Vilnius to Riga via Hill of Crosses, Rundale, Bauska

Three centuries of Baltic architecture in one eight-hour drive

This eight-hour guided route carries you from Vilnius to Riga with three substantial stops: the Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai, where over 200,000 crosses cover a small hillock as a monument to Lithuanian faith and resistance; Rundale Palace, an 18th-century Baroque summer residence designed by the architect of the Winter Palace and often called the Versailles of Latvia; and Bauska Castle, a two-part complex of medieval Livonian ruins and a restored Renaissance ducal residence. A live English-speaking guide travels with you, and the bus departs on a guaranteed schedule three days a week in season.

Step-by-step itinerary

Vilnius to Riga via key attractions

• Depart from Vilnius
• Visit The Hill of Crosses
• Explore Rundale Palace and gardens
• Stop at Bauska Castle complex
• Arrive in Riga

The Experience

The route begins in Vilnius and moves north through Lithuania toward the Latvian border, stopping first at the Hill of Crosses sixteen kilometers from Šiauliai. This small grey hillock holds the largest collection of Lithuanian cross-making art in existence—over 200,000 crosses of every shape and size, placed there over centuries as acts of faith and resistance. The stop gives you time to walk among them and understand why the site has become a symbol of Lithuanian persistence.

From there the bus continues into Latvia and stops at Rundale Palace, just fifteen kilometers past the border. Built in the 18th century by Ernst Johann von Biron as a summer residence for the Duke of Courland, the palace was designed by Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the same Italian architect who built the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg. The building has been extensively restored and now sits in formal gardens that justify its reputation as the Versailles of Latvia. You explore it at your own pace, without a separate ticket cost folded into the tour price.

The final stop before Riga is Bauska Castle, positioned on a scenic stretch between two rivers. The complex holds two distinct structures: a 15th-century Livonian Order castle that now stands as ruins after being destroyed during the Great Northern War, and a later Renaissance palace built for the Duke of Courland that has been fully restored and houses a museum. The contrast between the two—one preserved as rubble, one rebuilt and inhabited—gives the site its particular weight. From there it is a short drive into Riga.

What’s included

• Comfortable transportation with luggage space.
• live English-speaking guide throughout the day.
• stops at the Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace and Bauska Castle with time to explore each one at your own pace.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Discover Lithuania

Is this one for you?Book this if you're traveling between Vilnius and Riga without a car and want stops at Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace built in—the driver handles navigation and route planning, so you only decide when to go.

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Top questions

What exactly is the Hill of Crosses and why do so many people leave crosses there?

The Hill of Crosses is a small hillock sixteen kilometers from Šiauliai that holds over 200,000 crosses of varying sizes and styles, placed there over centuries as expressions of Lithuanian faith, hope and resistance to occupation. It is considered the most important repository of Lithuanian cross-making art and has become a national symbol of persistence.

Is Rundale Palace the same as the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg?

Rundale Palace was designed by Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who also designed the Winter Palace, but they are separate buildings in different countries. Rundale sits in Latvia near the Lithuanian border and was built as a summer residence for the Duke of Courland in the 18th century, while the Winter Palace is in Saint Petersburg. Both are Baroque in style and both have extensive formal gardens.

Can I go inside Bauska Castle or is it only ruins?

Bauska Castle is a two-part complex. The older Livonian Order castle from the 15th century remains as ruins after being destroyed during the Great Northern War. The newer Renaissance palace built for the Duke of Courland at the end of the 16th century has been fully restored and now houses a museum that you can enter.

Do I need a passport for this trip?

Yes, a current valid passport is required on the day of travel, since the route crosses from Lithuania into Latvia.

What is included in the ticket price and what costs extra?

The tour includes comfortable transportation, room for a reasonable amount of luggage and a live English-speaking guide. Entrance tickets to the sites and food and drinks are not included and are your own expense.