Tourest Hosted Buyer programme - FAM trip to North of Estonia
Untouched Nature & Charming Manors
Dear Tourism Professional,
Estonian Travel & Tourism Association and Estonian Tourist Board/Visit Estonia in cooperation with airBaltic and Tallink Silja Line invite you to join a FAM trip to Estonia as a part of the TOUREST 2026 Hosted Buyer Programme (HBP), taking place February 9-13.
The Hosted Buyer Programme and FAM trip are tailored for product managers and the
sales professionals dealing with potential sales to Estonia from the following markets: Finland,
Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the UK, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium.
The programme consists of following events:
• Discover Estonia beyond Tallinn- starting your experience with the pre-tours.
• Get-together dinner with the local suppliers in a relaxed and cosy atmosphere in a modern restaurant in Tallinn
•Meet and do business with a varied selection of best suppliers for Estonia during the TOUREST B2B Workshop, with around 30+ suppliers from different parts of Estonia
• Explore our capital city Tallinn, where the WOW factor is the charming combination of a
unique medieval atmosphere and a very modern and tech-savvy society
• Possible extensions for the weekend
Below you find your North Estonia programme, details will be added along the way.
Scroll down for more information and articles!
Photo author: Rauno Liivand
North of Estonia: Untouched Nature & Charming Manors
Welcome to Lahemaa National Park, Estonia’s largest and oldest national park on the North Coast, where nature and history converge in a breathtaking landscape! Located just an hour's drive from Tallinn, Lahemaa offers a serene escape into dense forests, dramatic coastline, boggy wetlands, and pristine rivers. This park isn’t just about natural beauty - it's also a treasure trove of Estonian cultural heritage, dotted with charming fishing villages, grand 18th-century manor houses, and some remnants of the Soviet era.
Just nearby lies Kõrvemaa, another iconic nature area known for its peaceful wilderness and varied landscapes. Kõrvemaa is famous for its rolling eskers, clear lakes, pine forests, and extensive hiking and skiing trails. Unlike many busier nature spots, Kõrvemaa has a distinctly untouched and tranquil atmosphere, making it a beloved destination for outdoor lovers year‑round. Whether you prefer long hikes, cross‑country skiing, or simply breathing in the quiet of the northern forests, Kõrvemaa offers a perfect blend of adventure and calm.
As we journey through diverse landscapes, you’ll get a chance to explore Estonia’s ancient forests (hopefully covered in snow at the time), walk along boardwalks over boglands and peek into the local historical spots. Get ready to discover the landmark of Estonia’s wilderness!
Photo author: Mariann Liimal
YOUR PROGRAMME:
Monday, Feb 9th
Individual arrivals according to the schedule to airport or ferry terminal. Transfers will be arranged, please look for Visit Estonia sign.
You will be checking into Hampton by Hilton Hotel, a hotel that opened its doors only 2025 and remains smoothly on the way from the airport to the city centre.
Dinner is available for all guests arriving before 20:00, courtesy of Tallink City Hotel.
Finnish guests: dinner awaits on the ferry as a part of your ticket type.
18:45 meet in the hotel lobby and a short tram ride together to Tallink City Hotel, where you’ll enjoy a brief house tour followed by a dinner.
Tuesday, Feb 10th - Pre tours to destinations!
Breakfast at the hotel
08:50 Checked-out and meet your host with sign at hotel lobby.
9:00 Depart Tallinn for the breathtaking Lahemaa National Park, located on Estonia's northern coast and is full of native forests, wetlands, and endless beaches. On the way stop at Jägala waterfall, the widest natural waterfall in Estonia.
10:30- 12:30 We continue with bog-shoeing adventure through the Viru bog. Immerse yourself in the peaceful beauty of the bog, surrounded by unique winter bog landscapes.
13:15 Get to know the seaside area together with lunch at Vergi Harbour Restaurant Wirkes, located by the sea.
15:15 We continue exploring captains`s village Käsmu, with visit to maritime museum with little tea break.
16:30 Transfer and check-in to Vihula Manor Country Club & Spa
Time to relax. Enjoy the Nordic Sauna Experience at Finnish Sauna, Russian Sauna or outdoor Hot Tub Sauna! Take your swimwear along!
Farewell dinner at Vihula manor restaurant
Photo author: Rauno Liivand
Wednesday, Feb 11th
Breakfast at the hotel, check-out
9:00 Depart Vihula manor towards Kõrvemaa.
10:00 Short introduction to Sportland Kõrvemaa Hiking and Ski Center, located in the midst of the stunning natural beauty of Northern Kõrvemaa and combines hiking and sporting opportunities.
10:30- 13:15 Signature Nature Experience: Small Lapland Premium Tour
A guided kick-sled forest journey combined with a warm and playful husky meet & cuddle experience, followed by a campfire picnic with homemade food.
During coffee time, an overview of Estonian nature tourism opportunities and sample packages presentation.
13:30- 16:30 Spa & Future Hospitality Showcase at Villa Pillapalu
Spa experience including introduction to the restaurant and the hotel opening in summer.
To enrich the sauna experience, we propose a hands-on natural cosmetics workshop, inspired by Estonian sauna traditions and Nordic nature. PS! Bring your swimwear!
1 hour drive back to Tallinn
17:30 Check into the hotels
Hotels: the group will be divided between two brand new hotels, Novotel Tallinn and Hyatt Place, located on a same street in the city harbour area, just a hop from old town.
