Explore Estonia's Essentials

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Tallinn

   A visit to Tallinn, the oldest capital city in Northern Europe, is a trip back in time. The cobblestone streets, UNESCO-listed medieval walls, and stunning church spires give it an Old World charm you’ll love exploring. But there are all the modern amenities here too, and today Tallinn is a truly unique destination with the best of the old and the new. You’ll also see influences of both the east and west in the architecture and cuisine, as Estonia is a short ferry ride from Helsinki. The restaurants, quaint cafes and chic boutiques are places you’ll love to linger, while the long coastline is ideal for strolling. There are so many different ways to see the city, because Tallinn is so rich in history. See how beer influenced local history, or explore the reminders of life under the Soviet regime. Take a walking tour of the beautiful Old Town, or a driving tour to see more of the city. There are distinct neighborhoods here and each one feels distinct. Tallinn is very tech-savvy, so the business district is always modern and bustling. The bohemian Kalamaja neighborhood is a great place to have a drink or a bite to eat. The picturesque Lahemaa National Park is one of the best day trips from Tallinn, and you’ll have fun wandering through nature here before returning to the city to find more of its charms.

   When you arrive, we'll have a driver waiting to greet you. You'll be taken to your accommodation in the photogenic medieval Old Town of Tallinn, the Estonian capital. The airport is very close so the journey should take less than 15 minutes.

   

   Go Bohemian in Kalamaja

   Of all the neighborhoods in Tallinn, Kalamaja is one of the most exciting. This fast-growing area between Old Town and the scenic coast is known for its hip selection of cafes, shops, restaurants and bars. Once a closed-off Soviet border zone, it has seen a renaissance of development in recent years. Seaplane Harbour, the Estonian Maritime Museum, is very modern and quite interesting. It’s just one of the things worth seeing around here.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Tallinn

   

   Discover Medieval Wonders

   Today you’ll be exploring the wonders of Tallinn with a local guide who knows all the city’s secrets. You’ll be picked up from your accommodations to walk through the UNESCO-listed center of Tallinn, home to many of the city's unusual historic treasures. From Old Town cobblestones to stunning views, you’ll get a vivid encapsulation of all the city has to offer, along with the unique insights of a knowledgeable native. There’s no better way to get your bearings and learn about the city at the same time.
   

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Baroque History: Kadriorg Palace and Park

   One of the more regal sites in Tallinn is Kadriorg Palace, a Baroque palace built by Peter the Great for Catherine I of Russia. Today this stately palace, surrounded by well-kept gardens, houses the Kadriorg Art Museum, with foreign art from the 16th to the 20th century. There are a number of museums in the park, including Kumu (the Estonian Art Museum), Kadriorg Art Museum and the Mikkeli Museum, as well as monuments to such cultural figures as sculptor Amandus Adamson, author F. R. Kreutzwald, and artist Jaan Koort.
   

   Suggestion to explore on your own

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Tallinn

   

   Lahemaa National Park Group Tour

   Lahemaa National Park is renowned for its diversity. It is home to the most beautiful manors in Estonia, unique, traditional fishing villages, and some of the country's most pristine natural landscapes. You'll visit everything from the country's largest natural waterfall, to hidden old manor homes in Kolga and Sagadi, from mesmerizing forests to romantic little coastal villages like Käsmu and Altja. Bring your sense of adventure and be ready to hike (or in summer even swim) through the Viru bog, on a 3.5 km boardwalk. Ethereal places full of berries, dark waters, and stunted trees, bogs occupy a strong place in Estonian folklore for a reason.
   

   • Activity Level : Strenuous
   • Duration : 9 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

4. Day 4 Traveling to Saaremaa by Private Transfer / Arrival in Saaremaa

   

   Be prepared for an interesting day today as you say "hüvasti" to Tallinn, "tere" to Kuressaare, and enjoy a brief stop at Haapsalu in between. Based on your preferred departure time, a driver will pick you up at your accommodations in Tallinn and your journey to Kuressaare will begin. Please keep in mind this is a non-guided transfer. The journey, including stops and a 30 minute ferry ride, takes about 7-8 hours. The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon or minivan, although we can arrange for an upgrade to a more luxurious class of vehicle for an extra fee.

