• Hill Of Crosses (kryziU Kalnas) - Lithuania’s Hill of Crosses is a symbol of defiance as much as a pilgrimage site. More than 100,000 crosses have been planted, many of them strung with rosary beads that rattle softly in the breeze. The tradition began during the 1831 Uprising and reached its height in the 1960s, in defiance of anti-religious Soviet rule. At night locals crept here to lay crosses, infuriating their oppressors. Legends swirl around the Hill of Crosses. Some locals claim that the mound conceals the bodies of 14th-century warriors, others swear that it’s haunted by monks. It’s more than likely that the hill was a pre-Christian worship site. Efforts to bulldoze the hill during the 1960s and ‘70s didn’t deter locals from placing crosses here, despite the harsh punishments for being caught. Today it is forbidden to remove a cross from the site, and any visitor may plant a cross. Vendors sell simple wooden crucifixes near the visitor centre, write a prayer or wish onto the cross before placing it in the soil.

• Private transportation
• Bottled water
• English speaking driver
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• Museum entrance tickets
• Gratuities

Experience history firsthand with this full-day excursion to the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania, along with a visit to a renowned Latvian castle and palace. Located just a two-hour drive from Riga, this trip includes stops at the Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace, and Bauska Castle. Our driver will recommend the best local restaurants for lunch if desired.

Please be aware that this day trip does not include a licensed guide service. Our English-speaking driver will provide basic information, answer your questions, guide you to the ticket offices, and suggest the best local dining options for lunch. If a licensed guide is preferred, arrangements can be made at an additional cost at the sites we will be visiting. Please inform us in advance if this service is required so we can make the necessary bookings.

Remember to check the availability of the sites you wish to visit, as some may not operate daily during the winter months. Our drivers will suggest alternative sites to ensure a full day of exploration if any locations are closed.

• Free bottled water
• Total Duration for the tour includes travel time in between each leg of the tour.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.