CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS OF ESTONIA & LATVIA
July 24 - Aug 08, 2012
16 days
Day 1 (Tue, July 24) Tallinn - European Capital of Culture 2011
Arrival to the capital of Estonia, Tallinn. Transfer from the airport to My City Hotel located in the Old Town. After check – in for 3 nights you will have a meeting with a tour coordinator.
Day 2 (Wed, July 25) Tallinn
Day 2 (Wed, July 25) Tallinn
Breakfast
09:00 Two hours guided walking tour in the medieval Old Town of Tallinn, the best preserved old town in northern Europe and which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tallinn was also European Capital of Culture in 2011.
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We visit the Dome Church (13th century), the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Alexander Nevskij and admire the view across the red roofs of Tallinn Old Town from Toompea. There are still many fine examples of dwelling-houses and warehouses within the medieval main city walls, many of which date back to the days of the Hanseatic merchants and their artisans. The 600 years old Town Hall is the only intact Gothic town hall in Northern Europe and is one of the most famed symbols of the city. It overlooks the main cobbled square, which is traditionally a central point for relaxing café-style al fresco eating and enjoyment in summer.
After the walking tour you will have 2 hours free time to have lunch
13:00 Guided minibus tour in Tallinn. Departure is in front of your hotel. You will get to know other parts of Tallinn during this excursion, such as:
The baroque Kadriorg Palace with its beautiful landscaped park, built by the Russian Tsar Peter the Great in the 18th century. Close by is Tallinn`s striking new KUMU Art Museum, the largest multifunctional art centre in Scandinavia and the Baltics. Its permanent exhibition traces the history of Estonian art since the 18th century, while temporary exhibits comprise of both foreign and Estonian modern and contemporary art. Your tour guide will guide you through the park and gives you an overview of those museums. After the tour you will have free time to visit them.
From Kadriorg Park it`s a short walk to the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds where the Estonian Song Festival is held in every five years. Up to 25000 singers gather to sing beneath the modern Tallinn Song Stage, built in 1959.
From the Song Festival Grounds we will drive to Pirita - the site of Estonia`s largest marina, which hosted the yahting competitions for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, and Pirita beach is Tallinn`s premier sunbathing paradise. The view back from the Pirita road towards the Old Town, harbour and modern Tallinn is spectacular.
You will also visit Estonian tv-tower in Pirita. It has a long and interesting story in Estonian history in becoming independent from Soviet Union.
The driving tour ends in front of your hotel but the driver can make a stop in Kadriorg if someone would like to visit either Estonian Art Museum KUMU or Kadriorg Palace. Evening is free
09:00 Two hours guided walking tour in the medieval Old Town of Tallinn, the best preserved old town in northern Europe and which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tallinn was also European Capital of Culture in 2011.
We visit the Dome Church (13th century), the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Alexander Nevskij and admire the view across the red roofs of Tallinn Old Town from Toompea. There are still many fine examples of dwelling-houses and warehouses within the medieval main city walls, many of which date back to the days of the Hanseatic merchants and their artisans. The 600 years old Town Hall is the only intact Gothic town hall in Northern Europe and is one of the most famed symbols of the city. It overlooks the main cobbled square, which is traditionally a central point for relaxing café-style al fresco eating and enjoyment in summer.After the walking tour you will have 2 hours free time to have lunch
13:00 Guided minibus tour in Tallinn. Departure is in front of your hotel. You will get to know other parts of Tallinn during this excursion, such as:
The baroque Kadriorg Palace with its beautiful landscaped park, built by the Russian Tsar Peter the Great in the 18th century. Close by is Tallinn`s striking new KUMU Art Museum, the largest multifunctional art centre in Scandinavia and the Baltics. Its permanent exhibition traces the history of Estonian art since the 18th century, while temporary exhibits comprise of both foreign and Estonian modern and contemporary art. Your tour guide will guide you through the park and gives you an overview of those museums. After the tour you will have free time to visit them. From Kadriorg Park it`s a short walk to the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds where the Estonian Song Festival is held in every five years. Up to 25000 singers gather to sing beneath the modern Tallinn Song Stage, built in 1959.
