Wild & Heritage Premium: A Journey Through Time and Wilderness in Estonia
An 8-day immersion into elegance, nature, and the soul of the North.
Discover Estonia in 8 unforgettable days — from medieval Tallinn and Lahemaa National Park to a night in a private bear hide, and sailing around Saaremaa, Estonia’s largest island, home to wild seal colonies and Viking legends.Small group, premium manor stays, and rare access to Estonia’s wild beauty and timeless heritage.
Day 1: Arrival in Tallinn — A Step Back Through Centuries
Your journey begins in Tallinn, where medieval towers pierce the northern sky, red-tiled roofs glow against the sea breeze, and every cobblestone seems to whisper stories — of merchants, monks, and secrets from centuries past.
A private driver greets you at the airport and whisks you into the Old Town, where you’ll settle into the 4 star boutique accommodation — a 14th century merchant’s house turned into boutique retreat. Tucked inside the city’s ancient walls, this historic gem offers the perfect blend of Old World soul and quiet luxury.
Later, your small group (maximum of 8 guests) will be met by an English-speaking private guide, dedicated exclusively to your party. Together, you'll take a gentle walking tour through UNESCO-listed Tallinn Old Town, exploring hidden courtyards, Gothic spires, artisan studios, and centuries-old alleyways carved by time and trade.
As evening arrives, Tallinn is yours to explore. Whether you choose a tavern lit by candlelight, a modern tasting menu tucked behind medieval walls, or simply a slow walk under the glow of lanterns, this night is your first chapter.
Dinner is not included, but your guide will gladly recommend restaurants tailored to your taste — rustic, refined, or something in between.
Day 2: Lahemaa National Park — Estonia’s Oldest and Wildest Playground
In the morning it’s time to leave the cobblestones of Tallinn behind and journey into the wild beauty of Lahemaa National Park — one of Europe’s oldest and captivating nature reserves. Here, ancient forests, vast bog landscapes, and untouched coastlines stretch endlessly into the horizon.
At the mystical Viru Bog, wooden boardwalks gently guide you over serene wetlands. The trail is accessible and easy to walk — no strenuous hiking required — yet it offers an unforgettable immersion into Estonia’s primeval landscapes.
Noble Estates & Coastal Echoes
Step back in time at Palmse Manor, a meticulously restored 17th-century estate that seems frozen in another era. Its golden halls and manicured gardens evoke the elegance of Estonia’s noble past and tell stories of Baltic-German aristocracy.
You’ll enjoy a traditional Estonian lunch at Altja Tavern, located in a charming old fishing village where locals still cast their nets into the sea (Shared group dinner at a local restaurant — choose freely from the menu, pay locally ). The tavern is surrounded by weathered wooden fishermen’s cottages, offering a glimpse into coastal life as it once was — and in many ways, still is.
Heritage Manor Hotel – Forests, Saunas & Farm-to-Table Dining
By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at your countryside sanctuary: Heritage Manor Hotel — a beautifully restored estate embraced by rivers, forests, and timeless serenity. Whether you prefer to unwind in refined elegance or step into a cherished local tradition, the choice is yours.
We invite you to experience the heart of Estonian wellness: a true sauna ritual. Let the gentle heat relax your body and mind, and — for those feeling adventurous — take a refreshing plunge in the nearby pond, just like Estonians have done for centuries.
Spa offers a range of experiences, including various saunas, massages, and cooling ponds — all designed to reconnect you with nature and yourself.
Dinner is served in the Manor House Restaurant, where heritage meets modern elegance. The menu celebrates local Estonian cuisine, with a blend of hearty countryside fare and refined manor-style dishes. Some recipes have even been resurrected from historical manor cookbooks and carefully reimagined by the executive chef. ( Choose freely from the menu, pay locally).
A key part of Manor’s philosophy is sustainability: many ingredients come from the estate’s own organic Manor Garden, Eco-Farm, and surrounding local producers. The result? Food that’s not only rich in flavor, but also as fresh and pesticide-free as nature allows.
Sleep Where History Breathes
As night falls, settle into your room at Manor, a place that perfectly balances historical charm with natural beauty. Recognized as the Historic Hotel of Europe 2020, the manor offers an unforgettable stay surrounded by stunning architecture, tranquil gardens, and the peaceful rhythm of the Estonian countryside.
