DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE: Tallinn and Turku – Culture Capitals of Europe 2011
A private group tour, 4 days / 3 nights
The varied artistic scene, as well as interesting architecture in both cities, has lots of stories to tell. Meet local artists, peek behind-the-scenes, participate hands-on in workshops , and take advantage of some of the best design shopping opportunities.

Day 1 - Turku
Arrival in Turku, transfer to the hotel
Fires of Turku – Turku was severely destroyed by big fire in 1827 but even before those fires had shaped Turku’s future architecture. We start our tour by visiting Logomo, a former engineering workshop reborn as a cultural centre and a creative hub. In 2011 the exhibition Fire Fire shows how the fire that destroyed a big part of town was also a beginning of new Turku. After Logomo you will have a tour in the town to see what has remained from the old – wooden quarters, Turku Castle and Turku Cathedral and the buildings by the Old Great Square – and how the renowned architect Engel redesigned Turku to become more safe and modern. In addition to the old parts of the city you will see the new developing areas.
Dinner will be enjoyed at a lovely summer restaurant Samppalinna located in an old villa facing the Aurajoki river.

Day 2 - Turku
From handicrafts to modern innovative design – Start the tour from Luostarinmäki handicrafts museum. You will see some of the oldest wooden buildings in the Turku area and the traditional handicraftsmen at work. On the way you will meet local artists at Brinkkalan Outolintu gallery and shop.
Lunch will be enjoyed at Restaurant Teini, a restaurant where Turku Artists Association was originally established and which is still a popular venue for local artists and students to meet. Walk the other side of the river to visit the newest hub for creative designers at the Fortuna quarters and participate at a creative workshop with local designers. After the workshop visit the new floating Pavilion with changing exhibitions bringing new life and modern design to the Aurajoki River. On the way you will also see some environmental art designed for the Capital of Culture year.
Food design will be marvelled at dinner at Brewery Restaurant Herman.

Day 3 – Tallinn
Transfer to Helsinki for a ferry connection to Tallinn.
On arrival: Tallinn Architecture tour
This guided bus tour of architectural sights will give an impression of both old and modern Tallinn including the oldest suburb of Tallinn, residential areas from the Soviet period; the Estonian Art Museum KuMu which is also an architectural landmark and the Rotermann Quarter where old industrial buildings co-exist with contemporary architecture.Duration: 3 hours.
Evening: possibility to attend a concert or other event in the Tallinn 2011 Cultural Capital programme.
Overnight at Sokos Hotel Viru or a similar centrally located hotel.

Day 4 – Tallinn
Morning: Tracing design in Tallinn – Baltika Quarter with creative incubator
This one-of-a kind tour of the Tallinn Creative Incubator and the Baltika Quarter takes you to a former sewing factory turned into cradle of creativity. The focal point on the Baltika Quarter is the Fashion Street, 1000 m² showcase of the main labels of the Estonian clothing industry and a sight in itself for its boldly unconventional design concept. The perfect optional addition to the tour would be a private fashion show. Duration: 3 hours.
Afternoon: Try out your own creativity
Loovala is a combination of studios describing the craft of painting, graphics, interior textiles and jewellery. In different workshops you can learn to make pottery, create a selfportrait, make jewellery out of textile or felt, try block printing and learn to make Tiffany mosaic or stained glass. Duration: 2 hours.
Transfer to the airport, departure.


For more info about Cultural Capital Travel Packages and bookings, please contact: info@grandbaltics.com