4. Tallinn – Saaremaa

Tallinn – Baltic city, in which buildings of Old City creates a mood of Middle Ages. Saaremaa – an island, where you can meet the history of Estonian nation and national traditions.

Itinerary of excursion:

1st day.
We depart from Riga in an early morning. The road goes along the coast of Vidzeme. Ainazi is the final populated area before border crossing. Ainazi in the 19th century were closely connected with the history of navigation. There was the first nautical school in Baltic States and in Russia. Ikla – the first populated place in Estonia. Road coastwise the Gulf of Pjarnu.
Arrival in Tallinn approximately at 13.00 pm and check-in at the hotel.
Wider sightseeing tour in Tallinn. During the excursion we will visit the most famous and interesting historical objects. They will disclose particularity of Tallinn – merging of immemorial past with today’s mode of life.
The Kadriorg Palace and the park – the beginning of court architecture in 18th century. St. Brigita’s monastery in Pirita –a place, which witnesses about the presents of town - seaport. Mermaid – monument to the deceased seamen. The Old City of Tallinn is 130ha large. It has experienced history of several centuries.
Tompea hill – upper city and one part of the Old Cities architecture. You will be able to see the narrowest street, the highest tower – Tall Hermann , Dome Church.
Lower city is the second part of the city. Passions always ran high in here.
Tallinn’s people are proud of St. OlafOleviste church, which is the highest church in the Baltic States, as well as of Town Hall Square, which is surrounded by old mediaeval buildings – old chemist’s, long-standing apartment houses…
After the excursion you will have a free time to wonder in Old City or to visit some Coffeehouses or The Olde Hansa Medieval Restaurant in Old Town of Tallinn, where you can taste mediaeval food and odour. Night in the hotel.

2nd day.
An early breakfast. We depart to Virtsu, from which we will go with ferry to the largest island of Estonia – Saaremaa.
Muhu and Saaremaa islands differs not only with typical singularity of the North of Baltic Sea nature, but mainly with preserved traditions of ancient island’s inhabitants and Estonian way of life. Acquaintance with Muhu Island. It’s old building is well-preserved.
After it, we will get acquainted with today’s life of the island, visit famous farm of ostrich. We will show a special interest toward Kuresaare – it was the centre of Saaremaa already in olden times.
We will have sightseeing in Kuressaare – its Castle and fortress from 15th to18th century. Many houses remained since 17th century. Town Hall, unique buildings – The Weighhouse, St. Lavretia Church and other churches. During the free time you will be able to enjoy the city, eat a dinner in one of the numerous pubs of the city, so that you can return in the late afternoon with the good mood for the way back to Riga.