Estonia 8th Ed. (Bradt Travel Guides)

Description: Bradt's Estonia remains the only English-language guidebook to this Baltics destination and this eighth edition reveals more of the country than any previous guide. Offering extensive coverage of Estonia's complex cultural history and its artists, writers and musicians, alongside comprehensive practical information, Baltics expert Neil Taylor MBE proves that there's much more to Estonia than the cobbled streets and cafes of Tallinn. Extensive background and practical information is followed by detailed coverage of the fairytale city of Tallinn and the surrounding area, as well as dedicated chapters on north, south, west and central Estonia. Discover The Windtower at Kaina on Hiiumaa Island, a totally 21st-century experience of the countryside and sea, as stimulating to the ears as it is to the eyes; and explore Estonia's maritime history at state-of-the-art Seaplane Harbour. Visit Narva, where 95% of the population speak Russian but all the signs are in English; and learn why an Estonian President insisted on holding a press conference in a toilet! From Rakvere, Tapa and Lake Peipsi to Polva and the Russian Borderlands and the islands of Kihnu, Saaremaa and Vormsi, Bradt's Estonia reaches all corners of the country. Contents: Introduction PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION Chapter 1 Background Information Geography and environment, Natural history and conservation, History, Economy, People, Language, Religion, Culture Chapter 2 Practical Information When to visit, Highlights and suggested itineraries, Tourist information, Tour operators, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, Women travellers, LGBTQ+ travellers, Travelling with children, Money, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays and festivals, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Outdoor activities, Museums and attractions, Media and communications, Travelling positively PART TWO THE GUIDE Chapter 3 Tallinn History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, What to see and do, Excursions from Tallinn Chapter 4 Around Tallinn Harjumaa County, Raplamaa and Jarvamaa counties Chapter 5 North and Northeast Estonia Rakvere, Kohtla-Jarve, Johvi, Toila,Sillamae, Narva, Lake Peipsi Chapter 6 Central Estonia Tartu, Viljandi, Poltsamaa Chapter 7 South and Southeast Estonia Otepaa, Torva, Polva and the Russian Borderlands_, Voru, Beyond Voru, Valga Chapter 8 Western Estonia and the Islands Haapsalu, Parnu, Around Parnu, Kihnu Island, Towards Saaremaa, Saaremaa Island, Abruka Island, Ruhnu Island, Hiiumaa Island_, Vormsi Island Appendix 1 Language Appendix 2 Further Information Index Author Biography: Neil Taylor was from 1975 to 2005 Director of Regent Holidays, a British tour company that has specialised in travel to the Baltic states since they regained their independence in 1991. Now he writes and broadcasts on travel trade topics and is active in the British Guild of Travel Writers, by whom he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000. In 2011 he was awarded the President of Estonia's medal for services to tourism. This book will be the 8th edition of the Bradt Guide to Estonia that he has written. In June 2018 his Estonia - A Modern History was published with a 2nd edition in 2020. Juhan-Markus Laats grew up in the Soviet Estonia, Cambridge UK, and in newly independent Estonia. Since then, he has studied political science at the University of Tartu, spent four years at Estonian Radio's English-language news desk and founded, and built up one of the Baltic's largest short-term apartment rental businesses. From his deep interest in history Juhan created an innovative history learning tool which has been used in many schools all over Estonia. He lives a stone's throw away from Toompea Castle, the seat of the Estonian Parliament.