Tour of Luke Manor and Park

During this Babelhouse tour, you will discover the beautiful Võrumaa region in South Estonia and the city of Võru. As part of the tour, we will visit Võru's central square, explore historical churches and other architectural monuments, and enjoy the city's popular cafés and eateries. We will try local delicacies at the Võru market, where you can also purchase handmade souvenirs. During the Babelhouse tour, we will explore Tamula Lake's promenade and visit the Kreutzwald Museum. Afterwards, the guide will take you to places in Võromaa such as Hinni Canyon, the Pähni Forest megaphones, and Metsavenna farm and dairy. Transport from Tartu and back is included in the tour price. Babelhouse guided tours are flexible and tailored according to the group's preferences and time constraints. Võru and Võromaa are perfect for culture enthusiasts, foreign visitors, pre- and post-conference programs, and groups of friends who want to enjoy South Estonia together. Book a trip and spend a wonderful day in Võru and Võromaa!

The multi-layered Onion Route near Lake Peipus is waiting for you!The Onion Route offers many adventures in the winter: *A tour at the Alatskivi Castle with the castle damsel; making a bag with the traditional woodblock printing technique at the castle's workshop, and tasting the local foods in the castle's restaurant;*Going on a journey of discovery on a local vehicle (karakat) meant for driving on ice on Lake Peipus or the swamps of Emajõe Suursoo, and having a picnic in the nature;*Going to a sauna tent or a plasticsauna, whichever you like, on Lake Peipus or the yard of Mesi Tare Home Accommocation at Varnja village.The price includes a guide and a day programme, prepared in accordance with your wishes.Wear warm clothes, bring your friends, and come discover the Onion Route!

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.

The uninhabited Salosaar is located in Lämmijärv, about 1.5 km from the mouth of River Võhandu. It is one of the thirty islands of Lake Peipus. The island is special thanks to its nature, history, and the fact that Lake Pskov starts at the eastern coast of the island. This means that during one trip, you can visit two lakes!The guided Robinsonade to Salosaar and back lasts for about two hours. During it, we will move on the lake with kicksleds and stop on the island. We will explore a colony of cormorants, take a look at Russia, see an old farm and the German line of defence, and admire the view from the high shore of the island.More information is available on our website.

What does life really look like in the Old Believers' villages by Lake Peipus? This question is answered by Mesi Tare's host, Marko, who takes guests on a walking tour through the historic village of Varnja. This is not a regular excursion but a personal, direct experience in which the village, its people, and their stories unfold through the eyes of a local resident. Marko has been connected to Peipsiveere all his life, and his stories are based on real experiences. He has worked as a border guard, been a fisherman and boat captain, and today he operates as a tourism entrepreneur. During the tour, Marko discusses the customs, architecture, and lifestyle of the Old Believers, as well as the importance of Lake Peipus for the local community. Walking tours are arranged by prior reservation and tailored to visitors' interests and schedules. In addition to Varnja village, you can explore Kolkja village and Kallaste town, each with its own character and story. If desired, the tour can be combined with a visit to the Varnja Samovar House.

Come and take a look at the one-storey classicist wooden building on the slope of Toomemägi in Tartu. Naturalist Karl Ernst von Baer used to live in the house from 1869 to 1896. The house was restored and turned into the Baer House Museum in 1976. The building currently belongs to the Estonian University of Life Sciences and houses the von Baer Natural History Centre.

Jõgewa Museum displays historical items that are mostly connected to the history of Jõgeva County; the general title of the exhibition is 'Jõgeva County's Local History 1900–1945'. A particularly interesting section of the exhibition features weapons used during WWII.Good to know: schools can organize history lessons on the museum premises.

Between Hellenurme, Elva, and Otepää, there is a unique opportunity to see Estonia's last historical water-powered flour and grist mill in operation – the Hellenurme Water Mill. Upon arrival, we explore the mill building and views over the mill pond to Hellenurme Manor, then we open the turbine, and the mill begins to work, powered by water. Through the mill's four floors, you can see, touch, and feel the power of the mill, and soon fresh flour and grist fall into the bag as in the old days. In the bread house, you can try breadmaking under the guidance of the Mill Mistress, honoring traditions and telling stories about bread and the wisdom of ancestors. In the bread trough, dough is kneaded from sourdough. Each guest molds their own little loaf from a dough ball, which the Mill Mistress throws into the large bread oven with an old bread peel. Soon, the bread house fills with the smell of bread, and each guest can take their loaf from the oven, which tastes warm and buttery like an unforgettable dessert! As writer Juhan Liiv wrote: "... warm bread – imagine!"