It's an easy ferry ride across the Gulf of Finland from Helsinki to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.

Its well-preserved medieval old town is one of the best in Europe.

These buildings that date from 15th, 16th century are still there for us to enjoy.

Coming up, Estonia expert Neil Taylor recommends what to see, do, taste, and understand about one of Europe's smaller countries, with one of its fastest growing economies.

He'll also explain why most Estonians would rather leave their years under Russian domination as a thing of the past.

They want the Soviet Union to be very much in the background.

Plus, Dave Carpenter helps us know what goes into the local beers of Europe,

like the stouts they favor in the Baltics and in Ireland.

So that's barley that's not been malted, but it's been roasted like coffee,

and that's what gives stout its dark color and kind of bittersweet taste.

Come along for the hour ahead. It's Travel with Rick Steves.

The Estonian's love of choir music

helped to bring about a mostly peaceful end

to the Soviet era in their country

with what we call the singing revolution.

In just a minute on Travel with Rick Steves, we'll hear how Estonia is coming along 35 years later. And save room for a well-deserved

pint as beer expert Dave Carpenter schools us on the variety of beers, ales, and loggers

that have their home in Europe and remain a flavorful part of the local identity.

As record crowds pack Europe's top destinations, savvy travelers are increasingly looking to break free

from the mobs and tucked away in the northeast corner of Europe. With just over a million people,

Estonia offers room to breathe, perhaps in a steam-filled sauna,

or wandering the back streets of its charming capital, Tallinn.

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