Rundale and Mezotne Palaces, Bauska Castle Tour

Tour Type

Sightseeing Tour

Tour Duration

~8 Hours

Location

Zemgale - Southern Latvia

Tour Season

Whole year

Tour in Latvia to two palaces and one castle of Zemgale region. Visit if the most outstanding Baroque and Rococo architecture of Latvia in Rundale palace, one of the brightest examples of classicism architecture of Latvia in Mezotne palace and medieval castle of Livonian order, the residence of the Dukes of Courland at Bauska castle.

About The Tour

Tour Description

Day tour in Latvia from Riga to the "Bread basket of Latvia", land of broad fields and farmlands - Zemgale region.

You might be surprised to discover two charming palaces seemingly in the middle of nowhere - Rundāle Palace, by locals also called Versailles of Latvia and Mežotne palace, one of the brightest examples of classicism architecture in Latvia. Both palaces are located in beautiful, peaceful and natural places where you might want to return another time to just sit back, relax and read a book for a day.

Besides the splendid palaces also a medieval castle of Bauska town is visited for a contrast and to learn about more ancient days of nowadays area of Latvia and Baltic states.

Tour Highlights

  • Be amazed by the architecture and gardens of Rundāle palace

    • Rundāle Palace is an exceptional monument full of Baroque and Rococo art. Built in the mid 18th-Century by the Russian court architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, it was the summer residence of the Duke of Courland. The two-story castle contains 138 elaborate rooms, a lovely French garden and a museum dedicated to the history of Latvia.

  • Visit Mezotne palace and enjoy peace and nature surrounding it

    • Mežotne Palace boasts an English style landscape park known for its natural beauty. The park has three parts – a parade yard, a summer park and a winter park; the latter two areas are separated by a natural ravine. One of the paths leads along the bank and offers lovely views across the river. The other path crosses the east part of the park where a small hillock creates an optical illusion enhancing the feeling of space. The design of the park is said to have cost twice as much as that of the palace. From 1940 to 1969, the park gradually grew over. Due to the efforts of agronomist E.Fridrihsons, the then director of the plant breeding station V.Tūls and a number of other people of Mežotne community, the restoration of the park started in 1969.

  • Learn about a distant past in Bauska medieval castle

    • Bauska castle is located in the Town of Bauska, amidst picturesque scenery on a strip of land between the Rivers Mūsa and Mēmele, not far from the place where they flow together forming the Lielupe. The Bauska Castle ensemble consists of two parts. The oldest, a Livonian Order's castle, was built in mid-15th century, and only its ruins have survived. The newest, the residence of the Dukes of Courland, was built in the late 16th century.

  • Enjoy sights of Latvia country side while traveling between the palaces

    • This tour in Latvia visits region "Zemgale" which is our "bread basket" because of the fertile soil and broad fields. Learn more about Zemgale.

Additional information

  • Interior of Mežotne palace and Bauska castle 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.
  • 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 60 EUR*
Price includes:
  • Hotel pick up and drop off
  • Transportation
  • Entrance tickets
  • Guide
*Price is provided for the complete groups! To get quote for your group size click "+Inquire / Book"!
From 50 EUR*
Price includes:
  • Rental car with unlimited mileage
  • Detailed itinerary
*Price is provided for the whole tour program!
Learn more about Self Guided Tours!
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About this region of Latvia - Zemgale


Zemgale (Southern Latvia)

Mežotne, Bauska and Rundāle

Reviews of this tour on TripAdvisor

"Great day outside of Riga - Rundale & Mezotne Palaces and Automuseum"

Reviewed April 19, 2015
Kelly from New Jersey, United States

Rihards and Maija provided an excellent day trip south of Riga. Mezotne Palace has a nice river side setting while Rundale is a fantastic palace reminding us of the Russian influence on the nobility. Bauska castle was closed but we went to the Automobile Musuem which was a great find. An eclectic collection that was unexpected. The museum guide had enthusiasm and knowledge for cars that made it fun.

Visited April 2015

"Two great tours with Discover Latvia"

Reviewed October 5, 2013
Colleen from USA

Rihard was an excellent guide when I took two of their castle/palace tours in October 2013. The fall colors were at their peak and I really enjoyed the Latvian "golden autumn." I decided to visit Latvia on a whim and was very impressed with everything I saw and with the quality of these tours! Rundale Palace, Segulda and Turaida castles were well worth the trip.

Visited October 2013

"A very good day excursion from Riga"

Reviewed July 17, 2013
Ron from La Colle sur Loup, France

Our charming, knowledgeable driver/guide picked us up from our hotel at 09:00 am and drove us into southern Latvia (Zimgale province), making a first stop at Bauska, visiting both the town centre and the castle, then on to the extremely impressive Rundale Palace, where we spent two hours visiting the interior, followed by a drive through the extensive grounds in an electric buggy. Finally we crossed the river to visit another palace - Mezotne - before returning to Riga in the evening.
During the course of the day, our guide explained many aspects of the history, culture and geography of the country, so not only did this tour give us a very good insight into rural Latvia, and three in-depth visits of delightful examples of Latviian national heritage, but we also gained a much better understanding of the country and it's people, building on all we had discovered during our stay in Riga.
Highly recommended.

Visited July 2013

"Professional team"

Reviewed June 22, 2013
Hananya from Kfar Saba, Israel

Although we made contact with them at the last minute and after hours, we received a perfect trip. Maija and Rihards showed up at the appointed time at the hotel entrance. Picked us for a very nice trip as planned. Professional explanations and kindness all the way.

Visited June 2013

"ZEMGALE: A WONDERFUL DAY TOUR FROM RIGA"

Reviewed June 19, 2013
Mario from Recife from Brazil

Visiting the interior of Latvia gave us an idea about how is to live there: remarkable landscapes, full of green, being prepared to receive the seeds. Notorious was the lack of people in the rural area, because many young latvians went to Ireland, British, Sweden, Norway in search of better works. Our trip to the Southern part of the country (Zemgale) was so easily and comfortable made by our guides, Maija and Rihards, who were so patient in answering all our questions, doing the best to fulfill our needs. Thanks a lot for your support. Rundale Palace, Bauska castle and Mezotne Palace were a very good experience for ending our trip in your country.

Visited June 2013

"Castles of Zemgale"

Reviewed July 5, 2012
Andy from USA

I recommend tour to Sigulda in fall. The season makes the environment one of the most beautiful landscapes I've ever seen. We walked in the Gauja National Forest, in the caves of Sigulda, visited castles and met some of the history of Latvia. In addition, Rihards and Sergejs are friendly, pleasant and very funny. I really loved the tour.

Visited July 2012