tallinn is about… medieval history 2 soviet

Although every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, the Tallinn City Tourist Office & Convention Bureau cannot, however, accept any responsibility for errors or omissions, or for subsequent changes. Therefore, when using this manual, please consult the individual providers of the services for updating the information and rates.

Tallinn is about…medieval history 2

soviet history 4

excursions & city tours 6

national customs & traditions 8

fine cuisine 10

relaxation 12

culture & entertainment 14

adventure 16

glamour 20

winter fun 22

sea & coastline 24

nature & countryside 26

being different 28

Tallinn maps 30

f there’s one thing about Tallinn that’s guaranteed

to capture any visitor’s imagination, it’s the

city’s fascinating Old Town, a fairytale district

of ancient, cobblestone streets, each lined with

beautiful medieval residences, workshops, churches

and guildhalls, most dating of the 11th to 15th

Centuries. The grand Town Hall… the ruins of the

Dominican Monastery… the rows of defense towers…

all of these echo the days when this was a bustling,

Hanseatic trade centre. Every few steps takes you

past a curious doorway or a half-hidden courtyard

that seems untouched since that long ago era. Old

Town is no museum piece though – it’s the cultural

heart of Tallinn, where restaurants and shops abound,

and where locals in elaborate period costume often

hold medieval-themed festivals and markets. This is a

place of history, of traditions and old legends, a place

where the medieval times truly come to life.

Tallinn is about… history, both Medieval…

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Wris Travel Agency · www.wris.ee

Every Man is the Smith of his Destiny and the Forger of his Fortune...What do you need to feel happy? Maybe you need to look back to a simpler age and get to know how people lived in the Medieval times. This memorable tour will take you back through the centuries. You’ll eat in an authentic old restaurant and visit the Yard of Medieval Masters, where ancient smithies work on authentic anvils and are waiting to show you the tricks of their trades. To be the smith of your fortune - to forge a good luck horseshoe or mark one with your initials - is an experience you’ll never forget.

Restling Event · www.restlingevent.ee

Hidden Secrets of the Tallinn Dominican Monastery The journey starts with a torchlight procession through an ancient archway. Inside the monks’ chamber at the monastery, candle flames flutter, the aroma of herbs is in the air and a cauldron bubbles. Using a centuries-old recipe and a little imagination, every monk makes his own individual liqueur.

balticEVENT · www.balticevent.com

Knights’ TournamentTravel back in time to a 14th-century house of knights. If you truly wish to become a knight, you must learn to handle medieval weaponry such as the crossbow and the sword, then you will partake in a final tournament for the honour and love of the ladies. The best knights will be dubbed, thereafter one and all will enjoy a medieval banquet, where various performing artists will demonstrate their skills to the beat of live Medieval music… just as it was in days of yore!

Go Travel · www.gotravel.ee

Medieval BanquetExperience the unparalleled charm and historic atmosphere of Tallinn’s gothic Town Hall by accepting an invitation by rich merchants to a sumptuously lavish Medieval banquet in the mysterious interiors of this splendid building. Period music completes the authentic tab-leau.

Via Hansa DMC · www.viahansa.com

Meeting Old Thomas and Searching for the Lost Key of TallinnYour adventure begins with a reception at the medieval Town Hall hosted by the historical symbol of Tallinn - Old Thomas, the guard and flag-man of Tallinn who has been keeping the eye on the city from the Town Hall Tower since the middle ages. Thomas asks the group to help him to find the key to the city, which he has lost. The group is divided into teams to search for the key in the Old Town. While they compete against each other, they learn funny and interesting facts about Tallinn.

East Express · www.eastexpress.ee

The Spirit of the Town Wall and TowersThis interactive tour of Old Town’s walls and towers is led by Johan Supher, who was the Alderman of Tallinn from 1458 to 1467. Along the way he introduces his guests to other his-torical inhabitants of the wall including a mediaeval nun, a purse thief, a tower sentry and a merchant. This is “histotainment”, a theatrical sightseeing tour where guests are involved in the activity.

Medieval History 3

…& Soviet

read lines, guard towers, KGB goons

and propaganda – this was life in Tallinn

during its decades-long period of

Soviet occupation.

In 1940, the USSR invaded and forcibly annexed

then-independent Estonia, cutting it off from the

West and cursing it to an existence as a Soviet

backwater. The years that followed in Estonia

were harsh, frightening, frustrating and, in many

ways, totally ridiculous.

Relief finally came in 1991 when Estonia regained

its independence. Now, with the Soviet days

firmly behind them, Tallinners are ready to look

back at those times and laugh, and to share the

joke with guests visiting their country.

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Attention Comrades!Your group is driven to Tallinn’s TV tower in an authentic Soviet-era bus. Soviet soldiers conduct a sightseeing tour and entertain participants along the way. Among other Soviet-type activities, guests get to stand at attention on the square while the lieutenant makes a speech. Surprisingly, the tour ends in the prison, so watch out!


Friendship of Different NationsDuring the party or dinner, participants meet performers representing various nationalities of the former Soviet Union. Guests are entertained by Georgian, Kazak, Ukrainian and Ko-rean performers in a unique restaurant or Soviet-style hall.