From the Song Festival Grounds we will drive to Pirita - the site of Estonia`s largest marina, which hosted the yahting competitions for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, and Pirita beach is Tallinn`s premier sunbathing paradise. The view back from the Pirita road towards the Old Town, harbour and modern Tallinn is spectacular.You will also visit Estonian tv-tower in Pirita. It has a long and interesting story in Estonian history in becoming independent from Soviet Union.
The driving tour ends in front of your hotel but the driver can make a stop in Kadriorg if someone would like to visit either Estonian Art Museum KUMU or Kadriorg Palace. Evening is free
Day 3 (Thu July 26) Tallinn
You can spend this day in Tallinn doing things and visiting places you like most. There is also a festival called Heartbeat Tallinn taking place on July 24-29. The week includes a bicycle rally, concerts, street arts, youth events and many other practical expressions of caring for the city and its people. It will include gatherings for Agape Europe members as well as public events open to citizens of Tallinn and all local and international guests. Come and be part of a contagious joy and caring that comes from the heart. Read more about this event from here
Day 4 (Fri July 27) Tallinn - Haapsalu (total driving time 1,5 - 2 hours)
Breakfast and check-out.
09:00 Departure to the most romantic town in Estonia, Haapsalu, where you can spend a day taking part of the international stringed instrument festival, going to art galleries or just take a stroll along the seaside. Your tourguide will give you a small excursion there. Check-in to Baltic Hotel Promenaadi for one night.
Haapsalu, formed in 1279, is well-known for its historic and maritime ambience, warm sea water, curative mud baths and friendly residents. Haapsalu is a wonderful little town with narrow streets, a miniature town hall and romantic wooden dwelling houses. On the seaside promenade stands Kuursaal, one of the finest wooden buildings in all Estonia.
And if you are in Haapsalu, don’t forget to buy a typical unique hand-woven woollen Haapsalu shawl, which are known locally as “miracles in lace”.
Day 5 (Sat July 28) Haapsalu - Muhu island - Saaremaa island (total driving time 3,5 hours)
Breakfast and check-out.
09:00 Departure to the largest island in Estonia - Saaremaa. During your way to Kuressaare you will visit Koguva village in Muhu island and Kaali meteortie crater in Saaremaa. Watch this following video about Saaremaa and its history:
Check-in for 2 nights at centrally located Boutique hotel Arensburg. Evening in Kuressaare is free
Day 6 (Sun July 29) Kuressaare - Sõrve peninsula
Breakfast
09:00 Guided city tour in Kuressaare. The most important tourist sight in the only town of the county, Kuressaare (up to 1917 Arensburg) is the bishopric castle dating from the 13th century. This castle is unique in the Baltic countries. Kuressaare is also known for its beautiful and well preserved old town.
After the city tour you will drive to Sõrve peninsula.
Day 7 (Mo July 30) Kuressaare - Pärnu (total driving time 3,5 hours)
Breakfast and check-out. Departure to the summer capital of Estonia - Pärnu. We take the same way back to the mainland of Estonia and continue our journey to south towards Pärnu.
Pärnu is a summer resort in Estonia which is popular among tourists and also Estonians during summer. It is a small former Hanseatic city with a very beautiful sandy beach. Take a look at the following video to get a glimpse of the town.
Check-in for one night at Villa Wesset hotel, located just few hundred meters from the most famous beach in Estonia. Small city tour with your guide Mr. Mati Rumessen
Day 8 (Tue July 31) Pärnu - Riga (total driving time 3 hours)
Breakfast and check-out from the hotel. Departure to the capital of Lativa - Riga. On the way making a stop to take a bog trip. You will see how most of the land in Estonia looks like.
After the walking trip your journey continues to Riga. Check-in for 2 nights at centrally located Radisson BLU Elizabete Hotel. Evening is free to discover the capital of Latvia on your own.
Day 9 (Wed Aug 01) Riga -Rundale Palace - Riga (total driving time 2 x 1,5 hours)
Breakfast 
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Day 10 (Thu Aug 02) Riga - Gauja National Park (total driving time 3 hours)
Breakfast and check-out from the hotel
09:00 Departure to Gauja National Park. You will spend a day exploring the nature of Latvia.
