Escape Riga for a day and discover some of the most impressive historical landmarks of southern Latvia — with the option to extend your journey across the border into Lithuania and visit the legendary Hill of Crosses.

Travel through the peaceful Latvian countryside to Bauska Castle, dramatically situated on a narrow peninsula between the Mūsa and Mēmele rivers. Here, two different chapters of Latvian history meet in one remarkable place: the ruins of a medieval Livonian Order fortress and the later Renaissance residence of the Dukes of Courland.

Explore the castle complex, discover stories from its centuries-long history and enjoy panoramic views over the surrounding rivers and countryside. Bauska offers a fascinating introduction to Latvia’s medieval past before the journey continues to a completely different world of aristocratic elegance.

Your next destination is the magnificent Rundale Palace — one of the most spectacular Baroque and Rococo monuments in the Baltic States.

Designed by the celebrated architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who also created St. Petersburg’s famous Winter Palace, Rundale was built as a grand residence for the Dukes of Courland.

Step inside and explore beautifully restored state rooms, including the impressive Golden Hall and White Hall, elegant galleries and the private apartments of the Duke and Duchess. Ornate stucco decorations, elaborate ceilings, historic furniture and works of art reveal the luxurious lifestyle of the 18th-century court.

After exploring the palace, take time to enjoy its elegant French-style gardens. Walk among geometric flowerbeds, ornamental areas and the famous Rose Garden, which contains thousands of roses and is especially beautiful during the flowering season. Even outside the summer months, the palace and surrounding estate offer an impressive glimpse into Latvia’s aristocratic past.

Want to see even more?

Choose the extended tour option and continue across the border into Lithuania to visit one of the Baltic region’s most extraordinary places — the Hill of Crosses.

Thousands upon thousands of crosses of different sizes cover this remarkable pilgrimage site. For generations, people have brought crosses here as symbols of faith, remembrance, hope and resilience. Walk through this unique landscape, experience its unusual atmosphere and discover why the Hill of Crosses has become one of Lithuania’s most powerful cultural and spiritual landmarks.

After a day filled with medieval history, magnificent architecture and beautiful Baltic landscapes, sit back and relax on the comfortable journey back to Riga.

Choose the classic experience featuring Bauska Castle and Rundale Palace, or upgrade to the extended Baltic journey and add the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania — three remarkable landmarks and two countries in one unforgettable day.