KGB AdventureThere you are, minding your own business on the bus, when suddenly you hear explosions and smoke is billowing all around you! The bus abruptly pulls up in front of a roadblock. KGB agents jump onto the bus and loudly and rudely accuse you of smuggling foreign spies into Estonia. Some passengers are taken as hostages and the interrogations begin. But who will be brave enough to start the negotiations? What or who could be traded for freedom? And this is just the beginning of your KGB Adventure…

Baltcoming (Estravel AS American Express Travel) · www.estravel.ee

Prison Break: a Soviet-era Prison AdventureThe Patarei Sea Fortress and Prison is one of the best places in the world to explore Soviet-era prison life in all its gloominess. After breaking out of the prison, all participants are reward-ed with a delicious picnic, held just outside to the prison walls. From here you can admire breathtaking views of Tallinn Bay and Tallinn’s harbour.

Baltic Tours · www.baltictours.eu

Soviet Evening in TallinnHop aboard a Soviet-era bus that’s loaded with undercover KGB agents and you’re bound ex-perience some extraordinary things. But beware – this trip is extremely secret and you may see or hear things that are confidential! The KGB agents will be demonstrating their excep-tional monitoring and eavesdropping techniques. This fascinating evening will continue in a famous Russian restaurant, where there will be a traditional Russian-style party and ev-erything that follows…

EstCruise · www.estlandcruiser.ee

The Spy TestSurrounded by Soviet ruins, you suddenly realise you’re alone in the crowd and odd things start to happen. The person next to you, who you thought was your friend, may be secretly playing a totally different game… But how will you know when you have to work as a team to survive the test? You have to figure out how to trust your teammates – and still be wary of them – if you want to pass the Spy Test.

Soviet History 5

Tallinn is about…excursions & city tours

ave you found your way to the

legendary Cat’s Well? What about

Tallinn’s famous apothecary, running

since 1422? Or the church that used to be the

tallest building in the world? In a city that’s so

packed with historic sights and curious tales,

it’s vital to have someone guide you through

it all …and better still, to show you interesting

areas off the beaten path that few tourists

get to see.

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A Medieval Merchant’s TaleIn this live history tour, visitors are taken back to the year 1528 to explore and learn about Old Tallinn, sample medieval music and drinks, and meet one of Tallinn’s medieval merchants, the generous Lüdeke von Oyten (1508 - 1560). With the help of a guide and actors, the group will meet a mysterious monk, a sophisticated druggist, medieval musicians and members of the Brotherhood of Blackheads Guild.


A Theatrical City Tour Do you like mysterious legends, history and surprises with a touch of fun and a sense of humour? If so, let us take you on a memorable alternative city tour! A professional costumed guide will lead you through the Hanseatic Old Town, and along the way you’ll get to experi-ence numerous sights, sounds and activities.


Art & Handicraft Shopping TourThis is a great introduction to the rich tradition of Estonian arts and handicrafts. On the tour, you’ll be able to buy works directly from the artists or simply watch the artists at work. You’ll visit the Katarina Guild, a collection of various workshops along one lively street. Here artists create jewellery, patchwork, ceramics, stained glass, glassware and hats. After the shopping tour you’ll be offered a nice lunch or dinner at a local restaurant.


Art Tour of TallinnThis specially designed programme includes a bus tour of the most important sights of Tal-linn, followed by visits to two of the most remarkable art sites in Estonia – the brand new Estonian Art Museum, and the Kadriorg Park and Palace, built centuries ago by Peter the Great. When guests arrive at the Kadriorg Palace – Peter the Great himself will be there to welcome them!

Baltic Travel Group · www.btgroup.ee

City Tour by Private Tram

Take a private tram and enjoy a unique tour of Tallinn that shows you far more than you would see on an ordinary sightseeing tour.The tour takes you from the beautiful Kadri-org park area through the modern city centre, then into Soviet-era city suburbs that most tourists never get to see.Snacks and beverages will be on offer to make the tour even more enjoyable.

Hansabuss · www.hansabuss.ee

Tallinn City TourTallinn City Tour double-deckers have been part of Tallinn since May 2005 and have an au-dio guide in 10 languages: Estonian, English, German, French, Finnish, Swedish, Russian, Spanish, Italian and Japanese.The new Tallinn City Tour is also active from autumn to spring, making it the most northern City Tour in Europe to work all year round.Tallinn City Tour – it’s 1 pass, 3 tour routes, 30 stops, 10 languages and hop-on hop-off throughout the day. Tickets are valid for two days.

7Excursions & City Tours

Tallinn is about…national customs & traditions

allinn may be a cutting-edge city,

but scratch any modern Estonian city-

dweller and you’ll find an old-fashioned

villager underneath.

The heart of every true Estonian lies in the

nation’s rural past, with its centuries-old

traditions, particularly those involving folk

song, folk dance and colourful national dress.

These customs are a treasured part of the

Estonian identity, and participating in them is an

experience a visitor will won’t soon forget. And

a bowl of hearty, Estonian pea soup won’t go

amiss either!

