Tour of Western Estonia

Overnights: Tallinn – Kärdla – Kuressaare – Pärnu – Tallinn

Via – Haapsalu, Matsalu National Park, Hiiumaa, Saaremaa, Muhu

Period: March-October

Length: 6 days / 5 nights

Day 1, Arrival – Tallinn

Arrival to Tallinn and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day dedicated to the free visit of the capital of Estonia. Tallinn is a charming blend of medieval tranquillity and modern urban life. We suggest to start the visit from the ‘newer’ parts of Tallinn by visiting its scenic coastline. En route you will see the ‘green’ district of Pirita, the Estonian Song Festival Ground, and the soviet-built Lasnamäe district. A visit to the Kadriorg Park is recommended. Nearby you’ll find the KUMU Museum, the new award-winning Estonian museum of contemporary fine art. Next spot to discover is the Old Town. Walk leisurely around the busy Old Town streets where many outdoor cafes, shops, galleries, souvenir markets and restaurants blossom during the summer. Visit the Toompea Castle, now housed by the Estonian Parliament, the Town Hall and merchant houses, the Russian-Orthodox Cathedral Alexander Nevsky, the Church of the Holy Spirit, the Dome Church and the Great Guild Hall.

Day 2, Tallinn – Haapsalu – Matsalu National Park – Hiiumaa (Kärdla) (200 km)

Car delivered in the morning at the hotel. Drive to Haapsalu. The natural setting of the quaint peaceful town on a fork shape peninsula that stretches into the Haapsalu bay make it an ideal stop over the route to the islands. The beautiful Haapsalu’s castle is the town’s star attraction along with a handful of galleries and museums. Visit Haapsalu’s rustic Old Town, with its narrow streets and old wooden houses. Stroll along the slender promenade before driving on to the Matsula National Park, a bird watchers paradise. Take a ferry to Hiiumaa island and overnight at Kärdla.

Day 3, Hiiumaa (Kärdla) – Saaremaa (Kuressaare) (110 km)

Kärdla, a lovely destination for laid back travellers, is the only town on the Hiiumaa island. Hiiumaa is the Estonia’s second largest island. Visit its sparsely populated places with an untouched coastline and forest covered interiors. Take a ferry to Saaremaa, Estonia’s largest island. Drive by Angla, Karja, Triigi & Tuhkana to discovet the old windmills, the lighthouses and the villages that offer glimpses of the ‘old Estonia’. Walk along Saaremaa’s sparkling beaches before heading to its capital, Kuressaare. Overnight in Kuressaare.

Day 4, Saaremaa – Muhu – Pärnu (160 km)

Start the day by visiting the historic old town and the medieval castle in Kuressaare. Drive around the scenic Saaremaa’s island before reaching Muhu. Muhu is the Estonia’s third largest island and home of the St. Catherine’s Church, one of the oldest churches in Estonia. The church is famous for its trapezium-shaped tombstones with pagan symbols. Drive through Muhu’s sleepy fishing villages, windmills and thatched cottages. Take the ferry to Virtsu on the mainland. Drive south to Pärnu for the overnight.

Day 5, Pärnu – Tallinn (190 km)

Pärnu, the Estonia’s ‘Summer capital,’ is a prime spa resort. Pärnu offers an fantastic beach front, a charming Old Town and structural curiosities like the St. Catherine’s Church. Drive north to Tallinn. Drop off of the car at the hotel in the late afternoon..

Day 6, Tallinn – Departure

Free time for additional visits or shopping.