Tour of Luke Manor and Park

Tunnels dug in the bright sandstone of Piusa's caves are undoubtedly one of the best-known tourist attractions in ancient Võromaa. For several years now, a fun bat-shaped visitor centre has been waiting here for visitors. The Piusa visitor centre has a cafe, seminar room, craft room, cinema hall and numerous exhibits. Guests can watch a movie about bats, the most important inhabitants of caves, in the cinema hall, and then head along with a guide to the museum cave viewing platform. There are no bats in the caves in the summer because they only come here to winter. Right behind the museum cave is Piusa sand quarry, Estonia's largest sandbox. The Piusa visitor centre and the picturesque sandy hills offer a unique experience where nature and history intertwine – the mysterious caves of former glass sand mines can be discovered here and the most beautiful views of the sand quarry in Estonia can be enjoyed. With its steep slopes and sandstone outcrops, the Piusa sandy hills are like a natural adventure park that captivates both hiking enthusiasts and photographers.

Aparaaditehas is a cultural space built in an old factory complex. Many creative entrepreneurs, artists, designers, and the house cat Johannes Gutenberg have made their homes here. The restaurants, cafes, and bakery in Aparaaditehas offer a variety of flavors to appeal to foodies of all types. Aparaaditehas also has small shops, galleries, and the TYPA Printing and Paper Arts Centre. Major events such as the Aparaaditehas Festival and Gallery Night take place inside the Creative City and factory yard. The factory also hosts smaller concerts, fairs, exhibitions, and workshops. Come and discover the world of the Aparaaditehas!

Ahja Manor dates back to the Middle Ages (from 1553). The two-storey main building of the baroque Ahja Manor with a half-hipped roof, completed in the late 1740s, was one of the most luxurious in Southern Estonia at that time. In the years 1929–1997, a school operated in the manor house.In 2007, there was a fire in the building and only the walls remained. Several smaller buildings have been preserved from the manor, although most of them have been rebuilt. There is also a beautiful park with a pond which is under nature and heritage protection.The manor with the park is known to many thanks to the book Little Illimar based on the childhood memories of the folk writer Friedebert Tuglas from Ahja.

Villa Tammekann is an architectural landmark, where the Granö Centre of the University of Turku and Tartu operates.The world-famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto designed the building as the home of August Tammekann, Professor of Geography at the University of Tartu. The University of Turku Foundation bought the house from the children of Tammekann in 1998, and then the building was overhauled mainly in accordance with the drawings of Alvar and Aino Aalto. The overhaul was recognised with the Europa Nostra Prize in 2001.The house is part of the National Register of Cultural Monuments and the international IconicHouses network.Groups must book a time to visit the house.

Tartu City Museum invites you to explore the city's diverse history and cultural heritage. The permanent exhibition, "Our Tartu," introduces the districts of Tartu, telling stories about the people of Tartu, their lives, and everyday habits. The exhibition provides insight into what makes each district in Tartu special, as each district has its own personality, as shared by local people. Visitors can also enjoy temporary exhibitions that introduce new topics and artistic perspectives. These exhibitions reveal different facets of Tartu, ranging from the city's architecture and social life to contemporary cultural phenomena. The museum offers guided tours and city tours, during which guides take participants on exciting journeys through Tartu's districts. These excursions are suitable for both local enthusiasts and visitors who wish to learn more about Tartu. The museum's premises can also be rented for various events. Come experience the story of Tartu through its people, places, and memories.

The Pilgrim House introduces visitors to everything related to medieval pilgrims and pilgrimages. Here you can get acquainted with various medieval holy places and pilgrimage destinations. One of them, the most famous in Northern Europe, was located right here in the Holy Cross Chapel of the Vastseliina Bishopric! Thanks to the interactive exhibit, visitors can experience firsthand what a medieval pilgrim felt, what he feared, and what he loved. You can play medieval board games, and with prior arrangements, we offer various experience packages, including period and themed meals prepared in the Pilgrim House oven to fill your stomach!

Tartu Toy Museum, situated in the Old Town of Tartu, takes adults back to the brighter days of their childhood and offers children plenty of interesting things to see and do.The permanent exhibition displays toys that Estonian children have played with throughout the years. Artist-made dolls, souvenir dolls of different nations, and Finno-Ugric traditional toys are also exhibited. Playrooms and workshops are also open. You can see puppets from Estonian puppet films and temporary exhibitions in the outbuilding. The museum also has a theatre building named ’Teatri kodu’ (The Home of Theatre) with a theatre hall, a museum of puppets, and a children’s studio.

A wonderful morning or day tour to explore the Onion Route and Peipsi region! The tour starts from Tartu and takes you to the shores of Lake Peipsi, where you will find Alatskivi Castle and the Old Believers Museum, and encounter the charming and authentic local community. The culinary experiences will lead straight to the heart of Peipsimaa. We'll try our hand at fun workshops, enjoy delicious onion pies, tea ceremonies, and craft wine, and dive into the legends of onion braids. The bravest can also take part in an exciting ghost tour. Transportation from Tartu and back is included in the tour price. Babelhouse tours are flexible and tailored according to the group's wishes and time constraints. During the tour, you can purchase local Peipsi onions, crafts, wine, and other souvenirs. The Onion Route tour is perfect for culture enthusiasts, foreign visitors, pre- and post-conference programs, and groups of friends who want to experience the authentic culture of the Old Believers together. Book your trip and enjoy an unforgettable day by Lake Peipsi!