Estonia is a beautiful and little-known country. We will start our stay by exploring its capital, Tallinn, while strolling through the old city. Then, we will discover the incredible nature of the region with its large lakes, natural parks and bucolic islands. Go through the small villages to meet the deep Estonia.
Day 1: First impressions of Tallinn
Day 2: The old town in depth
Day 3: Kadriorg and Pirita
Day 4: Lahemaa National Park
Day 5: Lake Peipsi
Day 6: Visit of the famous university city of Tartu
Day 7: Viljandi and Parnu
Day 8: Escapade to the Estonian islands
Day 9: Small hidden corner of unspoilt nature
Day 10: Haapsalu
Discover the old Tallinn by walking through the streets of Toompea hill and around Extensively dishes. Lunch in a café du Pikk, walk on the ramparts and visit the main churches of the city. Dinner on Extensively Dishes and evening in a bar in the old town.
Further exploration of Old Tallinn. Visit of the city museum and a short visit to the port. Discover the design and craft shops in Suur-Karja, Katarina Kak and Pikk streets. Enjoy the cafés and other establishments of the old town, often very inventive.
To the east of Tallinn, 10 minutes by tramway No. 1 or 3, is the Kadriorg district. Known above all for its palace built in honour of the wife of Czar Catherine I, it was built in the Baroque style. The palate is surrounded by a beautiful forest that is interesting to discover at all times of the year to enjoy the different nuances: green leaves in summer, yellow in autumn or bare branches covered with snow in winter. All the buildings surrounding the palace have been renovated and transformed, and there are two other museums: the House-Museum of Peter the Great and the Mikkel Museum. Finally, a musée d'artcontemporary has just opened its doors: its design with ultra-modern geometric shapes completely breaks with the style of the surrounding buildings. It houses the most important collection of Estonian art in the country. Before leaving Kadriorg and heading towards Pirita, if you have time, take a stroll through the streets adjacent to the discovery of these charming coloured wooden houses dating from the 19th century and constituting a remarkable architectural heritage. As you continue eastward, head for Pirita Beach, where you can enjoy many activities. In summer, the water is 20°C and you can swim in it.
Visit Palmse or Sagadi and their old mansions. Enjoy the exceptional fauna and flora of this park along the Baltic Sea by taking one of the many marked walks in the park, discovering beavers and moose. Discover the swamps of Viru raba. And to enjoy the sea, stop in one of the park's small coastal towns: Võsu for a swim, Altja for a stroll in a wilder landscape or Kasmu for the tranquility of a traditional fishing village. Finally, take the time to stop at Rakvere to visit its castle.
From Rakvere take direction Peipsi Lake. Here, discover the surprising landscapes of Estonia, its lake of course, its old fishing villages. Go through Kauksi, then get down to Mustvee and Kallaste by the road that runs along the lake. Stop to swim, walk, enjoy local dishes like smoked fish, according to your wishes. You can spend the night in the surroundings or continue to Tartu.
Take a map of the city and go for a walk around, go by the place de l'Hôtel-de-VilleToome Hill, visit one of its many museums and take the time to test one of the many restaurants in the city. In the evening, after a shopping break (department stores close at 10pm), spend the evening at the Opera, the theatre or one of the city's nightclubs, depending on your mood.
Leave Tartu in a westerly direction, go around Lake Võrtsjärv from the north or south and head towards Viljandi. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the country whose ruins of the ancient Teutonic order proudly stand on the top of the hill. It is pleasant to visit the city centre and discover its streets and traditional wooden houses. Then continue towards Pärnu, the seaside town par excellence. Visit the pretty old town, walk along the new promenade and enjoy the beach facing the Baltic Sea before ending up in a local pub, restaurant or café.
Passing by Virtsu where you will take the ferry, you will spend two days outside of modern times on the Estonian islands. You will first arrive in Saaremaa. Enjoy the bucolic atmosphere of the moors and beaches. Visit Kuresaare Castle, the remains of the village of Vöhma and the windmills. Overnight in Kuresaare after enjoying a spa.
You can reach the country's second largest island, Hiiumaa, by taking the ferry to Triigi on Saaremaa. On this bucolic island, you will discover a real little corner of paradise where nature has been remarkably preserved. You can go around the island, stop on a peaceful bay, observe the birds, ride a horse on the beach... Night in Kärdla, the pretty little capital of the island.
You leave Hiiumaa by ferry, towards Haapsalu. Stop in this small town to visit its castle. Inside, a restored part houses the museum that traces the history of the city and this fortification built in the 13th century. Walk the streets along the sea. The city is adorable with its colourful houses and coves. It is possible to take beautiful walks in the forest. Arrival in Tallinn at the end of the day.
Each Travel Idea is customizable according to your wishes