Travel Ideas in Estonia and the Baltics
We bring the Baltics to you!
ESTONIAN TOUR OPERATOR & DMC
Go Group is the largest transportation and travel enterprise in Estonia, based on local capital. We have everything you need under the same GO brand: ∞ Go Hotel Shnelli – a tourist class hotel right in the centre of Tallinn, ∞ Go Bus – for high quality bus charters in Northern Europe, ∞ Go Travel – a travel agency to wrap it all up for your convenience!
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IN COOPERATION WITH
Go Bus VIP Class – coach travel at its finest
Go Bus is one of the largest passenger transport companies in Estonia. The pride of our range comprises 25 new VIP Class coaches for the most demanding clients. This fleet of 11 to 55-seated VIP coaches, all painted marine blue, is the perfect transportation solution for business meetings and festive events. The VIP-coaches have on-board Internet access and the displays can be connected to a computer. All these coaches are already compliant with the Euro 5 standard, and an increasing number of them are also compliant with Euro 6. The drivers speak at least two languages and have completed emergency vehicle training and comprehensive customer service training.
Your second home in Tallinn!
Find out more: +372 631 0011
Go Hotel Shnelli –
www.gobus.ee
Go Hotel Shnelli is a tourist class hotel providing personal and friendly service in the immediate vicinity of Tallinn’s Old Town and the historic passenger terminal Balti Jaam. Our cosy hotel is an ideal stop for anyone who appreciates kind service, superb location and affordable prices. We offer our guests hotel rooms in four comfort classes and a wide range of additional services, most of which are free of charge. The hotel includes a meeting room with an exciting train car design, which is ideal for hosting meetings and seminars.
Find out more: +372 631 0102
www.gohotels.ee
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Go Travel, founded in 1992 Go Travel is a DMC and a Tour Operator providing a wide range of travel services. Our speciality is tailor-made programs for leisure groups with competitive rates and services following the 'one-stop shop' principle. We operate in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and all neighboring countries. Go Travel is a member of the Estonian Association of Travel Agencies (ETFL) and since 2002 has been a member of IATA. We offer specialized travel services for both group and individual travelers. Our goal is to inspire and inform our customers so that their trips to Baltics and Scandinavia can be fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. To achive this, we will help you with following services: • • • • • • • • • •
accommodation food and drink transfers transportation visa and insurance car rental city tours SPA-breaks conference other incentives
For more information and bookings please contact: incoming@gotravel.ee tel +372 6 310 124 fax +372 6 310 159 Our address: Go Travel, Toompuiestee 37, 10133 Tallinn, Estonia
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„Wherever you go, go with all your heart.“
Confucius
Hele Lahtvee
Dear Partner,
Incoming Project Manager hele.lahtvee@go.ee
In 2017 Go Travel marked its 25th anniversary. Today we are listed as one of the top tour operators in the Baltic countries. Wherever we go, we value the journey as a powerful way to understand and contribute to the world in which we live and what we love with all our hearts. We offer specialized services for both group and individual travellers. Our experienced multilingual staff will deliver the right product for your customers and ensure a smooth operation. Whatever the occasion, our creative and experienced team can tailor your journey to meet all your requirements.
Merylin Astover Incoming Project Manager merylin.astover@go.ee
So, looking for an amazing experience? Go Travel can make it happen.
Krista Astaseva Incoming Project Manager krista.astaseva@go.ee 5
Best of Estonia This comprehensive journey is tailored to those who want to fully experience Estonian history and culture. Estonia doesn’t have to struggle to find its unusual points – it’s completely unique already! Estonia is a year-round destination, so why not discover the highlights of Estonia when there are fewer visitors around? Day 1 Arrival in the capital of Estonia, Tallinn. Tallinn has around 400 000 inhabitants and yet it is home to the most intact, UNESCO-listed, medieval Old Town in the world. Tallinn’s Old Town is world renowned for its well-preserved completeness and authentic Hanseatic architecture. With an enchanting atmosphere, rich cultural scene, beautiful surroundings and plenty of galleries, cafes and restaurants to choose from, there is something for everyone in Tallinn. Overnight accommodation in Tallinn.
Day 2 A visit to the Kadriorg Art Museum close to Kadriorg palace. Kadriorg Palace and Park were founded in the 18th century by the Russian Tsar Peter I. Architect Niccolo Michetti designed the palace after the villas of his native Italy. You will also get the chance to visit the Estonian Open Air Museum, which is nothing less than a self-contained village boasting 12 farms, as well as its own church, tavern and schoolhouse. There are a number of mills, a fire station, fishing net sheds as well as a dancing area and a village swing. Overnight accommodation in Tallinn.
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Day 3 Departure towards Saaremaa. You will get the opportunity to visit Lihula manor, built in 1840. Ferry to the island of Muhu. You will also pass the church of Liiva and the Koguva village on your way to Saaremaa. Koguva is the best preserved 19th century village in Estonia. After crossing the land bridge from Muhu you will arrive in Saaremaa. Accommodation in Kuressaare.
Day 4 A tour of Saaremaa. You will see the Panga Bank, Karja Church and Angla Windmills. On the way back to Muhu you will get the chance to visit the churches of Valjala and Pöide. Departure for Pärnu. Overnight accommodation in Pärnu.
Day 5 A tour of Pärnu. Pärnu is a historical and beautiful seaside resort with a small harbour in SouthWestern Estonia. It is famous for its spas, shallow white sandy beach and beautiful parks. It is also a popular place for conferences, theatre performances and concerts. Departure towards Viljandi, a green city at a beautiful lake. You will visit the ruins of the Viljandi Order Castle, which was established on the place of the former Estonian stronghold in 1224. Departure towards Otepää. Otepää is the most well-known winter sports centre in the Baltic States and the Winter Capital of Estonia. Overnight accommodation in Otepää.
Day 6 Departure towards Tartu. Tartu is the second largest city in Estonia and also the oldest in the Baltic
Family holiday
EXTRAs! States, first mentioned in 1030. Tartu has always been the intellectual capital of Estonia. It is the cradle of the Estonian Song Festival, Estonian Theatre and the Estonian State. It may also be justly proud of its university dating back to 1632. Overnight accommodation in Tartu.
Day 7 Departure towards Alatskivi. You will see Alatskivi Castle built at the end of the 19th century. Departure towards Narva. En route to Narva you will see the villages of Russian Old Believers. The first Old Believers arrived in Estonia at the end of the 17th century escaping from the persecution of the Russian government. You will also see the Kuremäe Convent, the only functioning Russian Orthodox nunnery in Estonia, established in 1891. You will arrive in Narva, the easternmost point of the European Union and the only location in Estonia that offers an unobstructed view of Estonia’s neighbour, Russia. Departure for Rakvere, which is the fifth largest city in Estonia situated in Northern Estonia, 20 km south of Gulf Finland. Overnight accommodation in Rakvere.
Day 8 A tour in Rakvere. Departure towards Lahemaa National Park, which covers different types of landscapes – coastal lowlands, pine forests, steep banks of limestone plateau, stone fields, waterfalls and rapids. Departure towards Tallinn. Accommodation in Tallinn.
Day 2 A visit to Tallinn Zoo. Tallinn Zoo holds one of the best collections of mountain goats and sheep in the world. It has an outstanding number of eagles and vultures as well as a remarkable collection of owl and crane species and even a few kangaroos and bears. It is a perfect place for families. Tallinn Zoo is an open plan zoo, with designated picnic areas.
Day 4 A visit to the mini zoo of Kapa Farm in Western Saaremaa. You will see donkeys, hamsters, horses, goats, rabbits, llamas and guinea-pigs.
Day 5 A visit to Lotte Village. Lotte Village is the largest family theme park in the Baltic states, located in a lovely pine forest by the sea, less than 10 km from Pärnu. There are over a hundred attractions, thematic houses, cozy cafes, souvenir shops and a beach waiting to be discovered. You can go on a trek through the adventure park, meet all your friends from the Lotte films and books, wander through a maze, explore space in the planetarium, discover exciting instruments, make music and play sports. Everyone’s welcome to try their hands at an adventure, from young children to grannies and grandpas.
Day 9 Departure from Tallinn.
Day 6 A visit to Tartu Toy Museum. The museum is located in an old wooden building in the heart of Tartu's Old Town and displays toys that children in Estonia have played with over the years. The museum has play and workshop rooms and children also get the opportunity to participate in a fun film-making program.
Day 8 A visit to Rakvere Order Castle. The castle is the main tourist attraction in Rakvere. You can eat medieval dishes, see the medieval armour exhibition, visit the horror and torture chambers and even try your hand at archery here.
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Best of the Baltics Visit the three Baltic States, each with its own unique language, culture and way of life. All of them are compact and small, but interesting and different at the same time. Day 1: Arrival in Vilnius Arrival in Vilnius, Lithuania. Overnight in Vilnius.
