From Riga: Hill of Crosses & Jelgava Highlights
Overview
Available languages
7 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
• A well-paced full-day experience
This tour is designed to feel balanced and unhurried, allowing time to experience each place rather than rushing through highlights.
• Guided insight and personal time at the Hill of Crosses
Learn the history and symbolism of this powerful site with your guide, followed by free time to explore independently. Guests may also visit the nearby Franciscan monastery and chapel.
• Jelgava as a meaningful second destination
The experience continues in Jelgava with guided visits to key sights, including the riverside promenade, the Orthodox Cathedral, and Jelgava Palace (viewed from the outside).
• Thoughtfully organized shared tour
This is a shared tour with a clear structure and careful planning, ensuring smooth timing and guest comfort.
• A subtle local touch to conclude the day
The experience concludes with a small local element many travelers don’t expect, offering an authentic way to round off the journey.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Coffee stops and detours can be arranged with driver
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Riga Cathedral
Meet your guide in Riga and begin the journey toward Lithuania. During the drive, the guide provides historical and cultural context about Latvia, Lithuania, and the places you will visit throughout the day.
Make a guided photo stop at the Latvia–Lithuania border. Learn about the historical significance of the border region and take photos marking the crossing between two countries.
What‘s Included
Professional English-speaking guide
Guided visits to the Hill of Crosses and key sites in Jelgava
All taxes and fees
Bottled water
External visit to Jelgava Palace with historical explanation
Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
Guided photo stop at the Latvia–Lithuania border
Lunch and drinks (available for purchase during the tour; pre-order option available)
Personal expenses
Options
From Riga: Hill of Crosses & Jelgava Highlights
Reviews
141 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Hill of crosses and Jelgava
Lesley G,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip with a brilliant guide! Erlen was pleasant and very informative. The trip ran smoothly and enough time was given at each stop.
Really good trip and value
Paul M,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was brilliant, he engaged with everyone and made us all welcome and included. Great knowledge and passion. English was better than mine ;)
Great day out
RosieMeadows,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was a great day out, cold but great. Our guide Erlens was equal parts knowledgeable and friendly. He made sure everyone was included in every activity. Our driver, whose name escapes me, was a very safe and careful driver. A very interesting and informative day
Dont forget to bring your...
Hitomi O,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Dont forget to bring your passport. Janis was a wonderful guide, with many stories. The bus driver was also great!
Hill of crosses
Paul C,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was excellent and informative, Janis our tour guide delivered the trip effortlessly and is a credit to the company, was a long day but definitely does not feel like it, enough stops to break it down and the lunch stop is a lovely cafe on the river which is very reasonable price and excellent quality. Once again Janis made this tour and clearly loved his job. They should have a tip pot at front of bus as I would have made a donation, would highly recommended this trip.
Brilliant day trip
Linda B,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fab tour guide, gave us lots of interesting information and stories (and even a shot of Riga Balsam!). Very comfortable coach and great, safe driver. Above all, very interesting tour to the Hill of Crosses, and nice stops along the way for more memories and photos. A really lovely day.
Recommended 100%
158daviniam,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The overall experience was super good, both for me and my partner, we took the excursion knowing that everything would be done in English, but still the guide was at all times watching us, we were the only Spaniards, super attentive , friendly and resolute, and the excursion we loved, I recommend it 100x100 super grateful with Erlens , it was 10 👌🏽
A cool trip
546belindaw,,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an interesting day trip. The Hill of Crosses is slightly surreal but inspirational in what it represents rather than as a religious site. Erlens, our guide, was excellent; informative, friendly, helpful and with excellent English. His potted history of Latvia and general info was better than a private walking tour we had taken the previous day. He was also very clear about what was happening next, timings (including toilet breaks!), coffee/lunch stops etc. A really nice guy and a fab day.
A smooth, insightful tour beyond Riga
Ann Marie A,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great experience on the Hill of Crosses and Jelgava tour. Our guide, Erlens (Latvian Elvis), was excellent. Spoke perfect English, was very informative and shared lots of interesting facts about both Latvia and Lithuania. The comfort breaks were well timed, and the lunch stop was not only excellent, but very affordable. The small group size made the day relaxed, with a good balance between guided information and free time to explore on our own. The Hill of Crosses is an absolute must-see when visiting Riga; it’s eerie, beautiful, emotional, and somehow peaceful all at the same time and Jelgava was a surprisingly pleasant town to discover. Highly recommended tour and an absolute must if visiting Riga.
Nice day out.
Alan F,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I thoroughly enjoyed my tour. The Hill Of Crosses is a beautiful place and well worth visiting. The Russian orthodox Church is stunning. Our guide Viktorija was lovely and a wealth of knowledge. AF Scotland.
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Operated by Latvia Guide Tours