Photo permit included
Tour by public transport
Canal Boat tour included
Train tickets included
Suitable for little children
Wheelchair accessible tour
Museum ticket included
Light snack included
Lunch included
Transportation included
Walking Tour
Originating back to the 13th Century when the crusading knights of the Teutonic Order built a castle. Tallinn has grown and evolved into a major center of the Hanseatic League, its wealth is a display with its opulent public buildings such as the defense towers and churches. The cities the domestic architecture of the merchant’s house have been lucky enough to survive the ravages of fire and war in previous centuries.
What's included
- Air- Conditioned Vehicle
- English Speaking Guide
Highlights
Itinerary
10:00
In the latter 13th century, Tallinn’s Medieval forts first appeared to create the beginnings of this medieval city surrounding the downtown which created the closed defense zone. With its ever-improving and constant additions, Tallinn soon became one of the most powerful and strongest defense systems in Northern Europe by the 16th century.
The town’s wall was then 3 meters deep and stood 16 meters high, stretching around the city for 4 km and connecting 46 of Tallinn’s defense towers.
With only 2km of the original wall still standing today, its connectivity between its tower has reduced to 26. Tallinn’s medieval Old Town is known around the globe for its authentic Hanseatic architecture and its well-preserved completeness. Full of romantic legends, your guide will be able to bring to life the stories about this city in ancient times.
Your trip will begin with a scenic drive from the cruise port to Toompea hill to see Toompea Castle, which has the tallest defense tower- Hermann tower. Also, home to the largest Orthodox church in Tallinn. Aleksander Nevsky Cathedral. It has the most luxurious interiors and golden onion rooftops. This cathedral was completed in 1900.
Following your time at the Nevsky Cathedral, you will be able to admire the 2 redound medieval towers: Maiden Tower and Kiek in de Kok Tower from 1475 which are connected by a defense passage. The tower was named after the tower Commander at the time, Hinse Meghe but later adapted to its name Maiden Tower, it’s English translation.
The tower had come under attack by the troops lead by Ivan the Terrible during the Livonian war and you are able to see the that walls of Kiek in de Kok still hold the big stone bombs. A lasting memory of the effects of war.
From the tower, you will enjoy a short walk with your guide to visit St Marys cathedral with its tombstones and old coats of arms, the oldest in Estonia. This will give you a fantastic opportunity to also see St Olaf’s church from the viewing point. Once the highest building in the world, its tower stood to an impressive 159 meters. More recently the church continues as an active Baptist church. Continue your discovery with a walking tour to the lower part of town, Town Hall Square. Home to the beloved Vana Toomas, the guard of Tallinn old town.
With the tour drawing to a close, there will be no better way to end your day with a view of the ancient walls and towers in their original form in the famously narrow Muurivahe street. Now home to many galleries, workshops, and cafes it was originally a defensive path the ran along the city walls from the south to the east of Lower town.
Here you will re-join your transport with your guide to make your way back to the cruise port in plenty of time to meet your ship.