Spain, France and Italy are an unrivalled trio, famed for being holiday destinations of romance, cuisine and sightseeing. From the Eiffel Tower to the Pantheon, there are numerous wonders to behold, but with hundreds of thousands flocking every year, they start to lose their magic. Most of Europe’s tourism traps stop there, yet there is a whole world of incredible culture and hidden treasures that lie beyond the borders of western Europe. Until 1990, most of Eastern Europe was oppressed by the USSR, and as a result, their economy and prosperity suffered dramatically. Thankfully, this is no longer the case and as such, Eastern Europe is beginning to open up as a fresh and untapped gold mine for you to explore, from its reinvigorating traditional saunas to the stunning and delicate cuisine. Many countries reside in this fabulous region, but one is particularly noteworthy. That is Estonia and the Old Town of Tallinn.

Estonia is often associated with Lithuania and Latvia, a trio bordering the Baltic sea. However, Estonia’s far-flung location is no reason to put you off the stunning treasures that lie at the heart of the country. Estonia isn’t just a single landmass, containing over 2000 islands, this surprising coastal country contains some of the most stunning landscapes available in Europe. Estonia’s landscapes can be enjoyed year-round, offering insightful and beautiful opportunities into the culture of this diverse country, from the snowcapped plains, perfect for cross-country skiing, to the sun-kissed white beaches that sit on the Baltic seafront.

Winter is something that many people dread, the short days and rough weather are enough to put anyone in a bad mood, but not the Estonians. Estonia’s location receives a lot of snow, and by December each year, a winter wonderland engulfs the land, so much so that you’ll never want to leave. Begin in Estonia’s capital, where you’ll find a fairytale Christmas market in the Old Town of Tallinn. Small huts in the square offer traditional delicacies such as Verivortt, the national dish of Estonia, an aromatic sausage served with potatoes and pork. All of this takes place beneath medieval gabled houses and the centrepiece town hall, dusted with a layer of snow. Get your coat on and discover the hidden gems of Christmas in Tallinn, to the sound of White Christmas echoing through the Christmas market and the smell of winter spices wafting into the noses of those eager to get their hands-on warm liqueur.

Estonia’s capital has plenty more to offer, so make sure to visit Kompressor for a huge pancake after hiking up Toompea Hill to Kohtuotsa viewing platform for some of the best panoramic views of the Old Town of Tallinn. In the afternoon, enjoy a short car journey to the countryside where you’ll meet your new ride – the huskies. Get to know and pet these stunning animals before they take you on an exhilarating trip through the fields of Harju county. This region also provides the perfect landscape to enjoy some cross-country skiing in Estonia.

To top off this Christmas in Tallinn is a transformation back in time as you experience a medieval banquet at the Olde Hansa restaurant. Under the glittering sparkle of wax candles, casting light over the tapestry filled walls, musicians play melodic tunes on traditional instruments like loots to set the tone for the meal. This enclave into medieval living is a truly unique cultural experience, and the cuisine includes Baltic treasures such as sauerkraut and game sausages made of bear, wild boar and elk. This certainly isn’t the place you’ll be looking if you’re after a Michelin Star restaurant, but Olde Hansa is a headfirst dive into the cuisine of Estonia in this medieval banquet and is definitely worth a visit.

Winter in Estonia offers hearty and homely feelings that bring a warmth to your heart, but the summers of Estonia offer a whole new cornucopia of self-indulgent treasures to relax in.

Don’t be fooled by Estonia’s winter cuisine, summer brings about new and diverse vegetation. Estonians are seasonal eaters, even today the majority of Estonians still forage for food. This anchor bound connection to nature keeps their cuisine rooted in seasonal delicacies that most of the Michelin Star restaurants around the world are looking to return to. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself into this with inside knowledge from a wise local guide as the Estonian nature is full of edible delicacies waiting to be gathered. Soomaa exploration trips include mushroom foraging and berry picking, so you can learn to pick and cook all of the best food that wilderness has to offer. Other opportunities include wild fishing for salmon and sea trout, or even learn how to bake bread at the Hellenum Watermill. After you’ve discovered the simplicity of life, it’s time to return to some soothing luxury at Pädaste manor.

The manor was built on Muhu Island, the third largest Estonian island. In winter it can be accessible through an ice bridge as the sea freezes over, but in summer a simple car ferry can take you to this 14th Century manor located in the idyllic Pädaste bay. Accommodation ranges from the manor house and carriage house, where you’ll find comfortable deluxe double rooms up to the Grand suite. Each room in the manor house offers different unique qualities dependent on what you’re after, such as Room 15 which features a stunning poetry loft, a mezzanine crammed with poetry with a window to look out of. If you’re looking for something more private, then the private farmhouse is the perfect place. Nestled amongst the apple orchard and overlooking the sea it is the perfect place for some respite away from busy city life.

The experience on offer at Pädaste manor uses traditional Estonian herbal traditions combined with modern luxury that befit the unspoiled beauty and harmony of Muhu Island. You won’t find any brands in this spa, all the oils, crèmes and skin-spreads used in the spa are prepared daily. There is a cornucopia of spa treatments on offer, ranging from simple treatments, like fresh herb scrubs to a sumptuous ultimate spa retreat for 3-days, including accommodation at the manor. A particular highlight is the seawater hot tub located in the bay, heated with a wood-burning oven that lets you relax under the stars with a glass of champagne to hand, a truly luxurious spa resort experience.

To top off this incredible manor, the cuisine mirrors the direct connection to nature, offering delicious food from the Nordic islands, inspired by the cooking traditions of Muhu Island. By valuing the local traditions of the region, this food is truly unique and is elevated to a high-end level. The communal chef’s table serves the islands digestion menu for up to 14 guests in the spacious grand dining room that overlooks the winter garden and the ancient trees that overlook it. This 7-course meal is personally hosted by Chef de Cuisine, Stefan Berwanger and Chef Pâtissier, Achim Braitsch. The traditional food may be foreign to most, but this unexplored journey into Baltic cuisine and high-end dinging is a truly unique experience. Dishes include smoked eel with a béarnaise sauce and pike perch with pumpkin. Of course, the menu changes seasonally but you can be sure that it’ll be a truly delightful experience.

The Estonian summer offers plenty to do and this article articulates the tip of the iceberg into what’s on offer. Other opportunities include the wine chamber at Hindreku Farm or the Saaremaa Food Festival. Don’t be fooled by this out of sight country, it is finally beginning to flourish and unveil to the world the beauty of this stunning country. A visit here is a must before it becomes another of Europe’s tourism hotspots, from foraging for food in Pärnu to the cross-country skiing of Harju. After which, a visit to an authentic restaurant serving the stunning cuisine that the country has to offer is the pinnacle of a getaway in the hidden gem on Estonia.