The Gauja National Park in Vidzeme is the largest national park in Latvia, with an area of 917.45 km² running from north-east of Sigulda to south-west of Cēsis along the valley of the Gauja River, from which the park takes its name. It was established on 14 September 1973 and is thus also the oldest national park in Latvia.
Day 11 (Fri Aug 03) Dikli manor - Tartu (total driving time 2,5-3 hours)
Breakfast and check-out from the manor hotel.
09:00 Departure to the second largest city in Estonia, Tartu.
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You can spend this day in Tallinn doing things and visiting places you like most. There is also a festival called Heartbeat Tallinn taking place on July 24-29. The week includes a bicycle rally, concerts, street arts, youth events and many other practical expressions of caring for the city and its people. It will include gatherings for Agape Europe members as well as public events open to citizens of Tallinn and all local and international guests. Come and be part of a contagious joy and caring that comes from the heart. Read more about this event from here
Day 4 (Fri July 27) Tallinn - Haapsalu (total driving time 1,5 - 2 hours)
Breakfast and check-out.
09:00 Departure to the most romantic town in Estonia, Haapsalu, where you can spend a day taking part of the international stringed instrument festival, going to art galleries or just take a stroll along the seaside. Your tourguide will give you a small excursion there. Check-in to Baltic Hotel Promenaadi for one night.
Haapsalu, formed in 1279, is well-known for its historic and maritime ambience, warm sea water, curative mud baths and friendly residents. Haapsalu is a wonderful little town with narrow streets, a miniature town hall and romantic wooden dwelling houses. On the seaside promenade stands Kuursaal, one of the finest wooden buildings in all Estonia.
And if you are in Haapsalu, don’t forget to buy a typical unique hand-woven woollen Haapsalu shawl, which are known locally as “miracles in lace”.
Day 5 (Sat July 28) Haapsalu - Muhu island - Saaremaa island (total driving time 3,5 hours)
Breakfast and check-out.
09:00 Departure to the largest island in Estonia - Saaremaa. During your way to Kuressaare you will visit Koguva village in Muhu island and Kaali meteortie crater in Saaremaa. Watch this following video about Saaremaa and its history:
The Estonian Island of Saaremaa from VisitSaaremaa on Vimeo.
Check-in for 2 nights at centrally located Boutique hotel Arensburg. Evening in Kuressaare is free
Day 6 (Sun July 29) Kuressaare - Sõrve peninsula
Breakfast
09:00 Guided city tour in Kuressaare. The most important tourist sight in the only town of the county, Kuressaare (up to 1917 Arensburg) is the bishopric castle dating from the 13th century. This castle is unique in the Baltic countries. Kuressaare is also known for its beautiful and well preserved old town.
After the city tour you will drive to Sõrve peninsula.
Historically, the peninsula had considerable military significance, dominating the Irbe Strait and the sea route to Riga. In the first half of the 20th century strong coastal batteries were installed on it by Imperial Russia up to 1917 and then by the Soviet Union after 1940. In the course of World War II, the peninsula saw major fighting between Soviet and German forces, first in 1941 with the Germans attacking and the Soviets defending, and again in 1944 with the roles reversed. Even now it is dangerous to walk in undeveloped forest areas because a lot of unexploded ordnance remains from the fighting.
The Sõrve peninsula is also known for its unique and special natural attractions. Many rare species of birds, flowers and insects can be found throughout Sõrve.
After the tour to Sõrve peninsula, you will drive back to Kuressaare and can spend a free afternoon.
Day 7 (Mo July 30) Kuressaare - Pärnu (total driving time 3,5 hours)
Breakfast and check-out. Departure to the summer capital of Estonia - Pärnu. We take the same way back to the mainland of Estonia and continue our journey to south towards Pärnu.
Pärnu is a summer resort in Estonia which is popular among tourists and also Estonians during summer. It is a small former Hanseatic city with a very beautiful sandy beach. Take a look at the following video to get a glimpse of the town.
Check-in for one night at Villa Wesset hotel, located just few hundred meters from the most famous beach in Estonia. Small city tour with your guide Mr. Mati Rumessen
Day 8 (Tue July 31) Pärnu - Riga (total driving time 3 hours)
Breakfast and check-out from the hotel. Departure to the capital of Lativa - Riga. On the way making a stop to take a bog trip. You will see how most of the land in Estonia looks like.
After the walking trip your journey continues to Riga. Check-in for 2 nights at centrally located Radisson BLU Elizabete Hotel. Evening is free to discover the capital of Latvia on your own.
Day 9 (Wed Aug 01) Riga -Rundale Palace - Riga (total driving time 2 x 1,5 hours)
Breakfast
09:00 2 hours walking tour in the Old Town of Riga with a local English speaking tour guide. You will meet her at the reception of your hotel at 09:00.
Eight hundred years have shaped the city’s unique appearance and rich traditions. Riga has unique values due to its rather intact medieval architecture and that of later periods, the urban structure, the richness and quality of Art Noveau architecture and the 19-th century wooden architecture of the city. Inscribing the historic centre of Riga on the World Heritage List of UNESCO recognized it.
Eight hundred years have shaped the city’s unique appearance and rich traditions. Riga has unique values due to its rather intact medieval architecture and that of later periods, the urban structure, the richness and quality of Art Noveau architecture and the 19-th century wooden architecture of the city. Inscribing the historic centre of Riga on the World Heritage List of UNESCO recognized it.
After the walking tour Mr. Mati Rumessen (your driver-guide) will take you to a day tour wo Rundale Palace. Rundāle Palace is one of the most outstanding monuments of Baroque and Rococo art in Latvia. It was built between 1736 and 1740 as a summer residence of Duke Ernst Johann of Courland. You can visit this Palace and its garden to get a glimpse of how it was to live like a duke. Evening is free in Riga
Day 10 (Thu Aug 02) Riga - Gauja National Park (total driving time 3 hours)
Breakfast and check-out from the hotel
09:00 Departure to Gauja National Park. You will spend a day exploring the nature of Latvia.
The Gauja National Park in Vidzeme is the largest national park in Latvia, with an area of 917.45 km² running from north-east of Sigulda to south-west of Cēsis along the valley of the Gauja River, from which the park takes its name. It was established on 14 September 1973 and is thus also the oldest national park in Latvia.The park is particularly noted for the Devonian sandstone cliffs, in some places as high as 90 metres, along the banks of the Gauja. In the south-west it is mainly used by the inhabitants of Riga as a leisure facility, while further to the north-east it is more strictly protected.
The area was formerly sometimes known as the "Livonian Switzerland" and tourists started to visit this area in the 19th century. it. It also includes Turaida Castle which you also visit.
Overnight at Dikli manor hotel. Dikļi manor is an old property of the family of fon der Pahlens. The oldest facts date back to the beginning of the 15th century, when the owner of the manor was Gotshalk fon der Pahlen.
Overnight at Dikli manor hotel. Dikļi manor is an old property of the family of fon der Pahlens. The oldest facts date back to the beginning of the 15th century, when the owner of the manor was Gotshalk fon der Pahlen.
Day 11 (Fri Aug 03) Dikli manor - Tartu (total driving time 2,5-3 hours)
Breakfast and check-out from the manor hotel.
09:00 Departure to the second largest city in Estonia, Tartu.
Tartu is a university town and a city of youth! The time-honoured university, museum-rich and Hanseatic city of Tartu lies on the banks of the River Emajõgi. The capital of southern Estonia is the second largest city in the country (but the largest in terms of student population!) and the oldest in the Baltic States. Tartu is a modern city with a rich historical heritage and culture.
It is the cradle of the Estonian Song Festival, Estonian theatre and the Estonian state; Tartu is the intellectual capital of Estonia where national awareness and the culture of Estonia was born.
Check-in for 2 nights at centrally located Hotel Pallas. Your driver-guide Mr. Mati Rumessen will give you an overview of the town. It includes a visit to the University, Toome Hill Park with its monuments, bridges, St John`s church and Town Hall square.
