Discover the highlights between Riga to Vilnius with this ticket. Travel from the heart of Riga through south Latvia and north Lithuania on your way to Vilnius. Make some stops at well-known landmarks on the route.  Be picked by your guide from the meeting point in Riga and sit back and relax as the Latvian countryside passes by on the way to the Bauska Castle complex. Snap pictures of this romantic castle that is situated on a narrow green peninsula and surrounded by two rivers. Continue to the Baroque Rundale Palace. View this classic 18th-century palace before heading to one of the most sacred and spiritual places in Lithuania, the Hill of Crosses. Admire this site of pilgrimage where thousands of crosses have been left over the past 200 years.  Finish your tour at Katedros aikštė (Cathedral square) in Vilnius. Use your complimentary guidebook to help you get around the city. 

After meeting and greetings in the hotel, driving to the Lithuania about 130 km to visit Hill of Crosses. After crossing Latvia -Lithuania border, possibility for coffee break. More 30 km and destination reached. The Hill of Crosses is a potent symbol of faith, hope, and freedom of Lithuania. Desecrated but never destroyed, set on fire but never burned down. Located near town Siauliai it is a hill (castle mound) covered with thousands of crosses made from different materials and in different size. During the Soviet era, these crosses were removed by the authorities, but locals continuously replaced them. In 1993, Pope John Paul II had a service here. He later sent a crucifix to Lithuania which was placed on the hill, and today pilgrims begin and end their journeys at this location. For locals and visitors alike, this is a place of hope and enlightenment, reflecting Lithuania’s historical and cultural traditions. On the Hill of the Crosses, everyone can place their own cross for every occasion in life. The main thing is to believe! About 30-40 minutes for photos and walking around. Specially beautiful and emotional in the time of sunrise and sunset.

Start your trip from Vilnius Town Hall Square. Sit back and enjoy a comfortable ride to your first sightseeing stop: the Hill of Crosses. Continue your trip in Latvia with a visit to Rundale Palace, one of the most stunning Baroque treasures in Latvia. Explore this brightly-colored building surrounded by an extensive and splendid garden. Enjoy a break at Bauska Castle, an impressive example of military architecture. End your trip at Riga Town Hall in Latvia.

Starting from Vilnius the tour will take you to the north of Lithuania where you will find Siauliai city and the famous Hill of Crosses. Siauliai is the fourth largest city in Lithuania.   During the drive through the center, there will be a chance to see the famous Frenkel Villa, Church of St. Peter and Paul and meet the Millenium Fox and Golden Archer of the Sundial.  The famous Hill of Crosses will be your next stop, where the Pope John Paul II held the most highly attended mass in our country – during his visit to Lithuania in 1993. This old mound from the days of the crusaders has been decorated with thousands of crosses in every imaginable size and form. This has always been, as it is now, a place of pilgrimage. Today a veritable sea of crosses – hundreds of thousands of them – serves as a monument to Lithuanians’ devotion to their religion. You will learn about the cross making craft - one of the most unique Lithuanian crafts, included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. After the visit in the Hill of Crosses, it is possible to stop for lunch in a traditional restaurant before making your way back to the capital city, Vilnius.

This full-day tour starts at 09.00 AM when you’re picked up at your centrally located Vilnius Hotel. After about an hour’s drive you’ll reach the Ukmergė District, stopping at a park established to remember those who fought against the Soviet regime. You’ll see crosses dedicated to the partisans, to the most important dates of Lithuanian history and to famous individuals, such as Pope John Paul II and US President Ronald Reagan. Learn about the symbolism of the cross in Lithuanian culture and history. Continue to the Siauliai area, where you’ll visit the Hill of Crosses, one of the most popular sightseeing attractions in Lithuania. Enjoy lunch at local restaurant and taste traditional Lithuanian dishes. After lunch you’ll head back to Vilnius arriving at around 5:00-6:00 PM.

Step into a captivating journey through the heart of the Baltics, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge to create an unforgettable experience. Our unique day tour is designed to immerse you in the rich tapestry of this region, offering a blend of faith, opulence, and medieval tales that will leave you awestruck. Itinerary: 1. The Hill of Crosses - A Testament of Faith and Devotion Our adventure commences at the awe-inspiring Hill of Crosses in Lithuania, a place where the landscape itself tells stories of unwavering faith and profound devotion. As you stand amidst countless crosses of all sizes and designs, each representing a heartfelt prayer or wish, you'll be moved by the spiritual energy that envelops this sacred site. The history and significance of the Hill of Crosses will unfold before you, providing a deep understanding of the enduring faith that has drawn pilgrims here for centuries. During the tour, you'll have the flexibility to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, either before or after exploring the enchanting Rundale Palace. If you choose to skip lunch, don't worry; we'll still have plenty of time to include an additional visit to Bauska Castle on our return journey to Riga. 2. Rundale Palace - A Journey into Extravagance Next, we'll transport you to Rundale Palace, a Baroque masterpiece that embodies opulence and grandeur. Step into a bygone era as you explore the palace's ornate halls adorned with stucco work, gilded carvings, and intricate frescoes. You'll feel like royalty as you traverse the opulent chambers, marveling at the exquisite craftsmanship that surrounds you. The palace's immaculate gardens, resplendent with vibrant blooms, provide a serene escape, inviting you to take leisurely strolls and relish the regal atmosphere. 3. Bauska Castle - Where Medieval Tales Come to Life Our journey through time continues as we arrive at Bauska Castle, a medieval stronghold that resonates with the echoes of knights, duchesses, and historic intrigue. Explore the castle's towers, walk the same halls as nobility once did, and let your imagination wander amidst the ancient walls. The stories of medieval life and feudal lords will unfold, offering a vivid glimpse into the past. The lush park surrounding the castle, adorned with exotic plants and trees from around the world, provides a tranquil setting to reflect on the historical richness of this remarkable site. Conclusion: As our day tour draws to a close, you'll find yourself not only enriched with the history and culture of the Baltics but also with a sense of awe for the beauty that defines this region. Our journey ends with your return back, leaving you perfectly situated to explore more of the charming surroundings or simply bask in the memories of a day filled with faith, opulence, and medieval tales. Join us on this unique adventure, where the past comes alive, and the present is enriched with the treasures of the Baltics.

