(Vilnius)Siauliai train station-Jelgava train station(Riga).

Discover the Unique Journey from Vilnius to the Hill of Crosses

This 3-hour tour offers a seamless combination of train travel and sightseeing between Vilnius, Siauliai, and Jelgava. Starting with a train ride from Vilnius to Siauliai, visitors enjoy the flexibility to explore the Hill of Crosses, a renowned spiritual site featuring over 200,000 crosses. From there, a comfortable car transfer takes you to Jelgava train station, where a train links to Riga.

What sets this experience apart is the option to buy your own train tickets—making it a cost-effective way to visit the Hill of Crosses en route between Lithuania and Latvia. The tour is especially suitable for those traveling between Vilnius and Riga who wish to include this famous landmark without rushing, as it emphasizes a relaxed pace with plenty of time for photos, snacks, and even leaving a cross of your own.

While this is a one-way trip, the tour’s flexible stops and small group size—limited to 4 participants—ensure personalized attention and a more intimate experience. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a combination of cultural highlights and scenic travel at an affordable price.

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Key Points

• Travel from Vilnius to Riga with a special stop at the Hill of Crosses.
• Self-organized train tickets from Vilnius to Siauliai are required.
• Three-hour tour with relaxed pacing, allowing time for photos, snacks, and souvenirs.
• Visit the Hill of Crosses for about one hour, with the chance to leave your own cross.
• Includes a visit to the nearby monastery and chapel for spiritual interest.
• Limited to 4 participants for a personalized experience, offered in multiple languages.

Vilnius to Siauliai: The Starting Point of the Journey

The tour begins with travelers arranging their own train tickets from Vilnius to Siauliai. This approach helps keep costs lower and offers flexibility in departure times. The train journey from Vilnius to Siauliai provides a comfortable and scenic start, lasting just enough to settle in before the main attraction. The meeting point can vary, but the coordinates are approximately 55.9232, 23.3140, near Siauliai train station.

Once in Siauliai, the group is picked up by car for about 20 minutes to reach the Hill of Crosses. This transfer is straightforward, and the short drive helps build anticipation for the site. Travelers need to bring passport or ID, as crossing between Lithuania and Latvia requires identification, but no additional visas are mentioned.

Visiting the Hill of Crosses: A Spiritual Landmark

The Hill of Crosses is the main highlight of this tour, offering a spiritual and photographic experience. Visitors have about one hour to explore the site, which features over 200,000 crosses of various sizes and styles. The guide leads the group through the site, explaining its significance and history, while guests are free to walk around at their own pace.

Options at the hill include buying souvenirs, grabbing snacks and drinks, and visiting the nearby monastery with its chapel. A unique feature is the opportunity to leave a cross or place a pin on the map, making the visit personally meaningful. The site’s atmosphere is serene yet lively, with plenty of opportunities for photos and reflection.

Exploring the Nearby Monastery and Chapel

Beyond the crosses, visitors can take a moment to visit the nearby monastery, adding a spiritual dimension to the trip. The chapel provides a quiet space to appreciate the religious and cultural importance of the area. The tour’s relaxed timing means there’s no rush to move on, allowing genuine contemplation or a quick souvenir shop visit.

The car transfer back to Siauliai train station takes about 20 minutes, ensuring ample time at the site without feeling hurried. This stop is ideal for those who want a meaningful break during their journey and the chance to soak in the unique atmosphere of this iconic landmark.

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The Latvian Leg: Jelgava and Riga

After visiting the Hill of Crosses, the group travels by car to Jelgava train station, where a train to Riga awaits. The Jelgava stop offers a smooth transition into Latvia, giving travelers the chance to experience another country’s scenery and culture.

The total duration of the tour remains around three hours, with enough time to enjoy the highlights without feeling rushed. The small group setting ensures personalized attention, with guides speaking English, Dutch, German, or French to accommodate different travelers.

