Tartu and Onion route
An unforgettable trip to Tartu and the Lake Peipus region!
Embark on a fascinating journey to Tartu, Estonia’s Capital of Culture, and discover the captivating Lake Peipus region, where history, local traditions, and unique landscapes intertwine. This trip offers the perfect combination of urban culture, local flavors, and fascinating history.
In Tartu, we’ll take a guided tour led by a local Finnish-speaking guide. We’ll also go on a day trip to the Lake Peipus region. The day trip takes us along the Onion Road, where local villages and farmsteads form a living cultural landscape. The day trip takes you deeper into the story of the Old Believers. They are a community representing an old branch of the Orthodox Church that fled Russia in the 17th century and settled on the shores of Lake Peipus. The excursion offers a rare opportunity to see and experience a culture found nowhere else in Northern Europe.
This trip offers you a deeper look into Estonia—a vibrant cultural city and a traditional lake region where time seems to have stood still.
The trip is organized in conjunction with a hotel stay in Tallinn: on the way there, some passengers will disembark to explore Tallinn on their own, and on the return trip, they will board the bus again in Tallinn.
Tartu and Onion route, June 1–4, 2026
- We’ll travel in comfort aboard a Matka Mäkelä bus
- A Matka Mäkelä bus and driver will be with you throughout the trip
- A tour guide will be available throughout the trip
- You can also hop on the bus at stops along the route by prior arrangement
- For ferry trips, we travel in deck-class seats on Tallink’s fast Shuttle ferries
- The ferry company’s fuel and emissions surcharges are included in the price
- For ferry trips, you can book a delicious buffet lunch for an additional fee
- 3 nights’ accommodation in a standard double room
- Hotel breakfast (3)
- Guided tours and admission fees as per the itinerary
- Lunch (2)
- Arrangement fees and VAT.
- You have the option to choose a room in the women’s or men’s section of the hotel
- You’re sure to find pleasant travel companions!
Date
- June 1–4, 2026, Mon–Thu
Trip price
- €569 / person / double room
Club Offer – €20/person valid until April 6, 2026!
Additional charges
- €32.55 per person for the buffet on the ship (one way)
- €83 per person for a single room supplement
- €20 per person for a Superior double room
- €20 per person for a guided tour of the Estonian National Museum (minimum 10 people required)
Schedule
Bus schedule for Monday, June 1
6:30 a.m. Jyväskylä, Travel Center charter bus platform
7:00 a.m. Petäjävesi, Kyläsepän piha
7:30 a.m. Keuruu, bus station
8:00 a.m. Mänttä, Ratakatu bus stop
9:45 a.m. Tampere, Lahdesjärvi ABC
12:15 p.m. Helsinki, West Terminal
Ferry schedule Mon, June 1 / Thu, June 4
Mon, June 1 Helsinki–Tallinn 1:30–3:30 p.m. / Megastar
Thu, June 4 Tallinn–Helsinki 1:30–3:30 p.m. / Mystar
Departure date:
- Monday, June 1, 2026
Reservations:
By April 28, 2026! The trip requires a minimum of 30 participants to take place.
Free cancellation:
Until April 28, 2026!
Club Mäkelä:
Read more about our club, Club Mäkelä, here! Joining is easy—you can even do it right when you make your reservation!
Preliminary itinerary
Monday, June 1, 2026
We’ll set off on Monday morning according to the schedule. We’ll make the ferry crossing comfortably on a Tallink high-speed ferry with deck seating. During the crossing, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a generous and delicious buffet meal for an additional fee. Upon arrival in Tallinn, the bus will drop off independent travelers heading to Tallinn at their hotel and continue on to Tartu. Upon arrival, check-in and free time in the evening.
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Breakfast is served from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. After breakfast, we’ll set out on a guided tour of Tartu led by a local Finnish-speaking guide. We’ll take a guided tour of Tartu, a city known for its university with over 380 years of history, its lush parks, and its vibrant culture. During the tour, you’ll stroll through the idyllic streets of the Old Town, admire the classical architecture, and hear fascinating stories about the city’s long history. We’ll explore the city’s main attractions both on foot and by bus. The guided tour offers an in-depth look at Tartu—a city that combines cutting-edge knowledge with the charm of history. During the day, we’ll enjoy a lunch included in the tour price.
After the Tartu tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city on your own or, for an additional fee, join a guided tour of the Estonian National Museum.
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Breakfast is served from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. After breakfast, we’ll set off on a guided day trip to the picturesque Lake Peipsi region, led by a local Finnish-speaking guide. The area is known for its peaceful atmosphere, onion fields, and the unique culture of the Old Believers. You’ll travel along Onion Road, which is particularly famous for its sweet onions, artisans, and local delicacies, as well as its colorful villages and small wooden houses.
During the day, you’ll also get to explore the history and culture of the Old Believers, which has remained touchingly authentic for centuries. You’ll hear stories about daily life and celebrations and learn about cultural traditions. If possible, we’ll also visit Alatskivi Castle.
During the day, we’ll enjoy lunch and afternoon coffee, both included in the tour price. Return to the hotel in the afternoon. The rest of the evening is free time.
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Breakfast is served from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. After breakfast, we’ll check out of our rooms and pack the car. We’ll drive to Tallinn, where we’ll pick up the Tallinn independent travelers. There will be time at the port to shop before the ferry departs for Helsinki. The Tallink ferry departs for Helsinki at 1:30 p.m. A delicious buffet meal is available on the ferry for an additional fee. Upon arrival in Helsinki, we will begin our return journey to Central Finland. The return trip will follow the same route as the outbound journey.
Accommodation
Hotel Dorpat*** is located 600 meters from the Old Town and just 50 meters from Tartu’s largest shopping center. The historic name Dorpat unites Tartu’s largest hotel, with 197 rooms, and a spacious à la carte restaurant. Modern interiors, professional service, and a convenient location make Dorpat an attractive destination for guests from near and far.
Standard rooms feature light, modern decor and offer views of the city or the Tasku shopping center. Room amenities include a television, wireless internet access, a telephone, a desk, blackout curtains, a hairdryer, and a shoe brush.
Travel documents
When traveling to Estonia, Finnish citizens must carry a passport or a photo ID card issued by the police.
Personal data provided for this trip will be transferred to partners and authorities essential for the completion and booking of the trip, both within the EU/EEA and to regions outside them. The processing of this data is subject to the principles of the EU General Data Protection Regulation. More information here.