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“Cheers!” Estonian Party At this traditional Estonian party, guests learn about Estonian culture, customs, history and cuisine in a unique, Estonian tavern. The party includes games, musical performances and surprises. Terviseks! (“Cheers!” in Estonian)


Crazy Village Party Take a journey back in time and experience the “good old days” of Estonian village life, when the family meant everything. The village school will teach the complex secrets of the Esto-nian language, and a competition will set the hierarchy of the village. Everyone will con-tribute something as a village member, be it milling, working as blacksmith or farming. Likewise, everyone gets to join the final village party too!

Restling · www.restling.ee

Estonian National Evening Get a glimpse of the Estonian soul during the Estonian National Evening. The programme consists of merrymaking, folk dancing, thrilling games and competitions, plenty of festive Estonian food and drinks – and dancing for everybody.


National TreasureOnce upon a time the forests of Estonia were inhabited by gods who wielded enormous pow-ers. When crusaders invaded Estonia, the gods had to hide the most precious thing they possessed, the National Treasure. Any adventurer seeking it must visit a number of his-torical sights and face many challenges. On your quest you’ll be assisted by a driver/guide with a jeep.

DMC Travel Expert · www.conference-expert.com

The Roots of Traditional EstoniaGet a taste of the simple life! At the Estonian Open Air Museum you’ll find an authentic 19th-century village complete with windmills, water mills, farm houses, a schoolhouse, a church and a pub. Here you’ll have a great time as you go for a ride on a horse carriage, bake a loaf of bread, sample some traditional Estonian country-style food and beer, and most importantly, master the steps of a traditional Estonian folk dance!


Unique Estonian PartyEnjoy a traditional Estonian party that incorporates good conversation, engaging activi-ties and interesting facts about Estonian customs and traditions. Experienced, professional performers will keep your attention riveted and create the right kind of party atmosphere. The programme includes entertainment, rest and dining, social singing games, a folk-dance show, fortune telling and much, much more.

National Customs & Traditions 9

stonians are proud of their own rich

cooking traditions, which stem from

ancient village life. But ever since the Iron

Curtain came down the flood of new ideas –

and ingredients – from the rest of the world has

utterly transformed Tallinn’s culinary scene.

Now a new generation of world-class Tallinn

chefs gives the city’s restaurants a truly modern,

international flavour, offering everything from

Thai to fusion. A few even host cooking shows to

teach aficionados how to create their own tasty

masterpieces at home. So grab your fork and dig

in! Bon appétit, or as we say here, head isu!

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Tallinn is about…fine cuisine

Radisson SAS Hotel · www.tallinn.radissonsas.com

Cooking ChallengeThe Radisson SAS Hotel offers this exciting opportunity to enter into a cooking challenge, a thrilling activity where your whole group participates and enjoys the end result. The group will be divided into two teams, both of which prepare snacks under the close supervision of our chefs. The teams themselves choose the winner, then it’s time to celebrate and enjoy the food, along with some good wine.


Cooking ShowTraditional cuisine meets the modern kitchen! Learn all about Estonian cuisine from Estonia’s most famous chef. You won’t just come away with memories of the wonderful flavours, you’ll take home special skills and recipes as well. Head isu! / Bon appetit!

Eventus Group · www.eventustravel.com

Creation and Experiments: Chocolate Alchemy Alchemy!... This challenging science has eluded brilliant minds for centuries. Now the for-mula has been discovered. From the best ingredients we get pure, sweet gold – chocolate. During this experiment guests will:• Learn not only the story of this delicious product and the secret of producing it, but also the fact that chocolate has not always been so sweet and hard• Have the chance to taste and compare different types of chocolate and make suggestions about ingredients Everyone will make his or her own unique sort of chocolate.


Estonian Gourmet EveningThis is not the typical Estonian dinner. This is the absolute cream of the crop, prepared by a true connoisseur de cuisine. At this dining event, guests are welcomed with a sip of aperitif, invited to the wine cellar for a degustation of the finest wines, then guided through a spe-cial, traditional Estonian menu prepared in French cuisine style as the owner explains the philosophy behind these award-winning gourmet meals. In order to stimulate all the senses, the gourmet evening is spiced up by dance performances.


Learn How to Cook Real Estonian CuisineWhether you just want to spend a few hours or a whole day, this programme is a fun way to relax and spend time with your friends, clients or teammates, testing each other’s palates and senses of humour. It’s also a great way to get to know Tallinn’s restaurants or manors, meet the master chefs and discover everything there is to know about “Real Estonian Cui-sine”.

Broadline · www.broadline.ee

National Dishes Cooking CourseDuring this three-hour presentation of Estonian ethnic cuisine and national dishes, guests will prepare their own food under the watchful eye of our star chef, Imre Kose. Afterwards, participants will be able to enjoy the delicacies they’ve created, along with some fine wine, all in cosy surroundings. Dishes and menus are prepared according to the wishes of the group.

Fine Cuisine 11

Tallinn is about…relaxation

nwinding and de-stressing is

something Estonians have known

about for generations. In fact, since

as far back as the 1800s, health spas in the

country’s coastal towns have been attracting

everyone from Russian tsars to Swedish

pensioners. Nowadays the practice continues

as a number of modern, luxury health resorts

operating in and around Tallinn offer countless

ways to relax. More recently, the booming

popularity of new golf courses in Estonia has

made day out on the links another option for

rest and leisure.

