TALLINN, ESTONIA

After circling Tallinn’s medieval city wall, with its fairy tale turrets, we shall stop at the foot of the Kiek in de Kök Tower (Cannon Tower) for a panoramic view of the Upper Town, with its churches and towers.

Walking up to Palace Square, we will view (from the outside) Toompea Castle, now the residence of the Estonian Parliament, and visit the picturesque Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (also known as the Russian Orthodox Church).

After this visit, we will walk to a fantastic viewpoint over the Lower Town, with its high gabled red roofs and spires. Rejoining our coach we drive to Kadriorg Park, for a visit to Kadriorg Palace – a wonderful example of Baroque architecture. The main hall is decorated with rich stucco work and ceiling paintings. Kadriorg was a former residence of Peter the Great, named after Catherine I (Kadriorg means ‘Catherine’s Valley’). Most of the Russian rulers visited this imperial summer residence. Today the palace houses the Western and Russian Art Museum and we shall view the collection. Tea or coffee and cakes are served later in the coffee shop.

After this interesting visit, we drive through Kadriorg Park and the recreation area of Pirita, pausing for photos at the Song Festival Ground and Pirita Marina. En route back to the pier we pass the summer residence of Count Orlov (Catherine the Great’s lover) as well as the Estonian monument Russalka (Mermaid) – dedicated to the shipwreck in the Gulf of Finland in 1893.

TOUR NOTES: This tour is not recommended for passengers with limited mobility. It involves a moderate amount of standing and walking – to Palace Square, around Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (where there are approximately 20 steps), to the panoramic viewpoint of the Lower Town and around Kadriorg Palace (there are approximately 25 steps here, although a lift can be used, if operating).

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2009 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC CRUISES