7 days to explore Estonia
Example programme for travel professionals
Why Estonia?
Fairytale-like Oldtown
Estonia's UNESCO world heritage capital Tallinn was granted city rights in the 13th century by the King of Denmark. Since then, the streets of Tallinn have seen many world powers, from the Danes and Swedes to Germans, and tsarist and Soviet Russia. Tallinn's Old Town is filled with medieval houses and alleyways and is still protected by the remnants of the city wall. The wealth of architecture in Tallinn means that there are many legends and stories to explore. In addition to the city's medieval core, newly revamped districts such as Noblessner, Telliskivi, and Rotermann are popping up at lightspeed, offering even more cool architecture to explore.
Where the wild things are
It's fair to say that Estonians have a particular tree-hugging spirit. About half of the country is covered by forested land, and almost a quarter is protected by nature. As a result, Estonia has one of the best air quality in the world. Naturally, with so much greenery, Estonians have a special connection to the outdoors.
Stretch out and relax
Being among the least densely populated countries in Europe, Estonia makes for a great nature and city break destination for those looking to stretch out their limbs and enjoy some peace, quiet, and solitude. In the recent five years, immigration has been driving a subtle population growth year by year.
Architectural heritage
While Estonia has a great range of historical churches, only over a quarter of the population are affiliated with a particular religion. Of those who do follow a religion, Lutheranism and Eastern Orthodox remain the most prevalent faiths.
E-Estonia
From voting to signing documents to doing taxes online, Estonia implements a hassle-free and modern approach to doing errands.
Source: #258961
DAY 1: Discovering Tallinn’s Medieval Charm and elegance Kadriorg Park
Arrive to Tallinn
Local guide welcomes the group
15 min bus transfer to the city centre
Explore Tallinn’s unique medieval Old Town with your local guide.
Divided into the Lower Town and Upper Town (the hill of Toompea), the area is quite big yet still compact enough to explore on foot.
Lunch at old town, suggested group restaurants here
Guided Kadriorg excursion. At the heart of Kadriorg, one of Tallinn’s most upscale districts, is Estonia’s only Baroque palace and park ensemble, established 300 years ago by Russian Tsar Peter the Great.
Enjoy the scenery at the Kadriorg Park. In addition to Kadriorg Palace, the park is also home to the headquarters of the Art Museum of Estonia – KUMU – which serves both as a national gallery and a centre for contemporary arts.
Dinner in city centre, suggested group restaurants here
Overnight at one of the 4 star hotels: Mövenpick Hotel, Nordic Hotel Forum, Tallink City Hotel or something more unique
Source: Kaupo Kalda
Day 2: Lahemaa National Park
Breakfast at hotel, check-out
Drive outside of Tallinn, to Lahemaa National Park
Just within one hour’s drive from Tallinn there are ancient forests and wetlands, old manor estates, and great seaside that make an excellent backdrop for endless choice of activities for different travellers segments: nature, culture, and culinary experiences; soft adventures; wellness and relaxation.
Photo stop at Jägala Waterfall
Visit Viru bog- a day spent in peaceful unspoiled nature surrounded by rural charm.
Viru bog walk on a wooden path & observation Tower
Visit Käsmu captain village & Käsmu Sea Museum, included local lunch
Palmse manor tour- one of the grandest baroque mansions in Estonia
Check in to Vihula Manor Country Club & Spa
Relax at eco-spa
Dinner at Vihula Manor`s restaurant
Source: Ken Mürk
Day 3: Onion Route along Lake Peipus
Breakfast at the hotel, check-out
An hour drive to East-coast side of Estonia
Daytrip on the onion route
Visit Avinurme woodworking centre, which offers the widest selection of woodwork products in Estonia, participate in basket waving workshop
Continue exploring Old Believers history, by visiting Peipsimaa museum, participating in Ivan Chai Tea Ceremony
Traditional lunch included
Continue route to visit Alatskivi Castle and taste local graft wines
Step by Kostja onion farm, to see how onions are grown, tasting amazing onion pies
40 minutes drive to Tartu- cultural capital of Estonia in South-Estonia
Check-in to one of the 4 star hotels, for example hotel Lydia or V Spa & Conference hotel
Dinner in city centre, suggested group restaurants here
Source: Aron Urb
Day 4: Tartu- the heart of culture
Breakfast at hotel, check-out
Guided walk in Tartu old town
Tartu is very compact, with most sights, restaurants and nightlife nestled across a couple of parallel streets. Being the second largest town in Estonia and a hot bed for creative and scientific culture, there is always something on from theatre performances to concerts and festivals.
