8-DAY SELF-DRIVE TOUR IN ESTONIA
Self-drive tour

8-DAY SELF-DRIVE TOUR IN ESTONIA

  • Estonia
  • All year round
  • 8 days / 7 nights

Program

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN TALLINN

Arrival in Tallinn. Optional private transfer from the airport to the hotel. Check in to the hotel.

Overnight: Tallinn

DAY 2: DISCOVER TALLINN

Dedicate this day to discovering Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Tallinn offers a thrilling blend of romantic medieval streets, breathtaking modern architecture, an alternative vibe, and a leisurely seaside atmosphere. Tallinn is most famous for its stunningly photogenic medieval Old Town, which is considered to be one of the best-preserved Hanseatic town centers in the world. Stroll around the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town and let it cast a spell on you: noble merchants’ houses, gothic churches, curvy paths, medieval fortification walls, red tile roofs, and lovely cafes in secret yards will absolutely charm you. Visit the most famous sights of the Old Town, such as Toompea Castle, Tallinn Town Hall, Great Guild, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Masters’ Courtyard, St. Catherine’s Passage, as well as Patkuli viewing platform or Kohtuotsa viewing platform from where you can see a great panorama of the Old Town.

To experience the colorful diversity of Tallinn, visit other districts too. Telliskivi Creative City, located in a former industrial complex, offers a vibrant alternative culture scene. It has lively bars and cafes, cozy designer stores, amazing street art, and art galleries. Noblessner is known for its fancy-lifestyle vibe. It offers to enjoy a great meal with a view of yachts swaying on the waves in the harbor, as well as to explore some of the most exciting museums in Tallinn. Kadriorg invites you to go on a peaceful walk along elegant summer mansions and wooden villas and visit Kadriorg Palace. Kalamaja, once the main fishing port of Tallinn, today has turned into the main hipster area featuring colorful wooden architecture and many alternative bars.

Overnight: Tallinn

DAY 3: TALLINN – LAHEMAA NATIONAL PARK

Spend this day in Lahemaa National Park, the oldest and largest national park in Estonia that offers a great diversity of landscape: vast wetlands, deep forests, picturesque fishermen’s villages, as well as sandy and rocky beaches. To feel the real spirit of Lahemaa National Park, choose one of the hiking trails, for example, Viru Bog Study Trail or Kasmu Peninsula Hiking Trail.

One of the most unique things to do in Lahemaa National Park is visiting old fishermen’s villages that are scattered along the coastline of the Baltic Sea. Stop by Kasmu “captains’” village or Altja fishing village and discover the life of local fishermen, explore the rural architecture and fishing net sheds, as well as stroll along the beach. If you are looking for a bit more modern maritime vibe, stop by Vergi Harbor or Vosu Port. Military heritage lovers will appreciate visiting Hara Harbour and the former submarine base where you can carefully walk around and explore the ruins of the base.

Lahemaa National Park is also known for several beautiful manors. The most popular of them is Palmse Manor and Open-Air Museum, an impressive baroque mansion that provides a great overview of the Estonian manor lifestyle and offers wonderful parks, gardens, and historical buildings. Another beautiful manor is located just a few kilometers away – Sagadi Manor Complex.

In the evening, drive to your accommodation in Lahemaa National Park.

Overnight: Sagadi or Vihula

DAY 4: LAHEMAA NATIONAL PARK – RAKVERE – LAKE PEIPUS AREA

Start this day by driving to Rakvere, a city famous for its 13th-century medieval castle standing on the top of the hill. The castle works as a medieval theme park, representing everyday life in the Medieval Ages. You can dress up as a knight, play some medieval games, and explore the castle: visit the torture chamber, check out the cannons and muskets, go to the history room and learn more about Rakvere, get to know medieval medical practices at the healer’s room and peek inside the brothel. When you feel hungry, go to the tavern that offers meals cooked using original medieval recipes.

You can find another well-known symbol of Rakvere following a small path from the castle – the Statue of Aurochs. The impressive bronze animal was created to celebrate the 700th anniversary of Rakvere, but the symbolical connection between aurochs and Rakvere stretches way back to the past and is surrounded by legends. Today, the statue is a famous landmark of the town and a popular sight for taking photos.

