begins with a 45-minute drive to Bauska Castle, where you’ll have the chance to climb the recently renovated tower and gaze over the surrounding landscape. This medieval fortress offers a glimpse into Latvia’s past, with ruins that spark imagination about the region’s history. Reviewers like Alexandra praised the “well-organized” trip and expressed particular delight with the castle’s tower, noting it’s an excellent spot for photos and for soaking in the historical atmosphere.

Next, the tour makes a cross-border stop at the Latvia-Lithuania border crossing, which is more of a photo opportunity but also a fun moment to realize you’re now in Lithuania. This brief 25-minute drive adds to the feeling of traveling through time and space, making it a memorable part of the day.

Hill of Crosses — A Holy and Unique Experience

The Hill of Crosses is arguably the most emotionally impactful site. This Lithuanian shrine is covered in thousands of crosses, from tiny tokens to large monuments. Visitors are allowed to bring their own crosses to leave, or purchase one locally at the site. A dedicated audio guide available for use on your phone adds context, explaining the site’s significance and history. One reviewer, João, called it “something extraordinary,” highlighting how unique and moving the experience was.

The site also offers free time for personal reflection, exploration, or simply marveling at the sight of crosses stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s a deeply personal stop that leaves many visitors feeling inspired or contemplative.

Rundale Palace — The Baltic’s Version of Versailles

The highlight for many is the Rundale Palace, often called the “Baroque jewel” of Latvia. This 18th-century palace boasts beautifully restored interiors, lush gardens, and impressive architecture. The guided tour includes an audio guide you can listen to on your phone, with free Wi-Fi at the site, making it easy to learn at your own pace.

We loved the unrestricted access during the two hours of free time — plenty of opportunity to wander the palace rooms, stroll through the gardens, and find quiet spots for photos. Many reviews, including Alexandra’s, expressed how much they appreciated the well-organized free time, and the chance to take in the stunning architecture without the usual crowds.

The on-site restaurant provides a chance for lunch, but you’re also welcome to bring your own snacks and maximize your exploration time. Considering the value of the ticket and the beautiful setting, many find it a worthwhile stop.

Practical Details — What to Expect

The entire trip is designed for comfort and convenience. The transportation is a cozy van, accommodating a small group, which fosters a more intimate experience. The guides are English-speaking, knowledgeable, and personable, often sharing anecdotes and background stories that add flavor to the sightseeing.

The itinerary is carefully timed, balancing travel, exploration, and free time. The border crossing is smooth, thanks to the well-organized logistics, and travelers must bring their passports or EU IDs for border inspections.

Though lunch isn’t included, the tour’s overall value is high, especially considering the entrance fees and the cost of arranging these visits independently. The printouts about each site help deepen your understanding, and travelers consistently praise the guides for their clear explanations and friendly attitude.

Authentic Reviews: What Travelers Say

Viesturs, the guide, earns high praise for his knowledge and friendly demeanor. João appreciated how the group gelled, thanks to engaging guides and humorous moments, with João even making a new friend from Germany. Alexandra highlighted that “everything was very well organized,” emphasizing the “extraordinary” experience at the Hill of Crosses.

Hans noted the clarity and interest of the guide’s explanations, and many travelers appreciated the balance of structured visits and free time — giving everyone room to explore at their own pace. The consistently positive reviews reinforce the impression that this tour offers solid value, especially for those eager to learn about the area without the stress of planning.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Start at St. Peter’s Church in Riga — This iconic landmark in the heart of Old Town serves as the perfect meeting point. The van departs with a friendly driver, Viesturs, who stays with the group all day, making everything feel seamless.

Bauska Castle (45 mins) — The first stop provides a quick dose of Latvia’s medieval history. The recently renovated tower offers panoramic views and photo opportunities. As Alexandra notes, the castle’s atmosphere is enriching, and climbing the tower is a highlight.

Border crossing (25 mins) — This quick drive marks the transition between Latvia and Lithuania, with a chance for a photo and a little cross-cultural fun. No formal border museum visit here, but the crossing adds a sense of adventure.

Hill of Crosses (1 hour) — This site is more than just crosses; it’s a testament to faith, resilience, and hope. Visitors often find it moving or inspiring, with the option to leave their own cross if they wish. João’s review captures its extraordinary charm.

Rundale Palace (2 hours) — The jewel of the trip, with ample free time to explore the ornate rooms and sprawling gardens. The guided audio enhances the experience, making it educational as well as visually stunning.

Additional drives (15-60 mins) — The continuous movement emphasizes the efficiency of the trip, ensuring you see everything without feeling rushed.

Return to Riga (end at St. Peter’s Church) — The journey concludes where it began, leaving you with a wealth of memories and plenty to share.

Value and Practical Considerations

This tour offers excellent value for money considering the entrance fees, transportation, guided commentary, and convenience. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the professional driver/guide makes the day flow smoothly.

One thing to keep in mind is the pace — it’s a full day with some early starts and a fair amount of walking and driving. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or longer exploration at each site, this might feel a little rushed, but most travelers find the balance just right.

Lunch isn’t included, but the two-hour window at Rundale Palace is ample for a meal or some solo sightseeing. Bringing snacks is a practical tip for those who like to maximize sightseeing time.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for those who want a comprehensive, hassle-free day exploring Latvia and Lithuania’s highlights. It’s especially suited for history buffs, architecture lovers, or travelers eager to tick off multiple sights in a short period. The knowledgeable guides, combined with stunning views and authentic sites, provide a rich experience that feels both educational and inspiring.

Those who value good organization and comfortable transportation will appreciate the thoughtful planning behind this tour. It’s an excellent choice for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview, or anyone who enjoys small-group adventures with a local guide.

If you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and want to experience the best of the Baltics in one go, this tour offers an engaging, well-rated, and memorable day out.

FAQ

Do I need a passport or ID to join this tour?
Yes, bringing your passport or EU ID is mandatory, as you’ll cross borders between Latvia and Lithuania.

How long is the total driving time?
Most drives are between 25 and 45 minutes, with additional time for border crossing and travel between sites.

Can I bring my own lunch?
Yes, you can bring snacks or a packed lunch to enjoy during the free time at Rundale Palace, or opt to buy at the palace restaurant.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, tickets for Rundale Palace and the Bauska castle tower are included, but not the museum in Bauska castle, which is not part of this tour.

What kind of vehicle is used?
A comfortable van or car suitable for small groups, with professional, friendly drivers.

How much free time do I get at each site?
You’ll have about 45 minutes at Bauska Castle, 1 hour at Hill of Crosses, and 2 hours at Rundale Palace with some additional travel time in between.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the pace and site visits can be engaging for older children and teenagers, especially those interested in history and architecture.

What’s the best time to book this tour?
It runs with a minimum of 3 people, so booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

Is the tour flexible or customizable?
The schedule is fixed, but there’s some free time at Rundale Palace for personal exploration.

How do I cancel if I change my mind?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a risk-free option for flexible travelers.

This Baltic day trip combines history, culture, and scenic beauty into a manageable, well-reviewed package. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone wanting to see more of the region in limited time, it offers an authentic glimpse into Latvia and Lithuania’s treasures.