Mini Baltic Tour: Riga – Rundale – Hill of Crosses

Key Points

• Duration and Departure: The tour lasts 8 hours, starting at 10:00 from your hotel in Riga, with flexible availability.
• Main Stops: Visit Bauska Castle, Rundale Palace, and the Hill of Crosses, each offering unique historical and spiritual insights.
• Transport: Travel is in a minivan with a driver, including fuel and local taxes, making for a comfortable and hassle-free day trip.
• Entrance Fees and Guides: Entrance fees are not included, and guided tours at Rundale Palace are available for an extra cost.
• Languages and Accessibility: The tour is offered in English, Russian, and German and is wheelchair accessible.
• Booking Flexibility: You can reserve now & pay later with full cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Mini Baltic Tour: Riga to Bauska, Rundale, and the Hill of Crosses

The Mini Baltic Tour offers a practical and enriching way to experience some of the most iconic sights near Riga, Latvia, with a focus on history, architecture, and spirituality. This private group experience, organized by AroundLatvia, covers three distinct highlights in just 8 hours, providing a well-balanced glimpse into Baltic culture and heritage. The tour is ideal for travelers who want a comfortable, guided day trip without the hassle of planning logistics or transportation.

Starting from your hotel in Riga at 10:00, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off, making it straightforward from the moment you step outside your accommodation. Its flexible schedule, with availability check options, allows you to fit this experience into your broader travel plans seamlessly. While entrance fees and guided tours inside the attractions are extra, the provided minivan and driver ensure a smooth journey through Latvia and into Lithuania.

Discovering Bauska Castle’s Historic Ruins and Courland Residence

The first stop is Bauska Castle, arriving around 11:30. This site features ruins of an old castle and a more recent residence that once housed the Dukes of Courland. The castle ruins offer a window into medieval times, with the remains giving a sense of the fortress’s historical importance. The newer part, which served as the residence of local nobility, provides insight into regional power structures of the past.

Traveling from Riga, the roughly one-hour drive makes it easy to arrive relaxed and ready to explore. An optional stop at Mezotne Castle can be made, offering additional historic interest if time permits. The Bauska stop is a great way to connect with Latvia’s medieval and early modern history, making it a worthwhile beginning for the day’s journey.

The Majestic Rundale Palace: Baroque and Rococo Masterpieces

Next, the tour reaches Rundale Palace around 12:15, which is arguably the highlight of the trip. This Baroque and Rococo-style palace is renowned for its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and museum collections. Visitors have the chance to explore the palace interiors via guided tours available for an extra fee, or wander independently to enjoy the exquisite details and spacious rooms.

The gardens, with their symmetrical layouts and lush greenery, are perfect for appreciating the design aesthetics of the 18th century. The interior museums showcase artwork, furnishings, and historical artifacts, allowing an immersive glimpse into noble life during the palace’s heyday. The longer stop here, about 1.5 hours, ensures ample time to appreciate the grandeur and take photographs.

The Hill of Crosses: A Unique Spiritual Site Outside Latvia

The most striking part of the tour is the Hill of Crosses, arriving around 15:00. Located 70 kilometers outside of Latvia, this spiritual site features thousands of crosses of various sizes and styles, symbolizing prayers, faith, and hope. It is a powerful place to experience religious devotion and cultural resilience.

The Hill of Crosses offers a unique visual: a hill literally covered in crosses, many placed over decades, creating an indescribable atmosphere. Visitors can walk around, observe the crosses, and reflect on the traditions that have turned this site into a symbol of faith for Lithuanians and visitors alike. The brief but impactful stop here is about 30 minutes, but its visual and emotional impact can last much longer.

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Returning to Riga with Comfort and Convenience

The journey back to Riga begins at 17:00, with the drop-off at your hotel or designated location. The timing allows for a comfortable pace throughout the day, avoiding rushed visits and giving you space to absorb each site’s significance. The private group format ensures a tailored experience, with flexibility for questions and personalized attention.

Throughout the trip, local taxes and fuel are included in the price, providing transparency and peace of mind. Since entrance fees are not included in the price, travelers should consider bringing some cash or cards for on-site tickets, especially at Rundale Palace where guided tours are optional.

Practicalities and Booking Flexibility

The tour is suitable for a broad range of travelers, including those with mobility considerations thanks to wheelchair accessibility. The meeting point is at your hotel, simplifying logistics. Languages offered include English, Russian, and German, making it accessible to many international visitors.

The flexible booking options, including reserve now & pay later and full cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, add a layer of convenience and confidence for planning your trip.

Why Choose the Mini Baltic Tour?

This 8-hour private tour offers an efficient way to see some of the most notable sights close to Riga. The combination of historical ruins, aristocratic palaces, and spiritual sites provides a varied, enriching experience. The expert driver and comfortable minivan make the day relaxed, while the flexible options for guided tours at Rundale add depth for those interested.

While entrance fees are extra if you wish to explore interiors more thoroughly, the overall value lies in the careful selection of stops, convenient logistics, and personalized service. This tour fits best for travelers eager to maximize sightseeing within a limited time, especially those interested in architecture, history, and cultural traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour’s duration and private nature make it suitable for families, though the walking involved at sites should be considered for younger children.

Can I customize the stops?
Since the tour is private, it offers some flexibility, such as the optional stop at Mezotne Castle.

What should I bring?
A passport is recommended, especially when crossing into Lithuania to visit the Hill of Crosses.

Are guides available at the sites?
Guided tours are available at Rundale Palace for an extra cost, while other stops are self-guided.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What languages are available?
The tour is offered in English, Russian, and German.

How much should I budget for entrance fees?
Entrance fees are not included, so it’s advisable to prepare some cash or cards for onsite tickets, especially at Rundale Palace.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long are the stops at each site?
Stops are approximately 1 hour at Bauska Castle, 1.5 hours at Rundale Palace, and 30 minutes at the Hill of Crosses.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included; travelers should plan to bring snacks or eat during free time.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of historic ruins, royal palace, and spiritual site, along with the private, flexible service, makes this tour a practical choice for exploring the Baltic region’s highlights efficiently.

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