18:40 groups get together for a short bus transfer.
19:00 Welcome dinner at Olde Hansa, the medieval restaurant with fun authentic Hanseatic city style meals and drinks. The dinner and two complimentary drinks are a courtesy of Visit Tallinn, additional alcoholic beverages can be purchased individually.
PS as the return to the hotels will be by walking (15min), we suggest warm clothing and comfy winter shoes and the route passing the Fat Margaret in old town.
Photo author: Mariann Liimal
Thursday, Feb 12th - WORKSHOP DAY
Breakfast at the hotel
Tallinn: Medieval & Modern
8.40 Meet your group at the hotel lobby
1.5 hr guided walk to discover the UNESCO-listed cosy Old Town, surrounded by tower-dotted medieval city wall, the Dome Hill with viewing platforms and cathedrals, the Town Hall Square.
10:30 Guided tour ends at the gates of the old town in Viru street, followed by a walk to the workshop venue Nordic Hotel Forum.
11:00 Destination Estonia: presentations by Visit Estonia, Air Baltic and Tallink Silja.
Workshop session I
13:30- 14:30 Lunch on the spot
Workshop session II
17:15 Hosted walk back to hotel (ca 15 min)
18:15 groups gather at the hotels. Our journey begins with a bit of a twist - a cheerful transfer that will set hopefully the mood for the evening
19:30 Tallinn City presents: Get Together Dinner with organizers and Estonian suppliers at Fotografiska Tallinn Restaurant, MICHELIN 2025 Green Star. The dinner is hosted by Visit Tallinn and includes two complimentary drinks - if you wish to enjoy additional alcoholic drinks, these can be added to your own tab.
22:30 Bus transfer back to hotel
Friday, Feb 13th
Breakfast at the hotel, check-out. Our official programme will last till noon, so the group is welcomed to a final guided bus tour. As the last stop is the airport, kindly take your luggage to the bus.
9:30- 12:00 Bus tour to discover diverse Tallinn districts, like
- Tallinn's seaside gem, Noblessner, located just a short walk from the Kalamaja district and the city center.
- Kadriorg Palace and Park, to see the most famous sights located in the park: Catherine's Palace, Swan Pond, Maarjamäe Castle and Presidential Castle.
Kindly note that the organisers keep the right to tweak the programme along the way.
Photo author: Rasmus Jurkatam
What to Wear & Bring – Very Important!
You’re visiting Estonia in the heart of winter, and we’ll be spending lots of time outdoors, as per local customs. This means that what you wear will make all the difference between fully enjoying the experience… or counting the minutes until you can feel your fingers and toes again.
Estonian winter doesn’t negotiate - you will meet wind, ice‑rain, and proper cold.
That part is guaranteed.
How comfortable you feel in it depends entirely on how well you prepare.
To make sure you enjoy the show (and not just endure it), please follow the guidelines below:
Dress Like You’re Going on a Tiny Arctic Expedition
Think layers, layers, layers – the more the better.
We strongly recommend:
Warm base layers (thermal tops and bottoms)
A thick sweater or fleece
A windproof, waterproof winter jacket
Warm hat & gloves (yes, both are necessary)
A scarf or buff to protect your face from the wind
Sturdy winter footwear: hiking boots or flat rubber boots
Wool socks (and…)
An extra pair of socks and shoes to change into if your feet get wet
A small backpack is handy for carrying your personal items and any layers you might want to adjust.
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Your contacts:
Kaidi Kuusmann
Tourest Hosted Buyer Programme
Project Manager
TourestFAM@etfl.ee
Kadri Koor, Evely Baum Helmis, Malle Kolnes and Kristiina Talisainen
Visit Estonia
Market Managers
https://visitestonia.com/en/traveltrade/contacts
FUN FACTS to Wrap Up Your Hosted Buyer Programme:
Sustainability in Action
This year’s programme is designed with low‑impact travel in mind - you’ll notice lots of walking, trams, and local mobility in place of buses. It’s our way of showing you how easy it is to explore Tallinn in an eco‑friendly way.
You’ve Arrived at the Perfect Time: Bun Fest!
February is when Estonia celebrates Shrove Tuesday and Tallinn celebrates Bun Fest, a delicious city-wide tribute to semla-style cream buns that locals adore. Cafés across town compete to create the most playful, indulgent, and surprising versions - feel free to taste test your way through the city!
Tallinn: One of Europe’s Most Compact Capital Cities
Tallinn’s medieval Old Town and modern districts are all within walking distance - perfect for urban exploration and for seeing how history and modern Nordic living blend seamlessly.
Winter Swimming: Estonia’s Coolest National Sport
Estonians don’t just tolerate winter - some dive right into it. Literally.
Winter swimming is hugely popular here, and locals swear an icy dip boosts energy, brightens the mood, and keeps the immune system strong. If you notice people happily walking toward the sea in swimwear when it’s –10°C… that’s perfectly normal Estonia behaviour
Sauna: The Only Place in Estonia That’s Warmer Than People’s Hospitality
Sauna isn’t just a wellness activity here, it’s practically a national philosophy. Estonians believe the sauna heals the body, clears the mind, and fixes almost anything that isn’t strictly mechanical. It’s also completely normal to go from +80°C in the sauna straight into an ice‑cold sea or snowbank (imagine the endorphine!)! Something for you to try next time!
Photo author: Visit Estonia
Useful material
Last updated
03.02.2026