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Riga Castle & palace tours

Our most recommended Riga Castle & palace tours

Sigulda Day Tour - Castle Ruins, Gūtmaņala Grotto, & More

1. Sigulda Day Tour - Castle Ruins, Gūtmaņala Grotto, & More

There is so much to see and do in Sigulda that sometimes it is difficult to fit it all in. This comprehensive tour led by a professional guide, is designed to show you around the historic highlights of the city in just a day. Ride the aerial cableway in Sigulda. Opened in 1969, this is the only one of its kind in the Baltic States. The cableway was built in cooperation between Sigulda and Chiatura, a city in Georgia, and offers spectacular views over the city. Explore the Sigulda castle ruins and the new castle. The Order of the Brothers of the Sword began building Sigulda castle in 1207. During the Great Northern War, the castle was destroyed never to be restored again. However the convent building with its famous gothic window plus the main gate tower still stand, and offer an insight into a bygone age. Delve deep into the Gūtmaņala grotto. This is the most popular and vast cave in Latvia. It was formed in the course of 10,000 years by water gradually eroding sandstone, and is a protected geological site. The cave is the oldest tourist attraction in Latvia. Marvel at the ancient inscriptions lining the walls. A trip to the Turaida Museum Reserve should not be missed. The 42 hectares of the reserve feature archaeological, architectural, historical, and art monuments, dating back from the 11th century.

Latvian Palaces and Medieval Castles Private Trip

2. Latvian Palaces and Medieval Castles Private Trip

Be collected at your accommodation in Riga and be driven straight to the region of Bauska city. Visit several palaces from the 18th century and one crusader's castle from the 16th century. Rundāle Palace, formerly Ruhenthal then Ruhendahl, is one of two major baroque palaces built for the Dukes of Courland in what is now Latvia. The other is Jelgava Palace. Rundāle Palace was built in two periods, from 1736 until 1740 and from 1764 until 1768. It is situated at Pilsrundāle, 12 km west of Bauska.  Bauska Castle is a complex consisting of the ruins of an earlier castle and a later palace on the outskirts of the Latvian city of Bauska. Either choose a restaurant for dinner or your driver can arrange a picnic if you prefer. 

Riga: Nearby Manors and Castles Tour

3. Riga: Nearby Manors and Castles Tour

Tukums, located only 70 kilometers from Riga, is full of interesting tourist attractions. It was only announced as a town in 1795, but still had people living there well before. Strolling down the historical streets of old town you will feel like you are in the 19th century. On every house is information ergarding who lived there at that time, and the modern sculpture of Katrina of Tukums will impress anyone that encounters it.  You will visit Hunting Palace, built in the beginning of the 20th century for the Mayor of Riga of that time, before visiting Jaunpils Castle, built in the year 1301 still one of the few medieval castles with its original appearance preserved. Jaunpils Castle is a typical construction of the Livonian Order fortress and was built by master Gottfried von Horn. Up to the present day came many legends about the fearless, Matthias von der Recke, who was the owner of the castle in the 16th century. Jaunpils Castle and its surroundings have many legends and mysteries. Today you can visit the church built at the end of the 16th century next to a water mill with an age of 200 years, it is here that you can truly feel the aroma of the romantic era. On the way back, you will make a pit stop at the local winery “ Abavas vini”, which is worthy to both see and taste the produce of.

Rundale Palace Private Tour from Riga

4. Rundale Palace Private Tour from Riga

Start the tour from your hotel in Riga with a private transfer by car or minivan. Take in the scenery as you drive through the Zemgale region of Latvia where you will pass Bauska and see the ruins of Bauska Castle built in the 15th – 18th century. Visit the Rundale Palace, built in the 18th century and considered to be the most beautiful baroque palace in the Baltics.  Admire this outstanding example of the early work of Italian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Explore the French gardens and enjoy looking at the tulips and roses which bloom in the Summer before your driver returns you to your accomodation in Riga.