Day 2: Vilnius – Trakai – Kaunas Vilnius, with its narrow cobblestone streets and a riot of Baroque is almost like a Jesuit-founded city somewhere in the middle of Latin America rather than a northern European capital. The historical centre of Vilnius, the Old Town, is one of the largest Old Town centres in Eastern Europe. A visit to Trakai Castle, which lies on an island in Lake Galvé. Trakai was first recorded in history with this reference to the Island Castle. Nowadays the restored Island Castle (late 14th and early 15th century) is the only one of its kind in the Eastern Europe. Overnight in Kaunas.
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Day 3: Kaunas – Klaipeda A tour of Kaunas, which is the second largest city in Lithuania. You will visit the restored Old Town with the 13th century Kaunas castle, Town Hall, the Cathedral-Basilica, Perkunas House and Ciurlionis State Art Museum. Departure towards Klaipeda. Overnight in Klaipeda.
Day 4: Klaipeda – Nida – Klaipeda A tour of Klaipeda. You will see the Old Town with German fachwerk houses, the City Hall and the Neo-Gothic post office. Departure towards Curonian Spit, where you will visit Neringa National Park, Hill of Witches, which houses hundreds of fanciful wooden sculptures scattered along a forest path in Juodkrante village and Nida resort, the Fisherman's House and Amber Gallery. You will also see the impressive sand dunes. Overnight in Klaipeda.
Day 5: Klaipeda – Palanga – Šiauliai – Rundale – Riga Departure towards Riga. On the way there you will visit Palanga, a popular seaside resort with its Botanical Garden and Amber Museum. After Palanga you can visit the Hill of Crosses – a unique expression of the religious feeling of Lithuanian people. On your way to Riga, you will
Family holiday
EXTRAs! also see Rundale Palace. This beautiful late baroque palace is designed by Italian-Russian architect Francesco Rastrelli and it may be proud of its renovated interiors, original 18th century furniture, paintings and china. Overnight accommodation in Riga.
Day 6: Riga A tour of Riga. The Old Town of Riga may be proud of its big number of historical buildings, not to mention the 13th century Medieval town wall, the Dome Cathedral and St. Peter's Church with its 120 m tower. Overnight accommodation in Riga.
Day 7: Riga – Sigulda – Tartu Departure towards Tartu. On the way there you will visit the Gauja National Park near Sigulda, Order of the Knights Castle, which was connected with other small buildings by underground passages, the Sculpture Park dedicated to Latvian folklore, the Bishop's Castle in Turaida and Gutmann's cave. Overnight in Tartu.
Day 8: Tartu – Tallinn A tour in Tartu. This museum-rich Hanseatic city lies on the banks of the Emajõgi River. Tartu is the second largest city in Estonia and also the oldest one in the Baltic countries – first mentioned in 1030. Tartu has always been the intellectual capital of Estonia. It is the cradle of the Estonian Song Festival, Estonian Theatre and the Estonian State. It may be proud of its time-honoured university. Departure for Tallinn. Overnight accommodation in Tallinn.
Day 9: Tallinn A tour of Tallinn. Tallinn has around 400 000 inhabitants and yet it is home to the most intact, and UNESCO protected, medieval city centre in the world. Tallinn’s medieval Old Town is known around the world for its well-preserved completeness and authentic Hanseatic architecture. Enchanting atmosphere, rich cultural scene, beautiful surroundings and plenty of galleries, cafes and restaurants to choose from: there is something for everyone in Tallinn. Overnight accommodation in Tallinn.
Day 10: Departure A visit to Estonian Open Air Museum, which is like an oldtime Estonian village with its farmhouses, country pubs, windmills and churches. Departure from Tallinn.
Day 2: Vilnius A visit to Vichy water amusement park in Vilnius. The park is designed in a Polynesian style, and boasts rock sculptures, totem poles and indigenous plants. But the real excitement is the waterslides; on some you can reach a speed of 60 km/h!
Day 3: Kaunas A visit to Kaunas Zoo. The zoo covers an area of 15.9 hectares and could be considered a mediumsized zoo. Currently the zoo is inhabited by 2 877 animals from 272 species.
Day 4: Curonian Spit A visit to the Dolphinarium in Lithuanian Sea Museum in Neringa Nature Park on the Curonian Spit. The Dolphinarium, together with the Lithuanian Sea Museum and the Aquarium, form a unique complex that introduces a water park similar to the Baltic Sea. The Dolphinarium is the only one of its kind on the Eastern Baltic Sea coast. Dolphin shows are held there three times per day.
