Hill of Crosses and Jelgava Tour: 2 Countries in 1 Day

Cross two borders and two centuries in a single day, guided the whole way.

A guided day tour from Riga to Lithuania's Hill of Crosses and back through Jelgava, with round-trip transport, a live English-speaking guide at each stop, bottled water and a traditional Latvian herbal drink included. The guide introduces each site, then leaves time to explore at your own pace. Lunch is available for purchase, with a pre-order option to have it ready when you arrive.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Hill of Crosses and Jelgava

• Meet guide in Riga
• Drive toward Lithuania with regional introduction
• Stop at Latvia–Lithuania border for photos and history
• Guided visit to Hill of Crosses
• Free time at Hill of Crosses
• Visit Jelgava landmark
• Walk along Jelgava riverside promenade
• Lunch break at local restaurant
• View Jelgava Palace and learn history
• Drive back to Riga
• Tour ends at Dome Square near Riga Cathedral

The experience

The tour starts at Riga Cathedral and heads south toward the Latvia–Lithuania border, where your guide explains the region's history as you cross between two countries. From there the route continues to the Hill of Crosses, one of Europe's most singular pilgrimage sites: a hillside covered in thousands of wooden crosses left by visitors over centuries. You'll get a guided introduction to its history and symbolism, then free time to walk among the crosses at your own pace.

The afternoon moves into Jelgava, where the guide walks you along the riverside promenade and points out the city's landmarks, including Jelgava Palace, the former residence of the Dukes of Courland, now a university building. A lunch break is built into the schedule at a local restaurant. If you want to skip the ordering process, you can pre-order your meal during the drive so it's ready when you arrive. The day wraps up with a traditional Latvian herbal drink: a small local touch before the drive back to Riga, ending near Dome Square.

Transport is in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional English-speaking guide throughout. The whole tour runs about seven and a half hours, which means you leave Riga in the morning and return by early evening. Bottled water is provided, and the pace is structured enough that you're not managing logistics, but loose enough that you're not rushed at any stop.

What’s included

• Round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• professional English-speaking guide throughout.
• guided introductions at the Hill of Crosses, Jelgava's riverside and Jelgava Palace.
• bottled water.
• traditional Latvian herbal drink.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to4h before

GroupUp to 18 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats available

Operated by Latvia Guide Tours

Is this one for you?This seven-and-a-half-hour tour fits a full day while keeping your morning or evening free, and pairs guided stops with stretches of independent exploration time.

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Top questions

How much of the Hill of Crosses do I actually get to see on my own?

After your guide's introduction to the site's history and symbolism, you have free time to explore the hillside at your own pace. The guide doesn't dictate how long you spend there or which paths you take.

What exactly is Jelgava Palace and why is it worth seeing?

Jelgava Palace was the residence of the Dukes of Courland and is now a university building. You'll see it from the outside and learn its architectural and cultural significance from your guide, and the riverside walk gives you a sense of the city's layout and modern life alongside its history.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included, but it's built into the itinerary at a local restaurant. You can order when you arrive, or pre-order during the drive so your meal is ready: that option saves time if you'd rather not wait.

What's included in the tour price besides transport?

The tour includes round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional English-speaking guide throughout the day, guided introductions at all main stops, bottled water and a traditional Latvian herbal drink at the end.

Can I arrange a coffee stop or detour during the tour?

Yes, coffee stops and detours can be arranged with your driver, so if there's something specific you want to see or a break you need, you can discuss it during the day.