From Riga: Cēsis, Sigulda & Turaida Castle Tour

5. From Riga: Cēsis, Sigulda & Turaida Castle Tour

Take a full-day tour of the beautiful green area of Northern Latvia. Explore Cēsis (the ancient city of Livonia and Brothers of the Sword base) and the picturesque town of Sigulda. Enjoy a day of rich history with medieval monuments, as well as spectacular natural scenery. Trip Itinerary: Medieval castle ruins of Cēsis You experience the castle in a way the people did centuries ago — your guides will light up a candle in the lantern and you will be on our way. You will explore the dark stairs, medieval corridors, and rooms with the help of candlelight as there is no electricity in this 13th century castle. This complex of castle buildings, preserved for centuries, is regarded as a landmark of monumental architecture, which reflects artistic styles from the Livonian period. Cēsis St. John’s Church St. John’s Church is one of the oldest medieval architectural monuments in Latvia. The church was built in the beginning of the 13th century when Cēsis became one of the most important German power centers in the Baltics, from 1237 up to 1561. Medieval castle ruins of Sigulda The Order of the Brothers of the Sword began building Sigulda castle in 1207. Initially, it was a castellum-type fort. Following the defeat of the Brothers of the Sword in 1236, the Livonian Order modified it. Goodman's cave The Gūtmaņala (Goodman's Cave) grotto is the most popular and biggest cave in Latvia. It was formed over the course of 10,000 years by water gradually eroding sandstone. The grotto is a protected geological site and the oldest tourist attraction in Latvia. Museum reserve and medieval castle of Turaida Turaida Museum Reserve is a beautiful heritage site and former village that was named "garden of the gods" by the locals. Turaida is a wonderful place to get to know the Latvian way of life, culture, history, and spirit. The 42 hectares of grounds are replete with archaeological, architectural, historical and art monuments, all of which provide an account of the events from the eleventh century onwards.

From Riga: Rundale Palace & Bauska Castle Tour to Vilnius

6. From Riga: Rundale Palace & Bauska Castle Tour to Vilnius

This full-day day tour is the best choice for those who want to save time, money, and see the most important sights along the trip from Riga to Vilnius. Visit Bauska Castle, which is surrounded by a picturesque scenery and represents an example of military architecture (XV - XVII century). The castle consists of two parts: the fortress built especially for the use of firearms and the residential castle fortified with bastions, protective walls and earthen ramparts. About two hours is reserved to explore Rundale Palace, one of the most outstanding monuments of Baroque and Rococo architecture in Latvia, which sometimes is called as ‘The Versailles of Latvia’. Rundale Palace is built in the mid-18th-Century by the Russian court architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, it was the summer residence of the Duke of Courland. The two-story castle contains 138 elaborate rooms, a lovely French garden and a museum dedicated to the history of Latvia. Last but not least is a unique ensemble of Lithuanian folk art - The Hill of Crosses. The monument with more than 200.000 crosses in various sizes and materials stands on Jurgaiciai - Domantai mound. During your visit at The Hill of Crosses, you will learn more about the legendary stories why the Hill appeared. In the evening finish your drive and arrive in Vilnius city.

From Riga: Rundale Palace & Hill of Crosses Private Day Trip

7. From Riga: Rundale Palace & Hill of Crosses Private Day Trip

The driver will pick you up from your address in Riga and firstly will take you to Bauska, where Rundale Palace is located (around 1 hour drive). There you will meet the local guide, who will lead you through the Palace and tell you a lot of interesting stories of the place. After the tour you will have some time to marvel the beautiful French Gardens of Rundale Palace. After you will have another hour drive, which will take you to Lithuania and to one of countries main highlights - the Hill of crosses. The Hill of crosses is a place near Šiauliai city, with hundreds of thousands of crosses, brought by people from all over the world. There you will have time to walk, explore and hear the unforgettable sound of crosses, which are making the music if there is a little wind. Hill of crosses is one of the few highlights in Lithuania, included into the Unesco World heritage list. Back to Riga in the afternoon.