Later drive to Lake Peipus area. Lake Peipus, located on the border between Estonia and Russia, is known as the largest transboundary lake in Europe. Lake Peipus area historically has been a very diverse region where three different cultures used to live side by side: Estonian peasants, Russian Old Believers, and the Baltic Germans. You can still see lovely Old Believers’ villages with colorful wooden houses scattered along Lake Peipus, explore aristocratic manors and stories of noble people’s lives, as well as discover local farmers’ lifestyle. One of the most beautiful manors in the area is Allatskivi Castle which looks just like out of a fairytale. Spend some time there and get to know the aristocratic lifestyle. Later, drive to such one-street Old Believers’ villages as Kolkja, Kasepaa, or Varnja. Discover the traditional architecture, colorful fishermen’s cottages, Old Believers’ prayer houses, and local traditions.

In the evening, drive to your accommodation in the Lake Peipus area.

Overnight: Lake Peipus area

DAY 5: LAKE PEIPUS AREA – TARTU

In the morning, drive to the famous student town Tartu and dedicate your day to exploring the oldest city in the Baltic States. Thanks to Tartu University, the city serves as the educational center for the whole region, and historically it has played a very important role in the cultural development and national awakening not only among Estonians but also among Latvians. Even today, many students from abroad come to Tartu, creating a vibrant and juvenile atmosphere in the city. Enjoy a peaceful day and stroll around the Tartu Old Town, visit Tartu Town Hall Square and the famous Kissing Students Fountain, the main building of Tartu University, St. John’s Church, and the impressive ruins of Tartu Cathedral. Later, walk along the Emojagi Promenade, one of the most popular places for enjoying some drinks and great food.

To explore the alternative scene of Tartu, visit Aparaaditehas Creative City built in an old factory complex. Open-air cinema nights, music concerts, crafts markets and flea markets, designer stores, restaurants, bars, cafes, and even a printing and paper art center TYPA you can find this all at the Aparaaditehas.

Tartu is proud to have one of the greatest museums in the country – the Estonian National Museum. It offers to explore the history of Estonia in a very modern and appealing way, as well as invites to visit an amazing exposition dedicated to different people speaking Finno-Ugric languages Echo of the Urals. Exploring this exposition feels like walking through an old legend. The Estonian National Museum is a must-visit place not only due to its interactive and exciting expositions but also for its architecture and design the museum is built on an old runway perfectly blending with the surroundings.

Overnight: Tartu

DAY 6: TARTU – VILJANDI – SOOMAA NATIONAL PARK – PARNU

Start your day by driving to Viljandi, a cute little town. Viljandi is famous for its annual folk music festival and picturesque views. One of the most scenic places is Viljandi Castle Ruins which stand on the hill overlooking Lake Viljandi. If you would like to explore more of the surrounding nature, you can follow a trail going all around the lake. A must-visit place for art lovers is the Kondas Centre of Naive Art, a very quirky and colorful art museum showcasing the artwork of the most famous Estonian naive art painter Paul Kondas, as well as temporary exhibitions of other artists. Viljandi is a perfect place for leisurely walks around its narrow streets with lovely wooden architecture.

Later, drive to Soomaa National Park and discover its stunning nature. Soomaa National Park is famous for the so-called fifth season in early spring when water from melting snow floods the forests and meadows inviting adventure-seekers to go on canoeing trips in the forests and maneuver between trees. During the rest of the year, Soomaa National Park is a perfect destination for hiking. One of the most popular hiking trails is the Riisa Hiking Trail which goes through the magical Riisa bog. Follow the trail and fall in love with the beauty of the bog!

In the afternoon, drive to Parnu, the most popular and the largest summer resort in Estonia. Go on a leisurely walk around the town and enjoy its laid-back atmosphere, romantic 19th and 20th-century villas, beautiful beach promenade, and great restaurants and bars. If you would like to relax in a spa or a sauna, Parnu is the right place to do that once famous for healing mud baths, Parnu still offers various high-quality well-being spas. Parnu has a tiny, but lovely Old Town that you can find around Ruutli Street, the main pedestrian street. Don’t miss out on the 15th-century Red Tower, the oldest surviving building.

