From Riga: Hill of Crosses & Enchanting Jelgava Group Tour
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From Riga: Hill of Crosses & Enchanting Jelgava Group Tour
By Latvia Guide Tours
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About
Free cancellation • Full refund if cancelled up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time).
Reserve now & pay later • Secure your spot while staying flexible.
Lowest price guarantee • Find a lower price online? Get the difference refunded!
Ages 1-99, max of 16 per group
Duration: 7h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- English speaking driver/guide
- Transport by air-conditioned car or minivan
- Bottled water
- WiFi on board
- Treats
- Entry/Admission - Kryziu Kalnas
- Entry/Admission - St. Simeon’s and St. Anna’s Orthodox Cathedral
- Entry/Admission - Jelgava Palace
What's not included- Gratuities
- Start:
- Herdera laukums 6, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, LatviaPlease meet the driver/guide in front of the main entrance of Riga Cathedral (Rīgas Doms).
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Infant seats available
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 137705P8- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Coffee stops and detours can be arranged with driver
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 137705P8
From $144.53
$130.07
per adult (price varies by group size)
Select date and travellers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- Herdera laukums 6, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, LatviaPlease meet the driver/guide in front of the main entrance of Riga Cathedral (Rīgas Doms).
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Top rated
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- H7631GKpaulb0 contributionsExcellent customer serviceWe would thoroughly recommend this company for the Hill of crosses, Rundale palace, Bauska castle tour, our host was very polite and knowledgeable on all local history and the places we visited, we also stopped at a restaurant for some excellent food which was also arranged by our host, all in all a great day out !! Thank you Erlens 👍Written 26 January 2025
- 652irai0 contributionsHardly recommendWe hardly recommend Erlens excursion. He is very friendly, interesting and well knowing history man. We have found a lots of interesting information about Latvia history and even more on Hill of Cross, Rundale Palace and Bauska Castle. On top of that nice warm car, water for each person and umbrella if rainy day - made our trip with him unbelievable and very interesting. Best excursion we had in Riga. Unable Upload photos as big size of them. SorryWritten 26 January 2025
- J5674FWcynthial0 contributionswonderful and memorable day tour with ErlensMy sister and I along with 4 nice Colombian guests were so glad that we have chosen this tour and to have Erlens as our tour guide and driver in his clean and comfortable black Mercedez van. He was very professional, attentive and conveyed a lot of information and history not only about the tour but also Latvia itself. The tour was not rushed and we were given enough time to visit each site included in this tour and he answered all our questions (from 6 women!). He even went out of his way to stop at the cat house in the old town for a photoshoot before dropping my sister and I off at our hotel. The group indeed had a lot of fun together and at the end of the tour, we had an unexpected toast of this great herbal liqueur which was icing on the cake. The tour is totally worth it. I would highly recommend this tour with Erlens.Written 20 October 2024
- allyb1140 contributionsBrilliant dayThanks for a fantastic tour out of Riga city. We really enjoyed getting to see other places nearby and hear more about their history, as well as try some traditional local food. Thanks to Erlens for a really fun and informative tour.Written 11 May 2024
- O6920TXdianem0 contributionsAmazing Tour!This tour was fantastic! Erlens was so knowledgeable, funny, and personable. Any question you asked him he knew the history and/or gave personal recommendations. These locations were absolutely stunning and it was a wonderful tour. It was the highlight of my visit to Riga!Written 27 December 2023
- Journey400130324200 contributionsPerfect day trip in the countryFantastic day trip if you want to get away from Riga for a few hours and do some sightseeing in the countryside. The guide was incredibly nice and informative.Written 21 December 2023
- scottrenfrew0 contributionsGreat tour with a Great Guide.Would highly recommend this tour to see the picturesque countryside and learn more about the origins of Latvia. A special shout out to Erlens the tour guide - had incredible knowledge of the local area and was an overall great guy. Happily answered all our questions and went above and beyond on our tour. From personalized insights to unexpected detours to a local cafe, they made the journey extraordinary.Written 8 December 2023
- 882judithl0 contributionsA memorable dayOur trip was expertly guided by Erlens who is personable and professional - with a fascinating knowledge of history and place! He expertly wove the past with the present and helped us see sites with new eyes. Thank you for a memorable day!Written 2 November 2023
- O6496VSmargaretf0 contributionsWonderful, fantastic and caringI booked my private grand Riga city tour through Latvia Guide Tours as I was having problems trying to book a private tour. I was lucky enough to find this webpage and emailed Erlens and he was able to help me. He organised a driver and tour guide. I explained to him that I had mobility issues and could he advise the people conducting the tour. What a wonderful time I had as Victoria and Julia couldn't do enough for me making sure I was OK. They took me to the most wonderful places and Victoria gave me a full history of the places we visited. If you want a wonderful tour or private tour I would recommend Latvia Guide Tours, you will not be disappointed as they go out of their way to make sure see the tourist sites and take really good care of you.Written 16 September 2023
