RĪGA GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Two countries, three landmarks: a day from Rīga to Rundāle Palace, Bauska Castle and the Hill of Crosses
A guided, shared 8-hour day trip from Rīga that packs Rundāle Palace, Bauska Castle and the Hill of Crosses into a single itinerary — useful for travelers who want one decisive day of culture, gardens and pilgrimage sites.
Two countries, three landmarks: a day from Rīga to Rundāle Palace, Bauska Castle and the Hill of Crosses.
From Riga’s Town Hall Square you depart on an 8‑hour circuit that threads grand baroque gardens, medieval fortifications and a vast field of votive crosses — a compact introduction to Latvia and neighbouring Lithuania’s most photographed landmarks. The trip is run as a shared guided day tour, combining short on-site visits with coach transfers and organized materials for the group.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Rundāle Palace: 280 years and a cinematic pedigree
Rundāle Palace has endured demolition and restoration across centuries and today stands as a rebuilt baroque residence often likened to a ‘Little Versailles’ — its layered past and appearance have even led to use as a filming location.
Three landmark stops in one day
The route brings together the palace and its French gardens, the fortified vantage at Bauska Castle and the distinctive, spiritual Hill of Crosses — all curated into a single shared day trip from Rīga.
From formal gardens to a field of crosses
The program contrasts formal baroque landscaping with the informal, evolving monument of the Hill of Crosses, offering strikingly different expressions of culture and memory in one day.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The trip unfolds as a steady, curated loop: board in central Rīga, visit Rundāle Palace and its gardens without queues, continue to Bauska for castle views and a climbable tower, then cross into Lithuania to see the Hill of Crosses before returning to the city — all delivered as a shared guided excursion with transport and printed information for the group.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day trip suits
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The excursion runs approximately 8 hours from departure to return.
Departure is from Rīga’s Town Hall Square (next to the Occupation Museum).
Bring weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes; the tour provides printed information sheets for participants.
This is a shared guided day trip operated for small groups (see participant limits), with coach transfers and a professional driver.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The day trip runs for approximately 8 hours.
Where do we meet in Rīga?
The meeting point is Town Hall Square, next to the Occupation Museum.
Which landmarks are visited?
The itinerary includes Rundāle Palace (and its gardens), Bauska Castle (including a sightseeing tower), and the Hill of Crosses.
How large are the groups?
The trip operates as a shared group with a maximum of 16 participants.
Is the trip suitable for children or older travelers?
The tour is offered as suitable for all ages; travelers with specific mobility or health concerns should check with the operator in advance.
What is provided during the tour?
Participants travel by coach with a professional driver and receive printed information sheets for the visit.