From Vilnius: Hill of Crosses & Rundale Palace to Riga

Explore the Unique Hill of Crosses and Baroque Rundale Palace in One Day

This private tour from Vilnius to Riga offers a seamless way to see two of the Baltic region’s most fascinating landmarks. For $922 per group up to 2, the journey lasts about 8 hours and combines cultural, religious, and architectural highlights. The experience is designed for those who want a personalized, in-depth visit, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

A standout feature is the visit to the Hill of Crosses, a UNESCO World Heritage site that draws attention for its thousands of crosses, symbolizing faith and resilience. The tour also includes a guided tour of Rundale Palace, Latvia’s baroque jewel, which was once the summer residence of the Duke of Courland. The tour balances scenic drives with meaningful stops, making it ideal for those eager to explore the Baltic’s rich heritage in a single day.

While the tour offers a comprehensive experience, it is important to note that food and drinks are not included. The pace is manageable, with enough time at each stop to explore freely, but travelers should be prepared for a busy day that involves some walking and sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Private transfer from Vilnius to Riga with two major stops
• Visit to the UNESCO-listed Hill of Crosses, with 45 minutes to explore
• Guided tour of Rundale Palace, Latvia’s baroque masterpiece
• Duration of 8 hours, including transportation and sightseeing
• Price of $922 per group up to 2, with hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Tour conducted in English and German, with a private guide

The Journey Starts with a Comfortable Private Drive from Vilnius

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Vilnius, where a private car is ready to take you on a carefully planned route toward Riga. The ride typically lasts around 2 hours to the Hill of Crosses, giving plenty of opportunity to enjoy conversations with the driver or simply relax during the scenic drive. The vehicle provides a private, quiet setting for the whole journey, making it easy to focus on the experience ahead.

This start offers a smooth transition from urban sights to the more spiritual and historical sites awaiting en route. The flexibility of a private transfer means that the timing is tailored to your needs, with no need to worry about large groups or crowded buses.

Walking Around the UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Hill of Crosses

The Hill of Crosses is a powerful symbol of faith in Lithuania, located about two hours away from Vilnius. This site features tens of thousands of crosses—from small wooden relics to towering monuments—covering a hillside in a spiritual display. Visitors are free to walk around for about 45 minutes, absorbing the atmosphere and taking photos of the striking scenery.

The site’s history is deeply intertwined with Lithuanian identity, resistance, and devotion. As you explore, the guides explain its significance, but you’ll also have ample time to wander independently. The atmosphere is reverent yet inspiring, with many crosses visibly placed by pilgrims and visitors alike.

It’s worth considering that the site can be busy depending on the time of day, but the space is large enough to find quieter spots for reflection. The walk involves some uneven terrain, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Discovering Latvia’s Baroque Treasure: Rundale Palace

After the Hill of Crosses, the journey continues for about 1 hour to Rundale Palace, Latvia’s answer to baroque elegance. Once the summer residence of the Duke of Courland, this palace showcases exquisite architecture and interior decor. Once there, a local guide greets you for a tour that highlights the palace’s history, architecture, and opulent rooms.

The guided tour inside Rundale Palace provides insight into its impressive art collections, ornate ceilings, and beautifully preserved furnishings. The palace’s stately gardens are also worth exploring if time permits. The guided tour typically lasts around one hour, giving you a thorough look at this Latvian landmark.

The architecture and design details at Rundale are especially captivating for those interested in historical buildings and baroque art. The location is accessible and well-maintained, creating a comfortable environment for visitors to appreciate its grandeur.

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Scenic Drive and Drop-off in Riga

Following the Rundale Palace visit, the driver resumes the journey toward Riga, Latvia’s vibrant capital. The total drive time from Rundale to Riga is approximately 1 hour, making the entire day a well-paced combination of sightseeing and travel.

Once in Riga, the driver drops you off at your hotel, completing the private experience. This personalized transfer ensures convenience, especially after a day of walking and sightseeing. The smooth drive back allows for reflection on the day’s highlights or a quick rest before exploring Riga further on your own.

Practical Details and Tour Inclusions

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a private car, entry and guided tour of Rundale Palace, and the visit to the Hill of Crosses. The flexibility of a private group means that the timing and pace can be tailored to your preferences, within the overall 8-hour schedule.

Please note that food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase refreshments during your stops. The tour is conducted in English and German, with guides experienced in sharing the history and significance of each site.

The provider, Baltic Saitas, holds a 4.5 rating, reflecting a well-regarded level of service. The tour offers a balance of cultural depth and scenic beauty, making it a well-rounded way to explore parts of Lithuania and Latvia in a single day.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This experience suits travelers who value personalized attention and want to maximize sightseeing in a short time. It’s ideal for those interested in religious symbols, historic architecture, and Baltic heritage. Since the tour is both informative and manageable in pace, it appeals to visitors comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and walking.

The private aspect makes it especially attractive for couples, friends, or small families seeking a more intimate, flexible experience. Those who are keen on avoiding crowded group tours will find this option offers a more relaxed and tailored approach.

The Sum Up: A Rich Day of Baltic Heritage in One Convenient Tour

This From Vilnius to Riga trip with visits to the Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace delivers a compelling mix of spiritual significance and architectural grandeur. With hotel pickup and drop-off, personalized guides, and carefully selected stops, the tour provides excellent value for up to 2 travelers at $922.

While it involves some travel time and a busy itinerary, the experience offers genuine insight into the cultural fabric of the Baltics. It’s perfect for those eager to see iconic landmarks without the hassle of organizing separate trips or self-driving.

This tour balances informative guided visits with free exploration, making it a practical choice for travelers wanting a detailed, private Baltic experience in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the drive from Vilnius to the Hill of Crosses?
Approximately 2 hours.

Is the tour suitable for small groups?
Yes, it is designed for private groups up to 2 people.

What is included in the tour price?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, private car, entrance and guided tour of Rundale Palace, and visit to the Hill of Crosses.

Are meals provided during the tour?
No, food and drinks are not included.

What languages are available for the guides?
English and German.

How much time do I have at the Hill of Crosses?
Around 45 minutes for walking and exploration.

How much time is spent at Rundale Palace?
About one hour for the guided interior tour.

Can I customize the schedule?
The tour is private, so timing can be adjusted within the overall 8-hour window.

What is the overall rating of the tour provider?
Baltic Saitas has a 4.5 out of 5 rating.

Is this tour suitable for anyone with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking on uneven terrain at the Hill of Crosses and inside Rundale Palace, so mobility considerations should be taken into account.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby