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. 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

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