HAL - Tallinn - Best of Tallinn
Tallinn, Estonia - Friday, July 2, 2010: Wander cobblestone alleys beneath turrets and red-tiled roofs in medieval Old Town. Relax near the swan pond in Kadriorg Park. Visit the impressive museum in Baroque Kadriorg Palace.The Best of Tallinn Departs: 9:00 am Approximately 6 Hours Adult $134; Child $59 This comprehensive full day tour starts with a visit to the Song Festival Grounds. A short stop here will give an impression of the enormous Song Festivals that are held every five years on this site, with up to 30,000 performers singing to a capacity of 300,000 spectators. From here, continue to Pirita, the beachside location of the yachting complex built for the 1980 Olympic games where also the 16th century ruins of St Bridget's Convent can be seen. A short drive follows to Tallinn's Upper Town, passing ancient walls and tower gateways. Disembark the coach at Tall Hermann Tower from which flies the national blue, black and white flag. Walk up Toompea Hill to Palace Square. View the Baroque Toompea Castle, now the residence of the Estonian Parliament, and visit the lovely Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevski Cathedral, a dominating feature of Upper Town's skyline, and home to numerous golden icons and mosaics. From here, continue along Tallinn's medieval cobblestone streets to view the Gothic Dome Church, also known as St. Mary's Cathedral. Proceed to the scenic viewpoint that looks out over the Lower Town rooftops. After a short opportunity for shopping at some small shops, you'll descend Short Leg Street to the Lower Town. Here in one of Tallinn's typical Old Town restaurants, lunch will be served, followed briefly by free time in Town Hall Square. A special visit to the Great Guild Hall is accompanied by a concert of medieval music in the courtyard. Continue to Catherine's Passage, where you might like to browse at the craft workshops for glass, leather, millinery and ceramic wares. Finally, you will walk back to the coach and drive back to the port. Please note: Due to religious services, there are no inside visits at the Dome Church on Sunday mornings.
