06 November 2003
11:00-15:00
Sightseeing tour of Tallinn and reception at Tallinn City Hall
The combined bus and walking tour takes you to the medieval streets and houses of Tallinn's Old Town, on the UNESCO World Heritage list, as well as the President's Palace in Kadriorg Park, the Song
Festival Grounds, the Olympic Sports Center and the Birgitta convent at Pirita. Kadriorg is famed for the baroque palace and park ensemble, founded in 1718 as the summer palace for the family of Russian czar Peter I. The splendid Kadriorg Palace offers the possibilities of enjoying the exhibition in the Art Museum of Estonia and walking in the historical park.
Old Town walking tour begins near Toompea Castle, the seat of the Estonian Parliament nowadays, and gives an overview of Tallinn's thousand years of colorful history. The tour includes a visit to Alexander Nevski Cathedral and, the Dome Church, as well as a stop at the viewing platform at Kohtu street, and a walk down Lühike Jalg (short leg). The tour ends downtown in the Town Hall Square with a reception at the Town Hall
(13:00-15:00) with wine and hors'doeuvres.
19:00-22:00
Dinner and folk show at Rocca al Mare Open Air Museum
Rocca al Mare Open Air Museum provides an overview of the Estonian traditional village culture. Farm buildings, windmills and water mills from various periods and regions have been brought together here. Folk holidays are celebrated in traditional style at the museum, and often folk dance and music can be enjoyed here. Estonian food is served at Kolu Tavern.
07 November 2003
10:00-16:00
Sightseeing tour to Lahemaa National Park, Palmse Manor
On the way to Lahemaa our first stop is in a small coastal village Viinistu. We visit the art museum presenting a large collection of Estonian art and have a little coffee-break.
The Lahemaa National Park was created in 1971 to protect the characteristic North-Estonian landscapes and the national heritage of the area, and to preserve harmonious relations between man and nature. At 72,500 ha, Lahemaa (meaning "land of bays") is one of Europe's largest protected forest areas. At the heart of Lahemaa National Park lies the beautiful traditional Palmse manor and park, some 80 kilometers from Tallinn. The large 18th century residence, which once belonged to the von Pahlen family, has been restored and is now, once more, the jewel in the crown of the park. Nowadays, the manor itself is a museum and is open to the public.
Lunch is served at Viitna Tavern that is the oldest known building of that kind in Estonia first mentioned as a tavern in 1802.
08 November 2003
10:00-17:00
Sightseeing tour of Pärnu
Being declared a town by the Livonian Bishop Henricus in 1251 Pärnu is situated on the banks of the Pärnu River, and is known as a seaside resort and port, the roots of which date back to the 14th century, when Pärnu became a Hanseatic town and opened its doors to the European economic community. War, plague, famine… Pärnu has seen it all. Between 1562 and 1617 alone, Pärnu was conquered six times, ending in Swedish domination. The second half of the 18th century, during the reign of Catherine II, saw the beginning of Pärnu's overseas trade which flourished for a century. At the end of the 19th century Pärnu became a health resort.
The present spa town of Pärnu attracts the young by its beaches and the ruckus of summer events, and the not so young by fresh air, mud baths, and peace and quiet.
Pärnu, in summer, is never boring, especially when having fun. The summer capital finds its way to the hearts of holiday-makers from all walks of life. Whether you enjoy restaurants or night-clubs, theatres or film festivals, tennis, jazz or classical music, there is something for everyone's
pleasure!
During our Pärnu tour we visit Strand SPA and Conference Hotel and have lunch at
a la carte restaurant of Seegi Maja (the Almshouse), a building that was reconstructed from the almshouse of the Holy Spirit`s Church in 1658, and is known to be the oldest building in Pärnu.
