Estonia: one-country culture & nature self driving road trip

Arrival in Tallinn. Private transfer to the hotel, free time, night in Tallinn.

Tallinn is a real jewel of Hanseatic Europe. Toompea Castle with Pikk-Hermann towers, palace of the 18th century (Estonian Parliament these days), the ortodox Cathedral of Alexander Nevski, panoramic view over the bay and the seaport and the lower old town. Then proceeding with Town Hall with ancient chemistry, „Three Sisters“ ensemble, Brotherhood of Blackheads, Dome Cathedral. The whole day on foot, all within a square mile.

The car is delivered to your hotel in the morning. Today you may drive in and around the city: choose a light stroll in the Valley of Catherine in Kadriorg Park, visit local art museums there. Go to the ancient monastery of Bridgettine sisters in Pirita alongside the seashore. Also the open-air museum of the lifestyle of diferrent regions of Estonia in Rocca al Mare.

Head to Lahemaa National Park (~80 km) – a beautiful place on the northern coast of Estonia. Unspoilt nature and cultural heritage of the Baltic Barons is all yours – visit the manor houses of Sagadi, Palmse, Vihula which are all diferrent and may offer you a bed or a meal in addition to a cozy stroll in the surrounding parks.

The Tourist Information Center of the park will offer you hiking plans. Visiting old fishermen villages of Viinistu (with a modern art museum), Kasmu (with a little naval museum) and Altja would be a great addition to trekking.

If you choose a shortcut via Rakvere, stop there at the impressive ruins of the castle. But there’s always a more complicated way available – start the day earlier to explore the country more thoroughly. Drive along the seashore until you reach Narva, the town bordering with Ivangorod in Russia across the river. The two fortresses on the opposite banks of the river is an impressive sight. Part of the route will later take you along lake Peipsi and try a freshly smoked fish from any booth along the road. You will also have a possibility to stop at an orthodox nunery at Kuremäe and drive through the towns of old believers – Mustvee and Kalastee.

A day to explore the university town of Estonia, also the second biggest city of the country. Dedicate some time to the University ensemble here, also go to the Estonian National Museum.

It takes around 2 hours on a direct route from Tartu to Tallinn. So you may choose alternative route. Say drive westbound and stop in Viljandi, a charming small town with impressive ruins of an old castle of the Teutonic Knights. Then head to the road E263 via Paide. This version would be more cultural. Alternatively you may dedicate your day to a real adventure – go to Soomaa National Park and try swamp walking there. Unforgettable. No rush, just like Estonians do. Then drive to Tallinn for the night.

Departure day. Reserve some 30min to drive to the airport where you drop the car before your flight home.
P.S.escape to Helsinki is also possible from Tallinn – the intense schedule of daily ferries from Tallinn to Helsinki allows for a same-day return escapes. Consider this option for Day 3, for instance.