Hill of Crosses and Rundāle Palace Tour from Riga

Two countries in one day
Visit the Hill of Crosses
Explore Rundale Palace and gardens
Admire grand Baroque interiors
Visit two countries in one day on a full-day trip from Riga to the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania and Rundāle Palace in Latvia, with palace interiors, lunch time and the French Garden.

Tour Type

Sightseeing Tour

Tour Duration

~8 Hours

Location

Latvia/Lithuania

Tour Season

March - November

From 80 EUR per person

Visit two countries in one day on a full-day trip from Riga to the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania and Rundāle Palace in Latvia. Experience one of Lithuania’s most unique spiritual landmarks, explore the elegant interiors of Rundāle Palace, enjoy time for lunch and finish with a walk through the beautiful 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 two unforgettable Baltic landmarks in one day from Riga: the symbolic Hill of Crosses in Lithuania and the elegant Rundāle Palace in Latvia, with time for palace interiors, lunch and the French Garden.

Hill of Crosses in Lithuania

Visit one of the most meaningful and unusual pilgrimage sites in the Baltics, covered with thousands of crosses.

Latvia and Lithuania in One Day

Travel from Riga across the border to Lithuania and return to Latvia for one of the region’s most beautiful palaces.

Rundāle Palace Interiors

Explore the grand rooms of Rundāle Palace, one of Latvia’s finest Baroque and Rococo architectural landmarks.

The Pearl of Zemgale

Discover why Rundāle Palace is often called the pearl of Zemgale, with elegant architecture and a rich historical atmosphere.

Lunch Break During the Day

Enjoy time for a relaxed lunch break between the main sightseeing stops, making the full-day route more comfortable.

French Garden at Rundāle Palace

Walk through the palace garden and enjoy the formal landscape design that completes the Rundāle Palace experience.

Route at a Glance

A full-day route from Riga to northern Lithuania and southern Latvia, combining the Hill of Crosses, Rundāle Palace interiors, a lunch break and the palace French Garden.

1

Departure from Riga

Start of the day

2

Latvia–Lithuania Border

Cross into Lithuania

3

Hill of Crosses

Symbolic pilgrimage site

4

Return to Latvia

Drive toward Rundāle

5

Rundāle Palace

Palace interiors

6

Lunch Break

Relaxed pause

7

French Garden

Palace garden walk

Explore the Stops
1

Departure from Riga

The day begins in Riga before heading south toward Lithuania. This full-day route is designed for travelers who want to see two important Baltic landmarks without changing hotels or planning separate transport.

2

Latvia–Lithuania Border Crossing

The route crosses from Latvia into Lithuania, adding an international dimension to the day. We strongly recommend bringing a valid passport or EU national ID card for this tour.

3

Hill of Crosses

Visit the Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai, one of Lithuania’s most extraordinary cultural and pilgrimage sites. Thousands of crosses create a powerful landscape of faith, hope, remembrance and resilience.

4

Return to Latvia

After visiting the Hill of Crosses, the route continues back into Latvia and toward Rundāle Palace, one of the country’s most impressive historical monuments.

5

Rundāle Palace Interiors

Explore Rundāle Palace, often described as Latvia’s Baroque and Rococo pearl. The palace is known for elegant halls, restored interiors and its connection with the former Dukes of Courland.

6

Lunch Break

Take time for a relaxed lunch break during the Rundāle part of the day. It gives the route a comfortable pace before continuing with the garden visit.

7

French Garden at Rundāle Palace

Finish the main sightseeing route with a walk through the French Garden of Rundāle Palace. The formal garden design, pathways and palace views make this a beautiful final stop before returning to Riga.

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

  • Please bring a valid passport or EU national ID card, as this tour crosses the Latvia–Lithuania border.
  • Rundāle Palace interiors and the French Garden are visited independently, without a guide.
  • This tour includes a moderate amount of walking. Please wear comfortable shoes suitable for outdoor paths and palace grounds.
  • The tour operates in different weather conditions. Please dress according to the weather.

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
*The price depends on your group size. To receive an exact quote, please 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.

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About this region of Latvia - Zemgale


Zemgale (Southern Latvia)

Mežotne, Bauska and Rundāle