Towers and Legends in Old Tallinn

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Hassle-free

Cancellation

4 hours (approx.)

Private Tour

Strenuous

Sightseeing/City Tour Archaeological/Cultural Skip The Line

Overview

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 display with its opulent public buildings such as the defence towers and churches. The cities domestic architecture of the merchant's house has been lucky enough to survive the ravages of fire and war in previous centuries.

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 defence zone. With its ever improving and constant additions, Tallinn soon became the one of the most powerful and strongest defence systems in Northern Europe by the 16th century.

The towns wall was then 3 meters deep and stood 16 meters high, stretching around the city for 4 km and connecting 46 of Tallinn's defence 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 the Toompea Castle, which has the tallest defence tower- Hermann tower. Also, home to the largest Orthodox church in Tallinn. Aleksander Nevsky Cathedral. It has the most luxurious interiors and golden onion roof tops. 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, its 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 Mary's 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 worlds, 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 its 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.

What's Included

Air conditioned vehicle
English speaking guide
Dome Church Entrance

Considerations

Food and drinks are not included
Bring cash and/or credit card for any additional purchases on the day
Gratuities/Tips are not included in your tour, if you would like to leave a tip, please bring cash

Special Instructions

This tour Includes walking over uneven ground, cobble stone streets and steps
Visits to St. Mary's Cathedral not possible on Sunday during regular church services and functions
On this tour if you wish to stay in the old part of Tallinn for some free time at the end of the tour you can do this, however you would need to make your own way back to the port which is approximately 10 minutes by taxi
This tour will return back to port at the end should you not wish to spend extra time in the Old Town

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup and Dropoff at the Cruise Port Included.

Hassle-free

Cancellation

4 hours (approx.)

Private Tour

Strenuous

Towers and Legends in Old Tallinn

Overview

What's Included

Considerations

Special Instructions

Meeting and Pickup

Book Now

Price Info

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