If you are an art lover, visit the Parnu City Gallery or the Museum of New Art, the first modern art museum in Estonia. Parnu is proud to have the biggest beach in Estonia. The beach is famous for its white and soft sand, perfect for enjoying long walks or building sand castles. Another great place for nature lovers is the Parnu Coastal Meadow Hiking Trail, a wooden pathway that goes around coastal meadows and allows to see rare species of plants and birds. The most romantic place for watching a sunset is Parnu Breakwater. The legend says that those who kiss each other at the end of Parnu Breakwater will happily stay together forever.

Overnight: Parnu

DAY 7: PARNU – HAAPSALU – RUMMU – TALLINN

In the morning, drive to Haapsalu, another famous resort. Haapsalu is a lovely little town with romantic architecture, tiny houses, narrow streets, and a cozy atmosphere. Visit Haapsalu Castle, the main tourist attraction in Haapsalu. It is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Estonia and home to a famous ghost White Lady. In the castle, you will find interactive expositions allowing you to understand the history of Haapsalu and explore the medieval lifestyle in an exciting and fun way. Later, walk around the area surrounding the castle and enjoy the charming Old Town with cute houses and nice cafes. It is worth discovering the historic wooden villas too. One of the most famous buildings of the historical resort is the 19th-century Haapsalu Resort Hall rich with magnificent decorative wooden carvings. It is located next to the Haapsalu Promenade, a great place for walking and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the town.

Later, drive to Rummu Quarry, an extraordinary place that was used for mining limestone in the 20th century, but today serves as one of the most exciting tourist attractions in Estonia. Right next to the quarry, you can still see the remains of Murru prison. Inmates of the prison were used as the main laborers at the limestone quarry. Nowadays, you can hike around the white limestone hill, climb to the top of it, and enjoy a unique landscape that feels like on another planet. To fully enjoy the spooky atmosphere of the Rummu Quarry, rent a boat or a SUP board and paddle around the quarry. With the right angle of sunlight, a very unexpected underwater landscape will reveal in front of you a mystical sunken forest with dead trees standing up vertically, several concrete structures and buildings, and even some used machinery that can be seen through the crystal-clear turquoise water.

In the evening, return back to Tallinn.

Overnight: Tallinn

DAY 8: DEPARTURE FROM TALLINN

Departure day. Check out from the hotel. Optional private transfer from the hotel to the airport.

Highlights

  • Tallinn Old Town
  • Lahemaa National Park
  • Viru Bog
  • Rakvere Medieval Castle
  • Old Believers’ Villages along Lake Peipus
  • Tartu Old Town
  • Soomaa National Park
  • Riisa Bog
  • Seaside resorts Parnu and Haapsalu
  • Rummu Quarry
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Price

The price for two people in a double room:

  • 3-star hotels: 540.00 EUR per person
  • 4-star hotels: 615.00 EUR per person

Single supplement: 230.00 EUR

Included
  • Rental car Toyota Auris or similar per program for 5 days
  • Rental car delivery on Day 3 and drop off on Day 7 at the hotel
  • Accommodation per program
  • Well planned itinerary
  • Support during the trip
  • Roadbook (sightseeing objects, hiking routes, and other recommendations)
Optional
  • 3h walking tour in Tallinn, Tartu, Parnu or Haapsalu: price for each tour is 120.00 EUR
  • 5h hiking tour in Lahemaa National Park or Soomaa National Park: price for each tour is 250.00 EUR (1-2 persons)
  • 1h tea ceremony at Old Believers’ house near Lake Peipus: price 30.00 EUR per person
  • Private transfer from/to the airport: 55 EUR for private car (1 – 3 persons)
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Baltic nature travel
5.0
Based on 15 reviews
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Michael Warden
Michael Warden
2024-06-15T13:26:11+0000
Valdis took my wife and I in June 2024 from Riga to Kuldiga to see the Venta waterfalls. He told us a lot of... interesting information and gave me the inspiration to walk across the falls. He was very considerate regarding the time to spend at each location and the speed of walking through the township. I would recommend this tour for anyone wanting to see the Latvian countryside - we really enjoyed the tour with Valdis - Thank you very much.read more
Dona Zavislan
Dona Zavislan
2023-09-25T14:40:43+0000
I loved this tour and it was a highlight of my five days in Latvia. After spending a few days in Riga, I wanted to... explore more of the country and do some hiking. I considered renting a car for the day, but this tour provided just what I was looking for and so much more without the expense and hassle of a car rental and figuring out where to go. I was picked up and dropped off at my hotel and was able to enjoy the drive and an opportunity to see area surrounding Riga. Guide Valdis is a native Latvian and has a lot of experience hiking and much knowledge about the area and Latvia. The 15 K hike was rigorous, but doable. I found the park gorgeous and peaceful. We hiked through a forest, along the river, crossed bridges, explored caves and sandstone carvings and passed other notable places. Valdis made the hike very interesting with stories and he pointed out other activities available in this beautiful park and surrounding area. We stopped midday for a lovely picnic. Valdis also gave me information about other places to consider exploring in Latvia. A perfect day and I highly recommend this tour.read more
Tom Moore
Tom Moore
2022-11-19T14:17:21+0000
Had a fantastic hike with Valdis today. He's really friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend him.
Zijian Hua
Zijian Hua
2022-10-16T08:47:16+0000
Valdis is an experienced guide, a local from Riga. He has a wealth of knowledge and is always able to tell you... interesting history along the way. The route plan of the hiking is also reasonable. In autumn, the fallen leaves near Sigulda are also very beautiful. If you are planning to do an outdoor hike in Latvia too, then don't hesitate to join a walking group organized by Valdis.🇱🇻read more
Sheila Dunk
Sheila Dunk
2022-06-04T01:33:30+0000
Absolutely brilliant day out with Valdis, we didn’t stop talking from the moment he picked me up. He was knowledgeable... about the area, answered all my questions about Latvia and was just delightful to be with.The area of the hike was stunning, we got some good spots for views and pictures, the weather was beautiful and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend the day. The hike isn’t difficult, plenty of ups and downs and with a decent level of fitness anyone can do this hike.read more
Betti Sewell
Betti Sewell
2020-11-28T17:19:37+0000
The hike was beautiful and Valdis was relaxed, helpful and informative. Highly recommended.
Chris Palin
Chris Palin
2020-11-15T07:39:38+0000
Had a great experience with Valdis. The hike was really interesting with lots of points of interest including an... abandoned bob sleigh track. A great guide, fantastic day out.10 out of 10 I would definitely recommend to anybodyread more
Elisa Bozzotto
Elisa Bozzotto
2020-10-31T21:30:28+0000
I love the atmosphere in the group and the offered trails. They show a part of the countryside that is still not yet... well know but definitely worth seeing. With woods that look like the one from a fairy story book and really good company it's definitely a suggested tou experience for the lovers of outdoors activities..The guide is super available and offer explanations and curiosity. Particularly useful is the description of how to reach the starting point with public transport (even with the specific schedule time). So I definitely recommend it 😉read more
Lina Kulikauskaite
Lina Kulikauskaite
2020-10-31T18:04:12+0000
Nicely chosen trail 🍂🌲very friendly and supportive guide. Had a lot of fun! Looking forward for next trip 👣📸
Kristīna Kļimoviča
Kristīna Kļimoviča
2020-10-05T05:49:53+0000
I am very grateful to Valdis for leading our hike through the Gauja National Park near Sigulda. It was the perfect... combination of the city sightseeing and enjoying nature. Valdis made stops at the most remarkable objects both in the city and in nature and told the most important things, which were neither too much nor too little. He really took good care of the group. Thank you for this day! Highly recommended!read more
Victor Papin
Victor Papin
2020-10-04T15:43:17+0000
Great welcoming & service, great hike.
Oskars Ikstens
Oskars Ikstens
2018-04-27T12:18:35+0000
Zane Kurševa
Zane Kurševa
2018-04-22T14:12:43+0000
Armīns Maslovskis
Armīns Maslovskis
2018-04-22T13:39:50+0000
Liene Lote Čemme
Liene Lote Čemme
2018-03-01T14:27:46+0000
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What travelers say about us

