Been There Done That Too…

Tallin, Estonia

// September 1st, 1998 // Estonia, Scandinavian Capitals '98

Our first port on the Scandinavian Capitals Itinerary was Tallin, Estonia. Tallin is popular with tourist for its “fairytale” medieval walled city. First however, we got to see the “scenic” port area. Like most ports that the cruise ships we take arrive at, it’s more for freight than regular passenger service, and not exactly scenic (unless you consider cargo ships, containers and silos scenic). Waiting for the ship’s arrival were a few passengers who missed the ship in Dover due to flight delays. This served as a very good reminder to always arrive a day early into your embarkation port, which is something we always do – just in case something happens along the way.

The Old Town of Tallin is everybit as magical and enchanting as its reputation. One of the first sights visitors are treated to after passing through its medieval walls is a round ivy covered fairtale tower surrounded by cobblestoned streets. The old town is charming. It looks like it is straight out of a Brothers Grim or HC Anderson storybook, although a few of the buildings look like they served as backdrops on the set of Highlander 2 or a Batman movie.

As you work your way up the hill to the center of the old town, there are charming stores housed in the whimsically painted gingerbread storybook houses, and some very wonderful bakeries that will put calories on you just walking by. There is a also a very old church, which is actually one of the more nondescript buildings in the old town.   Be sure to walk through the alleys – it’s well worth it. Don’t forget to visit the shops and stalls that line the town walls they sell everything from handmade sweaters and handblown glass to your typical tourist junk. We could have definitely spent more than a day here. If you do a cruise of the Baltic – make sure you choose one that stops in Tallin, it just maybe the highlight of your cruise!

After we finished walking (and shopping) around the old town, we walked back to the hotel/shopping center in the “modern city of Tallin” where our shuttle would pick us up to take us back to the ship. Shopping advice – stick to the stores and stalls in old town, the merchandise is a better quality and price. You can find wonderful knit items, beautiful (inexpensive) glassware (including hand blown items) and crystal, charming wood carvings, and other arty items in Old Town.

We rejoined the ship and headed for our next port – St. Petersburg, Russia.

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