Excursion The best of tallinn tour at Tallinn

Explore the fascinating castles, squares, cathedrals and streets of medieval Tallinn, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Tallinn, Upper-Old Town, Toompea Hill and Castle, Pikk Hermann Tower, Huge Estonian Flag

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Upper-Old Town. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour through medieval Tallinn, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval town centres in Europe. See Toompea Hill, named after a massive, medieval stone castle that today is home to Estonia's parliament. Adjacent to the castle is Pikk Hermann, a medieval tower approximately 150 feet (about 46 metres) in height with a huge Estonian flag.

Palace Square, Alexeander Nevsky Cathedral, Mosaics, Dome Church, Tombstones, Sarcophagi

Next, your stroll continues on to the Palace Square, site of the Alexeander Nevsky Cathedral. This Russian Orthodox basilica, complete with golden crosses and black onion-shaped domes, was built in the late-19th century during a period of 'Russification'. Step inside the Cathedral to view the icons and mosaics lining its walls. From here, walk to the Dome Church. The oldest church in Tallinn, it is first mentioned in a letter to the Pope dated 1233. Also known as St. Mary's Cathedral, it has served as the burial site for nobility since the 15th century. The Cathedral has a fascinating collection of noble tombstones and stone sarcophagi.

Refreshment Stop, Lower-Old Town Stroll, St. Catherine's Passage, St. Catherine's Guild, Free Time

Leaving the Cathedral, walk to a viewing platform for views over the spires of Tallinn's Lower-Old Town. Medieval Tallinn was the northernmost member of the powerful merchant alliance called the Hanseatic League, and the Lower-Old Town is the heart of the old trading city. After a refreshment stop at a local restaurant near Town Hall Square, stroll through the Lower-Old Town and St. Catherine's Passage, a medieval walkway that is home to St. Catherine's Guild, a collection of artisan studios featuring Baltic glassware, quilts, hats and other traditional crafts. Following your tour, enjoy some free time to shop for souvenirs and gifts. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Tallinn City, Upper- and Lower-Old Town, Toompea Hill & Castle, Pikk Herman, Palace Square, Nevsky Cathedral, Dome Church, St. Catherine's Passage & Guild

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 3.1 miles (about 5 kilometres), at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 90 steps at the sites visited; some of them steep. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a waterproof jacket or coat, bottled water, and local currency for purchases from the ship.