Visit Aparaaditehas Creative City area, included lunch
Continue exploring Estonian National Museum
The largest museum in Estonia with nearly 6,000 m² of exhibition space invites you to discover the everyday life of Estonians throughout history at the permanent exhibition ‘Encounters’ and to learn about the life of the Finno-Ugric peoples in the permanent exhibition ‘Echo of the Urals’.
Tour at A.LeCoq Beer Museum, where the visitor are on a journey where they can see, hear, and taste the story of the world's oldest beverage.
Drive back to city centre
Time to relax and visit hotels` spa facilities
Dinner in city centre, suggested group restaurants here
Source: Renee Altrov
Day 5: Day trip to Setomaa
Breakfast at the hotel, check-out
Start the day trip to South-Estonia, Setomaa
Driving to Värska. Road passes through the Saatse Boot, 800 m of Russian territory.
Värska Farm Museum – the biggest museum of Setomaa, which introduces the wealthy Seto farm and the local way of life. Even some animals living here.
Performance of leelo choir.
Tsäimaja / Tea House at Värska farm museum.
Lunch at the home restaurant Maagõkõnõ at Toomemäe farm, village Saabolda, including making pressed curd cheese (sõir).
Vana-Jüri soap shop – the lovley soap master sootska Silver Hüdsi works here. Every soap has something from the nature of Setomaa.
Visit village Serga orhtodox chapel (built in 1784), which is dedicated to St Anastasia. Village Kolossova. God’s Hill (Jumalamägi). Place … where God picks souls up to bring them to heaven. Statue of Peko, Seto’s fertility god.
Village Obinitsa. In 2015 Obinitsa was the Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture. Will visit Obinitsa Museum. You will be dressed in Seto folk costume.
Dinner and overnight stay at Ilmaveere, opened newly 2024 or drive back to Tartu for overnight stay.
Source: Hans Markus Antson
Day 6: Vibrant culture in Viljandi and charming coastal landscapes in Pärnu
Breakfast at the hotel, check-out
Start the day with 2 hrs drive to Viljandi- little town hidden deep within southern Estonian forests boasts impressive castle ruins, a former home of the ruling Livonian Order.
Explore Viljandi with guided walking tour or by bikes- Enjoy the medieval castle hills, Old Town, quiet districts and of course our beautiful beach and Lake Viljandi.
Lunch at Schloss Fellin restaurant or Fellin cafe
45-minutes drive to Soomaa National Park, guided walk
Soomaa is best for its great flood or the so-called fifth season, when the water from melted snow or heavy rains floods all the lower forests, roads and even yards.
Drive to Pärnu- summer capital of Estonia
Check in to one of the Spa hotels, for example Estonia Resort Hotel & Spa, Wasa Resort Spa Hotel or Hedon Spa & Hotel
Dinner in city centre, suggested group restaurants here
Source: Rivo Veber
Day 7: Haapsalu and West- Coastal side of Estonia
Breakfast at the hotel, check-out
Start the day with 1.5 hrs drive to Haapsalu- wonderful little town with narrow streets, a miniature town hall and romantic wooden dwelling houses.
Explore city by bikes or with guided walking tour- visit the castle and walk through the promenade
Lunch options: Rado, Wiigi cafe or Kuursaal
Visit Haapsalu Lace Centre. The Haapsalu shawl, an extremely fine knit shawl that can be pulled through a woman’s ring, has been the symbol of Haapsalu for more than a century.
Continue exploring coastal side, an hour drive to Laulasmaa
Brief stop to walk near the beach side
Drive by Keila-Joa manor and waterfall
40 minutes drive to Tallinn, on the way photostop at Türisalu cliff and platform
Overnight or departure
Source: Rivo Veber
Last updated
13.02.2025