Planning a day trip from Riga that covers both Latvia’s and Lithuania’s most iconic sights? This private tour offers a thoughtfully curated window into the region’s cultural and historical treasures. It’s ideal for travelers who want a flexible, comfortable, and insightful experience without the hassle of self-driving or group tours that feel too rigid.
What we love about this experience is how it combines spiritual reverence at the Hill of Crosses with the grandeur of Rundale Palace, and the medieval mystique of Bauska Castle. Plus, the convenience of being driven directly from your Riga accommodation means no stress about navigation or parking. One possible consideration is that this isn’t a guided tour with a specialist guide at each site, so if you’re craving in-depth historical commentary, you might want to arrange additional guides. This tour suits travelers who value comfort, flexibility, and a well-organized itinerary packed with authentic sights.
Key Points
- Comfortable Transportation: Private vehicle with an English-speaking driver ensures a smooth, personalized experience.
- Cultural Highlights: Visit iconic sites like the Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace, and Bauska Castle ruins—each offering a different taste of the Baltic region’s spiritual, artistic, and medieval traditions.
- Flexible Schedule: Approximately 8 hours long, with stops that can be tailored if needed.
- Local Flavors: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a charming local restaurant, adding a taste of regional cuisine.
- Authentic Experience: Small group or private setting means fewer travelers and more time for reflection and photos.
- Cost-Value Balance: The price includes pick-up, drop-off, and water, making it a hassle-free day with good value for a personalized trip.
An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Rundale Municipality.
Starting Point: Riga
The journey begins with a hotel pick-up, which is especially convenient in a city where parking and navigating can be tricky. Your English-speaking driver will greet you 15 minutes prior, ready to start what promises to be a comfortable day out.
First Stop: The Hill of Crosses
Our first destination is the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania, a site that’s hard to forget. It’s both a pilgrimage spot and a symbol of resilience, with thousands of crosses of all sizes crammed into this striking landscape. The crosses represent prayers, memories, and hopes—each one a silent testament to faith and perseverance.
Travelers often find this site profoundly moving, and it offers fantastic photo opportunities. One review highlights the serenity and spiritual weight, noting that “the trip was very entertaining and, thanks to it being the off-season, we were mostly the only travelers, which meant we got some great photos.” That quiet time can really allow for reflection, away from the crowds found in peak season.
Next: Rundale Palace
After crossing back into Latvia, the tour visits Rundale Palace, a true jewel of Latvian architecture. This Baroque and Rococo masterpiece is easy to fall in love with. The lavish interiors feature exquisite artwork, ornate furnishings, and intricate decorating details that speak to the grandeur of its past as a summer residence for the Dukes of Courland.
We loved the way the landscaped gardens complement the palace’s elegance—vibrant flowerbeds, fountains, and winding pathways invite leisurely strolls. You’ll appreciate how well-preserved and thoughtfully restored this site is, offering a glimpse into the opulence of centuries gone by. Expect about 1.5 hours here, plenty of time to take photos, admire the architecture, and soak up the atmosphere.
More Great Tours NearbyFinal Stop: Bauska Castle
The last major site is the Bauska Castle ruins, perched along the Musa and Memele rivers. These weathered stone walls evoke a sense of medieval mystery. The ruins are atmospheric and give travelers a taste of Latvia’s medieval past.
From the top of the castle walls, you can enjoy panoramic views of the rivers and landscape—great for snapping memorable photos. The site is compact but evocative, allowing time to wander through the remnants and imagine what life was like in this fortress centuries ago.
Return to Riga
After exploring the ruins, your driver will take you back, completing a full day of sightseeing. The total duration of 8 hours gives plenty of time to enjoy each stop without rushing, and the private nature of the trip allows for some flexibility if you’d like to linger longer at any site.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The package offers hotel pick-up and drop-off, private transportation, and an English-speaking driver who can also recommend restaurants for your lunch. They provide drinking water to keep you refreshed.
However, entry tickets to the castles are not included, so you’ll want to budget for those separately. Food and drinks outside of what’s provided are also on you, but the tour driver can suggest excellent local eateries, ensuring you get a taste of regional flavors without the hassle.
The Value of This Experience
Considering the price, the trip offers a solid balance of comfort, convenience, and cultural enrichment. Private transport means no waiting around or crowded bus rides, and having a driver who speaks English makes navigation and local tips much easier. While the cost doesn’t include entry fees, the experience’s personalized nature makes it well worth it, especially if you value flexibility and a tailored schedule.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to see a diverse range of sights without the fuss of planning each detail. If you’re someone who appreciates authentic sites—like a spiritual monument, a historic palace, and medieval ruins—this trip packs a punch.
Who Will Love This Tour?
If you’re visiting Riga and want to explore beyond the city, this trip is perfect. It suits history buffs, architecture fans, and anyone intrigued by Baltic spirituality and medieval history. The private setup appeals to couples, families, or small groups seeking a personalized experience. The option to add guided tours at specific sites makes it flexible for those wanting more in-depth knowledge.
Travelers who enjoy stunning views, tasty local cuisine, and a relaxed pace will find this trip satisfying. On the flip side, if you’re craving guided commentary at every stop or prefer a full-day guided tour with a guide historian, you might want to consider other options or arrange guides at the sites.
The Sum Up
This private day trip from Riga offers a well-balanced blend of cultural, historical, and spiritual sights. The comfort of private transportation combined with the chance to visit Lithuania’s Hill of Crosses, Latvia’s Rundale Palace, and the Bauska Castle ruins makes it a compelling choice for those looking for an authentic and hassle-free Baltic adventure.
The trip’s flexibility, friendly driver, and stunning scenery make it suitable for travelers who want to see highlights without feeling rushed. The inclusion of a delicious local lunch adds that extra touch of regional flavor, rounding out a memorable day.
In short, this tour is a smart pick for curious travelers who appreciate a personal touch and want to deepen their understanding of the Baltic region’s diverse heritage.
FAQs
Is this a guided tour?
No, it’s not a guided tour with a guide at each site. Your driver is an English speaker who provides essential information and can recommend restaurants, but if you want detailed guided commentary, you may need to arrange additional guides.
How long is the trip?
The total duration is approximately 8 hours, including travel time and stops at each site.
What is included in the price?
The cost covers hotel pick-up and drop-off, private transportation, an English-speaking driver, and drinking water. Entry tickets to castles are not included.
Can I customize the itinerary?
While the listed stops are fixed, the private nature of the trip offers some flexibility. You can discuss with your driver if you’d like to spend more time at certain sites or add other nearby attractions.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it can be suitable for families, especially if your group enjoys sightseeing on a relaxed schedule. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around the sites.
Will I have free time at each stop?
Yes, the stops are scheduled with enough time (around 1-1.5 hours at Rundale Palace, 1 hour at Bauska Castle, and an hour at the Hill of Crosses), allowing for exploration and photos.
Do I need to buy tickets?
Yes, you’ll need to purchase entry tickets separately for the castles.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and perhaps a hat or sunglasses depending on the weather. Water is provided, but bringing some snacks isn’t a bad idea.
Is this tour available year-round?
Availability depends on season and demand; check with the provider for current options and starting times.
Would I enjoy this tour if I love history and architecture?
Absolutely. The sites are visually stunning and steeped in stories of faith, nobility, and medieval life, making it a rewarding experience for history and architecture enthusiasts.