From Riga: Gauja National Park Hiking & Sightseeing Trip

8. From Riga: Gauja National Park Hiking & Sightseeing Trip

Meet the guide at a hotel in Riga in the morning and get ready for the one-and-a-half-hour drive to Gauja National Park. Be ready for around 12-14 kilometers of hiking on hilly terrain during this unforgettable day. Start the adventure by hiking in some of the most beautiful nature trails in Gauja National Park. Explore pristine and unique forest habitats, fast-flowing salmon rivers, and enjoy "forest bathing" - be immersed in the forest atmosphere and soak it up through every sense. Travel down some of the most beautiful nature trails in Gauja National Park, well hidden in the wilderness. Explore Ligatne, a small charming town hidden in the beautiful forests of Gauja National Park. Have a look at the beautiful scenery and some of the more than 300 unique man-made caves made in the awesome sandstone cliffs. Get to know more about the history of this place and potentially have a taste of some local wines in the local winery. Check out one of the most beautiful towns in Latvia - Cesis and learn about its history, dating back to the 13th century and almost as old as Riga. Stroll down the historic Old Cēsis Town, see its beautiful squares, St. John's Church (built in the 13th century), the House of Harmony, House of Princesses, and other sights in this town that is both the historic and modern heart of Latvian culture. Feel the special charm and atmosphere of this town that is very different from more cosmopolitan Rīga. Visit the famous Cēsis Medieval Castle, first built in 1218 and still one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Latvia. Explore its beautiful park, dark medieval rooms, and corridors, and get to know more about its extensive history. Visit the Gauja River, and walk along the beautiful riverbanks of the longest river in Latvia. Admire some of the largest sandstone cliffs in Latvia and the most stunning natural landscapes of Gauja National Park, while soaking up the fresh and healthy air of pristine Western Taiga pine forest. End the tour filled with new impressions and emotions and return to a hotel in Riga (or stay in Cēsis, Sigulda, or Līgatne towns for more adventures in Gauja National Park).

From Vilnius: Hill of Crosses & Rundale Palace to Riga

9. From Vilnius: Hill of Crosses & Rundale Palace to Riga

The driver will pick you up from Vilnius hotel for your private transfer to Riga with the visit of two highlights. Firstly, you'll have a stop at the Hill of Crosses, a 2 hours drive from Vilnius, and is a unique place, included in the Unesco World Heritage list. Explore the hill by yourself, having around 45 minutes to walk around. Continue to Rundale Palace, which takes around 1 more hour. Once there, you will be greeted by a local guide, who'll show you around the Palace, which used to be the summer residence of the Duke of Courland. After the Rundale tour, your driver will take you to Riga and drop you off at your hotel.

Riga: Mini Baltic Tour Bauska - Rundale - Hill of Crosses

10. Riga: Mini Baltic Tour Bauska - Rundale - Hill of Crosses

Mini Baltic Tour includes minivan and driver and will start with a pick-up from your hotel in Riga at 10:00. During this tour, there will be 3 main stops for sightseeing. The first short stop will be at Bauska Castle (optional stop can be made at Mezotne Castle as well), arriving at 11:30. Bauska Castle consists of two parts: the ruins of the old part and the new part which was the residence of the Dukes of Courland. Your next stop will be at Rundale Palace at 12:15. This will take the longest time to see with its palaces, gardens and amazing museums. Also, there will be guided tours available for extra cost. Rundale Palace is Baroque and Rococo in style. The last and the most exciting place to see is right outside of Latvia just 70 kilometers away from Rundale Palace called the Hill of Crosses at 15:00. This is hill with thousands of crosses and prayers and exciting to see. Travel back to Riga at 17:00.

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What people are saying about Riga

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 44 reviews

We had a fantastic guide sorry could cath his name. He was very informative telling us local information about the areas as we padt the. He informed us about the pune forest and the karch growth as well as local foraging. we went to Rundale Palace where he showed around the rooms and told us about the garden. We even had coffee with him. After that went on to the Hill of Crosses which was very moving and as it was snowing was so eriery. Not a lot of wind so couldn't hear the crosses moving.

Great tour to medieval castles. Marija was professional and informative. We enjoyed the beautiful ride into the country side to reach the small villages and medieval ruins. This is a perfect tour to learn history and get out of the city to see more of rural Latvia. Highly recommended!

Had an enjoyable, informative and engaging tour of Sigulda, Turaida and Cesis. Our guide was very knowledgeable on the history of the towns and castles, and readily answered our many questions. A great day out!

It was a perfect and round day full of highlights. Our guide Rihards was fantastic; young, interested, experienced and always friendly. Any time! Full points!

Richard was great!!!! So knowledgeable and friendly!!!! Would 100% recommend this tour to everybody visiting the country!