14^th century churches and 21^st century artwork. Red roofs and a pink Baroque palace. Salted bacon and sour cream. Soviet rule and proud independence. Coastal islands and sandy beaches. Glass-blowing and pottery, fashion and finery. Tallinn has a World Heritage Old Town and was crowned the ‘European Capital of Culture 2011’.

Learn about the last days of the Tsars and the first days of independence at Freedom Square. Discover workshops and traditional crafts in the 15^th century Old Town, or study innovation and avant-garde architecture in Rotterdam Quarter. Study Tsarist extravagance at Kadriorg Palace, or the baroque and medieval architecture of Toompea Castle. Listen to a concert at the Song Festival Grounds, or perform in a seafront symphony of your own. Ask about the mouse that robbed a bank and why Saint Olav’s Church keeps burning down.

Just a short flight from the UK, Tallinn is one of the most affordable cities in the EU. STS offer a choice of modern hotels on the outskirts of the city, ideally located for experiencing the sights of Tallinn and for excursions into Estonia. Students are presented with a superb opportunity to visit one of Eastern Europe’s most dynamic and forward-thinking nations, at an exciting time in its development.