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www.topspa.ee

www.viimsitervis.ee


Estonian Golf MastersWould-be golf masters can test their mettle on this private and beautiful golf course. Who has the longest drive or the steadiest putt? Cadies and refreshments will help keep you fo-cused on the game. As usual, everyone will be competing for the coveted green jacket, and the best player will be rewarded.

Kaleva Travel · www.kalevatravel.ee

Golf & GrillSpend a day testing your skills at two great outdoor activities, golfing and grilling, all the while getting help from golf and grill pros. Dinner, provided by the same masters, is served in the evening. The whole event takes place in The Estonian Golf & Country Club, situated in an ancient Estonian cultural setting.


I Feel Good…This programme is designed to do one thing: make you feel good. And it’s guaranteed to do just that! When your body and spirit are in need refreshing and recharging, this exclusive ex-perience is the answer. It will give you the opportunity to step out of time for a moment and let the body and mind be relaxed by healing procedures, the sound of silence, and healthy refreshments.


Masters ClubThe Lord of the Manor, Sigmund von Pleasure, along with his servants, shall be delighted to receive guests of honour. He will then reveal his refined intelligence at the chess table, drink to friendship while tasting the finest cigars in his wine cellar and accompany his guests on an little hunting jaunt on his grounds. The vain lord can well afford to boast, given his skil-ful servants, new chef and merry musicians. You are cordially invited to the Masters Club, as a guest of honour.

Laulasmaa Resort · www.laulasmaa.ee

Stress Relief in LaulasmaaThis option offers conference and incentive participants a perfect and invigorating mix of work and recreation. After a tense day of business meetings, a relaxing spa treatment will replenish your energy and restore your strength. Experience the wonders of various water therapies, different types of massage and saunas. Our water centre, with its seven different pools, is at your disposal. There is no more relaxing way to put a day’s stress behind you!


Team-Building in a Stress-Free EnvironmentNestled in an area of unspoilt pine forests and beautiful seashore, Laulasmaa Resort provides excellent opportunities for outdoor team-building activities. This fascinating location is per-fect for GeoGrossword games, photo hunts, jeep safaris, trips to the nearby Niitvälja Golf Course and more. You can easily combine these team-building activities with MICE events.

Relaxation 13

Tallinn is about…culture & entertainment

pera, ballet, cinema, theatre,

1930s-style cabaret… there’s never

a shortage of action on Tallinn’s

cultural front, and the programme on any

given evening offers a range of choice for

the connoisseur. The city is also home to a

number of excellent art galleries, both grand

and intimate. Whether it’s sitting back and

enjoying the show, checking out the latest

in cutting-edge sculpture or getting in touch

with your own creative side, Tallinn tops

the bill.

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A Night at the MusicalsExperience an unforgettable night by diving into the glittering world of musicals! The nos-talgic tunes of the 1930s make their comeback in this old-fashioned venue where stylish mu-sic, singing and dancing put people in a glamorous mood. A private cabaret show, complete with live performances, will take you right back to that golden age of musical theatre.


Film ShootA theme for the film will be decided well in advance, such as the “The A-Team” – a fun version with special effects. A short movie will be made with roles allotted to each group member. The day will start with a short acting course, an introduction to the various roles and tech-niques, getting made over by professional make-up artists, choosing costumes and other preparations. The rest of the day will be taken up with the film shoot. In the evening there will be a theme party at which all the amusing outtakes will be shown. A take-home DVD will make a great souvenir of all the fun.


Life is a CabaretLife is Cabaret is an evening of feathers, glitz and dazzling live music – a classic presentation of the bygone style that combines drinks, dinner and dancing, all against a backdrop of art-deco decadence and vintage glamour.


Opera Tour in TallinnThis tour gives you an insider’s look at Tallinn’s famed opera house. Participants can enjoy a glass of champagne and tour the backstage areas of the historic National Opera and Ballet Theatre, admiring all the sounds, smells, costumes and people they encounter. Afterwards visitors will be treated to a full opera performance.


Photo Chase on WheelsImagine rolling through the streets of Tallinn trying to find the funniest, oddest and most beautiful spots in the city. Tap into your creative potential while you have fun making your friends twist and turn into the most awkward positions possible – all so you can shoot “The Best Photo Ever”! A great time and everlasting memories are guaranteed!


Teamwork is ArtworkThis is innovative team training through art. Using artistic expression and creative interac-tion, you will open yourselves to that creative artist who lives inside each of us. Get your creative juices flowing with a French breakfast of wine, cheese and grapes. Find out the fun way that good teamwork can truly be a work of art.

Culture & Entertainment 15

Tallinn is about…adventure

here’s never a dull moment in Tallinn,

especially for dedicated thrill-seekers

who have the right guide. On nearby

country roads visitors can try out one of

Estonia’s most daredevil sports – rally driving.

As if that’s not enough to get the adrenaline

pumping, the ex-Soviet ambience here provides

a realistic backdrop for all types of secret agent

fantasies.

Just remember to ask for your martini shaken,

not stirred.

