Festive Knitting Escape in Tallinn

This morning, join Juliet for your first knitting workshop in a meeting room at the hotel. Refreshments will be provided.

This afternoon, step into the festive atmosphere of Tallinn’s historic Old Town as we explore its enchanting medieval streets, charming squares and beautifully preserved architecture during our walking tour. Discover the atmospheric Upper Town, visiting St Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral, Toompea Castle and the Dome Church, Tallinn’s oldest church, while taking in panoramic views from the Kohtuotsa viewing platform.

Continue through the Lower Town to the Danish King’s Garden, Town Hall Square and the picturesque Viru Gates before ending our walk amid the twinkling lights, seasonal scents and festive stalls of Tallinn’s magical Christmas market.

Today, we’ll spend a full day with Tallinn-based knitwear designer and illustrator Aleks Byrd. Aleks’ passion is creating modern patterns with a connection to the past, using little-known traditional Estonian techniques for unique wearable designs that are fun and rewarding to knit for all levels of knitters.

Accompanied by Aleks, we begin the day with visits to two shops operated by the Estonian Folk Art and Craft Union, starting at the Estonian Handicraft House, where Estonia’s rich craft heritage is preserved and celebrated. Browse a beautiful selection of handmade textiles, ceramics, woodwork, jewellery, leather goods and traditional clothing, many reflecting regional designs, natural materials and time-honoured techniques passed down through generations.

We then continue to Kaarman, where displays showcase the diverse handicraft traditions of Estonia, including those of Tõstamaa, renowned as the home of the distinctive roosimine inlay knitting technique, and the unique island of Kihnu, often referred to as the ‘women’s island’. After free time for lunch, we return to the hotel for an afternoon roosimine knitting workshop with Aleks.

Roosimine is an Estonian inlay technique that creates the appearance of embroidery through intentional floats in contrasting yarn on the right side of your knitting, and is the perfect technique to add some embellishment to your knitting. During this afternoon’s workshop, you will be provided with a kit of local Estonian yarn and, under Aleks’ guidance, you will complete a little swatch knit in the round that can be turned into a wristlet, cup cosy or pin cushion.

The Estonian Open-Air Museum offers a fascinating winter glimpse into Estonia’s rural heritage, traditions and craft skills. Explore historic farmsteads, village buildings and other traditional settings while discovering how rural communities lived and worked through the long winter months.

Throughout the museum, you can learn about traditional handicrafts, textiles, woodworking, food preparation and other everyday skills, with opportunities to see demonstrations and take part in seasonal activities. The visit provides an atmospheric introduction to Estonia’s customs and craftsmanship, with the historic surroundings and festive setting adding to the experience.

This afternoon is at leisure for you to explore Tallinn’s enchanting Christmas Market in the heart of the Old Town, where the historic Town Hall Square is transformed into a festive winter scene. Browse the wooden stalls filled with Estonian handicrafts, decorations and seasonal gifts, while the scent of gingerbread and traditional Christmas treats fills the air. With its twinkling lights, Christmas tree and cosy atmosphere, the market is a wonderful place to soak up the festive spirit of Tallinn.

Following breakfast, we enjoy a final full-day knitting workshop with Juliet in the hotel. Refreshments will be served morning and afternoon, and there will be free time for lunch.

Dinner is included this evening.