Hill of Crosses and Rundāle Palace Tour from Riga

Tour Type

Sightseeing Tour

Tour Duration

~8 Hours

Location

Latvia/Lithuania

Tour Season

March - November

Visit one of the most unique places in Lithuania and one of the most beautiful palaces in Latvia in a single day. Explore the famous Hill of Crosses, discover the elegant interiors of Rundāle Palace, enjoy a lunch break during the tour and finish the day with a relaxing walk through the French Garden.

About The Tour

Tour Description

This full-day tour from Riga combines one of Lithuania’s most extraordinary pilgrimage sites with one of Latvia’s finest architectural landmarks. The first stop is the Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai — a unique and deeply symbolic place covered with thousands of crosses, representing faith, hope, remembrance and resilience. It is one of the most well-known attractions in Lithuania and a meaningful place for visitors from all over the world.

After visiting the Hill of Crosses, the tour continues back to Latvia to Rundāle Palace — often called the Baroque and Rococo pearl of Latvia. The palace is one of the country’s most impressive historical monuments and is especially loved for its elegant interiors, harmonious architecture and beautifully designed gardens.

Once at Rundāle Palace, you will have time to explore the palace interiors and learn more about its history and former residents. After the palace visit, there will be time for a lunch break before continuing with the rest of the tour.

The final part of the tour is a walk through the French Garden of Rundāle Palace. The garden is one of the most remarkable formal Baroque gardens in the Baltics and is known for its ornamental parterres, rose plantings, greenery and pleasant atmosphere for a relaxed stroll.

This tour is a great choice for travelers who want to enjoy a rich and varied day outside Riga — combining spiritual heritage, history, architecture and beautiful scenery in one experience.

Why choose this tour

Two Baltic highlights in one day
A unique spiritual and cultural experience
Visit elegant Rundāle Palace interiors
Visit Hill of Crosses from Riga easily

Best for

Travelers who want to see Latvia and Lithuania
Visitors interested in history and culture
People who enjoy meaningful and unusual places
Guests looking for an easy day trip from Riga

Tour Highlights

  • Visit the famous Hill of Crosses in Lithuania
  • Explore one of the most iconic and unusual landmarks in Lithuania. Covered with thousands of crosses left by visitors over many years, the Hill of Crosses is a place with a very special atmosphere and a powerful visual impression.

  • Discover one of the most unique pilgrimage sites in the Baltics
  • The Hill of Crosses is not only a popular sightseeing stop, but also an important place of faith, hope and remembrance. It has become a symbol of spiritual strength and resilience, attracting pilgrims and travelers from all over the world.

  • Explore the elegant interiors of Rundāle Palace
  • Step inside one of the most beautiful palaces in Latvia and admire its impressive halls, historic rooms and refined Baroque architecture. Rundāle Palace is one of the country’s most outstanding cultural and architectural monuments.

  • Take a relaxing walk in the beautiful French Garden
  • Enjoy a stroll through the landscaped French Garden of Rundāle Palace, known for its formal layout, decorative flower beds, greenery and elegant design. It is a wonderful place to slow down, take photos and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

  • Experience two Baltic countries in one day
  • This tour gives you the opportunity to visit both Lithuania and Latvia in a single day. It is a great way to see more of the Baltic region and enjoy two very different but equally memorable cultural landmarks on one journey.

  • Travel comfortably from Riga on a full-day excursion
  • Leave the planning and driving behind and enjoy a comfortable full-day trip from Riga. With a well-organized route and convenient transport, you can simply relax and focus on the experience.

Tour itinerary

1

Pick-up in Riga

We will meet you in Riga at your hotel or other accommodation and start your full-day trip towards Lithuania.

2

Hill of Crosses

Visit one of Lithuania’s most famous and unusual landmarks near Šiauliai.

Approx. visit time: 1 hour

3

Rundāle Palace

Continue to Rundāle Palace, one of the most impressive Baroque palaces in Latvia.

Approx. visit time: 1.5–2 hours

4

Lunch Break

Time will be provided for a lunch break before continuing with the next part of the tour.

Approx. duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour

5

French Garden

Enjoy a relaxing walk or take a garden bus through the beautiful French Garden of Rundāle Palace.

Approx. visit time: 30–45 minutes

6

Return to Riga

After the visit to the French Garden, return drive to Riga. Drop off at your hotel or accommodation.

Additional information

  • Valid passport or EU national ID card is mandatory since the country border is crossed.
  • Interior of Rundāle palace and the French garden is visited without guide.
  • Tour includes moderate amount of walking, please wear flat shoes suitable for walking.
  • The tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress according to the weather and wear proper shoes for walking.
  • The Hill of Crosses visit is outdoors, so comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended
  • This tour is not recommended for people with limited mobility.
  • Infant seats are available on request during the booking.

Map of the tour

Tour Price and Booking

From 80 EUR*
Price includes:
  • Hotel pick up and drop off
  • Transportation
  • Admission fees
  • Guide
Not included:
  • Guided tour of Rundāle Palace & Garden
*Price is provided for the complete groups! To get quote for your group size click "+Inquire / Book"!
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Frequently Asked Questions

The Hill of Crosses and Rundāle Palace tour from Riga is a full-day trip. The total duration is usually around 8 hours, depending on traffic, border crossing conditions, and the pace of the day.

The Hill of Crosses is located in northern Lithuania, near the border with Latvia. It is one of the most famous pilgrimage and cultural sites in the Baltics, and it can be comfortably visited on a day trip from Riga.

Yes, we strongly recommend bringing a valid passport or EU national ID card, because this tour from Riga includes travel across the border from Latvia to Lithuania and back.

Yes, Rundāle Palace is one of the main highlights of this day trip from Riga. Visitors can enjoy the palace complex, its impressive architecture, and the elegant atmosphere of one of the most beautiful palaces in the Baltics.

Yes, this tour can be a good choice for families with children who enjoy sightseeing, history, and unique places. Since it is a full-day tour from Riga, it is best suited for children who are comfortable with longer drives and several sightseeing stops.

Yes, many seniors enjoy this tour very much. Please note that the Hill of Crosses includes walking outdoors on uneven paths, so comfortable shoes and a relaxed pace are recommended.

This day trip includes a moderate amount of walking. At the Hill of Crosses, visitors walk on outdoor paths, and at Rundāle Palace there is also walking around the palace grounds and inside the palace.

We recommend comfortable clothing and good walking shoes suitable for the weather. Since part of the tour takes place outdoors, a jacket, rain protection, or sun protection may be useful depending on the season.

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring (or buy one at the hill of crosses) and place a small cross at the Hill of Crosses. Many travelers do this as a personal, cultural, or spiritual gesture.

Yes, there is time for lunch included in a local venue in Rundāle palace. Cost of lunch is not included in the tour price

Yes, this tour can usually be enjoyed in all seasons. In summer, visitors enjoy green landscapes and palace gardens, while autumn and winter offer a quieter and more atmospheric experience.

This tour combines two very different but memorable experiences in one day trip from Riga: the unique spiritual atmosphere of the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania and the elegance of Rundāle Palace in Latvia. It is a great choice for travelers who want to see more of the Baltics beyond Riga.

About this region of Latvia - Zemgale


Zemgale (Southern Latvia)

Mežotne, Bauska and Rundāle