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www.seikleja.com

www.seikleja.com


A Day at Horse RacesFeel the adrenaline rush as you take part in a real horse race at Tallinn’s Hippodrome! Seated next to a trainer/driver, you’ll speed down the track in a genuine racing sulky. Everyone will get the chance to compete. As in any racetrack event, there will be a constant overview from the loudspeakers, betting on horses and other group members, and an awards ceremony for the winners.

Travelscope Baltic · www.travelscope.ee

“Be the Rally Driver” Driving CourseWatching a talent like Sebastian Loeb fight his way through rally stages is certainly excit-ing, but just imagine yourself in his place! Held on a gravel or ice surface, the “Be the Rally Driver” driving course offers the perfect opportunity to practice under the supervision of ex-perienced rally drivers, learning the reactions of the car, how to control it and how to im-prove your driving skills.


Codename: Fat FoxAlert: Our intelligence confirms that a considerable amount of chemical poison will be used to brainwash all foreign visitors, making them addicted to Estonia. We have reason to be-lieve that the poison in question has been hidden in a military base. We ask your help in finding and deactivating the poison. A person from our organisation will provide you with the details and hi-tech equipment you’ll need to complete your mission.


Da Vinci CodeIt’s up to you to solve the labyrinthine puzzle or the explosive truth will be lost forever. From this moment on, you will act as a member of the Priory of Sion. You have been chosen by the last guardian of the ancient secret, curator Jacques Sauniére, to complete this mystical assignment. Once started, you cannot stop the sequence of events unfolding around you. Something important is waiting for you near the Mona Lisa! Hurry up!

Baltic Travel Group · www.btgroup.ee

FirewalkingFirewalking symbolises the triumph of intellect and spirit over the deeply ingrained human fear of fire. The adrenaline rush and the emotional impact of firewalking can be an energis-ing and exhilarating experience. Anyone seeking to explore the connection between mind and body and wishing to enhance their potential will find this a rewarding and unforget-table activity.


Horseback Riding on the Saue Baron’s Hunting TrailFollow in the footsteps of the Baron of Saue Manor! Your manor, just outside of Tallinn, is one of the pearls of the Estonian early classicist architecture and you, on a visit from the metropolis, need to inspect your premises. After a riding tour, you and your entourage will warm up with some good herbal schnapps, then you’ll enjoy a noble feast complete with live medieval music played on period instruments.

Adventure 17


Mission EstoniaYour goal as an agent is to complete ”Mission Estonia” during an evening in a fancy Tallinn restaurant. To be able to solve the mystery it presents, you will need to co-operate with team members sitting around your table. Money might help, but other secret weapons could prove even more efficient. Who will crack the secret code? Solving the mystery will create a positive atmosphere for turning any mission impossible into a mission possible. Any company ambi-tions or targets will then seem reachable - Mission accomplished!


SAS – Mission 007As the group is being briefed, their VIP is kidnapped right before their eyes! While the kid-nappers are escaping in a helicopter, our brave guests have to chase after them to save their principal. They have the help of the MI5 control centre and are supplied with the necessary equipment – a 4x4 vehicle, a compass, a GPS, radios, mobile phones and cameras.


Secret ServiceThe Head of Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Eastern Europe Division, will recruit you and pro-vide you with the necessary equipment. New agents will then slip away on a mission to explore Tallinn with a camera as their secret weapon. M is waiting for your answers and Q will help you with technical issues. This is an exciting way to combine the distant Medieval past, the recent Soviet past, and the vibrant New Europe feeling of modern-day Tallinn, all in one big adventure!


Underground Mine ExperienceExperience the life of a miner in an underground mine: take part in an underground cycle race; take a ride on a functioning mining train; see the “ESKU” – the world’s biggest digger (special order); and even try mining for yourself. You can also take the unique opportunity to have an underground (1.6 km below ground) lunch/dinner with real miners and then enjoy the beautiful landscape of Northeast Estonia.


Vehicle BuildingIn this very creative and eventually competitive team-building activity, the team is given materials, a construction manual and all necessary tools to build a vehicle that will compete on a special track. …But driving it is another team effort with its own hidden tasks!


You can still remember the smell of your courage, the taste of your adrenalin…This exciting incentive programme is designed to thrill you and become the highlight of your life! During two fun-packed days, you’ll experience activities such as rafting, wall climbing, and jeep or ATV safari. A fast, comfortable bus takes you to the various events. There’s no need to worry about hunger or lodging – you’d better save your energy for worrying about how you’ll survive the next day!

Adventure 19

Tallinn is about…glamour

he limo door opens, the flashbulbs go

off, and the glittering superstar steps

out onto the red carpet to wave to the

crowd. Luckily, there’s no need to fly off to

Hollywood to experience this kind of glamour.

Right here in Tallinn there are plenty of

opportunities to get dressed to the nines,

enjoy a gala dinner or tango the night away.

Why not spoil yourself and live the life of an

aristocrat or celeb, at least for an evening?

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Carnival - Mystery of the Old CastleThis luxurious and enchanting event is held in majestic medieval surroundings. A fairytale carnival will give you a taste of the colourful life of the Tallinn nobility of the 12th to the 15th Centuries. Guests can take part in medieval dances, and listen to beautiful music and songs from the past. The programme is also full of surprise elements, such as the mystery of water and fire, the mystery of sweetness, music shows and much more.

