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Winter Estonia

Magic is real, and you’ll find it in snow-kissed Estonia. A world of fairytale medieval cities, sparkling forests and fiery saunas; go now before everyone else catches on.

What's included

  • All activities mentioned on the itinerary
  • All meals
  • Accommodation in twin rooms
  • Private minibus, snowshoes
  • Arrival and departure airport transfers
  • Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip
  • Max 16 travelers per group

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

About your trip

Where enchanting snowladen landscapes meet fabled medieval architecture; we’ve curated this four-day Estonian escape for anyone seeking a more authentic, still-feels-like-a-secret winter experience. This is your personal invitation to become part of Estonia’s magical story; a story of ancient, culture-rich cities and the ethereal beauty of primeval forests. Expect moments of wondrous surreality: Narnia-esque picnics of Estonian cuisine in snowy woodland and comfort-zone-busting plunges into an idyllic frozen lake; while an award-winning boutique hotel and 13th-century country manor will keep you warm as the crisp nights close in. Winters like this don’t come around often.

Thinking of traveling in December? Perhaps the addition of Tallinn’s gloriously festive Christmas market might sway you. 

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Fairytale of Tallinn
  • Touch down in Tallinn where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to whisk you to your charming stay (voted ‘Best Boutique Hotel in Estonia’)
  • After a welcome meet, you’ll head out into the crisp air for your first taste of Estonian magic: ice skating at the heart of the Old Town surrounded by fairytale architecture
  • Get to know your Pack Leader and group over an authentic medieval feast that’ll transport you straight back to the 14th century
Food immersion & winter forests
  • Immerse yourself in Tallinn’s history and centuries-old recipes on a food tour through the Old Town. One of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, expect charming cobblestone streets, Gothic spires and a lesson in marzipan figure painting. Travelling in December? You’ll also be treated to delicious food and drink at the oh-so-festive Tallinn Christmas Market
  • Don your snowshoes in the glittering Lahemaa National Park for an afternoon of off-grid winter survival skills, bonfire making and lots of warming drinks amongst impossibly-perfect snow-dusted scenes
  • Now for a once-in-a-lifetime moment: a gourmet picnic will appear like a mirage in the snowy forest. Sit down to white tablecloths, hand-selected wine & delicious delicacies, illuminated by atmospheric candles and lanterns
Husky safaris & a traditional sauna
  • Wake up in your gorgeous 13th Century countryside manor before heading out on a thrilling sledge safari with Siberian huskies. After a lesson in all things mushing and a chance to bond (cuddle) with your huskies; you’ll strike out onto shimmering, otherworldly forest trails. Note, this is weather dependent, and as an alternative you will hike with huskies
  • Time to get warm. Embrace a 2000-year-old Estonian tradition as you bask in a hot iglu sauna and barrel hot tub alongside a stunning frozen lake (perhaps daring to plunge into its ice-cold waters?)
  • Tonight it’s your farewell dinner at the historic Vihula Manor. Starting with a vodka distillery tour and schnapps tasting, you’ll then feast on locally-sourced plates as you toast to a stunning adventure
So long, Estonia
  • After breakfast in the grand ballroom and some free time to enjoy the peace of the Estonian countryside, you’ll be transferred to the airport via Old Town Tallinn to say farewell to new friends
  • Return home with a feeling of child-like joy – your reward for straying off the beaten path in search of pure winter beauty. Because perhaps, in snow-laden forests and fairytale cities, magic really does exist

Where you'll be staying

We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

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Hotel Savoy, Tallinn

Voted ‘Best Boutique Hotel in Estonia’ three times in a row; Hotel Savoy sits pretty within a historic building at the very heart of Tallinn’s cobblestoned, romantic Old Town. Where classic charm meets modern comfort; expect stylish rooms and easy access to the city’s most fascinating cultural highlights.

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Vihula Manor Country Club & Spa

Welcome to your beautiful 16th Century retreat. Set within the unspoilt beauty of Estonia’s Lahemaa National Park; here you’ll enjoy breakfasts in the opulent ballroom, invigorating walks amongst inspiring landscapes and warm, elegant rooms – ready and waiting for you at the end of each frozen day.

Adventure FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into and out of Tallinn Airport (TLL).

What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

Before 2 pm ideally. The welcome meeting will take place at 4pm and your first activity will kick off at around 5pm.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

After 1pm. A transfer after check-out from Vihula Manor to the airport is included in the cost of this trip.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.

Departure transfers from Vihula Country Manor & Spa to the airport are also included, via Hotel Savoy in Old Town Tallinn for anyone that’s booked a post-night.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

  • Pack Leader: 10 EUR per full day
  • Drivers: 8 EUR per full day 

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

3. Government travel advice

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

What fitness levels do I need for this trip?

No specific level of fitness is required, we just want to ensure you are happy partaking in the activities like snowshoeing. We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

Can my special dietary requirements be catered for?

Food allergies and special diets can of course be catered for on this trip.

How do the December departures differ?

With Christmas on the horizon, you’ll also experience Tallinn’s glorious Christmas market. You’ll pass through the market on your way to ice skating on day 1, before being fully immersed in its festivities on day 2 when you enjoy food and drink stops at its stalls on your city food tour.

What should I pack?

What you pack is personal to you and our list is certainly not exhaustive. If you have any questions about what to pack for your trip to Estonia, please get in touch with one of our friendly Trip Experts.

Baggage

  • A large backpack or suitcase – it’s up to you whether you bring a backpack or a suitcase
  • Day day bag for your essentials

Clothing

  • Activewear – breathable and light materials are best as a base layer for most activities. Hiking tops are best as they have wicking properties that remove sweat, keeping you dry and warm
  • Fleeces/jumpers
  • Scarf/hat/gloves/buff
  • Swimwear
  • What you wear in the evenings is up to you, but you may want some nicer clothes for the evenings

Shoes

  • Waterproof hiking boots/shoes and socks – you’ll be provided with plastic snowshoes to attach to your own boots during the winter survival skills activity, but warm and waterproof boots/shoes will be useful for everyday wear

Accessories

  • Electricals and chargers, such as your phone, camera, chargers, etc
  • Plug socket adaptors – the standard plug socket is type F.
  • Refillable water bottle – refilling a bottle instead of buying single-use bottles will help to reduce our plastic footprint
  • Eye mask and earplugs – if you’re a light sleeper, you may feel more comfortable bringing an eye mask and earplugs
  • Any personal medication you require
  • Personal toiletries, including a toothbrush, deodorant, razors, hairbrush, etc
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Painkillers
  • Anti-bacterial gel
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Moisturiser
Will this itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes are rare but can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to test new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting. We’ll always try to let you know in advance.

Will there be an alternative activity to the husky sledding if there isn't enough snow?

Yes – the husky sledge safari is dependent on the snow conditions in Estonia, and so during the months of November and December there is a possibility there will not be enough snow.

Your alternative activity takes place at the same beautiful venue and offers a similar intimate experience with these amazing dogs. Here’s what you can expect:
Meet the huskies and learn about the fascinating history, characteristics, and unique qualities of the Siberian Husky breed. You’ll get to pet, hug, and choose your favorite furry companion for the hike ahead. Then, equipped with a special harness, your chosen dog(s) will accompany and pull you along a scenic 3-km trail through the serene forested landscape. After the hike, enjoy some downtime visiting alpacas and ponies, followed by a cosy tea break.

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