FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Strolling Through Tallinn

by Rina Nehdar

Oct 8, 2019

PHOTO: © RINA NEHDAR

October 2019

ESTONIA IS A LOVER, not a fighter. Over its 800 years of existence, except for a few notable instances of resistance, it largely assimilated into the culture of its conquering nations. Perhaps that’s why its Old Town is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. Even if you’re not into all that touristy stuff, you’ll still want to walk through the two ivory towers of Viru Gate, where traders and kings once passed, into the walled, cobble- stone streets of Old Town Tallinn, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You’ll stroll by neatly lined, pastel-hued homes with pulleys mounted just below the ridge of gabled roofs, once used to hoist salt and other merchandise for storage above the living quarters. Imposing churches — some with ornate circus-like domes, some with ominous turrets — hide tales of scandal and treachery behind their magnificence. Viru Street leads to Town Hall Square, boasting the best-preserved Gothic town hall in Northern Europe. Today Tallinn Town Hall hosts concerts in the summer and one of Europe’s best Christmas markets. Across the square sits Tallinn City Pharmacy, the longest-operating pharmacy in Europe. Though its exact opening date is unclear, records show the pharmacy had its third owner by 1422 and once sold mummy juice, burned bees and stallion hooves to cure ailments. Some ancient remedies are still on display. According to legend, it also offered the best marzipan — an almond paste and sugar concoction — along the Hanseatic trading route. But today’s must-stop for marzipan is the oldest operating café in Old Town Tallinn, Café Maiasmokk, Estonian for “sweet tooth” and definitely deserving of the name.

Farther from this Tallinn of the past lies a newer section of the city, Telliskivi Loomelinnak, or Creative City. Once an austere train repair yard, it was reborn in 2007, after the demise of the Soviet Union. Telliskivi, now a hip zone, features street art, after-hours DJs, liba- tions and milling 20-somethings. Dine on the roof of the photography museum, Fotografiska; grab a craft beer from the nearly 100 available at Pudel Bar; or come back during the day to shop in one of the local artists’ studios.

No longer content to linger in days gone by, Tallinn is moving on.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
December 2023
Dec 5, 2023

Stylish Slice: Linger Awhile in Tokyo’s Tiny, Laid-Back Daikanyama

Think of Tokyo and your mind may wander to the neon signs and bustling crowds of Shibuya and Shinjuku, or the tranquility of the Meiji Jingu shrine, but this huge city offers much to those who explore away from the main tourist areas.

IHG® Business Edge: A Better Way to Travel

Many small- and medium-sized businesses face time and budget constraints when organizing corporate hotel travel for employees. To address this problem, IHG® Business Edge emerged as a cost-free business travel solution for small- to medium-sized enterprises, offering travel managers exclusive access to enticing perks, handpicked educational resources and comprehensive company travel metrics. IHG Business Edge connects our loyal customers to our portfolio of 5,800 hotels and resorts across 18 brands in more than 100 countries.

Daily
Dec 5, 2023

4 Car-Focused Destinations to Drive the Imagination

Automotive museums of all sizes will always capture the imaginations of car and racing aficionados. However, the best deliver a lot of substance beyond the machine itself. Some place an emphasis on science and technology or history, while others display iconic cars from film and television. Museums established and operated by the world’s top automakers (think Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Porsche in Germany, and Toyota, Honda and Nissan in Japan) have built-in followings.

Daily
Dec 5, 2023

Pullman Hotel and Conference Center Opens in Sydney’s Penrith Suburb

Accor hotel group’s new 153-room Pullman Sydney Penrith property,  part of Western Sydney Conference Centre, opened in August 2023, and features Penrith's first 5-star hotel; a spacious conference and events space; a wellness and fitness center; and the upscale, European-inspired Marcel Bar and Bistro.

Fill Your Heart with Ireland

Whether it's the people, the craic (fun) or the coasts, travelers always find something to love about the island of Ireland. What fills your heart?

Daily
Dec 5, 2023

There’s More Than One Reason to Make Denmark Your Must-Visit Destination for 2024

A country already renowned for its rich cultural heritage and ever-growing culinary scene, Denmark holds much in store for travelers and locals alike in 2024. From new flights further connecting the country with the United States to culinary events to the unveiling of iconic buildings, here’s what to expect in 2024:

Daily
Dec 4, 2023

Stocking Stuffers for Your Favorite Vagabonds

Looking for fun things to stuff into the toe of a few holiday stockings? Here are some great choices:

Reconnecting the World: GBTA Convention 2023 Spotlights the Vital Role of Business Travel and In-Person Connection

In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention remains an indispensable platform for business travel industry professionals seeking to make the most of the power of face-to-face connections. Taking place August 13–15 in Dallas, the 2023 GBTA Convention provides the unique opportunity for professionals and companies to join visionaries, thought leaders and industry experts for meaningful networking, cutting-edge insights and inspiring innovation.

Destinations / North America
Dec 4, 2023

6 U.S. Christmas Markets to See on Your Travels

It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these U.S. Christmas markets with us.