Estonia

Tallinn’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is easy to see why. Cobbled lanes wind between merchants’ houses from its Hanseatic days, towers and stretches of the medieval wall still stand, and the hill of Toompea offers views over red roofs to the harbour. The Town Hall on the main square dates from the fifteenth century, and the square fills with a Christmas market every winter.

Modern Tallinn is just as interesting. Estonia is known for its digital government and tech start-ups, and the former industrial district of Telliskivi is now full of studios, cafés and markets. Kadriorg Park, with a baroque palace built for Peter the Great, is a peaceful escape from the centre. Our Estonia programme includes a Tallinn city break and a private walking tour, and it combines well with Riga in Latvia or a ferry crossing to Helsinki, which takes around two hours.

Food and drink

Estonian food is simple and seasonal: dark rye bread, smoked fish, pickled vegetables, pork with sauerkraut and, in summer, fresh berries and mushrooms from the forests. The old town has several restaurants that serve medieval-style dishes by candlelight, which is more fun than it sounds. Vana Tallinn, a sweet dark liqueur, is the local souvenir.

How to travel

Tallinn is small, and a three-night city break with a guided walk covers the highlights at a comfortable pace. For a longer Baltic journey, we can link it with Riga and Kaunas by private transfer or with Helsinki by ferry. Tell us what you would like to see and we will suggest the right combination.