Best of Estonia in 10 days
Private tour

Best of Estonia

  • 10 days / 9 nights
  • Estonia
  • Tallinn - Lahemaa National Park - Lake Peipus - Tartu - Viljandi -Saaremaa Island - Kurasaare - Haapsalu - Rummu - Tallinn

Program

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN TALLINN

Welcome to Estonia! Arrival in Tallinn. Private transfer to the hotel. Check in to the hotel.

Overnight: Tallinn

DAY 2: TALLINN

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, 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. Join the guided walking tour and 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 yards will charm you. On the tour, you will see the most famous sights of the Old Town, such as Toompea Castle, Tallinn Town Hall, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and others. At the end of the tour, you will visit the Great Guild Hall, once a medieval guild for merchants, but now – home to the Estonian History Museum.

Later, enjoy your free time and experience the colorful diversity of Tallinn. Telliskivi Creative City, located in a former industrial complex, offers a vibrant alternative culture scene. 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. 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

On this day you will explore 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. On the way to Lahemaa, you will stop by the impressive Jagala Waterfall, the widest natural waterfall in Estonia. The next stop will be Viru Bog where a wooden boardwalk will allow you to discover the mysterious beauty of the bog: tiny pine trees, spooky mist, countless lakes, purple heather, and the dizzying smell of marsh Labrador tea.

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. You will stop by Kasmu “captains’” village and Altja fishing village to discover the life of local fishermen, explore the rural architecture and fishing net sheds, as well as stroll along the beach. You will encounter a bit more modern maritime vibe in Vosu Port and Vergi Harbor.

Lahemaa National Park is also known for several beautiful manors. You will visit the most popular of them – 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.

Overnight: Sagadi or Vihula

DAY 4: LAHEMAA NATIONAL PARK – LAKE PEIPUS – TARTU

You will start your day by exploring the 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. You will make a short stop at the castle and then continue your way to Peipsimaa Museum where a very unique experience awaits you – the Old Believers’ Tea Ceremony. Afterward, you will see such one-street Old Believers’ villages as Kolkja, Kasepaa, and Varnja.

Later you will go to the oldest city in the Baltic States – the famous student town Tartu. 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. Join the guided walking tour and explore the romantic Old Town: visit Tartu Town Hall Square and the famous Kissing Students Fountain, see the main building of Tartu University, St. John’s Church, and the impressive ruins of Tartu Cathedral.

Overnight: Tartu

DAY 5: TARTU

In the morning you will have a guided tour of 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. 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.

In your free time you can walk along the Emojagi Promenade, one of the most popular places for enjoying some drinks and great food, or explore the alternative scene of Tartu by visiting Aparaaditehas Creative City built in an old factory complex. Open-air music concerts, crafts markets, designer stores, restaurants, bars, cafes, and even a printing and paper art center TYPA – you can find this all at the Aparaaditehas.

Overnight: Tartu

DAY 6: TARTU – VILJANDI – PARNU

You will start your day by going to Viljandi, a cute little town that 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. You will join the guided walking tour to see the most important sights of Viljandi and enjoy the narrow streets and lovely wooden architecture.

Later you will go to Parnu, the largest summer resort in Estonia. Join the guided walking tour, stroll around the town, and enjoy its laid-back atmosphere, romantic 19th and 20th-century villas, lovely Old Town, and beautiful beach promenade.

You can spend your free time relaxing at the biggest beach in Estonia which is famous for its white and soft sand, perfect for enjoying long walks or sunbathing. 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 – SAAREMAA ISLAND

In the morning you will take a ferry to Saaremaa Island, the largest and most populous of Estonian islands, once known as the wealthiest region of ancient Estonia and home to infamous Estonian Vikings. Juniper plantations, limestone cliffs, tiny villages, wild and stony beaches – these are only a few things that characterize Saaremaa. First, you will stop by the most popular sight on Saaremaa Island – Kaali Meteorite Crater Field. The biggest of craters is twenty-two meters deep and stretches one hundred and ten meters in diameter. Undoubtedly, this is the most unique natural wonder in Estonia.

Later you will go to Kuressaare, the westernmost town in the country, where you will visit Kuresaare Episcopal Castle. This scenic castle is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Estonia. Walk around the fortress, explore the museum, and dive deep into the history of Saaremaa. In your free time, stroll around the lovely streets of Kuressaare and enjoy a peaceful evening on the island: visit Kuressaare Town Hall, Kuressaare Weighouse, and other charming places.

Overnight: Kuressaare

DAY 8: SAAREMAA ISLAND

On this day you will keep exploring Saaremaa Island. First, you will go to Sorve Peninsula where Sorve Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse on the coast of the Baltic Sea, awaits you. Climb to the top of it and enjoy the amazing panorama of the surroundings. After returning to the ground level, go for a walk around the Sorve Cape – it is a perfect place for birdwatching and taking some nice photographs.

Later you will stop by the picturesque Ohessaare Bank with half a kilometer-long limestone cliff and a beach full of stone stacks that visitors have built creating a very unusual landscape. Enjoy the beach and feel free to create your own stone stack.

Afterward, you will go to one of the most popular places on Saaremaa Island – Angla Windmill Park which features beautiful wooden mills, a landscape once characteristic of Saaremaa. The windmill park offers to visit the mills, see some old agricultural equipment, and explore traditional crafts.

In the afternoon you will visit the impressive Panga Cliff, the highest outcrop in western Estonia and the islands. You can go down to the beach and walk along the cliff that stretches for two and a half kilometers.

Overnight: Kuressaare

DAY 9: SAAREMAA ISLAND – HAAPSALU – RUMMU – TALLINN

In the morning you will take a ferry back to the mainland and go to Haapsalu, a famous seaside resort. Haapsalu is a lovely little town with romantic architecture, tiny houses, narrow streets, and a cozy atmosphere. You will visit Haapsalu Castle, 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. One of the most famous buildings of the historical resort is the 19th-century Haapsalu Resort Hall rich with magnificent decorative wooden carvings.

In the afternoon you will stop by 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. Go for a short hike around the white limestone hill, climb to the top of it, and enjoy a unique landscape that feels like on another planet.

In the evening, return to Tallinn.

Overnight: Tallinn

DAY 10: DEPARTURE

Departure day. Check out from the hotel. Transfer from the hotel to the airport.

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Price in double occupancy

In 4-star hotels:

  • 2 people traveling: 2300 EUR per person
  • 4 people traveling: 1480 EUR per person
  • 6 people traveling: 1210 EUR per person
  • 8 people traveling: 1070 EUR per person

In 3-star hotels:

  • 2 people traveling: 2170 EUR per person
  • 4 people traveling: 1350 EUR per person
  • 6 people traveling: 1080 EUR per person
  • 8 people traveling: 940 EUR per person
Single room supplement

Single room supplement: 430 EUR

Services included
  • Accommodation in centrally located hotels with breakfast
  • English-speaking driver and tour leader throughout the program
  • Transportation in a private car or minivan per program
  • Walking tours in Tallinn, Tartu, Viljandi and Parnu
  • Lahemaa National Park sightseeing tour
  • Old Believers’ Tea Ceremony
  • Saarmeaa Island sightseeing tour
  • Entrance tickets for Great Guild Hall, Palmse Manor, Estonian National Museum, Kuressaare Episcopal Castle, Sorve Lighthouse, Angla Windmill Park, Haapsalu Castle Museum, Rummu Quarry
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What travelers say about us

