The Manor Houses of Estonia 1 st Day – Tallinn-the capital of Estonia Walking tour in the Old Medieval Tallinn. Visit to the Dome Church ( 13th cent.) and the Russian Orthodox Al.Nevskij Cathedral. We see the Parliament of Estonia and admire the view across the red roofs of Old Tallinn from Toompea Hill.There are still many fine examples of medieval dwelling-houses and warehouses, like Three Sisters in the down-town. In the Town Hall Square there are 600 years old Town Hall- the only intact Gothic Town Hall in Northern Europa and the oldest drugstore in Europa. Lunch in the Old Town. Accommodation in Tallinn. 2 nd Day – The National Park of Lahemaa- Rakvere The first stop we have at the Kolga Manor – a beautifully designed complex(13th cent.)built in the classical style.We visit unique restored Palmse and Vihula manors,surrounded by parks and swan lakes. Lunch in Altja taverna. After lunch we visit the ancient Wesenberg Castle Ruins in Rakvere .The castle has had a variety of powerful owners, including the Swedish,Polish,Danish Monarchies, the Livonian Order and the Tsars of Russia. Lunch in the Castle. After lunch we continue to Põltsamaa , where we taste the Estonian wines in the Castle`s wine cellar. We continue to the University town Tartu,the second largest city in Estonia. The evening event in the unique Gunpowder Cellar-restaurant. Accommodation in Tartu. 3 rd Day – Tartu-Sangaste Castle –Taagepera Manor City tour in Tartu: Toome Hill with its monuments, Gothic Dome Church Ruins and the University of Tartu, which was founded by Swedish King GustafII Adolf in 1632 and Town Hall Square. On the way to the South we pass the picturesque landscape of Otepä-the winter capital of Estonia and the cradle of the Estonian national flag. Sangaste Castle was built in 1874-1881 according to its owner-Count FR.M.Berg´s ideas.The red-brick building is similar to Windsor Palace, but has a variety of styles inside: Gothic, Spanish, Roman. Lunch in Sangaste. For overnight we drive to the mysterious Taagepera Manor – built in 1907-1912 in Art Nouveau style. 4 th Day – Viljandi-Olustvere –Tallinn 700 years old Viljandi attracts with its simplicity, quiet and interesting architectural sights. The picturesque Viljandi Lake down in valley is a natural offset to the town and castle hills up on the slope.The stone Castle dates from 1224 and was built in the site of an ancient Estonian stronghold.The fortress continued to be built and modernized until the beginning of the 16th century. Lunch in Viljandi. On the way to Tallinn, we visit Olustvere Manor, which is surrounded by an English style park ( 20 ha ). Accommodation and leisure time in Tallinn. 5 th Day –Tallinn Visit to the Kadriorg Palace-Art Museum. Palace was built in 1724 for the Peter The Great. There are paintings from the 16th-20th centuries( Flemish, Danish, German, Italian, Russian artists. Tour continues to the Convent of St. Birgitta and Song Festival Grounds. Departure from Tallinn. |