Explore the northernmost Baltic country known for its handcraft traditions, singing culture, saunas, and wildlife preserves! Spend 8 days and nights touring the country from the capital Tallinn, university town Tartu, resort cities Pärnu and Haapsalu to the islands: Kihnu, Muhu, and Saaremaa. Visit the Estonian National Museum for a comprehensive look at the cultures and traditions, embroider with a professional artisan on Muhu, explore the UNESCO certified-heritage “island of women,” meet weavers and knitters, visit a sheep farm and wool mill, try “black bread,” take a sauna with fresh birch branches, and learn a song.

Learn, create, and experience:

• The Estonian National Museum, Estonia’s ethnographic museum, for a cultural overview and study textiles specially selected from the collection by ThreadWritten founder Sarah

• 4-hour workshop with a professional embroiderer on Muhu Island based on the wedding blanket tradition

• Kihnu, the “island of women,” and witness the weaving, embroidery, songs, dance, and ceremonies inscribed on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage

• The lace knitting tradition of Haapsalu and the link to local architecture

• Estonian history and cultural insights from our local guide and Saaremaa resident, Maarika, who will accompany us all week

• A day on Saaremaa, visiting Kuressaare and villages, meeting locals who are keeping clothing traditions alive

• 8 nights in hotels and guesthouses from the city to the countryside

• Traditional sauna, an integral part of life in Estonia and a practice that dates back to the 13th century

• Walking tour and museum visits in Tallinn with free time and guidance on what not to miss if you’ll be extending your stay

• Shopping for handcrafts, textiles, and craft supplies throughout the trip

The trip is equally about textiles and culture with the special benefit of seeing three different regions of the country. We move every couple of nights in order to experience as much as possible from cities to the islands! Our local host and professional guide, Maarika, will share her insights on Estonian culture, favorite places, and the history of the country.

Estonia is known for its natural beauty from pine forests and marshlands to secluded inlets and rugged coastlines. Your non-textile-loving partner or spouse is welcome to join us and hike while we stitch.

ITINERARY

Saturday, July 26

Meet in Tallinn in the morning.

Travel by bus to Tartu, the 2024 European capital of culture.

Walking tour of the city including Estonia’s oldest university.

Dinner in town and stroll back to the hotel.

Sunday, July 27

Day at the Estonian National Museum: exhibitions and private study room. Cafe lunch.

Dinner together in town and walk back to the hotel.

Monday, July 28

Meet our private bus, transportation for the rest of the trip.

Visit Viljandi and the Viljandi Culture Academy, center for heritage craft education and preservation.

Travel to resort city Pärnu where we’ll stay for the next two nights.

Free time to relax, stroll in town, and along the water.

Dinner together.

Tuesday, July 29

Early start to travel to Kihnu Island by bus and ferry.

Day on Kihnu: museum, church, weaving, knitting, patchwork demonstrations with a folk concert. Meet elder master of Kihnu handwork traditions, Kihnu Roosi.

Ferry and transport back to Pärnu.

Free time and dinner on your own.

Details:

For our first two days, we’ll travel by public transportation and on foot. From Tartu back to Tallinn, we’ll have a private bus. When we return to Tallinn, we’ll spend the last day together on foot. All meals are included except for one dinner in Pärnu and one lunch during free time in Tallinn. Breakfasts will be taken at the hotel or guest house at your leisure before we start each day’s itinerary.

Group size: 8 - 10 participants.

All embroidery supplies are included. You are welcome to bring favorite tools or a project for the bus ride or evening free time. Our days are full so you may rest more than stitch at night.

You can fly to Tallinn or you may wish to fly in and out of Helsinki traveling to and from Tallinn by ferry. I’m happy to recommend Tallinn hotels for the night before the tour begins.

Questions? Please email me!

Fees:

Single Room with double bed: $4895

Space in Shared Room with two twin beds: $4495

Deposit: $1000 Nonrefundable.

Registration:

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