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Susanne W
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We had 4 great weeks in Lithuania. This special trip was very well prepared and fully responded to our wants and needs. Baltic Nature Travel was very responsive during the preparation and Valdis always available for questions. super experience!
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Luigi Sibilia
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We are a couple of individuals who have completed yesterday a 290km private trekking along the Baltic Coastal Trail from Jurmala to Ventspils, organized by Baltic Nature Travel. Valdis, the company owner, has been assisting us in a very kind and professional way: he has perfectly organized the tour, has chosen the accomodations with intelligence, had our luggage transported from one location to the other and, in case of need, has provided us with anything else we were in need of. All has been wonderful. Valdis added his human touch to all of this. Highly recommended.We are going to use this company for future journeys in Baltic area.
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Helen Johnston
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I contacted Baltic Nature Travel to book a city visit and hiking trip to Riga and Latvia, and Vilnius and Lithuania, specifically the Coronian Spit. Valdis returned with an itinerary in line with my expectations, making minor adjustments as required. We had a fabulous holiday - the accommodation was accessible and clean, with helpful staff, while the hiking routes were interesting and picturesque. We were provided with an excellent transport service with our drivers going out of their way to make sure we had a good holiday. I would definitely recommend Baltic Nature Travel for anyone planning a similar trip.
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Jane Coleman profile picture
Jane Coleman
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Valdis organised a 12 night private tour of the Baltic States for us. He adapted the standard package based on our interests and our request for some self-catering accommodation rather than all hotels, and we had a fabulous time. The guides were all fabulous and local to the areas we visited. Everything went like clockwork, and Valdis was very responsive when I emailed with questions, both before and during our trip. I highly recommend Baltic Nature Travel.
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ERICA HAUCK
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Excellent self-drive tour of the Baltic countries! The itinerary was thoughtfully planned, with all reservations confirmed in advance and timely updates provided throughout the trip. The app was an excellent tool, making it easy to access the itinerary, directions, and sightsee options. Car rental delivered to the hotel and picked up at tour end was an added convenience. Valdis is an outstanding communicator. All questions and any issues were addressed promptly by email or phone. I highly recommend Baltic Nature Travel. Their excellent organization, attention to detail, and outstanding customer service made for a memorable and stress-free vacation.
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David Morris profile picture
David Morris
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Just returned from a self-drive tour of Latvia and Lithuania. Its our second trip with Baltic Nature Tours and I highly recommend them. The itinerary, tour guides, online information, car hire arrangements and hotels were all excellent. Valdis and his team do a great job and we look forward to our next trip.
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mark adams profile picture
mark adams
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We did a 6 week self drive trip to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania with Baltic Nature Travel. Valdis did an amazing job creating an itinerary for us that was an excellent combination of cities, culture and outdoor activities. He took care of securing the car, transfers and all our accommodations. We highly recommend Valdis and Baltic Nature Travel and would travel with them again.
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Thomas Olson profile picture
Thomas Olson
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We had a fantastic 9 day visit to Lithuanian! Tomas our guide could not have been better, he is an outstanding driver and exceptionally knowledgeable of all things Lithuania. The staff at Baltic Nature Travel was so flexible in tailoring our to the towns my grandparents came from made this trip truly a trip of a lifetime. I most highly recommend this trip to anyone interested in their Lithuanian heritage.
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Patricia Jones profile picture
Patricia Jones
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My friend and I had an unforgettable tour through the beautiful Baltic countries - Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The trip was just what wed asked for - at an easy pace with some really great and knowledgeable guides, but with free time to explore on our own as well. We were well looked after from first to last and will certainly be thinking about returning to these wonderful countries.
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Angela B profile picture
Angela B
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I booked the Trakai snowshoeing tour. This company did a great job communicating with me leading up to the tour date. Unfortunately there wasn't enough snow for snowshoeing so they arranged a hike instead. Tomas was a great guide. He provided a lot of interesting information during both the walk/hike and the tour of Trakai. He was also so kind as to bring tea (which was great on such a cold day) and akotis (very delicious), which we enjoyed after walking through the trails at Varnikai Forest. If I am in the Baltic region again, I would definitely consider another tour with Baltic Nature Travel. Thanks for a great time!

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