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Best of Tallinn
Strenuous Activity
Includes snack
Shopping Opportunities
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Board your motorcoach for the short transfer to Toompea Hill, where you begin your walking tour through medieval Tallinn, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Toompea Hill is named after the massive, medieval stone castle that is today home to Estonia's parliament. Standing next to the castle is Pikk Hermann - a medieval tower some 150 feet in height. A huge Estonian flag floats above the tower's battlements.
Stroll to Palace Square, site of Alexeander Nevsky Cathedral. The Russian Orthodox basilica, complete with golden crosses and black onion-shaped domes - was built in the late 19th century during a period of 'Russification.' The church is named after the prince who defeated the crusading Teutonic Knights in 1242's 'Battle on the Ice,' fought on the frozen surface of nearby Lake Peipus. Step inside the cathedral to view the icons and mosaics lining its walls.
Your next stop is Tallinn's beloved Dome Church. The oldest church in Tallinn - it is first mentioned in a letter to the Pope dated 1233 - St. Mary's Cathedral has served as the burial site for nobility since the 15th century. The current façade dates from the 15th century while its ornate copper spire was added 200 years later. The cathedral boasts a fascinating collection of noble tombstones and stone sarcophagi. Continue to a scenic overlook for sweeping views over the spires of Tallinn's 'lower town.' the site of Town Hall Square. Enjoy some brief free time here to browse for gifts and souvenirs.
Head downhill into the Lower Old Town or 'All-linn.' 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. Enjoy a coffee break before walking to Town Hall Square. The city's Gothic Town Hall was completed in 1404. The Hall is topped with a weathervane depicting 'Old Thomas,' an ancient city guardian considered the city's enduring symbol. Enjoy free time to explore on your own. The other major landmarks include the 14th century Church of the Holy Spirit.. The church boasts the city's oldest timepiece, a painted clock dating to the 1600s.
Continue to the Great Guild Hall - one of the highlights of the Medieval Old Town. The building dates back to the 15th century and it used to be the main gathering place for merchants, who were wealthy and powerful members of society. The main highlight of the building is the main hall with its blind arches and exhibits which introduce Estonian history. Stroll to St. Catherine's Passage, a medieval walkway. The Passage is home to St. Catherine's Guild, a collection of artisan studios that feature Baltic glassware, quilts, hats and other traditional crafts. Enjoy free time to shop for souvenirs and gifts before rejoining your motorcoach.
Points of interest
Toompea Hill
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Toomkirik (St. Mary's Cathedral)
Lower Old Town
Schedule
Special Notes
This tour involves extensive walking over uneven and cobblestone surfaces. Not recommended for guests with limited mobility.
Flash photography and video cameras are not allowed inside Alexander Nevsky Cathedral or the Dome Church. During Sunday port calls and in the event of religious events, exterior viewing only is available at both the cathedral and the Dome Church. The inside visit to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is optional and non-guided, the visit to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral will not be possible during the religious services. Euro is the currency of Estonia. Bring credit cards for purchases. Most vendors do not accept US currency. On public holidays and during special events Great Guild House is closed for visits. In this case a visit to the Town Hall will take its place. Most of the shops and many restaurants and cafes will be closed on these holidays as well. Some shops/studios at Catherine's Passage will be closed on Sundays. Please note that there are more than 30 steep steps inside the Great Guild house. Since tour buses are not allowed to drive inside the Old Town, walking distance from the bus parking area to the Old Town may vary as it is up a hill. The order of the visited sights may vary.
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Strenuous Activity
Includes snack
Shopping Opportunities
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Board your motorcoach for the short transfer to Toompea Hill, where you begin your walking tour through medieval Tallinn, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Toompea Hill is named after the massive, medieval stone castle that is today home to Estonia's parliament. Standing next to the castle is Pikk Hermann - a medieval tower some 150 feet in height. A huge Estonian flag floats above the tower's battlements.
Stroll to Palace Square, site of Alexeander Nevsky Cathedral. The Russian Orthodox basilica, complete with golden crosses and black onion-shaped domes - was built in the late 19th century during a period of 'Russification.' The church is named after the prince who defeated the crusading Teutonic Knights in 1242's 'Battle on the Ice,' fought on the frozen surface of nearby Lake Peipus. Step inside the cathedral to view the icons and mosaics lining its walls.
Your next stop is Tallinn's beloved Dome Church. The oldest church in Tallinn - it is first mentioned in a letter to the Pope dated 1233 - St. Mary's Cathedral has served as the burial site for nobility since the 15th century. The current façade dates from the 15th century while its ornate copper spire was added 200 years later. The cathedral boasts a fascinating collection of noble tombstones and stone sarcophagi. Continue to a scenic overlook for sweeping views over the spires of Tallinn's 'lower town.' the site of Town Hall Square. Enjoy some brief free time here to browse for gifts and souvenirs.
Head downhill into the Lower Old Town or 'All-linn.' 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. Enjoy a coffee break before walking to Town Hall Square. The city's Gothic Town Hall was completed in 1404. The Hall is topped with a weathervane depicting 'Old Thomas,' an ancient city guardian considered the city's enduring symbol. Enjoy free time to explore on your own. The other major landmarks include the 14th century Church of the Holy Spirit.. The church boasts the city's oldest timepiece, a painted clock dating to the 1600s.
Continue to the Great Guild Hall - one of the highlights of the Medieval Old Town. The building dates back to the 15th century and it used to be the main gathering place for merchants, who were wealthy and powerful members of society. The main highlight of the building is the main hall with its blind arches and exhibits which introduce Estonian history. Stroll to St. Catherine's Passage, a medieval walkway. The Passage is home to St. Catherine's Guild, a collection of artisan studios that feature Baltic glassware, quilts, hats and other traditional crafts. Enjoy free time to shop for souvenirs and gifts before rejoining your motorcoach.
Points of interest
Toompea Hill
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Toomkirik (St. Mary's Cathedral)
Lower Old Town
Schedule
Special Notes
This tour involves extensive walking over uneven and cobblestone surfaces. Not recommended for guests with limited mobility.
Flash photography and video cameras are not allowed inside Alexander Nevsky Cathedral or the Dome Church. During Sunday port calls and in the event of religious events, exterior viewing only is available at both the cathedral and the Dome Church. The inside visit to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is optional and non-guided, the visit to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral will not be possible during the religious services. Euro is the currency of Estonia. Bring credit cards for purchases. Most vendors do not accept US currency. On public holidays and during special events Great Guild House is closed for visits. In this case a visit to the Town Hall will take its place. Most of the shops and many restaurants and cafes will be closed on these holidays as well. Some shops/studios at Catherine's Passage will be closed on Sundays. Please note that there are more than 30 steep steps inside the Great Guild house. Since tour buses are not allowed to drive inside the Old Town, walking distance from the bus parking area to the Old Town may vary as it is up a hill. The order of the visited sights may vary.