Tallinn, Estonia
The capital of Estonia, Tallinn is located along the coast of the Baltic Sea. Its well-preserved old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by a ring of 17th-century historic fortifications that were built to protect the city from invaders. Inside its walls are the upper town, where the regal castle and the cathedral are located, and the lower town, a maze of merchants’ houses, guilds, churches and public buildings. Some of the most notable landmarks include the Town Hall Square, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Olaf’s Church and the Kumu Art Museum.
The capital of Estonia, Tallinn is located along the coast of the Baltic Sea. Its well-preserved old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by a ring of 17th-century historic fortifications that were built to protect the city from invaders. Inside its walls are the upper town, where the regal castle and the cathedral are located, and the lower town, a maze of merchants’ houses, guilds, churches and public buildings. Some of the most notable landmarks include the Town Hall Square, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Olaf’s Church and the Kumu Art Museum.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.
Tallinn Old Town Walk
Get to know one of the finest medieval Old Towns of Northern Europe on a two-mile walking tour with a local guide.
A Guided Walk Through This Charming Town
Get to know one of the finest medieval Old Towns of Northern Europe on a two-mile walking tour with a local guide. A scenic drive by motor coach leads past the medieval town wall, the National Opera and Freedom Square. At Toompea, enjoy a stroll along cobblestone lanes past the Estonian Parliament, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Mary’s Cathedral. Along the way, pause at vantage points that overlook a canvas of red rooftops and slender steeples. Your walk descends into Tallinn’s Lower Town, where you will explore a web of narrow 13th-century streets. Pass the Great Guild House, House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads, Church of the Holy Spirit and two 15th-century gems: the Town Hall Pharmacy and the Town Hall. Continue along Katariina Passage, where you can browse handicraft workshops before returning to your awaiting ship.
Leisurely Tallinn Old Town Walk
Explore one of the finest medieval old towns of Northern Europe on a two-mile walk at a leisurely pace.
Explore a Historic Medieval Town
Explore one of the finest medieval old towns of Northern Europe on a two-mile walk at a leisurely pace. Meet your guide and drive to Tallinn’s Lower Town to explore a web of buildings and narrow streets that were constructed between the 13th- and 16th-centuries. Craftspeople and merchants were the residents of this former Hanseatic League city, and their influence is still evident in its guild houses, homes and warehouses. Stroll through historic streets to marvel at St. Olaf’s Church, once one of the tallest buildings in the world. Pass the Great Guild Hall, White Bread Passage, the Town Hall Pharmacy—Europe’s oldest—and the Town Hall before reaching the Katariina Passage, a time capsule of medieval charm. Gaze upon its stone homes and archways and catch a glimpse of Estonian artisans hard at work, making leather crafts, ceramics and jewelry. After, return to your ship.
Tallinn by Bicycle
Explore Tallinn on this invigorating two-wheeled excursion, with easy pedaling through its parks and open spaces.
Pedal Your Way Through Beautiful Tallinn
Explore Tallinn on this invigorating two-wheeled excursion, with easy pedaling through its parks and open spaces. Meet your guide for a safety briefing then set off for nine miles of gentle cycling along the seaside. Pedal along the tree-lined avenues of Kadriorg Park, passing by the baroque-style Kadriorg Palace; fronted by formal flower gardens and fountains, it was commissioned by Tsar Peter the Great during the 18th century as a summer residence for his wife. See the neighboring Presidential Palace and continue to the coastal district of Pirita, home to the Song Festival Grounds, where the “Singing Revolution” of the 1980s was born, considered one of the most remarkable examples of peaceful resistance in modern European history. Pass the Memorial to the Victims of Communism and the Maarjamäe Sculpture Park, then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your ship.
Old Town Tallinn & Chocolate Workshop
Stroll through Tallin's Lower Town and discover the secrets of Chocolala's chocolatier during a workshop.
The Sights and Tastes of Tallinn
Stroll through Tallin's Lower Town and discover the secrets of Chocolala's chocolatier during a workshop. Transfer with your guide to Tallinn’s railway station to begin your two-mile walk. Along the Lower Town’s narrow 13th-century streets, pass the Great Guild Hall, House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads, Church of the Holy Spirit, the Town Council’s Apothecary and the Town Hall. Take time to browse the handicrafts, wools and linens along Katariina Passage before strolling the cobblestone streets to the Chocolala Chocolate Museum. The museum boasts award-winning handmade chocolate inspired by the berries and distinctive flora that can be found in Nordic forests. Here, enjoy a chocolate-making class, where you will discover how the chocolatier crafts its sweet treats and make your own to take home with you. Finally, indulge in a warm drink and an array of local delights.
Soviet Flashback
Hear an entertaining perspective on Estonian life in Soviet days as you tour Tallinn with an actor as your guide.
