Tallinn Shore Excursions: Medieval History, Modern Culture

When your cruise ship docks at the Old City Harbor in Estonia, you’ll be well positioned to enjoy Tallinn shore excursions around this medieval walled city and its environs. On shore excursions, Tallinn, Estonia reveals itself as a medieval marvel complete with walled fortresses and towers from which to view the city’s steeples and red-tiled roofs.

For maximum enjoyment with minimum effort on your Scandinavian cruise, put on your best walking shoes and take advantage of the city’s manageable size. Explore the narrow alleys and cobblestone streets of Old Tallinn, known as Toompea Hill. See the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Alexander Nevsky filled with magnificent mosaics, and St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Roman Catholic church built by the Danes in the 13th century.

From your cruise to Tallinn, check out the Toompea Castle and walk through the Lower Old Town to Town Hall Square, stopping at the cafes and shops along the way. Check out St. Catherine’s Passage, a former convent that now houses some of the city’s artisans. Shop for traditional handicrafts and clothing. As the culmination of your walking tour, climb one of the towers that served as defense fortifications, and be treated to spectacular views of the city.

Tallinn shore excursions showcase the best of the sights and sounds of the city and environs, starting with the Song Festival Ground, where 25,000 performers sing to thousands of thrilled spectators every five years. Visit the city’s churches to admire centuries of artwork and stop for a lunch that includes Estonian specialties. Finally, head over to a medieval hall for a musical performance.  

For a fun and fascinating day in port on a Baltic cruise, book Tallinn shore excursions that have you traveling back in time to medieval Estonia as you spend time at Rakvere Castle. In addition to enjoying the sight of entertainers dressed as knights and warriors of the time, try your hand at archery or horseback riding. Visit the castle’s torture chamber, death room, and wine cellar. Sit for a leisurely lunch at the castle’s Shenkenberg Tavern, which serves food fashioned from authentic medieval recipes.

Learn More About Celebrity Cruises Shore Excursions