Estonia may be one of the smallest countries in the world, but right now its 1.3 million citizens are among the most forward-looking and cheerful. This year they celebrate 25 years of independence from Russia. Visitors rejoice in the picture-perfect capital’s medieval Old Town, before heading out to the forested countryside and a coast dotted with islands heralded for their ethnic charm.
The welcome is warm and cozy in the lobby-lounge of our boutique Savoy Hotel in the Old Town
Estonia’s capital city of Tallinn is a favorite port of call on Baltic Sea cruises.
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is Tallinn’s largest and grandest Russian orthodox cupola cathedral.
Kadriorg Park is home to not only the Kadriorg Palace, former residence of Peter the Great, but also the superb Museum of Estonian Art (KUMU).
Outcroppings of Art Nouveau are everywhere in the capital; here offering a decorative welcome to “The Best Cafe.”
Wall art is distinctive in Tallinn’s hodgepodge bohemian quarter, called Telliskivi, the Creative City.
A railroad car restaurant in Telliskivi served up beet soup with chevre cheese balls, my absolute favorite dish on the trip.
Off western Estonia, ferry over to Muhu Island, whose beautifully restored Padaste Manor is famous for its 14 elegant suites and the top rated-restaurant in Estonia.
On Muhu, the well-preserved, old-fashioned village Koguva has a delightful open-air ethnographic museum.
Closer to Tallinn, is Kau Manor, dating back from the 13th century and welcoming guests in 19 art and antique filled rooms.
