Tallinn

One of Europe’s most enchanting cities, Tallinn is a heady blend of medieval and modern, with narrow, cobbled streets set beneath the spires of 14th-century churches and a wild mix of restaurants, cafés, boutiques hidden in the carved stone walls.

The World Heritage-listed Old Town has plenty of distractions for even the most ambitious itinerary, you’ll find some historic gems that illuminate both Tallinn’s medieval past and its long grey days under the Soviet yoke.

Estonian National Opera

With its diverse repertoire and new productions, the current season at the Estonian National Opera is sure to delight.

In September 2013 the Estonian National Opera House will celebrate its 100th anniversary.

The Opera Company though is in its 107th season and with it comes a new creative management and a new visual style.

Highlights include a celebration of Richard Wagner’s 200th anniversary which will be celebrated with the romantic opera Tannhäuser staged in March by British stage director Daniel Slater, who is at the top of today’s opera world.

Saaremaa Opera Festival

The first opera festival in Estonia took place in 1999 and is held annually at the Medieval Episcopal Castle of Kuressaare, capital of Estonia’s largest island Saaremaa.

The Episcopal Castle, which holds as many as about a thousand spectators, has become one of the best-known West-Estonian tourist sites and the acoustics of the castle’s courtyard is more than ideal for romantic operas.