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Hill of Crosses Tour: Explore Baltic Heritage
5.0
79 Ratings
Rīga
Discover the Hill of Crosses, a symbol of Lithuanian liberty and independence. Join our guided tour from Riga and immerse yourself in the remarkable ambiance of this magical place.
Discover the Hill of Crosses, a symbol of Lithuanian liberty and independence. Join our guided tour from Riga and immerse yourself in the remarkable ambiance of this magical place.
Duration:
7 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Kryziu Kalnas - The Hill of Crosses in Lithuania is a remarkable and sacred location where countless crosses represent faith, hope, and resilience. The guide will explain its historical background and current importance, after which visitors can explore the site on their own and, if they choose, place a cross on the hill. Nearby, the Domus Mariae…
- Kryziu Kalnas - The Hill of Crosses in Lithuania is a remarkable and sacred location where countless crosses represent faith, hope, and resilience. The guide will explain its historical background and current importance, after which visitors can explore the site on their own and, if they choose, place a cross on the hill. Nearby, the Domus Mariae Monastery provides a serene place for reflection, with its chapel open to visitors.
- Kalviai - Upon crossing the Latvia-Lithuania border, travelers will have the chance to stop and capture photos.
- St. Simeon’s and St. Anna’s Orthodox Cathedral - The St. Simeon and St. Anna Orthodox Cathedral in Jelgava, constructed in the 19th century, stands as a stunning example of Orthodox architecture and a significant spiritual site. The guide will conduct a tour and share the intriguing history and destiny of this cathedral.
- Pedestrian Bridge Mitava - Jelgava Promenade is a charming waterfront area along the Lielupe River, featuring scenic views, walking paths, and a tranquil atmosphere. The guide will highlight one of Jelgava’s most picturesque locations—the Mītava Bridge and Promenade—allowing travelers to enjoy the allure of this quaint city.
- Jelgava Palace - Jelgava Palace, the largest Baroque-style palace in the Baltic states, was crafted by the esteemed architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli and served as the residence of the Dukes of Courland. During the tour, the guide will acquaint visitors with the palace’s origins, its rich history, and its role in contemporary times.
What's Included
- On-board WiFi
- Bottled water
- Treats
- English speaking driver/guide
- Transport by air-conditioned car or minivan
- On-board WiFi
- Bottled water
- Treats
- English speaking driver/guide
- Transport by air-conditioned car or minivan
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Set off on an adventure from Riga to the Hill of Crosses. Throughout the journey, the guide will provide fascinating insights into local landmarks, history, and regional life.
Halfway through, there will be a break to enjoy coffee, tea, or snacks. Before arriving at the destination, there will be a stop at the Latvia-Lithuania border for a photo…
Set off on an adventure from Riga to the Hill of Crosses. Throughout the journey, the guide will provide fascinating insights into local landmarks, history, and regional life.
Halfway through, there will be a break to enjoy coffee, tea, or snacks. Before arriving at the destination, there will be a stop at the Latvia-Lithuania border for a photo opportunity.
Upon reaching the Hill of Crosses, the guide will delve into its rich history and significance, followed by some free time for exploration.
On the return trip, there will be a visit to Jelgava, a delightful city with remarkable landmarks:
- St. Simeon and St. Anna Orthodox Cathedral – A stunning 19th-century church.
- Jelgava Promenade & Mītava Bridge – A picturesque riverside location.
- Jelgava Palace – The largest Baroque palace in the Baltics.
Enjoy homemade local cuisine at a charming restaurant.
By the journey’s end, there will be a deeper understanding of life beyond Riga, from the countryside to quaint towns like Jelgava.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Coffee stops and detours can be arranged with driver
Location
Herdera laukums 6
Herdera laukums
Please meet the driver/guide in front of the main entrance of Riga Cathedral (Rīgas Doms).
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(79 Ratings)
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Tammy_w
Dec 6, 2024
A wealth of information - Our guide, Erlens, was a wealth of information about the history, economics, politics, religion, and society of Latvia and Lithuania, as well as the broader region. The Hill of Crosses, as well as a stop at the Orthodox Church in Jelgava, are highlights of my trip to the Baltics.
Review provided by Viator
Paul
Dec 3, 2024
Excellent guide - Erlens, or ‘Elvis’ was punctual, polite, knowledgeable and generally an excellent tour guide. He had a very in-depth knowledge and was able to answer any questions we had. We would highly recommend using him. He took us to a wonderful cafe on the return trip back. It was cosy with excellent refreshments.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kevin_g
Nov 9, 2024
Fascinating & enjoyable day - Fantastic day! Our tour guide Elvis was perfect. Comfortable vehicle, great enthusiastic conversation, very knowledgeable and proud of his heritage & the tour itself was nicely timed. Highly recommended and at a great price.
Review provided by Viator
Grandtour42210474727
Sep 20, 2024
Excellent, relaxed tour, with knowledgeable guide - We had an amazing experience with Erlens on this tour! The trip was not rushed at all, allowing us to fully enjoy each stop. Erlens was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the regions and the history of the sites we visited. He was patient with our questions and provided fantastic recommendations along the way. We highly recommend this tour with him—it was a perfect blend of learning and enjoyment!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Corinephil
Sep 18, 2024
Wonderful - Our guide Elvis, he had so much knowledge about the area's that he took us too. He was right on time and very pleasant to be with. Would do this trip all over again when I'm in the area. The hill of crosses is something no picture can do justice to. Absolutely amazing. Please don't miss out on this tour if you are in the area.
Review provided by Viator
Angel_r
Aug 25, 2024
This tour is a must! - A great experience! Our driver/tour guide, Erlens Gadzans, was very informative and entertaining. The visit to the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania was the highlight of the tour. Jelgava was also very nice. Highly recommended!!!
Review provided by Viator
Gareth_d
Jul 13, 2024
Great tour with an exceptional guide - This trip to the Hill of Crosses was brilliant. It is a very impressive and special place. But what really made this trip was our guide Erlens. He is smart, courteous, funny and interesting. He gave us lots of interesting information on Riga, Latvia and Lithuania and encouraged questions answering them honestly. He is an incredibly kind man, safe driver and was born to work as a tour guide. You can tell that he really enjoys this job. I would recommend this tour to anyone looking for a great day out to visit another country and see life in one of the smaller towns of Latvia.
Review provided by Viator
Saran3600
Jul 10, 2024
A “must” do! - Erlend was our amazing guide for this trip. He was so full of knowledge and shows us the best stuff. Got a lot of time to take photos. Would recommend this to anyone going to Riga! Would do it again 😊
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brittany_w
Jul 1, 2024
A great day tour with an wonderful guide - Book this tour. If you are ever do lucky to find yourself on holiday in Latvia, this is a wonderful tour to take. Erlens is an outstanding guide. Professional and personal. It might sound like a long day of being in a car but it is well paced and the time in the car does not feel too long. Erlens fills the time with so much history and knowledge of the Latvian (and Lithuanian) people that I otherwise would not have learned. I also do not think I would've been able to go to the Hill of Crosses without this tour which is a very unique and interesting place. The town of Jelgava, another stop on the tour, is charming and beautiful. Overall, one of the best tours I've ever taken! Thank you!
Review provided by Viator
Michele_w
May 25, 2024
Booked last minute, but... - Booked last minute, but saw enough of Riga. Was very Informative. Had a friendly guide. Hill of Crosses was very unique. .............
Review provided by Viator