Dress code: medieval costume and mask.


Dancing with the StarsThis time, you’re the star! You’re the one who gets a fast dancing course with a professional and you’ll be the star that shines at the evening’s glamorous dance competition. You can also be the judge, if you prefer throwing witty comments at your colleagues. If you’re less fond of being in the limelight, you can just sit back and enjoy yourself while watching your col-leagues dance their way to stardom.


Fabulous ExcursionMs. “Lady Fabulous” greets the group in her usual manner, i.e. dressed as if she was going to the fanciest gala party ever in an enormous wig, a ton of make-up, a glittering dress and tee-tering high heels. But Ms. Fabulous won’t be the only one dressed to the nines. She’ll bring plenty of accessories for the group (warm-coloured glasses, wigs, hats, etc). The fabulous excursion will take the now-snazzily dressed group to unique locations in and around the Old Town. Each location has its own story with its own fabulous facts and legends (including gossip). Photos taken in the hottest spots will be given out afterwards for a keepsake.


Gala Dinner, 1920s-30s StyleGuests receive an invitation to a special gala dinner. Before the dinner starts, they can make use of a 20s- 30s-style hair and make-up studio to get the proper look. The event recreates the beautiful atmosphere of the epoch, with live piano music during the cocktail welcome, fol-lowed by an elegant dinner and a musical-operetta show. Here a special photo session will take place, with a professional photographer taking period-style pictures. The photos will then be given to the guests as a small souvenir of this great and memorable evening.


Gala – the Commandant’s BallAfter receiving their elegant and personally addressed invitations to the ball, guests will ar-rive in the evening at the spectacular Kadriorg Palace, which was built by Peter the Great. Inside they will take part in a participatory theatre event in which hussars play cards with audience members, Tatyana writes letters while weeping, and Pushkin himself composes verses on the floor. The performances include the best of Russian aristocratic dance and prose traditions, as well as some selections based on Petrov’s musical The Captain’s Daughter.


“Rock Around the Clock” Gala Dinner & PartyJoin us on this journey to the world of taste pleasures! The gala dinner comes complete with a music and dance programme. Come now, if not sooner – the cigarillo and candy girls are already waiting. This is a night not to be missed!

Glamour 21

Tallinn is about…winter fun

here’s no more beautiful scene in

Estonia than a bright, crisp winter day,

when the air is still and the forests are

covered in a fresh blanket of snow. The country’s

northern latitude means that, for a period of

several months, visitors can enjoy the snow

season, trying out fun winter activities from

cross-country skiing to sledding to snowball

fights! For the less sports inclined there’s also

sightseeing by caravan and old-fashioned sleigh

rides. At the end of the day, the best ways to

warm up are with a hot glass of mulled wine, or

better still, a trip to a traditional sauna.

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A Day on the Ice WallFor those looking for a different kind of adventure, it doesn’t get any better than this! Your ice-climbing excursion takes place in Rannamõisa sandstone cliff, where the frozen water forms many different icefalls, presenting various degrees of difficulty. This is your chance to see just what you are capable of!


Trip Skating on the Baltic SeaTrip skating (skating on natural ice) is an enjoyable activity that ’s fast enough to be ex-citing, and at the same time calm,peaceful and nature-friendly.The Estonian seashore and thecountry ’s numerous lakes offer great opportunities for skaters.Experienced guides will take all necessary measures to ensure a safe time on the ice.The skating season in Estonia typically lasts from the end of December through the middle of March.


Winter Games at the ManorDon’t miss this unique opportunity to experience “histotainment” (history + entertainment) in a beautiful, 17th- 18th-century manor house! Guests take part in Estonian winter games in the manor’s garden. After relaxing in a hot sauna and spa, they are invited to dine in the main hall. Here they learn more about the history of Estonia and meet a squire-actor. The squire later introduces the manor’s musicians, who perform a classical concert.


Winter Jeep SafariEveryone loves winter – watching the forests turn into a romantic wonderland, having snow-ball fights, building snowmen, making snow angels… The only problem is that after a while you feel, well, frozen. So why not enjoy all of this while cruising around Estonia in a nice, warm jeep? As an added bonus, you can test your winter driving skills on an ice track and have a blast doing some off-roading on a military practice ground.


Winter OlympicsThough this country has never hosted the Winter Olympic Games, skiing and winter sports still hold a special place in the heart of every Estonian. This is your chance to experience the joys of Estonian winter. Teams compete in skiing, figure skating and other winter sports, and even architectural talent is part of the contest. The programme is active but not terribly serious – this is just good winter fun! The games conclude with a celebratory dinner in a manor house, an appropriate venue for the well-deserved celebration and award ceremony. And of course a healthy menu plays a central role.


Winter WonderlandDuring the winter months, when a silky white sheet of snow makes the landscape fresh and pure, Estonia’s natural beauty is at its most striking. Imagine ice-skating, or even ice sail-ing, on a frozen lake. Or maybe a gentle horse ride through an unspoiled meadow is more your style? After a day of snow-related activities you can relax in a spa, take in some health treatments and learn first-hand why the traditional wooden sauna is so highly revered in this northern country.