   It’s hard to find a more medieval landscape than Saaremaa, Estonia’s largest island (its name translates to “Island Land”). With its windmills, 13th century churches, thatched roofs, and ancient stone walls, Saaremaa seems to have escaped the Soviet era intact. However, its preservation is due to Soviet border policy, which forbade entrance to this island by anyone not directly related to its inhabitants. This island’s rugged coast features bunkers and lighthouses, one of which is now surrounded by the sea, and leans far to its side. Much of Saaremaa's west coast is protected by Vilsandi National Park, which includes an island that can only be visited by an occasional ferry. Estonia has more meteorite craters per square mile than anywhere else, chief among them Saaremaa's Kaali crater, which hit the island during the Bronze Age with a force equal to the first atomic bomb. Viewed as holy since prehistory, this crater is thought to be the site where the sun falls to Earth in the Kalevala, the Finnish national epic. Saaremaa’s capital, Kuressaare, is a charming small town, with a tall, rectangular castle that sits within renaissance bastions. Kuressaare is best enjoyed with a quiet stroll along the coast and between the charming wooden villas near the castle. We also recommend visiting the Sorve Peninsula. Here, at the island's southern tip, the northern edge of Latvia is visible, especially from the top of the Baltics' tallest lighthouse. Thanks to a clerical error, the neighboring village of Torgu found itself legally independent in the 90s, and comically declared itself a kingdom.

   Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the center of Kuressaare.

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Saaremaa

   

   Discover Kuressaare's Beauty

   A walking tour around the charming small town of Kuressaare and its tall, rectangular castle and renaissance bastions is a trip back in time. Almost every building here is an architectural monument with a deep history. This town's restored 12th century castle is its main attraction, and naturally functions as a history museum. After an hour's walk in the town itself, you'll continue to the castle for another hour, after which you can remain at the castle, or have the guide return you to your accommodations.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   Delve into Island Life

   Saaremaa feels like a different, much older, country than the rest of Estonia, with its diverse meadows and forests, its medieval windmills, churches, and stone walls, thatched roofs, and Europe's largest meteorite impact crater. Kuressaare is charming, but to see what makes Saaremaa special, you must go on a day trip, whether exploring the island's highlights, or focusing on the long Sõrve Peninsula, which forms its southern tip, and was once a tongue-in-cheek sovereign state.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Saaremaa Highlights Private Tour

   Saaremaa makes for an ideal place for a visit while exploring Estonia. Beautiful nature, delicious food and idyllic atmosphere. A visit to this island isn't complete without venturing beyond Kuressaare to take in the countryside's classics!

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Sõrve Peninsula Private Tour

   Great views from the Sorve Lighthouse, a hike to the top of the peninsula, a pleasant stroll on the seashore. All this and more awaits you on this exciting trip outside the town. Fan fact; the tip of Sorve is commonly loved by birdwatchers.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

6. Day 6 Traveling to Parnu by Private Transfer / Arrival in Parnu

   

   The most relaxed way to get to Parnu is with a private transfer. Our driver will pick you up at your accommodation based on the time of your choosing. You'll have door-to-door service from Kuressaare to Parnu. The journey takes about 4 hours, including a 30 minute ferry ride to Saaremaa.

   This is a direct non-guided transfer but for an additional fee, you can make stops at Kaali Meteorite Crater and Angla Windmill Park or Muhu Museum on Muhu island.

   
   

   The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon or minivan. We can arrange for an upgrade to a more luxurious class of vehicle for an extra fee.

   Among beach lovers in Eastern Europe, Parnu has been legendary since the late 19th century. You’ll find a variety of different beaches here and places to enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape. But there aren’t only beaches here. Parnus is also a spa resort where you can enjoy a variety of world-class wellness treatments. There’s also a rich history here, as Parnu was the first place the Estonian Declaration of Independence was read publicly, in 1918. All of this makes it a unique destination combining relaxation, history and gorgeous nature. There’s plenty to do here, whether Parnu is your final destination or just a stop off in a longer tour of the region. The city has numerous museums dedicated to its vibrant history, as well as its modern culture. You’ll definitely want to visit a spa while you’re here, and of course the beaches are second-to-none. Most of the restaurants here offer lovely seafood that can’t be fresher, so enjoying the local gastronomy and wine is always a fun way to spend a day. Relaxation and nature come together here in perfect harmony. We can certainly provide a private walking tour, but if you're looking to see something special, we recommend a day trip to the island of Kihnu. Although home to only a few hundred people, Kihnu's cultural heritage is complete intact, from its dances to unique games and music, and people still wear folk costume in daily life.

   Your driver will bring you directly to your centrally located accommodation.

   

   Parnu City Private Walking Tour

   On this informative one-hour walking tour you'll see the best of Parnu. The city will come alive for you as your guide regales you with stories of its history and you take in some of its most important buildings and monuments. You'll be picked up from your accommodations and taken back there after the tour. It's possible to upgrade to a driving and walking tour combination for an extra fee.
   

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 1 hour

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Get Sandy

   Parnu's beach is likely the country's best, famed for its white sands, gentle nature, and various attractions. Whether you like to play mini-golf or try some windsurfing, there's always plenty to choose from. A curving path stretches along the sand, lined with fountains, park benches, and an excellent playground. Early 20th century buildings line Ranna puiestee, the avenue running between the beach and the formal gardens of Rannapark, an ideal spot for a summertime picnic.
   

