Highlights
- Tour the city of Tallinn, the medieval capital of the Baltic States
- Visit Keila Waterfall and explore the coastal town of Haapsalu
- Hike the bogs and explore the villas in Lahemaa National Park
- Discover limestone cliffs, traditional windmills, and castles on Saaremaa Island
- Enjoy the Maritime Museum and relax with a beer at Teliskivi Creative City
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Tallinn - Tour the city | Tallinn |
| Day 2 | Explore historic villas and hike bogs in Lahemaa National Park | Tallinn |
| Day 3 | Visit Keila Waterfall and transfer to the coastal town of Haapsalu | Haapsalu |
| Day 4 | Discover castles, windmills and limestone cliffs on Saaremaa Island | Saaremaa |
| Day 5 | Visit the Tallinn Seaplane Hangars - Depart Estonia | Tallinn |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tallinn - Tour the city
Welcome to Estonia!
Your trip to the country starts in its capital city of Tallinn. Upon arriving at the airport, you'll transfer to your hotel and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy your first few hours exploring this bustling city on a guided walking tour.
Tallinn is the medieval capital in the Baltic States, so don't miss meandering its historic Old Town. You'll stroll along the cobblestone streets lined with towers and walls surrounding the medieval houses and monuments, then make your way up to Toompea Hill. Here you'll find the city's castle, which currently houses the Estonian Parliament. Along the way, you'll make stops at the 13th-century Cathedral of Saint Mary the Virgin and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which was designed by the famous Soviet architect, Mikhail Preobrazhensky.
You'll return to Town Hall Square to enjoy the 15th-century Town Hall and the nearby museum housing Europe's oldest continuously-operating pharmacy, which has been open since 1422. After the walking tour, you can continue your exploration of the city at your leisure. You'll find plenty of options for dinner in the Old Town, including Maiasmokk Cafe, the oldest operating cafe in Tallinn. Inside you'll find a marzipan museum and an artist who decorates marzipan figures.
Day 2: Explore historic villas and hike bogs in Lahemaa National Park
Escape the bustle of Tallinn and enjoy a visit to Lahemaa National Park, Estonia's oldest and largest national park. A local guide will lead you through the park, offering details of Estonian history as you go. The park features picturesque coastline, dense forests, hidden waterfalls, and even abandoned Soviet-era military remains.
Within Lahemaa National Park, you'll visit the captains' village of Käsmu, which features a unique bog landscape with many lakes and streams. You'll stop by an abandoned Soviet military submarine base, plus the fishermen houses and historic manors of Palmse, Sagadi, and Vihula. The Palmse manor is a living museum of the Baltic-German aristocracy, complete with a wine cellar that contains more than 130 varieties of wine, including local sweet-berry wines.
Along the way, you'll discover sandy shorelines and wander amongst bogs, including the Viru Bog. You'll hike along wooden boardwalks for about 2 miles (3.5 km) over the wetland, learning about traditional Estonian folklore.
In the late afternoon, you'll return to Tallinn. Enjoy a free evening roaming the picturesque streets and eating traditional cuisine in one of the Old Town bistros.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Visit Keila Waterfall and transfer to the coastal town of Haapsalu
In the morning, you'll drive north to Keila Waterfall, which is set on the Keila River in Northern Estonia. At 20 feet (6 m) high and over 200 feet (65 m) wide, it's one of the most powerful waterfalls in Estonia, along with Narva Waterfall and Jägala Waterfall.
Along the way, you'll stop at the coastal limestone cliffs in Turisalu, as well as the Padise Abbey with its historic monastery ruins. Nearby is a closed military town, plus the Murru Prison and Rummu Quarry, which all provide insight into the country's wartime history.
You'll end in the small countryside town of Haapsalu, known for its narrow streets, wooden houses, and seaside promenade. Visit Haapsalu Castle, which was founded in the middle of the 13th century and used up until the end of the 17th century.
In the late afternoon, you'll settle into your accommodation at a spa hotel, where you can enjoy relaxing treatments and dinner.
Day 4: Discover castles, windmills and limestone cliffs on Saaremaa Island
After breakfast, you'll drive to a nearby port and hop on the ferry to Saaremaa Island, Estonia's largest island. Your first stop will be Kuressaare Episcopal Castle, which is the only surviving medieval fortification in the Baltic States that has not been significantly reconstructed. You can learn about the local history in the castle's museum and enjoy panoramic views from its towers.
Next, you'll continue to the Sõrve Peninsula to climb the 170-foot (52-m) lighthouse, and later visit Angla Windmill Park to explore typical trestle windmills and Angla Heritage Culture Center.
After lunch, you'll enjoy the rest of the afternoon at Panga Cliffs, an outcrop of bedrock that connects under the Baltic Sea. Starting on the island of Gotland in Sweden, the cliffs rise to the surface on Estonia's western coast.
In the evening, you'll settle into your accommodation on the island and enjoy your final dinner in Estonia.
Day 5: Visit the Tallinn Seaplane Hangars - Depart Estonia
On your final day in Estonia, you'll return to Tallinn and visit the Seaplane Hangars in the Estonia Maritime Museum, where you can discover displays of sail ships, boats, and naval mines.
Afterward, if time permits, enjoy a leisurely stroll to the Teliskivi Creative City. It's Estonia's largest creative economic center, exuding a bohemian spirit perfect for relaxing with a cup of coffee or a pint of beer. You can also grab some unique souvenirs before leaving Estonia.
When you're ready, you'll transfer to the airport in time to catch your flight.