Winter Fun 23

Tallinn is about…sea & coastline

estled on the rim of Tallinn Bay, this

city has been a hub of activity for

sailors and fishermen since its earliest

mention in history.

Nowadays the hospitable local coastline, along

with several nearby islands, makes Tallinn a

popular port of call for just about every kind

of sailing and sport vessel – something that

wasn’t lost on the Soviets when they decided to

host the Olympic yachting events here in 1980.

A little know-how and a stiff breeze are all a

sailor needs to explore the area’s stunning,

forest-covered shores and see some unmatched

views of the city’s skyline.

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www.seikleja.com


Building a Viking Boat Based on a centuries-old way of boat building, this exercise sees the team being given mate-rials, a construction manual and all necessary tools to launch their craft. The end result is spectacular, culminating in a sailing race with a crew of ten!


Kayaking Treasure Hunt on Pedassaare IslandThis tour is a perfect team-building exercise, and you’ll get to enjoy a picturesque Estonian sunset to boot! First your group will paddle to the uninhabited Pedassaare Island, near Tal-linn, where you’ll have to locate and retrieve a treasure. Then you’ll have a picnic on the is-land, divide up your treasure and relax in a good old-fashioned country sauna. As you cruise back to the mainland, you’ll be able to look out over the evening waves as they glow mysteri-ously in the final rays of the sunset.


Let the Baltic Sea Host You …Discover the secrets of the Baltic Sea in this adventure where you get to be a sailor and ride the waves on board an old schooner. You might even meet some real pirates, or even become one! Afterwards you’ll feast on well-prepared fish in a fine fish restaurant, or with a little luck, you’ll catch a salmon yourself. But this isn’t all the sea has to offer you. Let your skin feel the regenerative effects of mud, let herbal water wash your worries away …in short, let the sea be your host!


Olympic RegattaEnjoy a day on Tallinn Bay, the scene of the 1980 Olympic Regatta. The opening ceremony and lighting of the Olympic Fire will get you into the spirit of games. Then professional skip-pers will teach you the real secrets of sailing …Or you can just sit back and enjoy the ride, see nice city views and partake in the refreshments aboard the luxury sailing yacht.


Sailing Regatta in Tallinn BayThis sailing regatta is a perfect team-building activity. It starts off with some basic yachting skills instruction, then the sprint training races begin. The exciting day ends with an award ceremony and dinner at the yacht club.


Tallinn Olympic Sailing RegattaThis adventure begins at the Tallinn’s Olympic centre and yacht harbour, the regatta venue for the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Here guests will be divided into teams and will hold their own private yacht regatta on Tallinn Bay. Along the way they’ll see beautiful views of Tal-linn’s Old Town, the modern city centre, sandy beaches and pine forests. After the sailing competition, a ceremony with company flags, music and awards will be held at Olympic Fire Holder Square.

Sea & Coastline 25

Tallinn is about…nature & countryside

hough Tallinn itself is very much a

city, it’s also the gateway to the rest

of Estonia, a relatively untouched

land that’s rich in natural beauty, a place

where elk, lynx and bear still roam. Within

just a couple hours drive of the capital there

are dense forests, rugged cliffs, centuries-old

manor houses and a host of other wonders,

both natural and man-made. Whether you

decide to explore the mysterious peat bogs

of Soomaa National Park or visit an ancient

Orthodox monastery, you can rest assured

that you’ll find one of the most secluded,

peaceful spots on Earth.

T

www.seikleja.com


Bog WalkingAlmost a quarter of Estonia’s territory is covered by wetlands, and according to local lore, witches have enjoyed the isolation of these bogs for centuries. On these amazing wetland walks, snowshoe-clad participants can safely visit damper parts of the bogs and listen to fascinating stories about Estonian wildlife.


Dolce Vita at the Vihterpalu Manor House ComplexThis day of fun and relaxation in the luxurious Vihterpalu Manor House complex is ideal for those who prefer spending time in blissful seclusion. Here life is relaxed and tranquil, beautiful nature abounds and the noises of the big city are but a distant memory. Guests can participate in outdoor activities like excursions to nature and seacoast areas, visits to a former Soviet border station, kayaking, sailing, long-bowing and archery, or try their hands at fructo-design. The day ends with delicious meal in the manor house.


Kick-offs and Team-Building in the Countryside Turn an otherwise standard trip into something unique and unforgettable by including a motivational day in the countryside. These come complete with exciting team-building ac-tivities, high and low ropes, and more. By adding even one of the following supplemental activities, you’ll liven up the whole group and make the event truly stand out in their mem-ories: ice rally, go-cart grand prix, paintball competition, laser-warfare, and the “Eskimo Bath & Estonian sauna” rescue course.


Living Legends of the MonasteriesDiscover the treasures of the Harjumaa monasteries. This fun and informative programme is created for open-minded people who are ready and willing to discover something new for themselves. The highly popular programme offers a rewarding experience that never fails to bring some unexpected surprises. We make history exciting!