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Traveling to Tartu by Private Transfer / Arrival in Tartu

   

   Be prepared for an interesting day today as you part with Parnu and travel to Tartu, the "City of Good Thoughts." Along the way you'll make a brief visit to one of the most charming towns in Estonia, Viljandi. Based on your preferred departure time, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation in Parnu and your transfer to Tartu can start. The journey, including a two-hour stop in Viljandi takes about five hours. The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon or minivan. We can arrange for an upgrade to a more luxurious class of vehicle for an extra fee.

   The “City of Good Thoughts,” Tartu is Estonia’s cultural and intellectual capital. This city is home to the University of Tartu, one of Europe’s oldest universities, and one of the most prestigious in Eastern Europe. The central role students play here is symbolized by the “Kissing Students” statue in front of the town hall. Tartu is centered around Toomemagi, a steep hill that hosted a pagan fort, followed by a Crusader castle. Toomemagi is Tartu’s gem, especially in September's foliage. Covered in forest and filled with paths, this hill contains a half-ruined cathedral, one of Europe’s oldest observatories, an anatomical theater, and Czarist bridges and fortifications, as well as statues, plaques, a cafe, and more. Toomemagi has excellent views of the city, especially from the cathedral towers, while beneath it lies a bar and restaurant built in a former gunpowder cellar, featuring a 40-foot ceiling.

   Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the center of Tartu

   

   Tartu for Foodies

   If you're looking for good food, head to the main square (Raekoja Plats, "Town Hall Square,") then follow the street running through it, close to the town hall (named Ruutli, going north, and Kuuni going south). There, and on parallel streets, you'll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and pubs to choose from. For something sweet, we recommend Cafe Werner, while Genialistide Klubi has good vegan fare, and Vein ja Vine ("Wine and Vine") is a cozy wine bar. Further south, Anna Edasi is a charming cafe with solid crepes (a local favorite), while the Aparaaditehas, a former gadget factory, has become a hip place to find anything from a microbrewery to decent Mexican food and an excellent bread bakery. Sample the best without getting lost on a food tour with a private guide.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

8. Day 8 Your First Full Day in Tartu

   

   Ponder the "City of Good Thoughts"

   Explore Estonia's intellectual capital, as you stroll through its 18th century neoclassical Old Town, along the tranquil Emajõgi ("Mother River,"), and up Toomemagi ("Cathedral Hill"), getting to know the town's history through its historic buildings, some put to innovative uses, like the half-ruined cathedral, and the observatory, once home to cutting-edge research. Along the way, you'll take in charming views, whether from the riverbanks or the verdant hilltop park.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Karlova and Soup Town

   Flanking the Old Town on either side are two charming, old-fashioned neighborhoods with their own distinct cultures. They even fly their own flags. To the south, strolling quiet Karlova feels like returning to the 19th century, with its wooden townhouses and tree-lined streets. This is a popular spot for artists, thanks in part to the art school hidden in its depths, near an old manor. To the north is Suppilinn ("Soup Town.") Once a slum, the district is named for its gardens (the streets are named for the crops grown by locals, from beans to strawberries). There aren't as many businesses there to visit, but you can find charming street art and the A Le Coq brewery, which offers tours and a great view from its tower. Delve into the city's Bohemian side with a private street art tour of Karlova.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

9. Day 9 Traveling to Tallinn by Private Transfer / Arrival in Tallinn

   

   The most relaxed way to get to Tallinn is with a private transfer. A driver will pick you up at your accommodations at the time of your choosing, and take you directly to your hotel in Tallinn, 2.5 hours away. The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon or minivan. We can arrange for an upgrade to a more luxurious class of vehicle for an extra fee.
   

   A visit to Tallinn, the oldest capital city in Northern Europe, is a trip back in time. The cobblestone streets, UNESCO-listed medieval walls, and stunning church spires give it an Old World charm you’ll love exploring. But there are all the modern amenities here too, and today Tallinn is a truly unique destination with the best of the old and the new. You’ll also see influences of both the east and west in the architecture and cuisine, as Estonia is a short ferry ride from Helsinki. The restaurants, quaint cafes and chic boutiques are places you’ll love to linger, while the long coastline is ideal for strolling. There are so many different ways to see the city, because Tallinn is so rich in history. See how beer influenced local history, or explore the reminders of life under the Soviet regime. Take a walking tour of the beautiful Old Town, or a driving tour to see more of the city. There are distinct neighborhoods here and each one feels distinct. Tallinn is very tech-savvy, so the business district is always modern and bustling. The bohemian Kalamaja neighborhood is a great place to have a drink or a bite to eat. The picturesque Lahemaa National Park is one of the best day trips from Tallinn, and you’ll have fun wandering through nature here before returning to the city to find more of its charms.

   Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the center of Tallinn.

10. Day 10 Departure Day

    

    Based on your departure time, we'll have a driver pick you up from your accommodation and take you to the airport.