From Riga: Hill of Crosses & Guided Rundale Palace, Bauska Castle
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
This tour stands out with a fully guided visit inside Rundale Palace led by a certified guide — not an audio guide or self-guided visit. This allows for a deeper understanding of the palace, its history, and its interiors.
The experience is carefully organized from start to finish, combining transport, guided visits, and multiple destinations into one smooth and structured day tour from Riga.
Unlike simple transfer-style trips, this tour provides guided insight at key locations, including the Hill of Crosses and Bauska Castle, creating a more engaging and informative experience.
A planned lunch stop and well-balanced timing ensure a comfortable pace, allowing you to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Please bring your walking shoes
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Stop at the Latvia–Lithuania border during your journey to the Hill of Crosses. Enjoy a short guided introduction to the region while crossing between two countries, with time for photos at this symbolic location.
Visit the Hill of Crosses, one of the most unique pilgrimage sites in Europe. Begin with a guided introduction to its history, symbolism, and traditions, followed by free time to explore at your own pace, take photos, and experience the atmosphere of this remarkable location. You will also have the opportunity to visit the nearby Franciscan Monastery, where the open chapel offers a quiet space for reflection.
What‘s Included
Professional English-speaking tour guide
Transportation by air-conditioned bus / minibus / minivan
Wi-Fi on board
Fully guided visit of the medieval part of Bauska Castle, including tower access
Bottled water provided
Fully guided visit inside Rundale Palace Museum with an official certified palace guide
Entrance tickets to Rundale Palace Museum and Bauska Castle
Lunch (the lunch stop is organized, but guests pay for their own meals)
Personal expenses
Options
From Riga: Hill of Crosses & Guided Rundale Palace, Bauska Castle
Reviews
27 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Relaxed fun day
Monica M,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was on time, the van was comfortable, and it all went smoothly. We were never rushed, and we were able to see so much in one day. We learned a lot about the history of the places we were going, but we got into life in general. The weather wasn't awesome, but our guide made it a great day anyways! I would highly suggest this tour to anyone wanting to get a glimpse at Lithuania and to see some beautiful places in Latvia, outside of Riga.
Stunning from start to finish
Nyles M,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our Tour guide was very polite, funny and extremely knowledgeable about Latvia. There were regular opportunities for a bathroom break throughout the journey so if you need to take regular trips to the bathroom this trip would be for you. We started by seeing the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania, a stunning location with hundreds of thousands of crosses situated on two hills. The guide gave us a quick overview of the history of the hills and took photos (for those who wanted it). We then went to Rundale Palace, which was faithfully restored after Latvia's independence from the soviet union (a nice touch is the room that shows you how the rooms looked when they started, the contrast is incredible). This was also where we got lunch and saw the stunning french-style garden afterwards. After this we went to Bauska Castle, where we climbed up the tower to see the picturesque surroundings of the Bauska town (along with the history of the tower). Overall the trip started at 8 and finished around 5 / half 5, and is must do for those travelling to Riga or Vilnius.
Great choice for a day out from Riga
Umberto B,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great day put, blessed by the nice weather. Ellen's is very nice, able to create a good balance between guided time and time alone. We managed to arrive at all sites with very very few other people around, which was the added value for me. Definitely reccomended.
Cross border.
Cherry L,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time exploring the Hills of Crosses. Enjoyed the tour at the Rundale Palace, very informative, entertaining and fun tour guide. The food at the palace restaurant was also great. The fun experience we had we give credit to our tour guide Elrens who is very accomodating and kind enough to agree to our requests. We all had a beautiful experience and we really enjoyed our trip. We do recommend this trip. 👍
Fantastic day trip
Kerry M,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great day out from Riga. Hill of Crosses was great to see but our special guide Olaf at Rundale Palace was exceptional and his outfit amazing. Maris our main guide was very informative and a great driver. Highly recommend the tour
Great tour of 1 day
Paulo C,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.001 day tour departing from Rīga and we went directly to Monte das Cruzes. Parade p coffee and on the border for photos. Well dosed the trip, with excellent guide, friendly and with good explanations without being massive. The mountain of the crosses is a place of pilgrimage that I kept for me as a place of representation of the mourning of dead people. Then we went to the obelissimum Rundales Palace where everything was perfect: a guide from the phenomenal palácii itself who kept the visit always with lightness and elegance. Lunch in the palace simple and tasty. On the return we also made a visit to Bauska Castle very beautiful and interesting. Congratulations to the entire team for the beautiful tourist service.
Great tour!!
Alice M,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour! The tour was well paced and the tour guide, Edite, was extremely knowledgeable. She was also just a pleasure to talk to about travel and she gave great restaurant recs. Highly recommend this tour if you are interested in getting out of Riga to see some of the countryside, a castle, and a beautiful palace.
Great daytrip
alexandravF683TB,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time on our daytrip! Our guide Erlens was very knowledgeable not only about what we went to see that day, but also about the more general history of Latvia and the Baltics. As it was a small group, we had plenty of opportunities to ask questions and learn more about anything from everyday life in Latvia to local culture and origins of the language. The timing of each stop was somewhat flexible based on the group's consensus (it was a very cold day so we spent less time e.g. in the Rundale castle gardens) and Erlens dropped us off directly at our hotel in the evening which was highly appreciated.
Cold....but an amazing day!
vesna1212,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an absolutely fantastic day. It was -21 when we left but the sun was out for us. We were greeted by our tour guide Erlens. What a great lovely guy. He started by greeting us and giving everyone refreshments. Maybe it was only a bottle of water, but it was a very thoughful gesture. Erlens was such a nice guy and So friendly. He was very informative and knowledgable, and quite clearly loves his job. He answered all questions fully and was very witty. The coach trip just flew by, and the visit to the hill of crosses, the palace and the castle was amazing. Erlans also gave us some local chocolate which was very nice of him. I cannot recommend this excursion enough, and if you are thinking of going with Erlens, dont think, just book. A special mention has to go to our driver, and the guide at Rundale Palace. He was absolutely fantastic and such a character. All in all, a brilliant day.
Incredible views with lots of art, culture and history.
Marius M,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was well planned and paced. All sites are worth visiting with incredible views and lots of art, culture and history. Erlens was our guide. He was excellent! He was very kind, respectful, and well informed. Although the Bauska Castle was closed on the day we visited (we knew about it beforehand as we checked the website, but that was the only date we had available), they made arrangements for us to be able to go inside and visit the medieval part of the castle. That was much appreciated!
From €110.00
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Operated by Latvia Guide Tours