Vilnius , Lithuania

Vilnius to Riga - Sightseeing transfer

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(4 reviews)

Duration varies

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Transfer from Vilnius city to Riga city with included visit to Rundale Palace and Bauska Castle.

You will be picked up from your hotel in Vilnius by our English speaking driver.

This trip will take about 7 to 8 hours. Local places for lunch will be advised.
Please note that this daytrip does not include licensed guide service. Our English speaking driver will give basic info, answer your questions, lead to the ticket offices and will advise best local restaurants for lunch. If licensed guide is requested it can be arranged at an additional cost at the sights that we will be visiting, please inform us in advance if such service is needed so we can book it for you.

Please keep in mind or check sites you desire to visit as during the Winter month some sites do not operate every day of the week. Our drivers will advice alternative sites to fill up your day if any of the sites are closed.

Available options

Sedan up to 3 passengers

Car<br/>Pickup included

Minivan up to 7 passengers

Minivan<br/>Pickup included

What's included

One-way private transfer

Bottled water

All taxes, fees and handling charges

English speaking driver

Air-conditioned vehicle

Parking Fees

Transport by private vehicle

What you'll see

You will be picked up from your hotel in Vilnius by our English speaking driver and will drive to Latvia the region of Bauska. After the visit of Rundale palace we will have short drive to Bauska castle and afterwards we'll drive straight to Riga city. Your driver will lead you up to the museum ticket office. This will be full day trip and Local restaurants for lunch will be advised by our driver. Please inform us in advance if you have any detours in mind and we will adjust the route accordingly, we're flexible!

Rundāle Palace - one of Latvia’s hidden gems, due to its difficult to reach location, is the Baroque palace of Rundale. Designed by the Italian architect, Bartolomeo Rastrelli, famous for the Hermitage and Peterhof in Russia, this is quite simply one of the most stunning buildings in the Baltic region. Palace was built from 1736 until 1768 as the summer residence for the Duke of Courland, Ernst Johann von Biron, by Rastrelli. It served as a palace for various nobility up until the first world war, when it became a garrison for the German army. From then Rundale suffered, as it was used as a hospital, school and even for grain storage before becoming a museum in the 1970’s.

Bauska Castle ensemble consists of two sections. Livonian Order Castle, built in the middle of the 15th century, is the oldest one - with only ruins remaining. A more recent part of the ensemble, built in the late 16th century, is the residence of the Kettlers, the Dukes of Courland.
The oldest part of Bauska Castle is built specially for the use of firearms. It is a characteristic example of Latvia’s 15th-17th century military construction. The residence-type castle, fortified with bastions, fortification walls and earthen ramparts, is a more recent structure.
The reconstruction of the more recently built part of the castle began in the 1970s with the aim to turn it into a tourism object as a part of historical, archeological and architectural heritage of national importance.

What's not included

Rundale and Bauska castle entrance tickets

Gratuities

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

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.