Day 3: A night with bears.
Today’s journey takes us along the winding roads of Lahemaa, through dense forests and far from the noise of city life.
As we travel deeper into the countryside, we pass charming woodland routes and sites rich in local culture and history.
For lunch, we stop at a stylish, seaside restaurant nestled by a pristine sandy beach — highly regarded for its fresh, seasonal cuisine. If the fishermen have been lucky, we may even enjoy local catch straight from the Baltic. (Shared group dinner at a local restaurant — choose freely from the menu, pay locally. )
Should the weather be kind, there’s time for a refreshing swim in the Baltic Sea or a gentle walk along the shore, where waves meet wilderness.
Transition to the Wild
After lunch, the road leads us deeper into the forest — beyond settlements, into a land shaped by bogs and ancient trees.
The land grows quieter. The trees seem older. The excitement rises.
And then, you arrive.
Into the Bear Hide
Tucked at the edge of a forest clearing awaits your private Bear Hide — a log cabin, built for quiet observation, comfort, and immersion.
Inside, you’ll find:
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Private viewing windows overlooking the forest
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Cozy rooms, for sleeping and for observing.
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Toilet, electricity, and soundproof walls for both comfort and quiet
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A sensitive outdoor microphone that brings the sounds of the forest indoors: birdsong, elk calls, rustling branches — and sometimes, the heavy footfall of a bear approaching
Your local wildlife guide will provide instructions and quietly depart. From that moment on, it’s just you, your small group and the forest.
Dinner comes with us and is enjoyed inside the hide — a satisfying meal, accompanied by tea or, if desired, something a little stronger to sip quietly while waiting for the forest to come alive.
Once inside, you remain until morning — part of the experience is the stillness, the anticipation, the sense of entering another world.
Twilight Whispers, Wild Encounters
As dusk settles over Alutaguse, patience becomes part of the magic.
Estonia is home to approximately 1,000 brown bears, and Alutaguse holds a big part of them.
The first signs may be subtle — a rustle, a shadow — and then, a magnificent brown bear steps into view.
Later, you might spot foxes, raccoon dogs, moose, or even the gleaming eyes of a lynx in the distance.
With an 80%+ sighting success rate in summer, this is one of Europe’s most intimate and thrilling wildlife experiences — and yet, it remains quietly respectful, with no disturbance to the animals.
Sleeping in the Wild
You'll spend the night in the hide — warm, safe, and fully immersed in nature.
Beds, pillows, and sleeping bags are provided. Your night is lit by moonlight and quiet wonder — no distractions, just the wild outside and the whisper of trees.
The early morning is often the most rewarding time to spot wildlife — the forest begins to wake, and the light returns gently through the trees.
You’ll leave the hide in silence, with the scent of pine still in the air and the memory of something extraordinary quietly settling in your heart.
Interested in something extra special? A private 2-person luxury hide upgrade may be available — perfect for couples or photographers wanting total solitude. Ask us for details.
Want to learn more about the bear hide experience?
👉 [Read our full Bear Watching Journal →]
Day 4: Crossing Waters — The Islands of Timeless Traditions
After an exciting night in the bearhide, witnessing wildlife up close, we’ll enjoy breakfast in a nearby rural tavern — an authentic, warm place where forest life meets local hospitality. After a peaceful breakfast surrounded by the sounds of the forest, your journey heads southwest — from deep woods to the coast, where water and history begin to shape the rhythm of the day.
On the way, we pause at ...
We arrive in Pärnu, Estonia’s beloved summer capital, just in time for lunch. (Shared group dinner at a local restaurant — choose freely from the menu, pay locally). Here, white sand beaches, graceful wooden villas, and cafés humming with seaside energy offer a refreshing pause. Enjoy a relaxed meal and a touch of city-meets-spa charm — a gentle contrast to the wildness of the days before.
To the Islands
From Pärnu, the journey continues west to Virtsu Harbour, where a short ferry ride carries us across the Baltic Sea to Muhu Island — a world that seems to float just slightly outside of time.
On Muhu, traditions are still woven into daily life: women don embroidered folk costumes for midsummer, elders pass down ancient songs, and islanders still bake black bread the way their grandmothers did.
The island air tastes of sea salt, smoke, and something older — something sacred.
An Evening at Pädaste Manor
Your home tonight is Pädaste Manor, Estonia’s one of the most celebrated countryside retreat — where centuries-old walls meet Nordic elegance and island soul.
As golden light filters through the manor’s windows, settle in for an included Michelin-recognized dinner at Alexander Restaurant, where foraged island herbs, wild mushrooms, and Baltic fish are transformed into dishes as refined as they are rooted in place. Pädaste offers a compelling culinary experience, combining urban sophistication with the soul of the countryside. Enjoy a four-course daily-changing Table d’Hôte, each dish thoughtfully paired with four selected beverages to complement the flavors of the island.
Before or after dinner, take time to wander the estate’s gardens or stroll toward the sea, where the quiet horizon meets the evening sky. For those seeking deeper relaxation, the manor also offers spa and sauna facilities (available by pre-booking and for an extra charge).
As night falls, your suite whispers of history — some walls here date back to the 15th century, when noble families sought silence, sea air, and shelter from the world. Tonight, so do you.
Day 5: Saaremaa — Where Legends and Landscapes Collide
After a leisurely breakfast at Pädaste, the journey continues westward — to Saaremaa, Estonia’s largest island, often described as Muhu’s wilder, wind-swept sibling.
It’s a place shaped by sea, stone, and saga. Viking burial sites lie beneath the moss. A medieval castle guards the bay. And not so long ago, this island formed the westernmost edge of the Soviet Union, its beaches once watched by soldiers instead of seals.
From Ancient Villages to Celestial Craters
The day begins in Koguva, a beautifully preserved fishing village on Muhu where time slows to the pace of the sea breeze.
Crossing over to Saaremaa, you’ll visit one of the most otherworldly sites in the Baltics: the Kaali Meteorite Crater, where — nearly 4,000 years ago — a fireball from the heavens struck the Earth. Some believe it inspired legends across ancient Europe, and the cosmic iron forged here was traded by Baltic peoples far and wide.
Later, in the charming town of Kuressaare, explore the best-preserved medieval castle in Estonia — its stone walls rising proudly beside calm waters and cobbled streets.
All around you, the island stretches out in wind-blown meadows and ancient coastal plains, home to one of Europe’s highest concentrations of wild plant species — a quiet wonder for nature lovers.
Pilguse Manor — Nature, Nobility, and a Sauna or Two
As the day softens, you arrive at Pilguse Residency — a restored 16th-century estate with modern Scandinavian charm and a rebellious heart.
Once the birthplace of Fabian von Bellingshausen, the Estonian-born explorer who first discovered Antarctica, Pilguse today is a soulful retreat on 90 hectares of pure, untamed island nature.
Here, you can relax in traditional Estonian saunas, explore forest trails and lakes, or sip a herbal cocktail while watching horses graze near the Baltic Sea.
This is luxury of a different kind: warm, wild, and quietly spectacular.
Dinner at Pilguse Restaurant is rooted in seasonality and island produce — a menu that shifts with the land and sea. From whole smoked trout to handcrafted spirits, every bite and sip reflects Saaremaa’s deep culinary rhythm ( Choose freely from the menu, pay locally ).
Depending on the season, you may find yourself joining a nomadic dinner under the stars, or savoring dishes from a guest chef’s pop-up kitchen — always intimate, always unforgettable.
And when the night falls, let the wind write lullabies and the manor walls hold your dreams.
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Day 6: Cruising to Seals, Secret Waters & Wild Islands
This morning, the sea calls.
From the quiet shores of Papissaare Harbor — once a busy thoroughfare for sailors, smugglers, and seal hunters — you’ll board a private boat and head toward the horizon. Your destination?
Harilaid Peninsula and the remote islets beyond, where a large colony of 300–400 grey seals rests on quiet banks, undisturbed and utterly charming..
These curious creatures, protected and playful, may swim near the boat or even peer up with wide, whiskered faces. And if the sea is kind and your spirit bold — you might slip into the Baltic for a once-in-a-lifetime swim with the seals. (No fangs here — just flippers and curiosity.)
It's not a zoo. It's not a show.
It's just you, the sea, and a moment of wild grace.
Island Lunch & Vilsandi’s Forgotten Rhythms
Next stop: Vilsandi Island — a windswept gem at the edge of Europe.
Here, where the sea writes the schedule and the birds own the sky, you’ll enjoy a lunch of freshly caught fish beside a historic lighthouse.
Vilsandi is home to Estonia’s oldest nature reserve, protecting over 250 species of birds, including soaring white-tailed eagles and rare migratory visitors.
The island is quiet, timeless — no paved roads, just juniper groves, coastal meadows, and fossil-lined shores shaped by wind and memory. A handful of resilient islanders still call it home, continuing old ways: fishing, foraging, storytelling, living with the tide.
Here, life moves differently. And maybe, for a moment, you will too.
Return to Pilguse — Glowing & Grateful
After a day of salt, sky, and seal-songs, return to Pilguse Residency with windswept hair, sea-blushed cheeks, and the kind of story that begins with,
“You won’t believe what happened near Harilaid...”
If there’s still energy in your sails, unwind with a visit to the sauna, a twilight walk through wildflower fields, or a nightcap under northern stars.
Dinner tonight is served back at Pilguse, where the warm, seasonal menu reflects the same connection to land and sea that shaped your day. (Shared group dinner at a local restaurant — choose freely from the menu, pay locally ).
Note: If the sea has other plans, we adapt.
Private nature walks, spa indulgence, or seal watching from shore may take the helm — always memorable, always in tune with the wild.
Day 7: Dunes, Windmills, and a Candlelit Farewell.
If the morning is kind, we rise early for one last walk through the wild.
Pilguse’s surrounding meadows and forests often surprise the quiet observer — with glimpses of deer, foxes, or even a shy elk stepping between trees as mist clings to the land.
After a peaceful breakfast in the heart of Pilguse’s nature, the road calls once more — but not before one last encounter with the island’s soul.
Choose Your Farewell to Saaremaa
Depending on the weather and your sense of wonder, the morning may take us to:
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Harilaid Peninsula: A dramatic, windswept edge of the world — where the Baltic reshapes the dunes daily, and the lonely Kiipsaare Lighthouse leans like a myth into the sea. Juniper fields, desolate beauty, and wide open skies make this a photographer’s dream and a hiker’s quiet heaven.
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Angla Windmills: A hilltop heritage site where five wooden windmills still turn slowly in the breeze. These proud old sentinels recall Saaremaa’s rural roots, craftsmanship, and slower rhythms of life.
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Fossil Beaches: For those drawn to Earth’s deep memory, 450-million-year-old beaches whisper stories in ancient stone. Wander the rocky shoreline and trace time with your fingertips as you find fossils from the Ordovician sea.
There is no wrong choice — only paths back through time, nature, and tradition.
Return to the Mainland — and One Last Toast
The ferry carries us back to the mainland, and soon Tallinn’s red roofs and medieval towers rise into view once again.
We return to the Old Town hotel, now familiar, now full of memory.
Tonight, we gather for a farewell dinner in the heart of Tallinn — under candlelight, under Nordic skies, maybe even outdoors, if the summer weather smiles. It’s a celebration of everything:
the wild places we touched, the stories we shared, the quiet we rediscovered.
You came looking for something different.
Estonia gave you something timeless.
Day 8: Departure — A Story Carved into Your Heart
After a final slow breakfast, your private transfer awaits — but the true journey doesn’t end here.
In your mind’s eye, Estonia will linger:
A fog-draped bog glowing at sunrise, the silent watch of a seal slipping through cold water, the warm hum of a manor’s creaking floor, the scent of pine and sea wind braided into your memory.
And perhaps, somewhere deep inside, a quieter part of you has returned home too.
Until we meet again, wild heart.
Ready to secure your place on this unforgettable journey?
Your Journey at a Glance
What’s Included
Accommodation
Your journey combines authentic heritage with refined comfort, staying in carefully selected boutique hotels, historic manor estates, and one unforgettable night deep in the forest. Each place has a story — and each adds its own layer to the experience.
7 nights in boutique heritage hotels and restored manor estates, plus 1 unforgettable night in a private bearhide.
