Shore Excursions Group
Private City Of Contrasts
Private City of Contrasts
Setting out from the pier, you will see the modern and bustling city center of Tallinn, Estonia, home to many banks, shops and offices, sitting side by side with houses from the beginning of the 20th century. During the Soviet period, in the 1970’s, Lasnamäe was constructed as a vast residential district of never-ending plain apartments.
Driving from Lasnamäe to the Kose-Pirita district, you will see a very different type of architecture – private houses from the 50’s and 60’s with their neat little gardens. Just across the Pirita River lie the majestic ruins of St. Bridget’s Convent. The largest convent in Old Livonia, it was founded in 1407 but destroyed by Ivan the Terrible’s forces in 1577.
The coast of the nearby Viimsi peninsula saw the arrival of its first inhabitants around the 13th century. Buildings developed along the coastline and gradually mixed settlements appeared, where Swedes, Finns and Estonians lived side by side.
During the Soviet period, Viimsi was the centre of a prominent collective fish farm. Even today you can see the old farm buildings alongside new houses which are rapidly appearing. A visit will be made to the Viimsi Open-Air Museum, which was founded in 1980 and displays peasant architecture.
Finally, enjoy some light refreshments at a restaurant overlooking the picturesque seashore before you return to the ship pier.
| Day 1 |
A medieval gem on the north coast of Estonia, Tallinn is a cultural and historical treasure well worth attention on any adventure to the Baltics. This picturesque city will enchant you at every turn! From grand castles to resplendent cathedrals, Tallinn’s Old Town neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the perfect place to begin exploring. Enter through Viru Väravad, or Viru Gate, the former fortress whose remaining two towers beckon you into the heart of the city. Highlights of Old Town include Tallinna raekoda, the Gothic-style town hall, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the instantly recognizable Russian Orthodox cathedral with towering domes, and Toompea Castle, an immense palace atop Toompea Hill and once the seat of Estonian royalty. Don’t forget to peruse Tallinn’s many museums to discover Estonia’s finest art and immersive historical exhibits. The Kumu Art Museum boasts the country’s best contemporary art pieces, while the Estonian Open Air Museum allows you to follow the footsteps of Tallinn’s villagers in preserved taverns and school houses dating back to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Visit the KGB Museum to learn more about the city’s past occupation by the Soviet Union. Let Tallinn, Estonia enthrall you! |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
05/03/22 - 04/09/27 |
Starting At $59 |
Get A Quote |
Guests must be able to walk approximately 1 mile over relatively even gravel surfaces. There are thresholds at many of the historical farm buildings which are high or with some steps, plus some inclines with some steps.
