Tour from Vilnius - Riga via The Hill of Crosses, Rundale, Bauska

Vilnius , Lithuania

Tour from Vilnius - Riga via The Hill of Crosses, Rundale, Bauska

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About this experience

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Travel from Vilnius to Riga with ease and explore the world famous attractions under your own steam. This Baltic road trip will take you to the small, grey Jurgaiciai (Domantai) hillock, located in the North of Lithuania, which houses the thousands of crosses of every shape and size and has became the symbol of hope and persistence. The Rundale Palace, built in the eighteenth century as a summer residence of the Duke of Courland, will be another break of the Vilnius – Riga bus trip. This bright Baroque style building, surrounded by the extensive and splendid garden, is often referred to as the Versailles of Latvia and is a well worth visiting. Before reaching your destination you’ll make a stopover at the Bauska Castle complex, consisting of the ruins of an earlier castle and a newer palace.

Available options

Trip from Vilnius to Riga

Inclusions:: Transfer service from Vilnius to Riga with stopovers in the Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace and Bauska Castle.

What's included

Comfortable transportation service

Room for reasonable amount of luggage

Guided book or Live guide

Detailed itinerary

The Hill of Crosses, located sixteen kilometers from Siauliai city, is an authentic monument of history and religious folk art. This small hill with a collection of over 200 000 crosses is the best repository of Lithuanian cross making art and the representation of unshakable faith and a symbol of resistance against occupation.

The Rundale Palace, located just 15 kilometres from Lithuania – Latvia border, was built in the 18th century by Ernst Johann von Biron, as the summer residence of the Duke of Courland. The palace was designed by Italian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, an author of the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg.
In the course of time and political rush the Palace has changed many owners and purposes – it was used as a hospital, elementary school or even a grain storage facility. Nowadays, after extensive and successful renovation process, The Rundale Palace Museum and Garden attracts masses of tourists and is deservingly called a „Versailles of Latvia“.

The Bauska Castle sits on a scenery land between two rivers Musa and Memele in the territory of Bauska town. The Bauska Castle complex consits of two parts: the older, the Livonian Order Castle, build in the middle of the 15th century, and a newer, a residence for the Duke of Courland, constructed at the end of the 16th century. During the Great Northern War the Bauska Castle ensemble was blew up by the Russian military. Nowadays the residence of the Duke of Courland is fully restored and is home the Castle Museum, while only ruins remain from the seat of the Livonian Order.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Entrance tickets

Available languages

Guide guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

50 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.5

17 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Trip runs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday in season time

Children must be accompanied by an adult

A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

A guranteed departured tour

Meeting point

The bus stop in front of Bell Tower in Cathedral Square

About Vilnius

Vilnius is the charming capital of Lithuania, known for its medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its rich history blending various cultures. The city offers a unique mix of baroque architecture, vibrant arts scene, and lively café culture, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Vilnius Old Town

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old Town is the heart of Vilnius, filled with cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and colorful buildings.

Historical/Architecture Half day to full day Free to explore

Gediminas Castle Tower

A symbol of Vilnius, this castle tower offers panoramic views of the city and is a key historical landmark.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €5

Užupis Republic

A bohemian district with its own constitution and flag, Užupis is known for its artistic community and unique charm.

Cultural/Artistic 1-2 hours Free

Vilnius Cathedral

The main cathedral of Vilnius, located in the heart of the Old Town, is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture.

Religious/Architecture 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (€5 for the crypts and bell tower)

Vilnius University

One of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe, Vilnius University is known for its beautiful courtyards and historic buildings.

Historical/Educational 1-2 hours €3 for a guided tour

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cepelinai

Large dumplings filled with minced meat, curd cheese, or mushrooms, typically served with sour cream.

Main Course Vegetarian options available (cheese or mushroom filling)

Šaltibarščiai

A cold beetroot soup made with kefir, cucumbers, and dill, perfect for summer.

Soup Vegetarian

Kibinai

Lithuanian pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, originating from the Lithuanian Karaites.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Šakotis

A traditional Lithuanian tree cake made from a batter of flour, eggs, and sugar, baked on a spit.

Dessert Contains gluten and eggs

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby forests and parks Cycling along the EuroVelo routes Spa and wellness treatments Strolling through the Old Town and parks Visiting museums and art galleries Attending local festivals and events Boat rides on the Vilnia River and nearby lakes Skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest and most popular time to visit, with long daylight hours and plenty of festivals and outdoor activities.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Lithuanian
Widely spoken: English, Russian
English: Moderately spoken, especially among younger people and in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET), GMT+3 (EEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Vilnius is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps to avoid overcharging.
• Be cautious when accepting drinks from strangers to avoid drink spiking.

Getting there

By air

Vilnius Airport • 6 km from city center

By train

Vilnius Railway Station

By bus

Vilnius Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Vilnius. The system is efficient and covers most of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Taxify

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Senamiestis) Užupis Žvėrynas Naujamiestis

Day trips

Trakai Island Castle

26 km from Vilnius • Half day to full day

A stunning medieval castle located on an island in Lake Galvė, offering a glimpse into Lithuania's rich history and beautiful surroundings.

Kaunas

93 km from Vilnius • Full day

The second-largest city in Lithuania, known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful architecture.

Hill of Crosses

12 km from Šiauliai (140 km from Vilnius) • Full day

A unique and moving site featuring thousands of crosses, a symbol of Lithuanian faith and resistance.

Festivals

Vilnius International Film Festival • March Street Music Day • June Vilnius Christmas Market • December

Pro tips

Visit the Užupis Republic for a unique and quirky experience, and read the Užupis Constitution for a taste of the district's independent spirit.
Take a guided tour of the Old Town to learn about Vilnius' rich history and hidden gems.
Try traditional Lithuanian dishes like cepelinai, šaltibarščiai, and kibinai for an authentic culinary experience.
Explore the local craft beer scene by visiting breweries and beer bars, such as Pilies Vartai and Alaus ir Kava.
Visit the Hill of Crosses for a deeply spiritual and culturally significant experience, best done with a guided tour for context.