In association with: Visit Estonia & Nordic Travel Solutions
Estonia’s capital blends the past with the present for an unforgettable Baltic escape
Tallinn’s Old Town forms one of the bestpreserved examples of medieval architecture in Europe. It wouldn’t be overstating it to tell your clients it’s like a fairytale strolling along its cobblestone streets. But what’s less well known is Tallinn is also a progressive city, with modern ambition and creativity threading through its historic heart. The best way to knit together both sides of Tallinn is on a short break.
Peek into the past
Clients will want to head to Tallinn for its medieval core – and it doesn’t disappoint. The streets, courtyards and ramparts of the Unesco-listed Old Town used to be the stomping ground of wealthy merchants of the Hanseatic League and their legacy is tangible today. But the Old Town is just the beginning – the candy-coloured Kadriog Palace and onion-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral are two other landmarks worth visiting.
The Old Town isn’t only pretty to look at, it’s also an opportunity to buy locally made goods such as hand-blown glass, jewellery and textiles. The Katariina Gild champions female artisans and their creations including leatherware and woollen goods. Tallinn also claims to be the first place in Europe’s to erect a Christmas tree in the 15th century and few places feel more festive than the annual Christmas market.
Step into the future
Tallinn’s character might have been forged in the past, but it’s a city that’s also looking to the future. This is the home of cyber security, and the birthplace of Skype and Bolt, after all. The best place clients can witness Tallinn’s innovation is in the creative quarter, Telliskivi. Once a former industrial district, Telliskivi has been reborn as a hub where design shops, contemporary theatre, street art and a packed calendar of cultural events thrive.
Tallinn’s culinary scene is also a draw, with two Michelinstarred restaurants – the two-starred fine-dining food of 180° and the one-starred gastronomy experience Noa Chef’s Hall. A further 22 Tallinn restaurants are recommended in the Michelin guide. Over a few days, clients can dip their toes in the Estonian capital’s past, present and future.
Flight fantastic
Tallinn’s Christmas markets just got a little closer, thanks to new regional flights with Jet2 from Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh twice-weekly between November 27 and December 22. This is in addition to direct flights four times a week with Ryanair from Stansted, with Air Baltic from Gatwick or with Wizz Air from Luton.
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For more information, head to visitestonia.com or nordictravelsolutions.com/ukoperators
PICTURES: Lauri Laan; Kaupo Kalda; Rasmus Jurkatam