Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from Riga
Riga, Latvia

Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from Riga

Outty Ranking 82 4.9 · 44 traveler reviews9 hoursFrom $126
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Outty Ranking

82/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 44 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from Riga worth booking?

Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from Riga is a 9-hour experience in Riga, Latvia, from $126 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 44 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
82 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (44)
Duration
9 hours
From
$126 per person

This tour stands out with a fully guided visit inside Rundale Palace led by a certified guide — not an audio guide or self-guided visit. This allows for a deeper understanding of the palace, its history, and its interiors. The experience is carefully organized from start to finish, combining transport, guided visits, and multiple destinations into one smooth and structured day tour from Riga. Unlike simple transfer-style trips, this tour provides guided insight at key locations, including the Hill of Crosses and Bauska Castle, creating a more engaging and informative experience. A planned lunch stop and well-balanced timing ensure a comfortable pace, allowing you to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

What you get

    About this experience

    This tour stands out with a fully guided visit inside Rundale Palace led by a certified guide — not an audio guide or self-guided visit. This allows for a deeper understanding of the palace, its history, and its interiors. The experience is carefully organized from start to finish, combining transport, guided visits, and multiple destinations into one smooth and structured day tour from Riga. Unlike simple transfer-style trips, this tour provides guided insight at key locations, including the Hill of Crosses and Bauska Castle, creating a more engaging and informative experience. A planned lunch stop and well-balanced timing ensure a comfortable pace, allowing you to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

    What's included

    Included

    • Traditional Latvian herbal drink (Riga Black Balsam) tasting
    • Comfortable round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
    • Entrance tickets to Rundale Palace and Bauska Castle
    • Bottled water
    • Professional English-speaking guide throughout the tour
    • Guided visit of Bauska Castle including tower access
    • Fully guided visit inside Rundale Palace with a certified palace guide

    Not included

    • Lunch (planned stop; meals paid individually)
    • Personal expenses

    What you'll see and do

    1. Stop at the Latvia–Lithuania border during your journey to the Hill of Crosses. Enjoy a short guided introduction to the region while crossing between two countries, with time for photos at this symbolic location.

      10 minutes here

    2. Visit the Hill of Crosses, one of the most unique pilgrimage sites in Europe. Begin with a guided introduction to its history, symbolism, and traditions, followed by free time to explore at your own pace, take photos, and experience the atmosphere of this remarkable location. You will also have the opportunity to visit the nearby Franciscan Monastery, where the open chapel offers a quiet space for reflection.

      60 minutes here

    3. Rundale Palace Museum

      Enjoy a fully guided visit inside Rundale Palace, led by a certified palace guide (not an audio guide). This provides a much deeper understanding of the palace, its history, and its interiors compared to self-guided visits. Explore the main exhibition halls, including the ceremonial rooms and the private apartments of the Duke and Duchess, while learning about the palace’s baroque and rococo architecture and life at the ducal court. After the visit, a planned lunch stop is arranged at a local restaurant, where you can relax and choose your meal before continuing the tour.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    4. After the palace visit, enjoy free time to explore the French Garden of Rundale Palace at your own pace. Walk through the elegant, symmetrical landscape, take photos, and experience the gardens as an extension of the palace’s baroque design.

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    5. Bauska Castle

      Visit the medieval part of Bauska Castle with a guided introduction to its history, strategic importance, and daily life in the Middle Ages. Climb the castle tower with your guide and enjoy panoramic views over the surrounding rivers and landscape — one of the highlights of the visit.

      40 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Riga

    Please meet the driver in front of the main entrance of Riga Cathedral (Rīgas Doms).

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Please meet the driver in front of the main entrance of Riga Cathedral (Rīgas Doms).

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    ru, en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Latvia Guide Tours

    Know before you go

    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Please bring your walking shoes

    Photos

    Rundale palace, Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from RigaRundale palace, Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from RigaHill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from Riga, photo 4Hill of Crosses, Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from RigaHill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from Riga, photo 6Hill of Crosses, Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from Riga

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 44 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    6 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    44 verified traveler reviews for Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from Riga. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    42
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    S2635VTjuliaa · October 2026

    A memorable tour

    We had a great day visiting the Hill of Crosses, Rundāle Palace and Bauska Castle. It was a really interesting and enjoyable tour, and I can highly recommend it to anyone visiting Riga. Janis was a wonderful guide throughout the entire trip. He was very considerate, helpful and knowledgeable, and whenever we had any questions, we could simply ask him. He also brought along a bottle of Latvian Black Balsam for us to try, giving each of us a shot glass and sharing the history behind this traditional Latvian drink. Such a thoughtful and fun little extra that made the experience even more special. A special mention also goes to Olaf, our guide at Rundāle Palace, who absolutely went all out during the tour. He had so many funny remarks and fascinating facts about the palace and the history of that time, making the whole experience both entertaining and educational. He really brought the history to life. Overall, this was a fantastic trip with beautiful places, fascinating history and excellent guides. Both Janis and Olaf made the day memorable, and I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone travelling to Riga.

    via Tripadvisor

    Cesar_R · September 2026

    Excellent!

    Our tour was fantastic. Edite was a wonderful tour guide and extremely knowledgeable. She was so friendly and kept the tour moving at just the perfect pace. We enjoyed every bit of it. The transportation was very comfortable too. Would recommend to others!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the fantastic feedback! Edīte will be very happy to hear your kind words. Finding the right pace is such an important part of a full-day tour, so we’re especially pleased that you could enjoy every stop without the day feeling rushed. Thank you for recommending the experience to other travellers! Latvia Guide Tours Team

    via Viator

    derekpT3256PJ · September 2026

    Thank you Erlens

    Had a great tour which was made even better by the informative guide Erlens who seemed very knowledgeable about the places we visited would definitely recommend to friends and family

    Response from the operator: Thank you for such a generous recommendation. We’ll make sure Erlens sees your kind words — knowing that his knowledge added to your experience is wonderful feedback for our team. Latvia Guide Tours Team

    via Tripadvisor

    carlosgustavom2018 · July 2026

    Up the Hill and around the Palace

    Excellent day trip. Well-planned and delivered, with interesting information shared by the guide from his personal experience, excellent guide at Rundale Castle (his name was Olaf, I believe), good lunch, interesting places and safe driver. I recommend,

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the recommendation! It’s great to hear that the day felt well planned from start to finish, with interesting insights from the guides, a good lunch and a safe, comfortable journey. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Latvia Guide Tours Team

    via Tripadvisor

    Kim_T · July 2026

    Maris was a fantastic...

    Maris was a fantastic tour guide which he provided so much information about Latvia and Lithuania. We got to see the border crossing which was fun to get some photos, Hill of Crosses which was a must for Lithuania, beautiful Rundale palace, lunch with our group, and Bauska Castle. It was a blast and got to see other areas of Latvia. Highly recommend as a day trip

    Response from the operator: Dear Kim, Thank you for your wonderful feedback. It’s great to hear that Māris made the journey through Latvia and Lithuania both informative and fun. From the Hill of Crosses and Rundāle Palace to those spontaneous border photos, it sounds like the day was filled with memorable moments. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to Māris. Thank you for recommending this day trip from Riga! Warm regards, Latvia Guide Tours Team

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    9 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    15
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Why this scores 82

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)90
    Review evidence (18% weight)72
    Booking momentum (14% weight)65
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)82
    Local standing (8% weight)62
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from Riga: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from Riga cost?

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    Prices start at $126 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 Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from Riga take?

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    Plan for about 9 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 Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from Riga worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 44 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 Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from Riga?

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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 Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from Riga suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from Riga?

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    Around 15 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?

    +

    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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from Riga 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from Riga?

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    Included: Traditional Latvian herbal drink (Riga Black Balsam) tasting; Comfortable round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle; Entrance tickets to Rundale Palace and Bauska Castle; Bottled water; and Professional English-speaking guide throughout the tour. Not included: Lunch (planned stop; meals paid individually); and Personal expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from Riga?

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    Please meet the driver in front of the main entrance of Riga Cathedral (Rīgas Doms). Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from Riga offered in?

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    It is offered in Russian and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from Riga?

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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 Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from Riga wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from Riga if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 do travelers say about Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace with Bauska Castle from Riga?

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    Across 44 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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