From Riga: Hill of Crosses, Rundale &Bauska Private Day Trip

Traveling through the Baltics offers opportunities to witness some of Europe’s most intriguing sights, from sacred pilgrimage sites to opulent palaces and ancient castles. This private day trip from Riga promises a well-rounded taste of Latvia and Lithuania’s cultural and historical highlights in just a single day. While it’s not a guided tour, the experience is thoughtfully organized with an experienced English-speaking driver who keeps things smooth and informative.

What we particularly enjoy about this trip is the chance to enjoy the comfort of private transportation, the flexibility to explore at your own pace, and the variety of sites visited—each offering a different flavor of Baltic history. The Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace, and Bauska Castle are all visually stunning and meaningful in their own right. Plus, you get a hearty local lunch, which helps balance out the day’s sightseeing.

One potential consideration is that entry tickets to the castles and sites aren’t included, so you’ll need to budget for those separately. Also, since this isn’t a guided tour, you’re relying on your driver’s knowledge and recommendations, which might be perfect for those who prefer a more independent experience.

This trip suits travelers who want a flexible, private day out with a focus on authentic sights and cultural depth—perfect if you’re comfortable exploring without a guide but want the convenience of a well-organized itinerary.

Good To Know

• Flexible private experience with hotel pickup and drop-off for comfort.
• Visiting three iconic sites: the spiritual Hill of Crosses, the grand Rundale Palace, and ancient Bauska Castle.
• Delicious local lunch included, offering regional flavors.
• Not guided; driver provides essential info and suggestions but no formal tour guide.
• Budget for entry tickets and meals separately.
• Ideal for independent travelers who enjoy exploring at their own pace.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring the Highlights

The Hill of Crosses in Lithuania

The journey begins with a visit to the famous Hill of Crosses, a pilgrimage site and symbol of resilience. As you walk around this site, you’ll see thousands of crosses of all sizes, each representing prayers, hopes, and memorials left by pilgrims over centuries. The atmosphere is overwhelmingly spiritual and contemplative. Visitors often comment on the sense of reverence and history packed into this small but powerful site.

One reviewer, Günter, shared that “Martins was a very good and friendly tour guide, with interesting stories and conversations. 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.” While the guide was not on-site here, the driver’s local tips and the quiet time make for a meaningful visit.

Rundale Palace: Latvia’s Baroque Jewel

Next, you’ll head to Rundale Palace, sometimes called the Latvian Versailles for its ornate architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens. The palace served as a summer residence for the Dukes of Courland, and its interiors display a stunning array of artwork, elaborate furnishings, and rococo detailing. Walking through its grand halls, you’ll feel transported to a different era of aristocratic luxury.

Expect to spend about an hour and a half here, enough time to explore the exquisite rooms, admire the intricate craftsmanship, and enjoy the beautifully manicured gardens with fountains and winding paths. Visitors often mention the “opulent grandeur” and “timeless elegance” of this site as one of the highlights.

Bauska Castle Ruins: Medieval Mysteries

Finally, the tour visits Bauska Castle, which is mostly in ruins but rich in history. Perched along the Musa and Memele rivers, the remains of this medieval fortress invite you to imagine the past battles and political intrigue that once unfolded here. The weathered stone walls and panoramic river views make for a memorable exploration.

Although the site is a ruin, many travelers find that wandering through the atmospheric remains offers a tangible connection to Latvia’s medieval roots. The panoramic views from the castle walls are especially praised, providing a scenic backdrop for photos and reflection.

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The Practicalities: What’s Included and What’s Not

This private trip, offered by Travel Tribe Transfers, includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring your comfort from the start. You’ll travel in private transportation with an English-speaking driver who acts as your local guide—answering questions, pointing out attractions, and recommending restaurants for your lunch.

The trip lasts around 8 hours, which allows ample time for each stop, though exact starting times depend on your booking. The driver provides bottled water, but entry tickets to the sites and your meals are not included, so plan accordingly.