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Tallinn — 14th-Century Merchant’s House Hotel
Your first nights are spent in a former merchant’s residence dating back to the 14th century, now a charming boutique hotel with all modern comforts and amenities. Located right in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town, it’s just a five-minute walk from the main square, surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and small artisan shops. The atmosphere blends medieval character with contemporary elegance — the perfect welcome to Estonia.
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Lahemaa National Park — Vihula Manor Country Club & Spa
Nestled in the quiet heart of Lahemaa National Park, Vihula is a heritage manor estate lovingly restored into a stylish country hotel and spa. The property features historic buildings surrounded by rivers, ponds, and forests, offering elegant rooms, a romantic millhouse restaurant, and a peaceful spa with views of the park. It’s a place where Estonian manor life meets modern serenity.
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Alutaguse Forest — Bearhide Experience
One night you’ll stay in a unique log-built bearhide, tucked deep in the wilderness. Equipped with lookout windows, comfortable beds, sleeping bags, and all necessary amenities, this is a rare chance to experience the forest’s nocturnal life up close, with safety and comfort. A night to remember — listening to the sounds of the wild .
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Muhu Island — Pädaste Manor
A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Pädaste Manor is Estonia’s most renowned countryside retreat — a place where Nordic elegance meets island soul. Set amid coastal meadows and sea views, it offers refined suites, Michelin-recognized dining, and a tranquil spa. This is the essence of quiet luxury — timeless, sensory, and deeply relaxing.
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Saaremaa Island — Pilguse Residency
Once the manor house of Admiral Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen, discoverer of Antarctica, Pilguse sits on Saaremaa’s western edge, where land meets the vast Baltic horizon. Today, it has been reborn as a boutique eco-retreat, combining heritage charm, sustainable comfort, and a sense of remote tranquility. Expect beautiful coastal nature, exceptional service, and a soulful atmosphere — truly, the edge of the world.
Transportation
All travel logistics are thoughtfully arranged for comfort and ease.
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Private airport transfers at the beginning and end of your journey
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Ferry crossings to and from Muhu Island
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Comfortable private minibus for all travel throughout the itinerary
Our modern, air-conditioned minibus provides spacious seating and large windows — ideal for scenic drives through forests, coastal roads, and countryside landscapes. Travel is unhurried and flexible, with stops for photos, short walks, and local discoveries along the way.
Meals & Culinary Experiences
Food is an essential part of this journey — a way to taste Estonia’s nature, culture, and seasons.
Included meals:
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Daily breakfasts
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Dinner in the bearhide, a memorable night close to nature
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Four-course Michelin-recognized dinner with selected drink pairings at Alexander Restaurant, Pädaste Manor
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Two picnic lunches on Saaremaa island
All other lunches and dinners are enjoyed together at carefully selected local restaurants or manor house dining rooms along the route. These are often the most authentic places available — beloved by locals, full of character, and reflective of the region’s ingredients and traditions.
While we dine as a group, each guest is free to choose from the menu whatever speaks to them — perhaps a chanterelle burger, freshly caught local fish, or a seasonal vegetarian dish. Since most of these small, family-run kitchens change their menus with the season and availability, this flexibility ensures the most genuine culinary experience.
Your guide will always be there to recommend local specialties and help with choices. Along the way, you’ll also discover regional flavors such as smoked cheeses, wild berries, and other seasonal products.
You can expect to pay approximately €15–20 for lunch and €15–25 for a main course at dinner. Over the course of the trip, plan for about 5 lunches and 5 dinners that are at your own expense — around €200–300 per person in total.
Activities & Experiences
Every day on this journey blends nature, heritage, and authentic local life — guided by those who know Estonia’s wild corners and quiet stories best.
Private Exploration
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Private guided walking tour of Tallinn Old Town
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Bog walks, manor visits, and medieval sites across Lahemaa and Saaremaa
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Private boat tour to Harilaid & Vilsandi Islands (weather permitting)
Wildlife & Nature
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Bear hide with overnight stay
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Private seal-watching expedition — observe 300–400 seals in their natural habitat (weather permitting)
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Optional morning wildlife safaris, nature walks, and scenic drives
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Along the way, your guide introduces Estonia’s living nature traditions — from identifying edible wild plants and berries to remedy herbs and foraging culture still practiced today.
