Conference Tour Programme

Participation is on a first come first served basis. To be booked on the registration form. All tours will be in English language. All prices include local VAT.

Multicultural Lake Peipus area and the Onion Route

July 3 at 10.00 (1 day)                                                                   

One region, three cultures - Russian Orthodox Old Believers, traces of the German barons era, and Estonian cultural history. Lake Peipus area is a somewhat mystical place where on one hand Russian Old Believers who in the 17th century became separated from the official Russian Orthodox Church and emigrated to Estonia, live in their unique one-street village trying to preserve their religion, history and traditions. On the other hand, the region is also known for a magnificent manor house – the Alatskivi Castle, which offers a glimpse into the life of German barons in the 1870s. The third side of the region shows the life of Estonian peasants in Lake Peipus area in the 19th century and introduces the literary heritage of Juhan and Jakob Liiv. Old Believers were well-known as onion growers and even today there are large fields of onions in the villages near the lake. The local cuisine has been influenced by that, as well as by the proximity of the lake, relying heavily on onions and fish.

Please note! The trip will start in Tartu and end in Tallinn.

Price: 128 EUR per participant
(Minimum number of participants is 10 people).  

Nature and Manors of the Lahemaa National Park

July 3 at 10.00 (1 day)

Lahemaa is a nature preserve situated 60 km east of Tallinn. At 72,500 ha, Lahemaa is one of Europe´s largest protected forest areas and its coast is among one of the most unique in Europe.  It embraces territories of ca 10 previous estates. Nature is the most attractive part of Lahemaa – the rich variaty of different forms is an enjoyable experience. Manors are the second important part of Lahemaa Tour. You will visit the beautiful 18^th century manor houses and parks at Palmse and Sagadi. The tour continiues with giving you a glimpse of the rural life in Estonia beside the lifestyle of Baltic barons that you could see at the manors. The lunch at a local tavern gives you a change to see and taste a traditional peasant’s style lunch where national dishes of Estonia will be served. The history of fishermen’s villages at North Coast of Estonia reaches back for over 500 years. A visit to the idyllic captain’s village of Käsmu will give you a good overview of Estonian seafaring traditions.

Please note! The trip will start in Tartu and end in Tallinn.

Price: 77 EUR per participant
(Minimum number of participants is 10 people).  

Tallinn Old Town Walking Tour

July 3 and 5, 2010 at 10.00 (1,5 h)

The tour guide introduces the country and its people, the history of Tallinn and the Old Town, Tallinn's number one attraction. The tour of the Old Tallinn begins on Toompea (Dome Hill) where Tallinn was founded in the 11th century. One of the oldest historical and architectural attractions is the Dome Church (inside visit, entrance fee) of the 13th century.
The onion domes of Alexander Nevski Cathedral (1900, Russian Orthodox, inside visit, no entrance fee) are in sharp contrast to the baroque and renaissance spires of St.Olaf's, St. Nicholas' and the Holy Ghost Church. The 14th-15th century fortress wall with the towers Tall Hermann, Fat Margaret and Peep-into-the Kitchen are reminders of the medieval citadel.
In Lower Town, the tour passes the Great Guild and the Brotherhood of the Blackheads, the Town Hall Pharmacy, the Town Hall and ends at the Town Hall Square.

Duration of the tour is 1,5 hours.

 Price: 16 EUR per participant
(Minimum number of participants is 10 people).  

Tour to Rocca al Mare Open Air Museum in Tallinn

July 3 and 5, 2010 at 14.00 (2,5 h)

The Open Air Museum owns the largest collection of national architecture in Estonia. Ours is the only museum in Estonia with the primary goal of collecting and researching countryside architecture. 72 old village structures have been delivered to the museum and rebuilt on location. We hope to continue this work with newer structures of the 20th century. Our other collections supplement the national architecture collection and help to demonstrate the genuine country life of the past.
The tour includes transfer from city centre and back, English-speaking tour guide, entrance to the museum and 2 hour tour on site.

Price: 42 EUR per participant
(Minimum number of participants is 10 people).  

Trip to Saint Petersburg, Russia

July 2 – 4, 2010                                                                        

St. Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is often referred to as the Venice of the North or the Paris of the East, but its beauty is really a brand all its own. From the White Nights festival during the mysterious summer twilight to top theater and ballet productions and concerts on magical winter evenings, the city offers a vibrant cultural life that is second to none.

July 2

17.00 Departure from Tartu

Arrival in Saint Petersburg, accommodation in Hotel Moscow***, free evening

July 3

10:00-12:30 panoramic city tour

12:30-13:30 lunch at the St-Petersburg restaurant

13:30-17:00 tour of Hermitage

17:00 boat trip along rivers and canals

18:00 return back to Hotel Moscow***

July 4

09:00-12:00 tour of Pushkin: Catherines Palace and Park

12:00-13:00 lunch at Podvorie restaurant

13:00-17:00 tour of Pavlovsk: Pauls Palace and Park

Departure from Saint Petersburg

Arrival in Tallinn

Please note! The trip will start in Tartu and end in Tallinn.

In order to visit Russia it is necessary to have a tourist visa which you can apply for through travel agencies. Further information is available at the Russian Embassy web-site: http://www.russianembassy.org/

Price: 535 EUR per participant with single room accommodation

445 EUR per participant with a place in twin room
(Minimum number of participants is 10 people).  

Trip to Riga, Latvia

July 2 – 4, 2010                                                                         

Riga is the capital of the Republic of Latvia and the geographical centre of the Baltic States. 

The city's cross-roads location between Western Europe and huge Eastern markets has always been - and still is - one of Riga's attractions for business activities.

When in the 14th and 15th centuries Riga became one of the most important trade centers of the Hanseatic League, the city was granted special rights to transport goods along the Daugava further to the East.
Nowadays, Riga is also an important transport junction. The main elements that make the city as a transit center are the harbor of Riga, the Riga international airport and developed railway and road networks. The historically developed transportation infrastructure has facilitated Riga's evolution as the major industrial and business center in the Baltic region. The city is well known for its architectural and cultural values, skilful labour and developed infrastructure.

July 3

9.00 Departure from Tartu

Lunch in Riga

City Tour in Riga with visit to St.Peter`s church (3-4 hours)

Free evening
Accommodation in Hotel Valdemars***

July 4
Tour to Sigulda with visit to Turaida castle (4-5 hours)

Lunch

Arrival in Tallinn

Please note! The trip will start in Tartu and end in Tallinn.

Price: 265 EUR per participant with single room accommodation

235 EUR per participant with a place in twin room
(Minimum number of participants is 10 people).  

Trip to Vilnius, Lithuania

July 2 – 4, 2010                                                                               
Very pleasant and very beautiful, that’s what comes to ones mind when talking about Vilnius. The city displays a variety of both architectural expression and willpower. This is perhaps due to the interesting history that rests in this attractive town, which not always has been the capital of Lithuania. However, for over five centuries, untill he 18th century, Vilnius had been political and cultural centre of Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The Old Town is Vilnius was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994 just because the town "has preserved an impressive complex of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and classical buildings as well as its medieval layout and natural setting". 2009 Vilnius was the European Capital of Culture.

July 2

17.00 Departure from Tartu

Arrival in Vilnius, accommodation in Hotel Panorama***, free evening

July 3

Vilnius City tour (3 hours), lunch and visit to Trakai (4 hours)

July 3

Full day trip to Kaunas with a stop in Rumsiskes to visit the Open Air museum, lunch

Arrival in Tallinn

Please note! The trip will start in Tartu and end in Tallinn.

Price: 335 EUR per participant with single room accommodation

285 EUR per participant with a place in twin room
(Minimum number of participants is 10 people).