Humorous Behind-the-Scenes Glimpse of Estonian Life Under Russian Rule
Hear an entertaining perspective on Estonian life in Soviet days as you tour Tallinn with an actor as your guide. Meet your guide—part comedian, part bard—for a ride in his authentic Soviet-era bus, during which he will share stories about life in the USSR. Observe how tourists were welcomed into the Soviet Union and view typical propaganda. As you drive past the former harbor and Freedom Square, listen to stories of the lives of people who lived under USSR rule. Learn what life was like, how they became free 30 years ago and how they made the transition to the people and the city you see today. While you learn about this intriguing era, sample regional products, including vodka and pickles. Continue to the Soviet Statue Graveyard, where you can view the resting place of sculptures of old Soviet leaders. En route back to your ship, enjoy stories of the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games.
Estonian Open Air Museum & Tallinn Upper Town Walk
Join us for a gentle stroll through Tallinn’s narrow cobblestone lanes to a scenic viewpoint in the Upper Town.
Discover More About Historic Tallinn
Join us for a gentle stroll through Tallinn’s narrow cobblestone lanes to a scenic viewpoint in the Upper Town. Pass the site of the Estonian Parliament, the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Alexander Nevski, and explore the interior of the historic Lutheran Dome Church (St. Mary's Cathedral). Take in the magnificent sight of the Lower Town, with its red rooftops, slender church steeples and beautiful views of the seas before you visit the open air museum at the Rocca al Mare district of Tallinn. See authentic examples of 19th-century peasant buildings in a typical village layout. Learn more about the harshness of life just before the Industrial Revolution reached this part of the Baltic, watch traditional folk dancing and sample some local delicacies enjoyed by Estonians at that time before returning to your ship.
The Kitchen Table
Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure.
Join Our Executive Chef for a Unique, Market-to-Table Experience
Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure. Journey by mini-coach to the local market to handpick ingredients under the guidance of our Chef. Later this evening, you will dine on regional dishes prepared by our experienced culinary team, using produce from the market. As you and your fellow guests enjoy this delicious creation at The Kitchen Table, you will also observe the art of plating with each dish. From fresh market fare to cooking techniques and elegant presentation, experience firsthand how your ship’s world-class culinary staff brings distinct, local flavors from the market to your taste buds. It is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind opportunity to shop, interact and dine with the masters.
Please note: In the absence of a traditional food market in the destination, guests will visit various local stores for ingredients.
The Pearls of Northern Estonia
See the highlights of Northern Estonia with a trip to a national park and Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed old town.
Lahemaa National Park, Palmse Manor House & Upper Town Walk
See the highlights of Northern Estonia with a trip to a national park and Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed old town. Embark on a scenic drive through Tallinn’s countryside to Lahemaa National Park. Stroll along the Viru Bog Nature Trail, a wooden walkway that extends through its wetlands. As you walk, learn about the plants that thrive in this environment, including cowberry and heather. After, head to the village of Käsmu to walk along its picturesque seashore before continuing to Palmse, for a delicious lunch at a local tavern. At the Palmse Manor, enjoy a performance of baroque music, then return to Tallinn to explore its UNESCO listed old town. Admire its impressive buildings as you walk its cobblestone streets, including the Russian Orthodox Church and the Lutheran Dome Church. Finish your excursion with a picturesque view of Lower Tallinn’s red roof tops and slender church steeples.
Bohemian Kalamaja & Telliskivi Creative City
Explore Tallinn’s rejuvenation from its Soviet past to a revitalized city with an award-winning creative district.
See the Highlights of New Tallinn
Explore Tallinn’s rejuvenation from its Soviet past to a revitalized city with an award-winning creative district. Drive through Tallinn to reach the neighborhood of Kalamaja. This former fisherman’s village and worker's district is a collage of wooden houses and industrial complexes that has been transformed into an up-and-coming neighborhood. Your journey takes you along streets where you can glimpse revitalized houses alongside examples of new architecture. Next, drive to Telliskivi Creative City to explore this cluster of industrial buildings, home to a range of artistic enterprises and boutiques. Head on foot to the Balti Jaama Market, a revamped market that has its roots in the Soviet era, where you can enjoy a taste of local marzipan. After a visit to a local café for cake and coffee, drive to the Rotermann Quarter to visit a local taproom and sample its beer and snacks.
The Art Museums of Tallinn
Immerse yourself in Estonia's traditional and modern art scenes by exploring two of its museums.
Visit Kadriorg and Kumu Galleries
Immerse yourself in Estonia's traditional and modern art scenes by exploring two of its museums. Meet your guide, board your motor coach and drive through Tallinn to reach Kadriorg Park, a sprawling space of greenery, fountains and impressive structures. Here you will visit Peter the Great’s baroque summer palace, built in the 18th century, which has been converted into a museum. Wander the halls of this stunning residence to see Western European and Russian masterpieces before exploring the grounds for a look at its picturesque gardens. After, stroll through the park itself to reach Kumu Art Museum, whose exhibits focus on classic Estonian pieces spanning from the 18th century to modern day and Soviet avant-garde art. After your visit, continue through the rose garden and past the swan pond to have lunch at a local restaurant before transferring back to your ship.