Cultural Encounters
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Visits to traditional fishing villages, Viking-era sites, and local artisans (when available)
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Stops at Kaali Meteorite Crater, medieval castles, and historic windmills
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As we travel, we often pause spontaneously to explore something of interest — a small chapel, a sea view, or a local market — moments that can’t be planned but make the journey special.
Wellness & Relaxation
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Access to spa and sauna facilities at selected manor hotels
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Optional treatments available for pre-booking
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Learn about Estonia’s ancient wellness rituals, sauna customs, and the deep connection between nature and wellbeing that still shapes life here.
Expert Guidance
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Private English-speaking guide throughout the entire tour
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Deep knowledge of Estonian nature, culture, and traditions, with a passion for sharing stories and local secrets along the way.
Group Size
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Exclusively small group: maximum 8 guests per departure
Flexibility
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Curated alternative experiences provided in case of weather disruptions
What’s Not Included
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International or domestic airfare
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Alcoholic beverages, dinners and lunches (unless specified for inclusions
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Optional spa treatments or private sauna bookings
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Travel insurance (highly recommended)
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Tips/gratuities for guide or driver (optional, at your discretion)
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Personal expenses: souvenirs, laundry, minibar, etc.
Ready for Your Wild Adventure?
Price
€2,590 per person, based on double or twin shared accommodation
Single supplement: €420
Travelling with children under 12. Contact us for a special rate.
This price applies to standard room categories in each accommodation.
Prefer an upgraded room or suite? Let us know — we’ll gladly check availability and pricing for premium options.
This journey operates as an intimate small-group tour (4–8 guests), ensuring a personal and unhurried experience.
The tour will depart with a minimum of 4 guests at the listed price.
For smaller private departures (1–3 guests), the same itinerary can be arranged at a special rate of €2,999 per person.
Due to the very limited group size, early booking is strongly recommended.
Who This Journey Is For
Are you a traveler who seeks the road less traveled — yet still loves crisp linens, candlelit dinners, and waking up to birdsong instead of city noise?
Then Wild & Heritage: Estonia is crafted just for you.
This journey is designed for:
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Nature lovers who appreciate boutique comfort and elegance
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Curious travelers drawn to culture, history, and wild landscapes blended seamlessly
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Wildlife enthusiasts seeking rare, respectful encounters in natural habitats
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Adventurers who value intimate groups over tourist crowds
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Story seekers who crave places where the past and present still whisper through the trees
If you dream of walking across ancient bogs, dining on freshly foraged and local island produce, watching brown bears at dusk, and sailing among seal colonies — all while staying in Estonia’s finest historic manor hotels — then this journey is yours.
Upcoming Departures
Our small-group journeys are limited to just 8 guests per departure to ensure an intimate, personalized experience.
Below are the current available dates for this tour:
Departure dates 2026
May 18.-25.05
June 18.-25.06
July 9.-16.07
August 1.-8.08
September 2.-9.09
Looking for different dates or a private departure?
Whether you’re travelling with family or friends, we can often arrange special departures or bespoke versions of this tour. Simply get in touch — we’ll see what’s possible and craft something that suits you perfectly.
Wondering about saunas, bear hides, or what to pack?
You’ll find all the practical details in our [FAQ →].
Curious who’s behind Wild & Heritage?
Get to know the story (and soul) behind our journeys
Why Estonia?
Let us show you why this hidden gem might just be Europe’s best-kept secret .
Still have questions? Let’s schedule a call or join one of our free webinars — we’d love to guide you through it.
Here are the essentials to pack for your adventure in Estonia
Still Wondering If This Tour is For You?
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Prefer intimate, small-group journeys? ✅
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Dream of exploring hidden islands, secret forests, and timeless villages? ✅
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Want boutique luxury without rigid schedules? ✅
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Appreciate a sauna session and a wildlife safari? ✅
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Like a little storytelling and humor with your travel? ✅
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👉 If you said yes to these, Wild & Heritage Estonia was made for you.
Come curious. Leave transformed.
Still have questions? Let’s arrange a call or join one of our free webinars — we’d love to guide you through it.