- Carolin Lioba H0 contributionsGreat one day experienceWe had a great time with our guide Erlens. He structured the tour according to our wishes and told us a lot of details about the places we visited. We can definitely recommend the tour to all people who love nature. The views are amazing.Written 11 August 2023
- Angelina E0 contributionsExcellentWorth visiting!! Erlen and Zane were terrific!! Safe driving and very descriptional touring!! Thanks guys for a wonderful experience!Written 19 June 2023
- philliphF8620WU0 contributionsWonderful tourA great experience with a guide that showed a lot of flexibility and knowledge of the different cites we visited. We are very happy with this tour and can recommend using this guide⭐️😃Written 17 December 2022
- downey11240 contributionsNice tripWe really enjoyed this trip! He is a really nice guy and gave us a lot of information regarding this country and local histories. It was a nice trip!Written 21 November 2022
- Jennifer J0 contributionsHighly recommend! Erlens is great!Our guide, Erlens, was extremely knowledgeable and personable. He not only knew a lot about the towns and destinations but was a great conversationalist about everyday life as well. The trip was just the right amount of time 9am-2pm and we had direct hotel pickup and drop off. The castles, caves, and small towns we visited were beautiful and it was great to see parts of Latvia outside of Riga city center. Erlens also provided great recommendations for other things to do and places to eat for the duration of our stay. One of the best tours we’ve done; highly recommend!Written 28 October 2022
- Mikebassnez0 contributionsBeautiful Latvia!My fiance and I went on the private tour to Sigulda and Turaida with our tour guide Erlens. It turned out to be the highlight of our entire trip to the Baltics. Erlens was extremely accommodating to what we wished to get from the tour. He even let us take 30 minutes to ride the cable car across Gauja National Park (definitely worth it btw, the view of all the fall colors was magnificent). He showed us around all the amazing spots around Sigulda and Turaida and was fantastic at explaining the history and significance of each site. It was fascinating to chat with Erlens about what life was like during the Soviet Union too. He also gave us so many great recommendations on where to have dinner or drinks in Riga too. We learned so much on our tour with Erlens and would consider it a mandatory experience when visiting Latvia for the first time! We gained an immense appreciation for the history of Latvia and what its people endured to finally gain independence. Thank you Erlens, we cannot wait to visit Latvia again! 110% Recommend!Written 17 October 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
31 reviews
Excellent
31
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0
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Jonathan
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Family
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!
Written 20 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your response. I’m really glad to hear that you had a great time on the tour :)
Kind regards and best wishes,
Erlens
Written 24 September 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Janboy21
Nottinghamshire, UK104 contributions
We were met on time by our guide 'Elvis' outside of the cathedral as planned. We were a small group. He provided water and described what was to happen. The minivan was modern safe and clean. We stopped en route for a short coffee break. He was informative and friendly. We stopped at the Latvia/Lithuania border for photos. On arrival at the Hill he talked us through the history and we had around 45minutes free time which was plenty. We then drove to a local town to drop off one guest before driving back to Latvia with a stop for late lunch. We arrived back in Riga around 1630. The trip was well organised and presented and our guide was excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed the day. Recommended.
Written 9 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your tour with Elvis. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you on another adventure in the future!
Written 11 March 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MAP1216
Rome, Italy140 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Such a beautiful day! The Hill of Crosses is a very worthwhile side trip from Riga. Not just for a gathering perspective but also historical and cultural experience.
Erlens was a well educated and gracious guide. He shared lots of information and answered many questions on the drive to Lithuania, and provided great explanations of the Hill once we arrived. He allowed us ample time to explore, photo and pray while we were there. The side trips along the return were welcome and fun!
His minivan was very clean and the small group (max 8 ppl) made it easy to chat amongst ourselves and with Erlens.
I would definitely recommend this trip to visitors to Riga and Latvia who seek more than just a city break.
Erlens was a well educated and gracious guide. He shared lots of information and answered many questions on the drive to Lithuania, and provided great explanations of the Hill once we arrived. He allowed us ample time to explore, photo and pray while we were there. The side trips along the return were welcome and fun!
His minivan was very clean and the small group (max 8 ppl) made it easy to chat amongst ourselves and with Erlens.
I would definitely recommend this trip to visitors to Riga and Latvia who seek more than just a city break.
Written 8 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Mary,
Thank you so much for the review. I am really happy that you, your husband, and nephew enjoyed the tour. Thank you so much for the great time together.