EXCELLENT
36 reviews on
Jane Bower
Jane Bower
2024-09-30
My partner and I (69 and 75) are just back from a 17 day self-drive tour put together with the help of Valdis from Baltic Nature Travel. It was an absolutely delightful and fascinating experience. We asked for quirky or unusual accommodation and a mix of hotels and self-catering - great fun. We went at our own pace and chose what to see. Everything was beautifully organised - a couple of small hitches were dealt with straight away on the phone. We are well-travelled but didn't know these stunning countries at all. Our overall impression is CLEAN and GREEN. Thank you, thank you for such a unique and special holiday.
Andrew Golding
Andrew Golding
2024-09-16
First Class Personal Tour of the Baltic Republics organised by Valdis: a bespoke, friendly, intelligent, safe and varied introduction to this wonderful part of the world. Wholly recommended.
David Morris
David Morris
2024-09-10
Excellent booking experience - very easy and all the information we needed. Hire car arrived at the hotel as arranged and the handover was excellent. All the hotels that were booked for us were great and the itinerary was really wide-ranging and interesting. Estonia people were almost always friendly and helpful, and the restaurant food was great. Would definitely recommend Baltic Nature Travel and Estonia as a destination
Karen Green
Karen Green
2024-07-23
Valdis, the owner of Baltic Nature Travel, is a terrific tour organizer. His advance communication and arrangements were unfailingly responsive, prompt and helpful. On the trip, we had different guides as well as drivers in the different cities (Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn.) In each case, they were well-informed and on time at the meeting point. We never needed to worry or contact the guide (though we were provided with their information.) Every hotel Valdis chose for us was of a very good standard, well-run, clean, exceptionally well located, and with wonderful breakfasts. The restaurants he recommended were also excellent – we learned to just go where he suggested! The tour was an exceptionally good value. In sum, we couldn’t have been more pleased. Our trip was wonderful and we left wanting to see more of the Baltics' beauty. If we do go again, we would unquestionably work with Valdis. In the meantime, we will recommend him to all of our friends.
Lucía Gómez
Lucía Gómez
2024-07-17
Fantastic Self-Guided Hiking Experience! We recently completed a self-guided hike in Gauja National Park, which was wonderful. The trails were serene, and we rarely encountered other hikers. The provided materials and app were excellent and highly accurate. The hotels, luggage transfer, and overall transportation arrangements were flawless. Highly recommend this experience!
Paul Green
Paul Green
2024-07-12
Anna Brish was a fantastic tour guide for understanding Jewish history and culture in Vilnius. She was friendly, deeply knowledgeable, eager to answer our questions and accommodate our specific interests. Anna does other tours and we would take any of them, she’s amazing!
James Cornez
James Cornez
2024-07-11
Myself and my best friend came across this company whilst researching options to travel in Latvia and we are very pleased we did. Valdis was very amenable during the planning process by arranging video calls with both of us so we could better understand what was on offer for us to do. He compiled an 8 day itinerary for us that did not disappoint starting in Riga for 2 days. We paid for an optional 3hr walking tour which was very worthwhile to see the main sites of the city. Janis took us on the tour who is a great guy that gives you plenty of interesting information, ready to answer any questions regarding Latvian history/culture. We chose the self driving option to see as much of Latvia as possible which I would definitely recommend if you want to have more than just a city break. It took us to varied places ranging from the heavily forested and pretty areas of Sigulda (where we did a fun kayaking tour on the Gauja river) and Cesis to the pleasant coastal cities of Liepaja and Ventspills. Overall, definitely the company to approach if you want to authentically explore Latvia!
Esther A
Esther A
2024-06-21
Valdis and his team helped us to organise a guided 16 day trip across Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Helsinki. We had a very enjoyable experience! Coming from Singapore and not knowing Valdis beforehand, we were initially worried about language and logistical challenges. All these were unfounded as Valdis and his guides were not only knowledgeable but also responsive, helpful and flexible. We had some minor hiccups during the trip but Valdis was able to resolve them very promptly. I would highly recommend engaging Valdis for your next trip!
Annette Ihrman
Annette Ihrman
2024-06-16
The tour was very versatile and a good addition to our trip to Riga. We can recommend it!
K G
K G
2024-04-06
I joined Valdis for Gauja national park tour and experience breathtaking views, beautiful cave, Plus the experience to see the inside of luge and skeleton track. It’s an unforgettable experience to see something outside the Riga! Highly recommended!!!

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Baltic Nature Travel
Baltic Nature Travel