MODERN LIFE IN HISTORICAL CITIES: Tallinn and Turku – Culture Capitals of Europe 2011
A private group tour, 4 days / 3 nights
Turku's Castle and Tallinn's Old Town are well known landmarks but there is much more to these cities than their historical legacy. Active experiences, new attractions and exciting events in both Tallinn and Turku showcase the contrasts of old and new.

Day 1 – Tallinn
Arrival in Tallinn, transfer to the hotel.
“Culture Kilometre” of Tallinn.
Walking tour takes you to the path of culture in Tallinn, offering beautiful views to the sea while providing knowledge through fun and entertainment. On the way you will discover several modern sights, visit the marketplace to buy local products, enjoy interesting exhibitions and attractive events. The tour features the historical Seaplane Harbour where an extensive Maritime Museum is scheduled to open in July 2011, the former sea fortress and prison Battery, Tallinn Science Centre Energy which is a fun and entertaining place for all those interested in science and the up-and coming Culture Cauldron. Duration: 3 hours.
Afternoon: Ice and art on the Old Town wall
This cool and sweet event takes place in an artistic sculpture studio adjacent to the Old Town wall. Make your own unique shot glass from ice, taste the local herb liqueur, take a walk on the town wall, listen to the legends and admire the wonderful view. The ice melts quickly, but the memory will last. Duration: 2 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 2 – Tallinn
Morning: Spirit of Survival. 11,000 years of Estonian history / History Museum, the Great Guild Hall
After extensive restoration and repairs, the Great Guild Hall, one of the most dignified public buildings of medieval Tallinn, will once again open its doors to visitors in May 2011. The Gothic-style building from 1410 will house Estonian History Museum's new permanent exhibition “SPIRIT OF SURVIVAL. 11,000 years of Estonian history”, depicting the exciting history of Estonia through several millennia and introducing the historical events that influenced the country the most. The most fascinating exhibits include the time capsule, weapons chamber, curiosities from the museum’s oldest collection “Mon Faible”.
Afternoon is free for exploring the city independently Transfer to the ferry port, depart Tallinn for Turku by ferry to Helsinki, overnight aboard the ferry.

Day 3 – Turku
Transfer from Helsinki to Turku.
Life in Turku from Duke John’s days to the 21st Century – Hear the story of Turku inhabitants starting from Duke John and his wife Catherine the Jagiellonian. Your tour will begin from the Turku Castle*, whose rulers brought in European influences to the people of Turku. At the end of the tour you will visit the New Library where guide tells you about Finnish education system and the student life in Turku.
Lunch at boat restaurant.
From shipbuilding to creative industry – Walk along the Aurajoki River from Turku Cathedral to the Forum Marinum where you will understanding the meaning of the sea and Aurajoki River to the town of Turku and to Finland; among others, the world´s largest cruise ships have been built here at the STX docks. After shipbuilding visit Logomo cultural centre and hub for creative industry. Logomo represents modern use of old industrial workshop buildings bringing new life to this part of the town.
Evening: learn about the beer brewing in Turku prior to beer tasting and dinner at Old School Restaurant, located in former school building.

Day 4 - Turku
Archipelago stories – Transfer by taxi boat or sailing ship to the archipelago where local people will tell you how people live on small islands around the year. Some island are connected to mainland by bridge, some have constant ferry connection replacing the bridges and some are dependant on hovercraft operator to bring them supplies in the winter when the sea freezes. City people escape their busy lives to the archipelago during the summer months to enjoy the peace of archipelago nature and Finnish sauna.
Lunch will be served at local restaurant prior to transfer to the mainland.
Transfer to the airport, departure.


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