Best regards,
Erlens
Written 9 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Billy P
Honolulu, HI486 contributions
Sept 2021
We weren't sure what to expect from the Hill of Crosses, but we were definitely not disappointed. It's a very unique experience and worth the trip. Some of the crosses are whimsical (such as one made from a Harley Davidson exhaust), and some are touching pieces of art. If you are of a spiritual bent, this site will definitely have an impact.
If you think you want to add to the collection, you can. If you don't bring your own cross, there is a vendor at the entrance selling various sizes and styles, along with a marker so you can personalize yours. There's also a little gift shop and restrooms.
As to the trip itself, the time flew by. Erlens (who goes by "Elvis") was great. He's very engaging and intelligent, as well as being extremely knowledgeable on Latvian history. He displays an excellent command of the English language, having briefly lived in the US. His van was clean and comfortable, and we felt perfectly safe with him behind the wheel. We would absolutely book another tour with Elvis.
If you think you want to add to the collection, you can. If you don't bring your own cross, there is a vendor at the entrance selling various sizes and styles, along with a marker so you can personalize yours. There's also a little gift shop and restrooms.
As to the trip itself, the time flew by. Erlens (who goes by "Elvis") was great. He's very engaging and intelligent, as well as being extremely knowledgeable on Latvian history. He displays an excellent command of the English language, having briefly lived in the US. His van was clean and comfortable, and we felt perfectly safe with him behind the wheel. We would absolutely book another tour with Elvis.
Written 26 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marie K
1 contribution
Jun 2023
We do not regret our decision to make the trip to the Hill of Crosses. My friend and I had an amazing day. Erlens picked us up just before 9am at the hotel and we set off in a comfortable car to the Hill of Crosses. On the way we learned interesting things about life in Latvia and the time passed pleasantly. At the Hill of Crosses, Erlens gave us an introduction to the history of the hill, leaving us free to explore and take photos. On the way back we made 2 more stops in the town of Jelgava, again with an interesting interpretation of the history and present, took photos and continued back to Riga.
Written 15 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your pleasant words. I am very happy, that you enjoyed the tour.
Best regards,
Erlens
Written 18 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Caroline Marlen
London, UK3 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
What a fantastic day trip! From the moment my friend and I met Erlens we knew we were in good hands and it was going to be a great day. Erlens is friendly, punctual and super easy going - he is even great at taking pictures. He also has extensive history knowledge which was really fascinating to listen to, a great general conversationalist and an absolute pleasure to be around - the drive to Lithuania just flew by. The Hill of Crosses was quite something; we were blessed with a bit of snow too, which it made it all the more magical. A brilliant day out and one I highly recommend.
Thank you Erlens. Best wishes.
Thank you Erlens. Best wishes.
Written 22 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
That is wonderful, that you have such great memories from this trip. Thank you so much for this review.
Best regards,
Erlens
Written 9 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Aaron
United Kingdom8 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Top tour! Erlens was fantastic and really knowledgeable and gave us the opportunity to to explore the place properly without any rushing. Stopped of on the way back for some photo opportunities and then a visit to Jelgava which is a beautiful university town. Punctual and professional. I would recommend this tour 😁
Written 4 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Aaron.
Thank you for review. I am glad, that both of you enjoyed the tour. :)
Best regards,
Erlens
Written 6 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leslee H
1 contribution
Nov 2021 • Friends
Erlens is an amazing tour guide & goes the extra mile to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. He speaks excellent English, is a Riga native, and has interesting facts about the history of the area. His Mercedes van is clean and comfortable and he provides hand sanitizer and umbrellas. He let us wander around the Hill of Crosses to our heart’s content and was willing to answer any questions or translate any Lithuanian inscriptions. I can’t imagine a better tour guide for our bucket list trip to The Hill of Crosses!
Written 26 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul H
Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK51 contributions
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.
Written 3 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your review.
We are very pleased that you enjoyed this tour.
Written 4 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robert F
1 contribution
Mar 2022
Thank you so much for the perfect tour of Hill of Crosses in Lithuania. Amazing atmosphere from the very first moment till the very last second. The tour guide, Erlens, told us many interesting facts from history and present about Riga, Latvia and Lithuania. He made our day truly spectacular. No question we had was left unanswered. We really enjoyed this trip and we highly recommend it.
Written 4 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear, Robert.
It has been a while since you attended the tour I am sorry for so late response!
I am very grateful you enjoyed this tour! :)
Erlens
Written 9 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi- Do you pick up/Drop off at the Cruise port? We arrive at 7am on July 19th and leave at 3:00pm on July 20th. Thanks
Written 23 June 2022
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.