Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle in Riga, Latvia
Riga, Latvia

Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle

Outty Ranking 57 4.5 · 2 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $434
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Outty Ranking

57/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.5/5

Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle worth booking?

Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle is a 8-hour experience in Riga, Latvia, from $434 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
57 / 100
Rating
4.5/5 (2)
Duration
8 hours
From
$434 per person

History comes alive with this full-day trip to Hill of Crosses in Lithuania and famous Latvian castle and palace. Just two hour drive from Riga. You'll be able to visit such landmarks as Hill of Crosses, Rundale palace and Bauska castle. Our driver will advice best local restaurants for lunch if you will require. Please note that this daytrip does not include licensed guide service. Our English speaking driver will give basic info, answer your questions, lead to the ticket offices and will advise best local restaurants for lunch. If licensed guide is requested it can be arranged at an additional cost at the sights that we will be visiting, please inform us in advance if such service is needed so we can book it for you. Please keep in mind or check sites you desire to visit as during the Winter month some sites do not operate every day of the week. Our drivers will advice alternative sites to fill up your day if any of the sites are closed.

What you get

    About this experience

    History comes alive with this full-day trip to Hill of Crosses in Lithuania and famous Latvian castle and palace. Just two hour drive from Riga. You'll be able to visit such landmarks as Hill of Crosses, Rundale palace and Bauska castle. Our driver will advice best local restaurants for lunch if you will require. Please note that this daytrip does not include licensed guide service. Our English speaking driver will give basic info, answer your questions, lead to the ticket offices and will advise best local restaurants for lunch. If licensed guide is requested it can be arranged at an additional cost at the sights that we will be visiting, please inform us in advance if such service is needed so we can book it for you. Please keep in mind or check sites you desire to visit as during the Winter month some sites do not operate every day of the week. Our drivers will advice alternative sites to fill up your day if any of the sites are closed.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Bottled water
    • English speaking driver
    • Entrance fee - Hill of Crosses entrance is free of charge
    • In-vehicle air conditioning

    Not included

    • Museum entrance tickets
    • Gratuities
    • Entrance fees
    • Entrance fees

    What you'll see and do

    1. Hill Of Crosses (kryziU Kalnas)

      Lithuania's Hill of Crosses is a symbol of defiance as much as a pilgrimage site. More than 100,000 crosses have been planted, many of them strung with rosary beads that rattle softly in the breeze. The tradition began during the 1831 Uprising and reached its height in the 1960s, in defiance of anti-religious Soviet rule. At night locals crept here to lay crosses, infuriating their oppressors. Legends swirl around the Hill of Crosses. Some locals claim that the mound conceals the bodies of 14th-century warriors, others swear that it's haunted by monks. It's more than likely that the hill was a pre-Christian worship site. Efforts to bulldoze the hill during the 1960s and '70s didn't deter locals from placing crosses here, despite the harsh punishments for being caught. Today it is forbidden to remove a cross from the site, and any visitor may plant a cross. Vendors sell simple wooden crucifixes near the visitor centre, write a prayer or wish onto the cross before placing it in the soil.

      45 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Rundale Palace Museum

      Rundale Palace was built for the Duke of Courland Ernst Johann Biron by the design of the architect F.B. Rastrelli in two periods - from 1736 to 1740 and from 1764 to 1768. Most of the interiors were created by the sculptor J.M. Graf and painters F.Martini and K.Cuki. In the East wing there are several representation areas open for visitors - the Golden Hall, the White Hall and the Large Gallery. The central part of the building hold the Duke’s apartments - parlours and private apartments, while the West wing includes the apartments of the Duchess that have been fully renovated. The exhibition halls showcases applied arts, fine arts and cultural exhibits, the castle also hosts the Early Music Festival and classical music concerts. The guests can also visit the French style regular park with a rose garden, the Green Theatre, decorative parterres and a fountain. During summers, a Garden party is hosted in the park. 12-17 euros / person credit cards accepted.

      90 minutes here · Admission not included

    3. Bauska Castle

      Bauska Castle sits on a picturesque hillock squeezed between two rivers – the Mūsa and Mēmele – that flow parallel to each other. It is actually two castles melded together. The oldest part is in ruins and dates to the Livonian Order in the 15th century. The newer portion is a fortified manor house built by the Duke of Courland in the 16th century and is mostly intact. A museum covers the entire tangled history of the castle and the region. During the 18th century an Italian by the name of Magno Cavala moved to Bauska in search of a new business venture. He was something of a Casanova (and a conman), and started collecting the water at the junction of the two rivers near the castle. He claimed that the water was a pungent love potion and made a fortune scamming the poor townspeople. 5-9 euros / person credit card payments accepted.

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Options you can book

    • Sedan

      Pickup included

    • Minivan

      Minivan Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 7 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Baltic Transfers and Tours

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Free bottled water
    • Total Duration for the tour includes travel time in between each leg of the tour.

    Photos

    Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle in Riga, photo 2Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle in Riga, photo 3Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle in Riga, photo 4Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle in Riga, photo 5Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle in Riga, photo 6Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle in Riga, photo 7

    Traveler reviews

    2 verified traveler reviews for Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1
    4 star
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    Balwant_S · June 2025

    An interesting tour...

    An interesting tour covering two countries. Driver was courteous and provided some useful information. A visit to the Hill of Crosses was fascinating as well as emotional. Rundale palace is beautiful and well preserved.

    Response from the operator: Dear Balwant, Thank you very much for the review.

    via Viator

    I8575LPmichaelf · January 2025

    Great service by Karlis and Baltic Transfers and Tours

    A fantastic tour (one of several) we did with this Company. Besides places visited being amazing, the service was impeccable with pick up and drop off from hotel, bottles of water offered, and top notch courteous service offered including information of places visited in English and information regarding best eateries in the area.

    Response from the operator: Thank you very much for the review!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $434 to $440
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Baltic Transfers and Tours, who run 16 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 56.0.

    See everything Baltic Transfers and Tours runs

    Why this scores 57

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)81
    Review evidence (18% weight)21
    Booking momentum (14% weight)16
    Value for money (12% weight)54
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)47
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Riga.

    How much does Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle cost?

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    Prices start at $434 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Riga usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle take?

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    Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Riga is not rushed.

    Is Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 2 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Riga, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle?

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    Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Riga can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Riga and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Riga within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Riga?

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    On Outty we rank every Riga experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 2 countries! Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace and Bauska castle, Hill of Crosses and Jelgava Tour 2 Countries in 1 Day, Discover Riga Bike Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Riga?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Riga?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle?

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    Included: Private transportation; Bottled water; English speaking driver; Entrance fee - Hill of Crosses entrance is free of charge; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Museum entrance tickets; Gratuities; Entrance fees; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 102 listed pickup locations in and around Riga. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Riga. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What booking options are available for Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle?

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    There are 2 options to choose from, including Sedan, Minivan. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Full-Day Private Trip, Hill of Crosses, Rundale and Bauska Castle.

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