Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries in Riga, Latvia
Riga, Latvia

Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries

Outty Ranking 70 5.0 · 7 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $154
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

70/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries worth booking?

Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries is a 8-hour experience in Riga, Latvia, from $154 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
70 / 100
Rating
5/5 (7)
Duration
8 hours
From
$154 per person

Enjoy a diverse and memorable small-group day trip from Riga that blends culture, history, spirituality, and nature. Travel to the iconic Hill of Crosses in Lithuania, one of Europe’s most unique pilgrimage sites, before continuing to Jelgava, home to the largest Baroque palace in the Baltics. Capture great photos and hear engaging stories about the city’s fascinating and turbulent past. Your journey continues to Jurmala, Latvia’s beloved seaside resort town, known for its charming wooden architecture, vibrant promenade, and wide stretches of white-sand beach along the Baltic coast. Enjoy a relaxed stroll, breathe in fresh sea air, and sample local treats before returning to Riga. This small-group tour offers a well-balanced mix of architecture, history, religion, and nature—an excellent alternative to standard Hill of Crosses tours, and a perfect way to experience the diverse highlights of both Latvia and Lithuania in one enriching day. Tour operates with at least 3 guests.

What you get

    About this experience

    Enjoy a diverse and memorable small-group day trip from Riga that blends culture, history, spirituality, and nature. Travel to the iconic Hill of Crosses in Lithuania, one of Europe’s most unique pilgrimage sites, before continuing to Jelgava, home to the largest Baroque palace in the Baltics. Capture great photos and hear engaging stories about the city’s fascinating and turbulent past. Your journey continues to Jurmala, Latvia’s beloved seaside resort town, known for its charming wooden architecture, vibrant promenade, and wide stretches of white-sand beach along the Baltic coast. Enjoy a relaxed stroll, breathe in fresh sea air, and sample local treats before returning to Riga. This small-group tour offers a well-balanced mix of architecture, history, religion, and nature—an excellent alternative to standard Hill of Crosses tours, and a perfect way to experience the diverse highlights of both Latvia and Lithuania in one enriching day. Tour operates with at least 3 guests.

    What's included

    Included

    • On-board WiFi
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Parking fees

    Not included

    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. Border Stop – optional photo stop at the Latvia–Lithuania border, marking the moment you visit two countries in one day. Please remember to bring your passport or EU ID, as although rare, border checks can occasionally occur.

      10 minutes here

    2. Hill Of Crosses (kryziU Kalnas)

      Hill of Crosses – one of Lithuania’s most iconic sites, with thousands of crosses placed by locals over generations. It symbolizes faith, hope, and resistance, reflecting the country’s history and spirit. Your guide will share its story, and you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace – take photos, admire the variety of crosses, reflect, and even leave one if you wish.

      60 minutes here

    3. St. Simeon’s and St. Anna’s Orthodox Cathedral

      Discover one of Jelgava’s most beautiful landmarks — the St. Simeon and St. Anne’s Orthodox Cathedral. Admire its striking blue-and-white façade, gleaming golden domes, and elegant architecture that stands out in the city skyline. Step inside (if open) to experience the peaceful atmosphere and intricate interior details typical of Orthodox churches. Your guide will share the story of how this cathedral was rebuilt after World War II and what it represents for Jelgava’s community today. It’s a perfect spot for photos and a glimpse into Latvia’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

      30 minutes here

    4. Jelgava Palace

      Jelgava Palace – the largest Baroque palace in the Baltics and one of Latvia’s most impressive landmarks. Designed by the Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who also worked on the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, it offers a glimpse into Latvia’s royal and cultural past. Once the residence of the Dukes of Courland, the palace has seen grandeur, war, and rebirth. Today it houses the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies, but its majestic exterior and peaceful riverside setting still make it a great spot for photos and a look back at Latvia’s aristocratic heritage.

      30 minutes here

    5. Jurmala

      Jūrmala – Latvia’s beloved seaside town, known for its beautiful wooden architecture and relaxed coastal vibe. Stroll through its charming streets, admire the elegant villas, and enjoy the fresh sea air along the Baltic shoreline.

      90 minutes here

    6. Jurmala Beach

      Free Time on the Beach – enjoy a relaxing break by the Baltic Sea. Don’t worry if you’re visiting in winter – locals love peaceful seaside walks and the fresh sea air all year round. In summer, you can bring a towel and take a refreshing dip in the water if you wish!

      30 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Riga

    Pick up in front of St. Peters church main entrance.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Pick up in front of St. Peters church main entrance.

    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 8 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
    • Tour operates with at least 3 guests.

    Photos

    Hill of Crosses, Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries in RigaHill of Crosses, Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries in RigaJurmala Beach, Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries in RigaSmall Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries in Riga, photo 5Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries in Riga, photo 6Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries in Riga, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

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

    Traveler reviews

    7 verified traveler reviews for Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    7
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Gaurav_B · September 2026

    Worth the time for a memorable experience

    Places were as described, the guide was extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and the time flew by. A lot of additional tips, places to visit were recommeneded by the guide who has a great sense of humour.

    via Viator

    S465CYbarbaral · September 2026

    Excellent Tour and Guide

    Excellent trip start to finish. Our guide Viesturs was very knowledgeable, entertaining and helpful. He really gave us a great insight into life in and the culture of Latvia. We had a great lunch stop to try Latvian food - potato pancakes. Cold soup and garlic bread. Definitely recommend.

    via Tripadvisor

    700ehe · May 2026

    Atmospheric calm day trip

    Thanks to guide Viesturs and the rest of our small group for a memorable pleasant day! I'm glad Latvian Gem reached out and offered this tour as another one I had booked originally was canceled. It was nice to see a glimpse of small towns and country side of Latvia and Lithuania, in addition to my stay in Riga. The atmosphere was quiet and relaxing in early April with enough time and space to explore the stops.

    via Tripadvisor

    Tanja_K · April 2026

    Great trip with great guide

    We liked the trip so much. Viesturs, our guide, contributed to this. His open and very informative nature has suited us perfectly. We learned a lot about the Baltics and visited beautiful places. Clear recommendation!

    via Viator (translated)

    Rachael_C · April 2026

    Excellent day tour in Latvia and Hill of crosses in Lithuania

    Great day out, excellent guide, very informative and ensured we got the best out of the day. Two teenage boys really enjoyed it

    via Viator

    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
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    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 70

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)87
    Review evidence (18% weight)39
    Booking momentum (14% weight)26
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)58
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries cost?

    +

    Prices start at $154 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 Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries 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 Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 7 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 Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries?

    +

    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 Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries 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 Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries?

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    Around 2 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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries 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?

    +

    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 Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries?

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

    Where is the meeting point for Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries?

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    Pick up in front of St. Peters church main entrance. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries 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 Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries?

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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 Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries 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 Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries 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 do travelers say about Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries?

    +

    Across 7 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Small Group - Hill of Crosses, Jelgava and Jurmala / 2 Countries.

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