Estonia

Estonia is a refreshing destination for world travelers in search of somewhere different. Geographically and historically it has much in common with neighboring Latvia, but ethnically its true soulmate is Finland. It’s just a short hop across the Gulf from Helsinki. Once part of the Soviet family, Estonia is now more European than Muscovite. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by the historic charm of Tallinn with its UNESCO-listed Old Town. Best explored on foot, wandering at will, it offers all the delights of other European cities but without the crowds. Gothic architecture, red-roofed buildings and independent bars and restaurants provide entertainment night and day. In contrast, the 314m high Tallinn TV Tower rises above the mediaeval rooftops, providing an eagle-eyed view of the city from the observation deck. Tours will inevitably include castles, stunning churches and hilltop fortresses, capturing the essence of the country’s crusader history and wars of independence. Beyond the captivating cities, Estonia will thrill the hearts of nature-lovers. Extensive old-growth forests and diverse terrain include a plethora of islands, lakes and rocky beaches. Many species, now extinct elsewhere, still thrive in these forested mountains. They shelter wolves, brown bears, flying squirrels, wild boar, moose and otters along with 300 bird species. Appropriately, Estonia’s national symbol is the barn swallow.