TOUR OF EASTERN ESTONIA

Arrival in Tallinn and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day dedicated to the free visit of the capital of Estonia. Tallinn is a charming blend of medieval tranquillity and modern urban life. We suggest you to start the visit from the ‘newer’ parts of Tallinn and visit its scenic coastline. En route you will see the ‘green’ district of Pirita, the Estonian Song Festival Ground, and the soviet-built Lasnamäe district. A visit to the Kadriorg Park is recommended. Nearby you’ll find the KUMU museum, the new award-winning Estonian museum of contemporary fine art. Continue the visit by discovering the Old Town. Walk leisurely around the busy Old Town streets where many outdoor cafes, shops, galleries, souvenir markets and restaurants blossom during the summer. Visit the Toompea Castle, now housed by the Estonian Parliament, the Town Hall and merchant houses, the Russian-Orthodox Cathedral Alexander Nevsky, the Church of the Holy Spirit, the Dome Church and the Great Guild Hall

Car delivered in the morning at the hotel. Drive along the scenic St. Petersburg Road which runs along the Baltic sea coast. On the way to Toila, soak in the natural beauty of the Lahemaa National Park. On reaching Toila visit the Oru Park and castle. Overnight in Toila

Follow the road to Kuremäe to visit the Pühtitsa Dormition Convent. This peaceful monastery was founded in 1891 and it is Estonia’s only Russian Orthodox nunnery. Drive south to Mustvee. Mustvee is located on the shores of the Lake Peipsi. Lake Peipsi, the biggest among over the 2000 lakes in Estonia, is surrounded by a breath-taking natural beauty and is still untouched by the tourism. The lake also separates Estonia from Russia. Drive through the fishermen’s villages (Kolkja, Kasepää, Varnja). Almost 100% of the population of these villages is of Russian origin. The villages are also known as the poorest villages in Estonia. Drive to Tartu. Tartu is the second largest city in Estonia and also the main unversity centre of the country. Walking around Tartu’s picturesque Old Town will take about 2 hours. Overnight in Tartu.

Leave Tartu in the morning and drive southwards to Setumaa. Setumaa is an Estonian county with a mix of different cultures, religions and traditions and also offers a vibrant natural landscape. Continue to the South Estonian town of Võru. Unlike other towns Võru is known by its right angled street and beautiful wooden architecture. Head to the Estonian ‘mountains’ in Otepää (250 m of high).

From Otepää turn towards Suur Munamägi. At 318 m, it is the highest point in the Baltic countries and the observation platform offers stunning views of the Baltic landscape. In the afternoon, drive to Paide. Paide is also known as the ‘Heart of Estonia’ as it is located in the centre of Estonia. Its central location prompted the Germans to build a castle here. Attractions in Paide include the restored eight-sided Paide tower that houses the Wittenstein Time Centre. Paide’s many limestone statues are a must-see too. Continue north to Tallinn. Drop off of the car at the hotel in the late afternoon.

Free time for additional visits or shopping. Transfer to airport.