Estonia
Discover the ancient Estonian capital of Tallinn, where the skyline is dominated by the steeple of the medieval Town Hall. Offering one of the best preserved Old Towns in Europe, Tallinn is full of history with fascinating museums, beautiful medieval architecture and a thriving café culture. You may wish to explore the Toompea Castle district and marvel at the Song Festival Grounds. Combining strong musical traditions and a hearty welcome, Estonia is becoming a popular choice for those who want to try something different. To enhance your experience, why not take your choir on a trip across the Baltic Sea to the contrasting Finnish capital of Helsinki?
Where to Sing
Tallinn
The Charles XI Lutheran Church, Niguliste Museum- Concert Hall and the Town Hall all have a regular concert series. It is also possible to sing in the splendid medieval cathedral located in the heart of the Castle District.
Pärnu
A visit to this spa town is an ideal day trip where theatres, spa halls and churches provide excellent performance opportunities, especially in the summer months. Choirs, whether offering a sacred or secular repertoire, have plenty of venues to choose from.
Joint concerts
Our local concert organiser has contacts with many local choirs, who are keen to sing with visiting British choirs. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet local people and share a special choral experience. Joint concerts are inevitably followed by refreshments with your hosts!
What to Do
Toompea Castle
Built in the 13th century, the castle has been fortified, rebuilt and enlarged over the centuries and today houses the Estonian Parliament.
The Dome Church
The Dome Church or Toomkirik is the main Lutheran church in Estonia. The impressive interior includes a number of graves of famous Estonians, Swedes and Russians.
The Song Festival Grounds
In 1988, nearly half a million Estonians gathered for a song festival to voice their independence and defiance of the Soviet regime. Visit the grounds to see the song bowl and fully appreciate the size of this historic choral event.
Rocca Al Mare Open Air Museum
A museum since 1957 with about 70 buildings depicting Estonian rural architecture.
Tartu
Estonia’s second city and its intellectual epicentre.
Helsinki
Take a trip across the water by hydrofoil or ferry to the Finnish capital of Helsinki.
Prices from £474*
Where to Stay
Vana Wiru
The stylish 4-star Hotel Vana Wiru lies in the Old Town of Tallinn. It was renovated in 2002, and now boasts 82 rooms, a sauna, a relaxing bar, and conference facilities. All rooms are equipped with private facilities, satellite television, direct-dial telephone, free internet access and air conditioning. The hotel’s bar serves a range of European food and drinks and the restaurant specialises in Mediterranean cuisine. The hotel is ideally located for exploring Tallinn’s many other restaurants, sights and shops.
*Price based on 45 paying passengers travelling in May by air, on a bed and breakfast basis at the Vana Wiru for 5 days and 4 nights. The tour price also includes the services of a courier and three concerts. Priced on the 19.03.10.
