Exploring Vilnius, Riga, Hill of Crosses, Rundāle Palace and Bauska Castle

Are you looking for an exciting day trip or weekend getaway to explore some of the historical, architectural and cultural highlights of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia? Why not take a road trip to Vilnius and Riga, together with Hill of Crosses, Rundāle Palace and Bauska Castle? From Vilnius, you can easily reach all of these tourist attractions in a day, making it the perfect spot to start your journey.

Vilnius and its Attractions

Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania and is a charming city marked by stunning views of 18th and 19th century architecture. Home to many diverse attractions, it’s no surprise that Vilnius is a popular tourist destination. Some of the must-visit sites in the city are:

• Old Town: Set in a unique location surrounded by hills on three sides and the Neris River on the fourth, old town Vilnius is made up of cobblestone streets, dazzling architectural complexes and fascinating museums. This area also features many musical venues which host performances throughout the year.
• Gediminas Tower: A symbol of the city located atop Castle Hill, Gediminas Tower is a must-see in Vilnius. This redbrick tower has stood in Lithuania since the 14th century and the views it offers are nothing short of spectacular.
• St. Anne’s Church: An elegant Gothic-style church built between 1747 and 1754, St. Anne’s Church is one of the most photographed sites in Vilnius. Its distinctive red-brick façade, along with other intricate details scattered across its walls, makes this church a marvel to behold.
• Vilnius Cathedral: Constructed in its earliest form in 1251, Vilnius Cathedral is another popular tourist attraction in Vilnius. Here you can admire its remarkable interior featuring frescoes and other magnificent works of art.

Riga and Nearby Attractions

Riga is the capital city of Latvia and lies about four hours away from Vilnius. Riga is home to churches, palaces, parks, cafés and other important attractions, including:

• Old Town: This popular city center is filled with historic buildings, churches with soaring towers and many impressive monuments which make it perfect for an afternoon stroll. There’s also a unique observation tower which allows you to catch glimpses of Riga from above.
• Riga Cathedral: This beautiful cathedral has been standing since the 13th century and features many artistic masterpieces located inside its ornate interiors. Every summer, the cathedral hosts a series of concerts with works by classical composers performed in the grandiose setting.
• Freedom Monument: Standing tall since 1935 and dedicated to Latvia’s soldiers who perished during World War I and the War of Independence, Freedom Monument has become a symbol of Riga. This impressive monument can be found in the heart of Riga’s center and if you’re lucky enough you might even spot some dancing elves.

Hill of Crosses in Lithuania

The Hill of Crosses is located about an hour away from Vilnius and is one of Lithuania’s most sacred sites. It stands as a symbol for national religious expressions and Lithuanian patriotism. This site has been around for centuries and hosts around 100,000 crosses that have been placed by both pilgrims and faithful alike who flock here from all over Europe. Visiting this site is an incredibly powerful experience and it’s no wonder why it is also one of Lithuania’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is definitely one site you should make sure to visit while exploring Lithuania’s cultural heritage.

Rundāle Palace

Rundāle Palace lies an hour west of Riga, near the border with Lithuania. From Vilnius or Riga it will take about two or two and a half hours drive to reach here. This colorful palace was built between 1736 and 1740 by Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli and served as the summer residence for the Duke of Courland. The exterior of the palace – an example of late Baroque style – is simply stunning, while its vast interiors make the breathtaking Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical styles fully come alive. During your visit to Rundāle Palace you will have an opportunity to explore its amazing art collections, its stunning gardens and take a trip in time as you walk around this beautiful representative of European Baroque style palaces.

Bauska Castle in Latvia

Bauska Castle is located an hour south of Riga in Latvia and it’s definitely worth putting on your itinerary if you’re visiting this part of Europe. Built in 1443 as a Medieval castle defending Livonia from attack by Grand Duchy of Moscow forces, this castle was meant to be a strong for hold for knights protecting Riga from invaders. Today, Bauska Castle offers a unique opportunity to explore this 600-year-old piece of history through an array of exhibitions, activities and festivals that are organized throughout the year. It also offers beautiful views over Musa River which surround it on three sides as well as breathtaking architecture on display around its walls. All in all, there is much to see in and around Vilnius, Riga, Hill of Crosses, Rundāle Palace and Bauska Castle. With so much beauty right at your fingertips why not check out our activity page, where you can book all sorts of amazing activities in advance so that you can plan your next holiday with ease?