Toompea Hill and Alexander Nevsky
Toompea Hill and Alexander Nevsky
Hop on the bus for a guided tour of Tallinn, the enchanting capital city of Estonia. This Baltic state in Northern Europe broke free from Russian rule in the 1990s and is now one of the more prosperous former communist states.
During this 2.5-hour tour you will encircle the ancient city walls, then venture inside with a stop at Toompea Hill. This limestone mound is about 20 to 30 meters higher than the surrounding areas which made it an obvious choice for strongholds, rulers and seats of power throughout the centuries. You will see Toompea Castle, a castle erected in the early 1200s in the place of a prior castle and hill fort. This castle has been expanded and modified in the centuries since, and today houses the Estonian Parliament.
While here, stop to admire the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a beautiful Russian Orthodox church filled with mosaics and icons. The large and richly decorated Russian Orthodox church, designed in a mixed historicist style, was completed on Toompea Hill in 1900, when Estonia was part of the Czarist Empire. The well-maintained cathedral is one of the most monumental examples of Orthodox sacral architecture in Tallinn. Tallinn's most powerful ensemble of church bells is in the church towers.
From there you will enjoy a short ride through the modern city center and see Kadriorg Park and Palace and stop for a photo at Tallinn Song Festival Grounds. The scenic Pirita Road will treat you with great views of the 1980s Olympic Yacht Regatta Centre as well as the ruins of St. Birgitta's convent.
Conclude your tour back in the city centre to explore more of Tallinn on your own or make your way back to port. This tour is a perfect introduction to the endearing city of Tallinn.
Please Note: Children under 3 years old are free of charge but must be accompanied by an adult.