Day 12 (Sat Aug 04) Tartu - Värska - Leigo - Tartu (total driving time 3,5-4 hours)
Breakfast
09:00 Day tour to South Estonia. First you will get to know Setos culture and later in the evening enjoy a classical concert performed on a lake. The festival is called Leigo Lake festival and the conductor is world famous Estonian conductor Mr. Neeme Järvi.
In the far southeast corner of Estonia there is an original historical and ethnic region – SETOMAA. Setomaa borders with Lake Pskov in northeast, Russia in east and south-east, Latvia in south and Võru County in west. Estimated total population of Setos in Estonia is 10 000–13 000, of which ca 3 000-4000 live on their indigenous area
Original Seto culture has developed in the spheres of influence of Eastern and Western cultures (katõ ilma veere pääl, i.e. “on the border of two worlds”). The borderland status has also given a chance to preserve some genuine customs of Finno-Ugric tribes. They have kept alive their own language, lifestyle, own food, beautiful and unique folk costumes.
In Seto epic called "Peko" Anne Vabarna, the Mother of Songs sings about the hero Peko who becomes the king of Setomaa. As the king lies dormant in a sand cave of Pechory town, there has to be someone who rules over Setomaa while the real king is away. Thus the Setos come together each year, and – beyond the national law – create their own kingdom and elect their king and his masters to rule over the land... TODAY is your chance to take part of the elections and celebrations in Värska.
18:00 Leigo Lake Music Festival. It is an open-air concert. You will be observing the concert on a shore of the lake. The festival offers performances of the best Estonian and well-chosen international artists. This day will be reserved for the classical music and the final concerts will be provided by the Neeme Järvi International Summer Academy for Conductors. After the concert (around 11PM) there will be a grand firework on a lake. Your driver-guide Mr. Mati Rumessen will give you a 30-min ride back to Tartu after the concert.
Day 13 (Sun Aug 05) Tartu -coast of Peipsi lake - Vihula (total driving time 3,5-4 hours)
Breakfast and Check-out
09:00 Depature to Vihula manor house, located in Lahemaa National Park in Estonia. During this day you will get a glimpse of another culture in Estonia - you will see how Russian Old Believers live nowadays on shore of Lake Peipsi.
The route alongside the Shore of Peipsi Lake follows the old Russian tradition of having only one street, which means villages blend originally with each other. Here can be found some of the world`s few villages still populated by the "Old Believers". These are the descendents of a highly religious, ethnic Russian minority who came across the lake in the 17th and 18th centuries to seek sanctuary from persecution after they resisted reforms in the Orthodox Church. The area is known for smoked and dried fish, cucumbers, golden onions and pickles sold by the local villagers. A feel for the strictly religious community, where electricity is disallowed, can be found in Raja village church, lit only by beeswax candles.
On your way to Vihula, you will also make a stop in a tiny village Avinurme where you can visit Avinurme Wooden Handicraft Center and buy local wooden handicraft.
Check-in for 2 nights at Vihula Manor Country Club & SPA.
Day 14 (Mo Aug 06) Vihula - Lahemaa National Park - Vihula
Breakfast
09:00 Day tour to the largest and most popular national parks in Esotnia - Lahemaa national park.
Breakfast and Check-out
09:00 Depature to Vihula manor house, located in Lahemaa National Park in Estonia. During this day you will get a glimpse of another culture in Estonia - you will see how Russian Old Believers live nowadays on shore of Lake Peipsi.
The route alongside the Shore of Peipsi Lake follows the old Russian tradition of having only one street, which means villages blend originally with each other. Here can be found some of the world`s few villages still populated by the "Old Believers". These are the descendents of a highly religious, ethnic Russian minority who came across the lake in the 17th and 18th centuries to seek sanctuary from persecution after they resisted reforms in the Orthodox Church. The area is known for smoked and dried fish, cucumbers, golden onions and pickles sold by the local villagers. A feel for the strictly religious community, where electricity is disallowed, can be found in Raja village church, lit only by beeswax candles.
Check-in for 2 nights at Vihula Manor Country Club & SPA.
Day 14 (Mo Aug 06) Vihula - Lahemaa National Park - Vihula
Breakfast
09:00 Day tour to the largest and most popular national parks in Esotnia - Lahemaa national park.
