If Estonia is known for anything, it’s about being a very digital country. Less is known about its cultural wonders. However, in the civilized world that has lost its roots, Estonia and Estonians are deeply rooted. They are rooted in their land, in their traditions, in their identity. The traditions of doing handicraft, preparing your own food, singing the old songs and telling our grandparents’ stories have never stopped here. And it’s really a miracle.

Day 1 - Morning pick up from Tallinn city center. Visit to Haapsalu, a pretty seaside town with wooden houses and impressive castle ruins. In early 1800 it became a spa town and the Russian czars claimed Haapsalu as their summer retreat. Visit the Episcopal Castle, which was renewed for visitors in 2019. A short walk in the city center. Lunch in one of the town’s cute and excellent restaurants/cafes. Drive to Pärnu. Free time and welcome dinner in here

Day 2 - Excursion to the island that is often called the Isle of Women. As no buses are allowed on the island, the tour will be on trucks! Lively women in striped skirts and red patterned headscarves, old grannies clicking their knitting needles, fishermen bustling around in the harbour, melodious chatter in Kihnu dialect, village parties and dances, modern-day interlaced with traditions—visitors will be amazed by all of this. Kihnu Cultural Space is enlisted on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Depart Parnu and travel to Viljandi. Since 2022, this town is one of the UNESCO Creative Cities (Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art). Visit the Traditional Music Center, plus a small concert of traditional music. Lunch at Restaurant Fellinn. Bonefatius guild (closed on Sundays) – handicraft guild featuring textiles, ceramics, glass, and restoration workshops, with emphasis on the Middle Ages vibe. Unique souvenirs in the store. Workshop: paper cards. Free time and dinner Viljandi.

Day 4 - Visit Mulgimaa: another interesting ethnic region. They are going to have their signature food on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. Murese farm – sheep raising and absolutely fabulous mittens with local patterns. Mulgi heritage center with workshop and lunch with ethnic cuisine. Drive to our spa hotel. Stop at Sangaste to see an impressive manor house that looks like a castle and is a very popular wedding venue.

Day 5 - Morning walking tour in Võru followed by a visit to Mooska farm, the most famous sauna farm. The smoke/black sauna tradition of Võrumaa belongs to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. They have very nice tours there, and they also explain how they smoke pork in the sauna. 

Lunch at our favorite restaurant/cafe Suur Muna and then a wine tasting and farm tour at Uue-Saaluse Wine Farm. Free time at the spa. There are also very beautiful forest trails where the guests can just walk.

Day 6 - The most unique cultural heritage region of Estonia. Seto leelo, the singing tradition of Setos, belongs to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. Admire the old traditions, fabulous clothes, impressive singing – the whole range of traditions that are still alive. Visit the Obinitsa Orthodox church and cemetery then dress up as a Seto at Obinitsa Museum. One group member will be dressed up in the Seto national clothes. The show will give the guests a great insight into the culture, history, values and mindset of Seto people. Concert of Seto leelo, the traditional plyphonic singing. Seto cuisine for lunch then a some shopping at Old George’s soap shop which is a great example of running a successful business in the middle of nowhere. Visit to an open-air musem on the way to Tartu, Estonia’s second city. Dinner in Tartu.

Day 7 - In 2024, Tartu is the European Cultural Capital. It is 2nd largest town of Estonia, a university town (founded during the short period of Polish reign in 1583), full of young people. Walking tour in the city includes the old town, Jaani church, and the ruins of Dome church. Leisure time to enjoy the vibe and perhaps take in some special events for culture capital status.

Day 8 - It’s called the Onion Route along Lake Peipsi, because the local people specialize in cultivating onions and the Peipsi onions are famous all over Estonia. It has 3 cultures: German landlords heritage, Russian old-believers and Estonian peasantry. Visit to Alatskivi manor house, museum of Old Believers. Lunch at Turgi farm, very good home-made food, and it’s also a handicraft farm. Dinner back in Tartu.

Day 9 - Afternoon walking tour of Tallinn, one of Europe’s great medieval cities. It’s also a UNESCO Creative City (Creative City of Music) and the Old Town of Tallinn as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 10 - Tallinn is a UNESCO Creative City (Creative City of Music) and the Old Town of Tallinn as a UNESCO World Heritage site. First half of day at leisure with optional cooking workshops. Farewell dinner at Olde Hansa Restaurant (Andrew’s favorite spot to dine in since his first visit here in 1999)

Day 11 - The tour is over after breakfast. Your guide will be available to help arrange transfers.