Rundale Palace is the main highlight of the day, often called the “Versailles of the Baltics.” Admission is included, and a licensed palace guide leads the interior visit so you get real context, not just beautiful rooms. Expect story-led insight into the region’s “golden-age” era, Baltic German influence, and the wider Russian Empire, all anchored to what you’re seeing in front of you. After the guided portion, there’s time to explore at your own pace and take photos.

Lunch - We stop for a relaxed sit-down lunch at a carefully chosen local restaurant in the Bauska area, known for reliable service and great food. We pre-book a table for the group and can help with pre-ordering to keep service smooth and timing on track. Lunch is not included in the tour price; guests choose what they’d like and pay the restaurant directly for food and drinks.

Bauska Castle is the medieval counterpoint to Rundale Palace. Admission is included. Explore the castle complex and key viewpoints with your tour leader’s orientation and local context, focusing on why this location mattered: rivers, routes, borderland control, and the military age that shaped the region. You’ll have time to walk the grounds, take photos, and connect the castle’s defensive story to the later “golden-age” world of estates and power in Zemgale.

Seasonal “surprise” stop in the Bauska area to keep the day varied and immersive. Depending on opening hours and what works best on the day, your tour guide selects one extra experience such as a local brewery visit, wine tasting, apiary stop, an 18th-century manor house, an Orthodox church, or the motor museum. This add-on is chosen to fit the season and group interests while keeping the overall route smooth and on time.

Return transfer by minibus from the Bauska/Rundale area back to Riga. This drive time is included in the itinerary so the day stays relaxed and on schedule. Drop-off is at the original pickup area, with arrival time depending on traffic.