En-route to Lahemaa, Estonia`s oldest stone barrows, part of a burial site thought to date back to the 8th or 7th century BC and now on the shoulder of the busy highway. The route also passes close to Estonia`s highest natural waterwall, Jägala Falls. More than 50 metres across, the water drops eight metres into a limestone "bowl", eroded over thousands of years.
Lahemaa National Park, established in 1971, is made up of four peninsulas and numerous islets, jutting into the Gulf of Finland. Lahemaa`s forests, marshlands and coastal areas are home to around 200 bird species and approximately 900 different plants.
A number of interesting and historic manor houses can be found in this region. Sagadi Manor has both a manor house and forest museum and the 18th century Palmse Manor offers tours through the restored mansion.
The Lahemaa area also features idyllic fishing villages. One of these, Altja village, is a typically traditional coastal settlement. Another local attraction, Käsmu, the "captain`s village" was once the site of a nautical school and is now home to a maritime museum.
Lunch break in Viitna, at Helen`s (your tour coordinator) countryhouse.
Later in the evening you will have time to explore the beauty of Vihula manor or just enjoy SPA treatments
Lahemaa National Park, established in 1971, is made up of four peninsulas and numerous islets, jutting into the Gulf of Finland. Lahemaa`s forests, marshlands and coastal areas are home to around 200 bird species and approximately 900 different plants.
A number of interesting and historic manor houses can be found in this region. Sagadi Manor has both a manor house and forest museum and the 18th century Palmse Manor offers tours through the restored mansion.
The Lahemaa area also features idyllic fishing villages. One of these, Altja village, is a typically traditional coastal settlement. Another local attraction, Käsmu, the "captain`s village" was once the site of a nautical school and is now home to a maritime museum.
Lunch break in Viitna, at Helen`s (your tour coordinator) countryhouse.
Later in the evening you will have time to explore the beauty of Vihula manor or just enjoy SPA treatments
Day 15 (Tue Aug 07) Vihula - Tallinn (total driving time 2 hours)
Breakfast and check-out from the manor
09:00 Departure to the capital of Estonia, Tallinn. You will have half of the day for yourself in Tallinn. Take time to rest and look back at the good memories of the journey. You can also explore the town once again because you are staying at the most central point of Tallinn - My City Hotel in the Old Town of Tallinn
Day 16 (Wed Aug 08) Tallinn
Breakfast and check-out. You can either continue your journey to Helsinki or St.Petersnurg or take a departure flight back to home. Transfer to the airport is by taxi.
Tour price EUR 1590.-/person includes:
You can book this tour HERE or
send an e-mail to Miss Helen Allikmäe: info[at]hansatravel.ee
Breakfast and check-out from the manor
09:00 Departure to the capital of Estonia, Tallinn. You will have half of the day for yourself in Tallinn. Take time to rest and look back at the good memories of the journey. You can also explore the town once again because you are staying at the most central point of Tallinn - My City Hotel in the Old Town of Tallinn
Day 16 (Wed Aug 08) Tallinn
Breakfast and check-out. You can either continue your journey to Helsinki or St.Petersnurg or take a departure flight back to home. Transfer to the airport is by taxi.
Tour price EUR 1590.-/person includes:
- Accommodation for 15 nights at centrally located 4* hotels in twin/double room. NB! Only one night in Haapsalu is spent in a 3* hotel
- 15 x breakfast
- Transfers by Mercedes Benz Viano minivan
- English speaking tourguide-driver from day 4 – day 15
- Private walking tours with local English speaking guide in the Old Towns of Tallinn and Riga
- Driving tour in Tallinn with your tourguide-driver Mr. Mati Rumessen
- Entrances to TV-tower in Tallinn; Muhu Museum; Kuressaare Castle; Rundale Palace and its garden; Turaida castle; Alatskivi castle; Kolkja Musuem; Sagadi Manor
- Visa to Seto Kingdom
- Ticket to Leigo Lake concert
- Ferry tickets from the mainland of Estonia to Saaremaa island and back
You can book this tour HERE or
send an e-mail to Miss Helen Allikmäe: info[at]hansatravel.ee