One of the major advantages here is the flexibility—since it’s a private experience, you can choose to linger longer at a site or adjust your schedule if desired. The driver can also suggest excellent local eateries for a tasty lunch, which most reviewers find a great way to enjoy regional cuisine.

Transportation & Comfort

The transportation is private, which means no mingling with strangers or rigid schedules. The vehicle is likely comfortable and climate-controlled, ideal for a day trip across the countryside. The driver stays with you throughout, providing essential information in English—making the experience both relaxed and informative.

Timing & Group Size

With a total duration of about 8 hours, the timing is designed to give you a full day’s worth of sightseeing without feeling rushed. Being a private group, your experience will be intimate, allowing for personalized questions and flexibility.

Cost & Value

While entry tickets and meals are additional costs, the overall value lies in the convenience, comfort, and curated nature of the trip. You won’t need to worry about logistics—you show up, enjoy, and the driver handles the rest.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Günter’s review highlights the friendly nature of the driver, Martins, who not only kept the trip entertaining but also provided interesting stories and conversation. He mentioned that in the off-season, their group was mostly alone, which meant fantastic photo opportunities and a peaceful experience. This underscores the benefit of choosing an off-peak time for sightseeing, especially at sites like the Hill of Crosses.

Another aspect travelers appreciate is the balance of cultural sites—spiritual, aristocratic, and medieval—all packed into one day. The stops are well-paced, and the driver’s local knowledge enhances the experience, especially when suggesting eateries or sharing tidbits about each site.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a flexible, private experience without the constraints of a guided tour. It’s perfect if you’re curious about the Baltic region’s cultural and religious landmarks but prefer to explore independently. The combination of spiritual, opulent, and historic sites makes it suitable for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, or anyone looking to get a broad sense of the region’s heritage.

It’s also a good choice for visitors based in Riga who want to venture outside the city without the hassle of planning multiple logistics. The relaxed pace and private setting make it equally appealing for couples, small groups, or families with independent-minded travelers.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

This private day trip from Riga gives you a well-rounded glimpse into Latvia and Lithuania’s cultural treasures in a single day, without feeling rushed. The comfort of private transportation, the flexibility of an independent exploration style, and the variety of sites visited make it highly appealing.

You’ll love the chance to see the sacred Hill of Crosses, wander through the opulent Rundale Palace, and walk among the medieval Bauska Castle ruins. The experience is made more enjoyable by a knowledgeable driver who elevates the journey with local insights and tips for meals and additional stops.

If you’re someone who values a mix of spiritual, historical, and architectural sights with the convenience of private transport, this trip offers excellent value. It’s a memorable way to explore the Baltic region’s rich cultural fabric—especially if you’re short on time but don’t want to miss the highlights.

FAQ

Is this tour guided?
No, it’s not a guided tour. You’ll have an English-speaking driver who provides essential information, recommends restaurants, and helps with logistics, but there’s no formal guide at each site.

What’s included in the price?
The booking includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, and bottled water. Entry tickets to the sites and meals are not included.

How long is the trip?
The total duration is approximately 8 hours, with plenty of time allocated for each stop.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private experience, you can discuss your preferences with the driver, who can suggest adjustments or additional stops if desired.

Will I need to pay for entry tickets?
Yes, tickets to the Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace, and Bauska Castle are separate costs you’ll need to cover.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around the sites, especially the ruins and gardens.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but the driver can recommend charming local restaurants for you to enjoy regional cuisine.

Is this suitable for families?
Absolutely, especially if your family enjoys history, architecture, and scenic countryside. Just ensure everyone is comfortable walking and sitting for the day.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in your planning.

This private day trip from Riga offers a balanced mix of culture, history, and scenic beauty, all in a relaxed, flexible setting. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to experience the Baltic’s heritage without the hassle of guided tours or rigid schedules.

You can check if your dates are available here: