Private trip - Hill of Crosses / 2 countries in 1 day in Riga, Latvia
Riga, Latvia

Private trip - Hill of Crosses / 2 countries in 1 day

Outty Ranking 82 4.9 · 49 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $143
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Outty Ranking

82/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 49 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private trip - Hill of Crosses / 2 countries in 1 day worth booking?

Private trip - Hill of Crosses / 2 countries in 1 day is a 5-hour experience in Riga, Latvia, from $143 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 49 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 (49)
Duration
5 hours
From
$143 per person

Hill of Crosses is a truly unique site which will take your breath away! It is is a site of pilgrimage dating back to 1830ties when people started to place crosses here to pray for their loved ones they've lost in the battles (Lithuanian - Polish commonwealth uprising against Russian Empire). In Soviet times this place served as a peaceful protest action against Soviet regime as they tried to destroy the place many times while locals kept coming back and placing more crosses all the time. The Hill of Crosses was visited by Pope John Paul II back in 1993 and since then this place has become very popular - not only between locals but also tourists from all over the world! Don't be intimidated by the fact that it is a pilgrimage site. Even if you're not religious, please note that everyone is welcome to visit this beautiful sight as long as you respect everyone else visiting it!

What you get

    About this experience

    Hill of Crosses is a truly unique site which will take your breath away! It is is a site of pilgrimage dating back to 1830ties when people started to place crosses here to pray for their loved ones they've lost in the battles (Lithuanian - Polish commonwealth uprising against Russian Empire). In Soviet times this place served as a peaceful protest action against Soviet regime as they tried to destroy the place many times while locals kept coming back and placing more crosses all the time. The Hill of Crosses was visited by Pope John Paul II back in 1993 and since then this place has become very popular - not only between locals but also tourists from all over the world! Don't be intimidated by the fact that it is a pilgrimage site. Even if you're not religious, please note that everyone is welcome to visit this beautiful sight as long as you respect everyone else visiting it!

    What's included

    Included

    • On-board WiFi
    • Bottled water
    • In-vehicle air conditioning

    Not included

    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. Eleja

      A border crossing between Latvia and Lithuania - optional stop for a photo.

      5 minutes here

    2. Kryziu Kalnas

      A guided tour of the Hill of Crosses so we can explain the history and legends of the place. Also, we will point out details in some crosses which will change how you look at the hill afterwards.

      30 minutes here

    3. Kryziu Kalnas

      Free time to explore the place by yourselves. Take it all in, enjoy the moment and of course - take loads of stunning photos!

      60 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Latvian Gem

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Private trip - Hill of Crosses / 2 countries in 1 day in Riga, photo 2Private trip - Hill of Crosses / 2 countries in 1 day in Riga, photo 3Private trip - Hill of Crosses / 2 countries in 1 day in Riga, photo 4

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 48 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

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

    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.

    Small groups

    2 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    48 verified traveler reviews for Private trip - Hill of Crosses / 2 countries in 1 day. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    47
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Gwen_R · June 2026

    Hill of Crosses

    The Hill of Crosses has to be experienced. It evoked a feeling of admiration for the spirit of endurance. I was not spooked .

    via Viator

    JoolsNewman · April 2026

    Just Wow !!!

    It is the most incredible, truly humbling place filled with so much emotional energy. Our guide Viesturs was wonderful, he was kind, friendly, very knowledgeable & a truly lovely young man, nothing was too much trouble. We really had a fabulous day & would HIGHLY recommend booking this trip. Krista was so very helpful with planning after we booked. A**

    via Tripadvisor

    Jools_N · April 2026

    Just wow !!

    What an incredibly moving & emotionally charged place full of love & heartbreak. Ive never seen anything like it. Well worth a visit.

    via Viator

    4evaLuv-Holidays · April 2026

    Excellent tour to Hill of Crosses with Latvian Gem

    Highly recommend Latvian Gem and the private tour to Hill of Crosses. We were a group of 4 and had a wonderful guide: Viesturs. Being a private tour, we had some flexibility as to what site we visited first, where and when we stopped for lunch, and Viesturs was informative, friendly and humorous. His English was faultless and he gave us some excellent recommendations for restaurants and bars in Riga, which proved to be spot-on! The Hill of Crosses is a must-see. An amazing experience, and with snow on the ground and was just beautiful.

    via Tripadvisor

    tinajM1517DI · October 2025

    Book direct with local tour company

    We booked a tour direct with Latvian Gem and was so pleased with the customer service ahead of the tour from Krista and on the day. We were kept informed of who our tour guide would be and which vehicle to look out for through WhatsApp. On the day Janis let us know he'd arrived and the itinerary for the day. As it was just the 2 of us on the tour it was brilliant as Janis shared so much h information, not just on the trip we had booked to visit The Hill of Crosses from Riga, but about Latvian life, history culture and customs. If you get Janis as your tour guide you'll be very lucky as he's knowledgeable, personable and friendly and for English speakers is English is superb. We had such a great visit as we learned so much and The Hill of Crosses is incredibly moving. Religious or not you can't not appreciate the beauty. We also visited the city of Jelgava and stopped for a photo opportunity at the border crossing with Lithuania. We highly recommend booking direct with Latvian Gem.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $143 to $250
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    17
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Latvian Gem, who run 23 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.1.

    See everything Latvian Gem runs

    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)74
    Booking momentum (14% weight)68
    Value for money (12% weight)91
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)63
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private trip - Hill of Crosses / 2 countries in 1 day: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Private trip - Hill of Crosses / 2 countries in 1 day cost?

    +

    Prices start at $143 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 Private trip - Hill of Crosses / 2 countries in 1 day take?

    +

    Plan for about 5 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 Private trip - Hill of Crosses / 2 countries in 1 day worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 49 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 Private trip - Hill of Crosses / 2 countries in 1 day?

    +

    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 Private trip - Hill of Crosses / 2 countries in 1 day suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Private trip - Hill of Crosses / 2 countries in 1 day?

    +

    Around 17 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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private trip - Hill of Crosses / 2 countries in 1 day start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Private trip - Hill of Crosses / 2 countries in 1 day?

    +

    Included: On-board WiFi; Bottled water; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Private trip - Hill of Crosses / 2 countries in 1 day include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 77 listed pickup locations in and around Riga. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Private trip - Hill of Crosses / 2 countries in 1 day offered in?

    +

    It runs in 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 Private trip - Hill of Crosses / 2 countries in 1 day?

    +

    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 Private trip - Hill of Crosses / 2 countries in 1 day wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    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 Private trip - Hill of Crosses / 2 countries in 1 day 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 Private trip - Hill of Crosses / 2 countries in 1 day?

    +

    Across 49 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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