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Tartu > Tartu Tours > Day tour to Seto area
Day tour to Seto area
The day tour takes you to Setomaa - a wonderful border area between Estonia and Russia. The tour is a journey through the well-preserved traditional culture of the Seto people, enjoying the diverse nature, rich culture, intriguing history and the colorful local people.
Duration 8 hours
Private tour available in Estonian, English
Group tour pricing from 400 EUR per group
Highlights
OBINITSA MUSEUM: DRESS UP A S SETO
“SAATSE BOOT”: DRIVE THROUGH RUSSIA
SETO LEELO, THE TRADITIONAL POLYPHONIC SINGING
TRADITIONAL SETO FOOD AT ONE OF SETOMAA’S COZIEST DINING SPOTS
Description
Setomaa is located about 1 hour drive from Tartu and is thus a perfect day destination.
Setomaa, lying on the border of East and West, is the hidden cultural pearl of Estonia, and the whole Northern Europe. The conservative culture of Setos does not reveal itself on its own. Take some time and a local guide to really connect to the culture. Get to know the history and culture of Setos at the local farm museum. Drive through the “Saatse boot” – section of Russian Federation en route. No visa required! Meet a local entrepreneur who shares his story. Witness the transformation as a group member is dressed up in the Seto national costume at the Obinitsa museum or make yourself your own souvenir in block-printing technique. You'll also hear some Seto Leelo – the traditional polyphonic singing tradition of Setos that is enlisted on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. And of course, try some delicious traditional food!
Be mesmerized by the beauty of the traditional costumes and abundant silver jewelry of the Seto women, by the unique singing tradition, the hospitality of the locals and the intriguing history of the Seto people.
Setomaa, lying on the border of East and West, is the hidden cultural pearl of Estonia, and the whole Northern Europe. The conservative culture of Setos does not reveal itself on its own. Take some time and a local guide to really connect to the culture. Get to know the history and culture of Setos at the local farm museum. Drive through the “Saatse boot” – section of Russian Federation en route. No visa required! Meet a local entrepreneur who shares his story. Witness the transformation as a group member is dressed up in the Seto national costume at the Obinitsa museum or make yourself your own souvenir in block-printing technique. You'll also hear some Seto Leelo – the traditional polyphonic singing tradition of Setos that is enlisted on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. And of course, try some delicious traditional food!
Be mesmerized by the beauty of the traditional costumes and abundant silver jewelry of the Seto women, by the unique singing tradition, the hospitality of the locals and the intriguing history of the Seto people.
What’s included & not included
Enthusiastic local guide providing expert commentary
Entrances to and programs at the museums
Transport
Hotel pick up and drop off
Lunch - can be bought at the spot
Meeting point
Tartu
Helen Külvik