Day 6: Riga The Riga Circus is the only permanent circus in the Baltics and it offers a show that includes clowns, jugglers, magicians, illusionists, acrobats and animal acts. The little ones might appreciate a show at the Latvian Puppet too. Latvia Puppet Theatre offers performances of the most wonderful fairy tales in the world and children are welcome to meet their favorite and most beloved literary characters.
Day 8: Tartu A visit to Tartu Toy Museum. The museum is located in an old wooden building in the heart of Tartu's Old Town and displays toys that children in Estonia have played with over the years. The museum has play and workshop rooms and children also get the opportunity to participate in a fun film-making program. 9
Baltic Capitals The Baltic States are beautiful and interesting small countries on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea, packed with centuries long history. They are so different from each other, yet so similar at the same time.
Departure towards Riga. On the way there you may visit the Hill of Crosses, one of the most holy relics of Catholic Lithuania. Later you will also see the Rundale Palace. This beautiful late baroque palace was designed by Italian-Russian architect Francesco Rastrelli and it may be proud of its renovated interiors, original 18th century furniture, paintings and china. Overnight accommodation in Riga.
Day 1: Vilnius
Day 3: Riga
Arrival in Vilnius. Vilnius, with its narrow cobblestone streets and a riot of Baroque is almost like a Jesuit-founded city somewhere in the middle of Latin America rather than a northern European capital. The historical centre of Vilnius, the Old Town, is one of the largest Old Town centres in Eastern Europe (covering almost 360 hectares). The Old Town is situated in a picturesque valley of two rivers – the Vilnia and the Neris, at the crossroads of trade roads, next to a ford which was guarded by Vilnius castle in former times. Overnight accommodation in Vilnius.
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Day 2: Rundale Palace and Riga
A tour of Riga. Due to its geographical location on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, Riga has been an important centre of trade, finance and culture for centuries. Riga boasts unique values due to its rather intact medieval architecture as well as that of later periods such as Art Nouveau (or Jugenstil). Together with its well-designed urban structure, Riga belongs to the World Heritage List of UNESCO. Overnight accommodation in Riga.
Family holiday
EXTRAs! Day 1
A visit to Vichy water amusement park in Vilnius. The park is designed in a Polynesian style, and boasts rock sculptures, totem poles and indigenous plants. But the real excitement is the waterslides; on some you can reach a speed of 60 km/h!
Day 3
Departure towards Pärnu, the summer capital of Estonia. This little town has been known as a health resort since the first Spa opened there in the 1830s. Departure for Tallinn. Overnight accommodation in Tallinn.
A visit to LIVU water amusement park in Jurmala, Latvia. LIVU water amusement park is one of the largest multi-functional closed type water amusement parks in Eastern Europe with a total enclosed area of 11 500 m2 and an additional outdoor area in the summer of 6 500 m2. There are more than 40 different kinds of attractions, pools, saunas, bistro and bar both inside and outside.
Day 5: Tallinn
Day 4
Day 4: Pärnu and Tallinn
A tour of Tallinn. Tallinn is one of the quaintest capitals in Europe. A city of almost eight centuries, it bears marks of its varied history. Tallinn is a fascinating mixture of old and new, it is a town of pewter-coloured steeples, red roofs, quaint alleyways, numerous towers looking like gigantic pepper boxes and a treasure of medieval architecture. Overnight accommodation in Tallinn.
Day 6 Departure from Tallinn.
A visit to Ku:lsa:l Bowling and Billiards Club. Ku:lsa:l is an attractive entertainment centre situated in the heart of Tallinn. It is known for its unique interior design and great location on the edge of Tallinn's Old Town.
Day 5 A visit to Tallinn Zoo. Tallinn Zoo holds one of the best collections of mountain goats and sheep in the world. It has an outstanding number of eagles and vultures and a remarkable collection of owl and crane species and even a few kangaroos and bears. It is perfect place for families. Tallinn Zoo is an open plan zoo with designated picnic areas.
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Hiking
Active Leisure amidst Beautiful Nature
Would you like to get in touch with nature? Why not go hiking!
There are adventure holidays and activities that will make you more active than you had ever thought possible. We are glad to present the best activity programs in Estonia or the other Baltic countries, chosen by our team.
There is no better way to begin snowshoeing than by just going and doing it.
Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania are fantastic destination for all cyclists – traffic is low, distances short and the landscapes are mostly flat.
Biking Bogshoes are a bit like snowshoes – except you wear them on bogs when there's no snow!
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Estonia has its own horse breed, the Estonian Native Horse, also called the klepper. It belongs to the Northern forest-horse group and the oldest records of it date back to the 11th century.
Winter sports Cross-country skiing (also known as XC skiing) is the most popular winter sport in the Baltics.
Riding
There is no better way to begin snowshoeing than by just going and doing it.
Outdoor skating has been very popular throughout history.
Have fun golfing in the midst of Estonia's beautiful nature: let the hours pass while golfing through the 18-hole courses, making new acquaintances... and you might even encounter the local wildlife taking an interest in the game! Sledging is probably one of the oldest and most popular winter activities.
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Adventure parks Sky adventure
Walk on the Edge of Tallinn's TV Tower.
This is the highest open outdoor platform in the centre of Tallinn. The smooth ride takes passengers up to 120 m (400 feet) every 15 minutes and allows to enjoy incredible panoramic views of Tallinn and Gulf of Finland.
Buffy Safari
Bridges, challenges, attractions, cable slides – they all combine together in the trails up in the trees.
You have to be pretty fit to climb all the way to the top, but anyone can have a go!
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Estonia is a place well worth exploring by boat: from the medieval silhouette of Tallinn to its cliff-lined coasts and from the bird life on its islets to its picturesque lakes, it has something for everyone. Sail the seas or discover inland waters!
Estonian coastline is more than 4 000 km long and without doubt the best place in Baltics for seakayaking.
Water activities There is no better way to begin snowshoeing than by just going and doing it.
Canoeing on the VĂľhandu, Ahja and Piusa rivers in southern Estonia, you will find yourself dwarfed in places by the more than 300 million-year-old Devonian-era sandstone outcrops.
Did you know‌? A wild salmon weighing a whopping 38.6 kg was caught with a rod and spinning reel from the Pirita River in 1926!
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Detox for body and soul Estonians have always been closely connected to nature and this connection is not lost. Even today we know tricks and tips that have been passed down from generation to geneÂration, to help us stay healthy and fit.
In Estonia you can easily combine a wellness holiday with a nature retreat. The herbs, algae, sand, peat and even rocks found in Estonia's vast fields, forests and the coast can go a long way in terms of wellness and beauty! Estonian spa hotels offer everything you might wish for during your stay, from modern and traditional treatments to an a la carte restaurant with live entertainment.
One of the corner stones of Estonian healthcare and lifestyle is the sauna. It is the oldest form of spa in Estonia and no modern day spa is complete without at least one indoor or outdoor sauna. If you are struggling to lose some extra pounds, we can offer weight loss retreats for you. You will get the motivation you need to reach your natural weight and pursue a healthier lifestyle when you return home. With personalised dietary plans, specialised spa treatments and a range of available fitness activities, you will have everything you need to help you get into shape. Professional yoga workshops, lectures, beautiful concerts, and yoga lifestyle Bazaar takes place every year at Yoga Festival in July in Haapsalu.
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Estonian cuisine Estonia is a country of good food with flavors that are influenced by the four seasons and pure Estonian nature. The best way to describe the Estonian cuisine – Nordic with a twist.
Similarly to Estonian culture, the local taste palate has been infused with the best of our neighbouring countries. In addition to home grown culinary customs, Estonia has enjoyed a recognition on European high-end gastronomic chart. With its New Nordic approach, Estonia has claimed its place in the Bocuse d’Or competition and for the past years has been featured in the White Guide Nordic, making this a desired destination for foodies.
Estonians are a nation still deeply devout the nature and they like to know where their food comes from. This amount of passion has greatly inspired Estonian restaurants to be creative and use local produce.
Estonian restaurants are as diverse as the country’s history. New and original restaurants pop up regularly in local towns, seaside villages and even in the middle of the forest. The chefs of the new generation are seeking to find new essence and form to Estonia’s traditional nourishing and simple peasant cuisine. 17
How to make your next travel experience to the Baltic countries a memorable one? Everyone loves to travel, but not everyone travels the same way. This is exactly why we design our tour programs to match your interests, tastes and budget. You could find some basic ideas for your trip in this catalogue but maybe you have something completely different in mind? Please let us know! We are happy to help.
Tour Operator & DMC
+372 631 0124 incoming@gotravel.ee incoming.gotravel.ee
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