From Tallinn: 5-Day Wild Estonia Tour with Bear Watching

Highlights

• Explore the cobblestoned streets of medieval Tallinn on a guided tour
• Walk the wooden boardwalks of Viru Bog in Lahemaa National Park
• Enjoy a traditional Estonian lunch at a tavern in a fishing village
• Spend a night in a bear hide and watch for brown bears in the forest
• Visit Lake Peipsi, one of Europe's largest inland lakes, and take a swim

Description

Day 1: Arrival in Tallinn Arrive in medieval Tallinn and enjoy a private airport transfer to your hotel. Settle into a 4-star boutique hotel in a 14th-century merchant's house inside the UNESCO Old Town, a 5-minute walk from the main square. Embark on a private guided walking tour of the Old Town, exploring hidden courtyards, Gothic spires, artisan studios, and centuries-old alleyways. Enjoy a free evening with restaurant recommendations from your guide. Day 2: Lahemaa National Park Drive into one of Europe's oldest nature reserves and walk the wooden boardwalks of Viru Bog. Visit Palmse Manor, a restored 17th-century estate. Enjoy a traditional Estonian lunch at a local Tavern in an old fishing village. Arrive at Vihula Manor Country Club & Spa, a restored heritage estate surrounded by rivers and forests. Experience an Estonian sauna ritual, an optional pond plunge, and spa access. Enjoy dinner in the Manor House Restaurant with local Estonian cuisine. Day 3: A Night with Bears Travel deeper into the countryside along forest roads. Have lunch at a seaside restaurant by a sandy beach and take a swim or shore walk if weather allows. After lunch, drive deep into the Alutaguse forest. Walk to your private bear hide, a log cabin with private viewing windows, comfortable rooms, toilet, electricity, soundproof walls, and an outdoor microphone bringing forest sounds inside. Receive instructions from your wildlife guide, then enjoy a picnic dinner inside the hide. At dusk, watch for brown bears and possibly foxes, raccoon dogs, moose, and even lynx. Sleep in the hide with beds, pillows, and sleeping bags provided. Alutaguse is home to part of Estonia's ~1,000 brown bears, with an 90%+ sighting rate in summer. Day 4: Forest Trails and Lake Peipsi Take a short drive to a local tavern for a warm breakfast and coffee. Walk forest trails through boglands, woodlands, and along a stream. Hear the story of the elusive Siberian flying squirrel. Have lunch on the shores of Lake Peipsi, 5th largest Europe's inland lakes, a borderland between Estonia and Russia. Swim if weather allows. Return to Tallinn and enjoy a final shared farewell dinner in the Old Town. Day 5: Departure Enjoy a slow final morning in Tallinn. Have breakfast, then take a private transfer to the airport at your preferred time.

Includes

3 nights in boutique heritage hotels and restored manor estates 1 night in a private bear hide Daily breakfasts Picnic dinner in the bear hide Private airport transfers Private air-conditioned minibus throughout English-speaking guide throughout All activities and entry fees Spa access at Vihula Manor

Excludes

International flights Approx. 3 lunches and 3 dinners (~€120–160 pp) Alcoholic beverages Travel insurance Optional spa treatments Tips/gratuities Personal expenses

Important Information

• Small group, maximum 8 guests 90% bear sighting rate Private English-speaking guide throughout heritage accommodations Budget ~€15–20 lunch, ~€15–25 dinner

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund