The Estonian capital Tallinn provides visitors with the chance to explore a fascinating blend of the old and new when they head ashore on their cruise around Northern Europe.
One of the major ports in the Baltic, Tallinn is a city that has thrived in the years since the Soviet Union collapsed with the Old Town area being one of the best preserved medieval cities anywhere in Europe.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old Town is home to a wide range of restaurants, bars, museums and galleries that line the cobbled streets, with many of the buildings harking back to the Middle Ages.
Amongst the most popular places to visit within the city are Toompea Hill, which sits right in the heart of Tallinn and is home to the historic castle that now houses the parliament as well as two old cathedrals.
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is of particular interest for anyone interested in exploring the time when Tallinn was part of the Russian Empire, and has been extensively restored since Estonia regained independence.
The views from the top of the hill out across the surrounding city are another reason why Toompea is so well visited, with a chance to see everything else that Tallinn has to offer.
These include St Olaf’s Church, which is believed to date back as far as the 12th century and has a tower that stands proudly over the surrounding city, and the Town Hall Square, which hosts various events throughout the year as well as a popular market.
Kadriorg Palace, built for Peter the Great, is now home to an art museum featuring work from the 16th century onwards and is one of a number of museums across the city.
Others worth a visit include the Estonian History Museum, the Museum of Natural History and the Maritime Museum.
Whilst visiting Tallinn, you’d be well advised to check out some traditional cuisine, which is largely based around meat and fish, whilst those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the fact that the marzipan industry has a long and rich history in the city.