Old Town Tallinn & Rakvere
(19 Reviews)
95% Recommended
Karl Kuenzel
Houston, TX
Luxury Cruise Travel Specialist
What sets me apart from other travel agents is my experience and expertise that I can provide for you. I have been cruising for over 25 years. I have been around the world more than twice -- once on a world cruise and the other times on segments o...
What sets me apart from other travel agents is my experience and expertise that I can provide for you. I have been cruising for over 25 years. I have been around the world more than twice -- once on a world cruise and the other times on segments on various cruise lines and ships. I know ships, ports, and itineraries. I specialize in Premium to Luxury Ocean Cruises, although I can book almost any cruise for you or for your group. Primarily I work with Oceania, Holland America, and Celebrity. I seek to get you the most value for your money.
No doubt, you have worked just as hard for your money as I have. That is why I look for the best value for you. Quality is important.
There is no fee or cost to you for my expertise and skills if you book your cruise with me. As part of my service to my guests I can also offer some awesome additional perks over and above what the cruise line may be offering, typically in the form of an on-board credit, as a thank you gift from me.
Not everyone is going to enjoy every cruise. Not everyone is going to be happy with every cruise ship. However, there is a cruise ship and a cruise that is right for everyone. I will help you book the proper cruise and ship for you.
I am able to provide better service and more personal attention than the on-line travel agents can. If price is the only thing that matters to you, you probably will be better off booking with them. If you want a cruise you can remember for years to come, the most value for your money, and personal service let’s talk.
I’d be happy to set an appointment with you to answer any of your questions regarding the cruise and our services. I work regular business hours Monday through Friday and other times by appointment.
Please make an appointment so that we can talk. calendly.com/karl-kuenzel or leave me a message at Karl.Kuenzel@gmail.com or 1-346-446-2923 on WhatsApp and I will get back to you.
I look forward to working with you.
Can Be Reached At
1-512-221-2172
Battle Re-enactment at Rakvere
It was a step back into the past with this trip to the capital of Estonia and the old medieval fortress.
Rakvere is a 14th century castle, which is located approx 1,5hr drive from Tallinn. It was built by the warrior monks of the Livonian Order in 1346. It is a steep climb up a flight of steps from the parking lot to the castle gate.
Here we were able to tour the castle and view its catapults and working cannon. Explore the expansive dungeons including its Torture and Hell Chambers, complete with examples of medieval forms of torture. A brief re-enactment of an historic battle makes one feel like they are there. Then we were ushered into a large room, which was the inn of the castle and were served a multi-course meal typical of what people ate some 700 years ago.
Following the castle experience, we returned to Tallinn and were given a guided walking tour of Toompea Hill, where there is a massive, medieval stone castle that today is home to Estonia's parliament.
Next was a stroll to Palace Square, the location of the Alexeander Nevsky Cathedral. The Russian Orthodox basilica, complete with golden crosses and black onion-shaped domes - was built in the late 19th century during a period of "Russification." The church is named after the prince who defeated the crusading Teutonic Knights in 1242's "Battle on the Ice," fought on the frozen surface of nearby Lake Peipus. Going inside the cathedral one is able to view numerous icons and mosaics lining its walls.
Next we went to the Dome Church. It is the oldest church in Tallinn- first mentioned in a letter to the Pope dated 1233 - St. Mary's Cathedral has served as the burial site for nobility since the 15th century. The current façade dates from the 15th century while its ornate copper spire was added 200 years later.
Following the walking tour, we made our way back to the port. On my first visit to Tallinn, some years ago, one could get off the ship in the port and stepping ashore would find numerous stores. It was here that I was able to purchase several imitation Fabergé eggs, at more reasonable prices. In the intervening years, a new port has been built and it is no longer possible to walk from the stores directly to the ship.