The driver will pick you up from your address in Riga and firstly will take you to Bauska, where Rundale Palace is located (around 1 hour drive). There you will meet the local guide, who will lead you through the Palace and tell you a lot of interesting stories of the place. After the tour you will have some time to marvel the beautiful French Gardens of Rundale Palace. After you will have another hour drive, which will take you to Lithuania and to one of countries main highlights - the Hill of crosses. The Hill of crosses is a place near Šiauliai city, with hundreds of thousands of crosses, brought by people from all over the world. There you will have time to walk, explore and hear the unforgettable sound of crosses, which are making the music if there is a little wind. Hill of crosses is one of the few highlights in Lithuania, included into the Unesco World heritage list. Back to Riga in the afternoon.

Enjoy a complimentary hotel pick-up and transfer from your centrally located Vilnius hotel or accommodation to Riga through the Hill of Crosses in Siauliai and Rundale palace in Latvia, with a possible stop at Bauska castle in Latvia. The drive to the Hill of Crosses will be about 2.5 hours from Vilnius. The Hill of Crosses has about 100,000 crosses and is an historical architectural monument and a unique composition of folk art. It is said that first crosses were erected here by the next-of-kin of the rebels that fell in the 1831 rebellion. The Hill of crosses attracts people with its spirituality, authenticity, and sacred nature and was visited by Pope John Paul II. After exploring this site, you will head to Rundale Palace, which is an approximately 40-minute drive. Rundale Palace is one of the two major baroque palaces built for the Dukes of Courland in what is now Latvia. In 1735 Duke of Courland Ernst Johann von Biron bought land in Rundale with an old medieval castle in the territory of a planned summer residence. The old castle was demolished and construction after the design of Bartolomeo Rastrelli started in 1736. Your drive to Riga after your visit to the palace is approximately 1 hour.

This full-day day tour is the best choice for those who want to save time, money, and see the most important sights along the trip from Riga to Vilnius. Visit Bauska Castle, which is surrounded by a picturesque scenery and represents an example of military architecture (XV - XVII century). The castle consists of two parts: the fortress built especially for the use of firearms and the residential castle fortified with bastions, protective walls and earthen ramparts. About two hours is reserved to explore Rundale Palace, one of the most outstanding monuments of Baroque and Rococo architecture in Latvia, which sometimes is called as ‘The Versailles of Latvia’. Rundale Palace is built in the mid-18th-Century by the Russian court architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, it was the summer residence of the Duke of Courland. The two-story castle contains 138 elaborate rooms, a lovely French garden and a museum dedicated to the history of Latvia. Last but not least is a unique ensemble of Lithuanian folk art - The Hill of Crosses. The monument with more than 200.000 crosses in various sizes and materials stands on Jurgaiciai - Domantai mound. During your visit at The Hill of Crosses, you will learn more about the legendary stories why the Hill appeared. In the evening finish your drive and arrive in Vilnius city.

During this private day tour you will be able to explore the most interesting sites, which Pope John Paul II visited. Pope John Paul II was the first Roman pontiff who visited Lithuania in September 1993. His pontificate is related with Lithuanian religious and national revival, and the re-establishment of the Lithuanian Republic in 1990. In the very beginning of his pontificate, John Paul II spontaneously pronounced his famous phrase: “Half of my heart is in Lithuania”.  The tour will include two sites which were visited by the Pope: Siluva Shrine of Our Lady and Hill of the Crosses, and one extra site of the beautiful monastery of Tytuvenai. The tour starts from Vilnius and heads to Siluva. Since the beginning of the 16th century, Siluva has been famous for the indulgenced Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Siluva is famous for the first widely known apparition of the Mother of God in Europe. Today Siluva is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Lithuania with its ancient tradition of the indulgenced Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.   Next stop will be Tytuvenai monastery. Tytuvėnai’s Church of Our Lady of the Angels and Bernardine monastery complex are among Lithuania’s largest and most significant specimens of 17th and 18th century sacred architecture, reflecting as they do a multi-layered harmony of the Gothic, Mannerist and Baroque styles. The last stop of the tour is the Hill of Crosses. The Hill of Crosses has about 100,000 crosses, it is a historical architectural monument and a unique composition of folk art. The Hill of Crosses in Lithuania left a deep impression on Pope John Paul II. After the tour, head back to Vilnius.