How the Tour Fits into Your Travel Plans

This tour is ideal for people traveling between Vilnius and Riga who want to include a visit to the Hill of Crosses without deviating from their route. Since it is a one-way trip, travelers should plan their schedule accordingly. The flexibility of booking and paying later offers added convenience, especially for spontaneous travelers or those with changing plans.

The price point is attractive because travelers organize their own train tickets from Vilnius to Siauliai. The small group size and personalized guidance provide a more engaging experience compared to larger tours. Plus, the multiple language options make it accessible for international visitors.

What Guides Bring to the Experience

The guides are praised for their knowledgeable and friendly approach. They answer questions thoroughly and communicate clearly, making the visit both informative and enjoyable. The flexibility to ask questions and their multi-language capabilities enhance the overall experience, especially considering the spiritual importance of the Hill of Crosses.

Practical Tips for Participants

Travelers should remember to bring their passport or ID card for border crossing purposes. Since smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not permitted, it’s best to come prepared with snacks and drinks for the journey. The tour does not include meals, but there is plenty of time at the site for a quick snack or souvenir shopping.

It’s also advisable to check the train schedules in advance to coordinate departure times from Vilnius and onward from Jelgava. The meeting points can vary depending on the booking option, so travelers should verify the exact location before the tour date.

The Overall Experience and Suitability

This specialized tour offers a balanced combination of travel and sightseeing with a focus on the Hill of Crosses, making it perfect for those interested in spiritual sites, photography, and cultural landmarks. It’s well-suited for small groups seeking a personalized experience and flexible schedule.

The three-hour duration ensures that the experience remains manageable, even for travelers with tight schedules. The cost-effective approach—self-organized train tickets and small group size—adds to its appeal. Travelers who value guided insights and a relaxed pace will find this tour rewarding.

Visiting the Hill of Crosses on the Way from Vilnius to Riga

The Hill of Crosses remains one of Lithuania’s most compelling sights, and this tour allows visitors to incorporate it effortlessly into their journey between Vilnius and Riga. The stop offers photo opportunities, spiritual reflection, and the chance to leave a cross, creating a personal connection to the site.

The short drive from Siauliai and the flexibility of the schedule make this experience accessible without adding significant travel time. It’s an excellent way to turn a routine trip into a meaningful visit, especially for those interested in local traditions and religious symbols.

Final Thoughts on the Vilnius–Riga Hill of Crosses Tour

This tour provides a cost-effective, flexible, and personally meaningful way to see the Hill of Crosses en route between Vilnius and Riga. The small group size and multi-language guides ensure a personalized experience, while the self-organized train tickets keep costs reasonable.

While the tour is one-way and requires some independent planning for train tickets, the overall pace, the opportunity to leave a cross, and the chance to visit the monastery make it a worthwhile addition to any Baltic itinerary. It appeals especially to travelers who appreciate spiritual sites, cultural history, and a relaxed travel style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy train tickets in advance?
No, travelers organize their train tickets from Vilnius to Siauliai themselves. The tour operator provides guidance but does not include ticketing.

How long do I spend at the Hill of Crosses?
You have about one hour to explore the site, take pictures, buy souvenirs, and leave a cross if you wish.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour’s relaxed pace and spiritual site make it suitable for families with children, provided they are comfortable with the walking and the border crossing.

What languages are available for guides?
Guides speak English, Dutch, German, and French to cater to international participants.

Can I leave a personal cross?
Yes, there is an opportunity to leave a cross of your own on the hill.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but there is time for snacks and drinks at the site.

What should I bring?
Participants should bring passport or ID card for border crossing and any personal items like snacks, drinks, or camera gear.

Is this a group tour?
Yes, it is a small group experience, limited to 4 participants for a more personalized approach.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

How do I find the meeting point?
The exact location varies depending on the booking, with coordinates around 55.9232, 23.3140; confirmation details are provided upon booking.

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