TOUR A - THE ISLAND OF SAAREMAA
Baltic cruises Excursions
- £35 - £45
- approx. 5 hours
- Hard
Our tour of Saaremaa Island starts with a drive through typical rural scenery to the Panga Bluff, which is the highest cliff on the northern coast of Saaremaa. At its highest it reaches 21.3 metres (70 feet) and we can get an unforgettable view from the top of it. We continue via Kaarma Stronghold and Church (not visited) to Kaali Lake. Actually a meteorite crater, it is estimated that the meteor fell here in the year 700 BC forming a lake which is considered the most extraordinary geological marvel on Saaremaa.
After a further short drive, we will arrive in Kuressaare – the capital city of the island. We shall have a walking tour of Kuressaare’s highlights – including the old part which has preserved its 17th century atmosphere. We shall see the Bishop’s Castle, the most important building in Kuressaare, admiring (from the outside) the architecture of this impressive medieval building and visiting the park around the Castle. The Castle was built of chiselled dolomite blocks in the late 14th century and is one of the best preserved medieval castles in the Baltic States.
After viewing the Castle we shall have some free time in the city centre – to perhaps enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the numerous coffee shops (at our own expense), have a stroll or do some shopping in the arts and crafts stores of the city.
From Kuressaare we will drive to Mihkli Farmhouse Museum – a typical self-sufficient Western Saaremaa farm. Most of the buildings date from the middle of the 19th century. The majority of the furnishings have been made by members of the family, over six generations. During the visit we can listen to an accordion recital of Estonian folk melodies.
TOUR NOTES: This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility as there is a lot of walking involved at each of the stops. This includes approximately 200 metres (660 feet) at Panga Bluff, 300 metres (985 feet) at Kaali Lake, one and a half kilometres (one mile) during the walking tour of Kuressaare, 1 kilometre (½ a mile) at the Bishop’s Castle and 500 metres (1,640 feet) at the Farmhouse Museum. The terrain can be uneven and sloped – comfortable flat shoes are recommended. As the weather is changeable – often windy and with short showers – it is advisable to take a jacket, a raincoat or umbrella. It should be noted that refreshments are not included. If purchasing souvenirs, city shops usually accept credit cards, and at the market and the farm Euros, and possibly US Dollars, are also usually accepted.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2011 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC CRUISES
Snack or meal provided
Refreshments available
Free time
Shopping opportunity
Wheelchair access
Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
Find us on: