EXPLORE ESTONIA – Land of Fire and Ice

In a brand-new series of Bettany Hughes' Treasures of the World, historian Bettany Hughes turns her lens to one of Northern Europe's most intriguing destinations, Estonia, a land where ancient traditions, cutting-edge science, and the wild beauty of nature unite.

In the final episode of the series Estonia – Land of Fire and Ice, airing on Channel 4 at 7pm on Saturday 22nd November, discover how this small Baltic nation has long stood at the crossroads of cultures and civilisations, preserving stories that stretch back over ten millennia.

Bettany's journey begins in the southern city of Tartu, where archaeology and genetics have revealed a portrait of a prehistoric teen from a 10,000-year-old piece of chewed tar opening a window onto the lives of Estonia's earliest inhabitants.

From there, Bettany travels to the Setomaa region, home of the Seto people, an Orthodox community that maintains ancient pre-Christian beliefs. Immersing herself in their traditions, Bettany experiences a culture where meals are shared with ancestors and Christmas is celebrated in January highlighting Estonia's deep respect for heritage and connection.

Bettany goes onto explore Estonia's underwater archaeological treasures, from the remnants of a 16th-century shipwreck to a World War I vessel, shedding light on the nation's maritime past and its role in the wider currents of European history.

Her Estonian adventure concludes in the country's famed smoke saunas, where ancient rituals of cleansing and community are showcased. Here, Bettany reflects on the balance between fire and ice, nature and nurture, even sampling the local viper-infused spirit, a traditional tonic said to harness the power of the land itself.

Through stunning landscapes, intimate encounters, and extraordinary discoveries, Bettany Hughes' Treasures of the World: Estonia – Land of Fire and Ice celebrates a nation where the past and present continue to coexist in remarkable harmony.

Explore Estonia with Regent Holidays (www.regent-holidays.co.uk or 01174 530 511) twin centre holiday combining the two Estonian cities, Tallinn and Tartu, on this six-day tour from £885pp. Price based on two people sharing, includes four nights at the Nordic Hotel Forum in the centre of Tallinn and two nights at contemporary Hotel Lydia in Tartu's old town, both on a B&B basis, return flights from London to Tallinn, airport transfers and local bus or train between Tallinn and Tartu.

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For more information about Estonia please visit https://visitestonia.com/en

For media enquiries contact visitestonia@goshpr.co.uk