Almost impossibly beautiful
Get the Christmas season of to a perfect start in Estonia’s picture-book capital. Step back in time as you explore the beautiful medieval streets and passageways of this delightful, compact city, and enjoy the festive energy and friendly welcome of a destination that has become one of the Europe’s absolute must-sees. Let a guided tour to bring the Old Town back to life, and wander the stalls of what some say is one of the best Christmas Markets in the world, in the shadow of Toompea Castle.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?
Your Itinerary
Day One: Outbound flight to Estonia
Fly to Tallinn, meet your Tour Manager and transfer to your four-star hotel in the heart of the city. Settle in to your room, then perhaps explore the the city. Tallinn is an enchanting, UNESCO-listed maze of historic houses, half-hidden courtyards, barns and merchants’ buildings, all watched over by the fortified towers of Toompea Castle.
Stroll through the Old Town, past restaurants and cafes housed in medieval buildings, in search of dinner. Tallinn has a vast selection of restaurants offering traditional Estonian dishes or cuisine from around the world, so you're sure to be spoilt for choice.
Day Two: Included Tallinn guided tour
This morning’s tour will begin in Talinn's beautiful, restored Old Town. In Katariina Passage you’ll pass studios that have been home to artists and craftsmen for centuries. Stroll up Luhike Jalg (Short-leg Street) to the Upper Town, through the imposing medieval gate, and take in the views from the Kohuotsa and Patkuli observation platforms, two of Europe’s most spectacular viewpoints. On clear days you can see all the way to Finland!
The highlight of your day will be a visit to the delightful Christmas market on Town Hall Square. The wooden stalls of the market are arranged around the city’s public Christmas tree - an annual feature of the square since 1441 - and offer a wonderful selection of local craft goods and traditional food and drink. The square is also home to Tallin's Gothic Town Hall and to the Raeapteek - the ancient pharmacy that has been in business since at least 1422.
Elsewhere, other wonderful sights include St Olav’s soaring spire and the onion-domed towers of the Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Finish your day at Toompea Castle as sun sets to witness the ceremonial lowering of the national flag to the sounds of the Estonian national anthem, then perhaps join us for an optional folklore evening in a local tavern, where you’ll enjoy music, dancing and perhaps a glass or two of local beer.
Day Three: Optional Maarjamae Palace day trip
Spend a second day exploring - perhaps heading to the delightful Kadriorg Palace to wander its formal gardens and the serene galleries of the Kadriorg Art Museum. Alternatively, join our optional excursion to the Maarjamae Palace. This magnificent sea-side summer retreat was built by a Russian count, and now houses the fascinating Estonian History Museum.
This evening why not head out for dinner in the lively, bohemian Kalamaja district, Tallinn’s trendiest quarter?
Day Four: Fly back to the UK
Bid farewell to your Estonian hosts, today, and transfer back to airport to catch your flight home.
PRICES
Hestia Hotel Ilmarine ★★★★
Hestia Hotel Ilmarine ★★★★
Introduction
Housed in a converted building, this ultra-modern hotel stands at the foot of the Old Town, close to the Kalamaja district’s bars and cafes.
Further Information
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 30 minutes.
Combining hotel transfers
We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Luggage Allowance
For two people travelling together on one booking, one piece of hold luggage is included. Additional hold luggage allowance can be purchased direct from the airline when you check in for your flight.
Foreign Office travel advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
