Taking a day trip from Riga to the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania offers an intriguing mix of faith, history, and beautiful scenery. This 5.5-hour shared tour promises not only a visit to one of Europe’s most unique landmarks but also a look at charming towns along the way. From the moment you meet your guide to the moment you return, this experience balances storytelling, sightseeing, and personal reflection.
What makes this trip stand out? First, the opportunity to leave your own cross adds a meaningful personal touch. Second, the stunning stop at Jelgava Palace offers a glimpse of Baltic Baroque elegance. Lastly, the border photo stop gives the journey a touch of travel adventure. The only thing to consider? The tour covers quite a bit in a limited time, so be ready for a full, action-packed day. It’s best suited for those with an interest in cultural symbols, scenic drives, and a bit of guided storytelling.
Good To Know
Conveniently Organized: The tour departs from Riga and includes stops at key points of interest, making it easy to see much in a short time.
Authentic Experience: You’ll learn about the significance of the Hill of Crosses directly from your guide, with plenty of stories and chances to leave a cross yourself.
Comfortable Transportation: Traveling by a comfortable van means you can relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigation.
Cultural & Scenic Highlights: Stops in Jelgava and the border photo opportunity add variety and local flavor to the journey.
Value for Money: With included commentary, multiple stops, and the chance to leave a cross, many reviewers find this tour offers good value.
Flexible Payment & Cancellation: Book now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance if needed, adding peace of mind.
You can check if your dates are available here:The Itinerary in Detail
The tour kicks off at St. Peter’s Church in Riga, a familiar landmark that signals the start of your Baltic adventure. From there, the journey begins with a roughly 70-minute drive—perfect for getting to know your guide and settling into the day ahead.
Find more activities and experiences we've covered in Jelgava.
First Stop: Latvia-Lithuania Border
The first official stop is at the Latvia-Lithuania border for a photo opportunity. This is more than just a snap; it’s a chance to capture the moment of stepping into another country and adding an authentic travel memory. Reviewers mention this as a simple yet meaningful part of the trip, giving you a sense of the cross-border journey.
Jelgava Palace and City
Next, a 40-minute stop in Jelgava allows you to appreciate one of the Baltics’ largest Baroque palaces. Travelers describe this as a lovely chance to stretch legs and enjoy the architecture outside the city’s historic site. The brief visit means you won’t get an in-depth tour but enough to appreciate the elegance of Jelgava’s historic core.
The Star of the Show: The Hill of Crosses
After about two hours of travel, you arrive at the Hill of Crosses—the highlight of the tour. Here, you’ll have around an hour of free time to wander, reflect, and take photos. The site is visually stunning—thousands of crosses of all sizes and materials, creating a powerful symbol of faith and resilience.
Many travelers are touched by the opportunity to leave their own cross—either buying one from local vendors or bringing their own. The site’s significance is reinforced by the fact that Pope John Paul II visited and left a cross, elevating its reputation as a major pilgrimage destination.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyReturn Journey
On the way back, the tour makes a drive through Jelgava again, offering a chance to see more of the city’s Baroque architecture. The last stop before returning to Riga is at the border for another photo, sealing the memory of crossing into another country.
The return to St. Peter’s Church completes your day, providing a familiar ending point that’s easy to find and plan around.
What’s Included & What’s Not
This tour offers good value, especially considering the transportation, guidance, and the experience at the Hill of Crosses. The included features are:
- A comfortable van for the entire trip, ensuring a smooth ride
- An English-speaking driver/guide who shares stories and insights
- The chance to leave a cross—with options to purchase locally or bring your own
- Informative printouts and leaflets to enrich your understanding
- A photo stop at the border
- Scenic drive through Jelgava
Extras like meals, drinks, and personal expenses are not included, so plan your own snacks or souvenirs accordingly.
The Experience from the Reviews
What really makes this tour stand out, according to past travelers, are the guides and the overall value. One reviewer praised Jnis, the driver, for his kindness and informativeness, calling the trip “perfect” with plenty of photo stops. Others appreciated the good value for money, feeling it was a well-paced, meaningful experience.
The free time at the Hill of Crosses was highlighted as a highlight, giving travelers space to reflect and take photos without feeling rushed. The ability to leave a cross adds a personal dimension that many find memorable.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This day trip is ideal for cultural enthusiasts, faith-based travelers, or anyone interested in Lithuanian symbols. It’s also great for those who want a compact, organized experience without the hassle of planning multiple stops themselves. If you’re short on time but want a meaningful glimpse into the Baltic region’s spiritual and scenic sites, this trip is a solid choice.
It’s especially suited for people comfortable with a full, active day of travel and those who appreciate a guided experience with storytelling. Travelers looking for a more in-depth exploration of Jelgava or the border might want to consider additional tours, but if you’re after the highlights, this hits the spot.
The Sum Up
This shared tour to the Hill of Crosses from Riga offers a well-rounded mix of history, culture, and scenic stops. The convenience of organized transport, the meaningful act of leaving a cross, and the chance to explore Jelgava make it a popular choice, especially for those short on time but eager for authentic sights.
Many reviewers find the value for the price impressive, citing the friendly guides and comfortable transportation as key factors. While it’s a busy day, the blend of storytelling, sightseeing, and personal reflection provides a memorable experience for most.
This tour suits cultural explorers, spiritual travelers, and photo enthusiasts alike. If you’re after a meaningful, well-organized trip that balances transport and sightseeing, this trip to the Hill of Crosses is definitely worth considering.
FAQ
How long is the drive from Riga to the Hill of Crosses?
The journey takes about 2 hours each way, making it a manageable half-day trip.
Can I leave my own cross at the Hill of Crosses?
Yes, you can leave a cross if you wish, either by purchasing one from local sellers or bringing your own from home.
What is included in the tour?
The tour includes transportation in a comfortable van, an English-speaking guide, photo stops, and the opportunity to leave a cross. It also provides printouts and leaflets for extra context.
Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Meals, drinks, and personal expenses are not included, but you might find local sellers at the Hill of Crosses offering crosses for purchase.
What is the duration of the tour?
The full experience lasts approximately 5.5 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability.
Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While not explicitly stated, the moderate pace and sightseeing nature make it suitable for most travelers, including families with kids who can handle a full day of travel.
This detailed review aims to help you decide whether this trip matches what you’re looking for—combining scenic drives, cultural insights, and personal reflection at the Hill of Crosses.
You can check if your dates are available here: