Estonia's capital city, tucked right up at the northeastern extremity of Europe on the shores of the Baltic Sea, has been hailed as the 'New Prague' and justifiably so, though it is more compact and easier to get around.

Cruise passengers arriving in Tallinn are greeted with anachronistic images of what an old Soviet Bloc city should look like, contrasting with the almost impossibly pretty Old Town core.

Russian orthodox churches and Dominican monasteries share the streets with old merchant houses and medieval meeting halls and Tallinn's atmospheric Old town, steeped in history, is best explored on foot.

The well-preserved Old Town is justifiably included in the World Heritage List, confirming the exceptional value of its architectural and cultural treasures. It is easy to explore on foot, with buses, trams and taxis on hand for exploring out-of-town sights. The signature of centuries is etched into the city's streets - no less than four out of five of the city's buildings from the Middle Ages are preserved intact, as is the bulk of its Medieval street network.

Highlights
• Town Hall
• Tallinn Town Hall Pharmacy
• Kadriorg Park and Palace
• Foreign Art Museum
• Rocca al Mare open-air Museum
• Paldiski
• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Tallinn Tourist Office
Niguliste 2
Tel: +372 645 7777.
Website: www.tourism.tallinn.ee

In the Old Town you'll find interesting shops selling knitwear (from the market by the old town walls next to Viru gate), Vana Tallinn (the city's most famous alcoholic tipple), and ceramic depictions of medieval Old Town buildings. Best buys include hand-knitted sweaters and gloves, ceramics, jewellery, wrought iron, fragranced wooden toys and dishes.

Regional specialities include pork and sauerkraut, pea soup, and kama (national dish of sour milk mixed with meal). The many pubs, cafes and restaurants that line the streets of Tallinn cater for most tastes.

Estonia is generally temperate, but slightly cool and damp. Summer is warm, while spring and autumn can be mild. Winter can be very cold. Rainfall is heaviest in August. Heavy snowfalls are common in the winter months.

Estonia

GMT + 2.

Kroon (EEK) = 100 senti.

Estonian.

North coast of Estonia.

401,694.

Republic since 1991.

Non-religious majority, with Orthodox and Lutheran minorities.

Estonians are generally quite reserved and polite. A handshake is the customary greeting. Normal courtesies should be observed. The Estonians are proud of their culture and their national heritage and visitors should take care to respect this.

Tipping: Usually included in price.