Swamp BingoIf you want to see a truly unique aspect of Estonian nature, then a hiking trip in one of the country’s swamps, or bogs, is a must. These unforgettable terrains cover about 20% of the nation’s territory. On this fun, safe and easy trip, you’ll be introduced to the local flora and fauna, as well as the secrets and legends of the bogs. You’ll get the chance to spend quality time in one of the most peaceful and well-preserved environments in Europe, all the while stimulating your mind with a special game of swamp bingo. With specialised equipment you can even walk on these wetlands. And in the middle of the swamp there will be a surprise waiting for you.


Traditional Archery in the Estonian ForestWould-be Robin Hoods are taken to Kajamaa to try out the time-honoured tradition of long-bowing, and to spend a day enjoying the great outdoors. After getting a short introduction, equipment, and time on the practice range, guests head to the forest, where they fire their arrows at pictures of animals. An awards ceremony is held to honour whoever scores the most points.

Nature & Countryside 27

Tallinn is about…being different

hy follow the crowd? After all, you

came to Estonia to break away from

the rest of the pack. These original

activities and breaks will give participants a

positive experience they won’t soon forget.

W


@Estonia Do you report your taxes via the Internet? Do you park your car with the help of a mobile phone? Do you check your children’s grades online? Most Estonians do. In fact, according to the former mayor of Tallinn, Internet access is a basic human right. Maybe you’ve heard of the best-known product of Estonia’s e-savvy culture: the Skype Internet phone. This exciting tour will delve into the cutting-edge world of modern Estonia.


Bird Rally Estonia’s geographical location and nature make it an ideal place for bird watching. In fact, the European record in bird watching (the number of species spotted in 24 hours) was set in Estonia. This Bird Rally is not an ordinary bird watching event, but a competition between teams – the team who spots and correctly identifies most species within the time limit is the winner. The rally starts off with a short overview of Estonian birds, then the group is divided into teams, and everyone is given the necessary equipment to enjoy the competition. We also recommend a short quiz after the rally, during which the teams can prove which birds they recognised.


Gymnastic BreakA relaxing, humorous and inspiring 3-minute break where Acrobats entertain and demon-strate the beauty of muscles …all set to nostalgic music.


Refreshing Conference BreaksDo you ever get the feeling that most seminars, conferences and meetings are too similar and there is nothing to distinguish one from the rest? Would you like to give your participants something more colourful, more memorable and more traditional, as well as a conference that yields good work results? In addition to conventional conference services, Kaleva Trav-el offers brief and memorable conference breaks that, for a short while, take participants’ minds away from work-related topics and help them to keep their spirits alive. Examples include psychophysical exercises, an Estonian language survival kit, and more.


Social IncentiveDoing something good always feels good. It can feel even better than going out to an expen-sive dinner, or attending another party or going on a city tour. Social Incentive brings new aspects to the idea of an incentive programme: compassion, altruism, humanity; helping the local community or children. This experience can be truly surprising.


Water Party in LaulasmaaThe Laulasmaa Resort’s Water Party is a fun and original way to entertain you, your business partners, clients and employees. The party stays lively with music, shows, lighting effects and more. Catering and saunas are also at your disposal. You can combine the water party with MICE events or Laulasmaa team-building activities.

Being Different 29

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Hostel

Camping

Theatre

Cinema

Police Station

Post Office

Panoramic View

Toilet

1 Tallinn TV Tower

2 Tallinn Botanic Garden

3 Ruins of St.Birgitta’s Convent

4 Estonian History Museum - Maarjamäe Palace

5 Tallinn Song Festival Grounds

6 Kadriorg Palace - The Kadriorg Art Museum

7 KUMU Art Museum

8 Kadriorg Park

Old City Wall, Tower

Tourist Information

Embassy

Car Park

Parking House

Hotel

Guesthouse

Bed and Breakfast

Attractions

Museum

Beach

Yacht Marina

Monument

Church

Synagogue

Legend

9 Tallinn Zoo

10 Estonian Open Air Museum

11 Estonian National Library

12 Railway Station

13 Bus Terminal

14 Airport

15 Harbour

16 Yacht Marina

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Kullassepa 2 / Niguliste 4 Tallinn 10146, Estonia

Tel: +372 645 7777 Fax: +372 645 7778

[email protected] www.tourism.tallinn.ee

Attractions 1 Town Hall - Town Hall Square

2 Town Hall Pharmacy

3 St. Catherine’s Passage

4 Dominican Monastery

5 Tallinn City Museum

6 Holy Spirit Church

7 Estonian History Museum -

Great Guild Hall

8 Black Heads

9 St. Olav’s Church

10 Fat Margaret’s Tower

11 Town Wall with its defence towers

12 Cathedral of Saint Mary the Virgin

13 Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

14 Toompea Castle

15 Tall Hermann’s Tower

16 Danish King’s Garden

17 Kiek in de Kök Cannon Tower

18 Niguliste Museum

19 Museum of Occupation

20 Estonian National Opera and

Estonia Concert Hall

City Centre

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tallinn is about… medieval history 2 soviet

Documents

medieval times

medieval banquet

medieval weaponry

tallinn maps

tallinn thats

tallinn dominican monastery

beautiful medieval residences

yard of medieval masters