If you fancy a day exploring the countryside then it's worth taking a day/half day excursion to Kallaste. You won't find this on any tourist trail and will need to rely on public transport to get you there. Kallaste is located on the shores of Lake Peipsi about 1 hour North East of Tartu and is an Old Believers settlement. The locals are mainly of Russian extraction and very few speak English. The village is tiny and although there is no main attraction, the most important thing is to wander through the quiet streets which are lined with wooden houses and soak up the fresh air and rustic charm. Don't be put off by locals stopping and staring - they really aren't used to tourists venturing out here - this makes it feel even more special without being threatening. When we visited it was early July and the weather was very hot. Much of the day was spent on the deserted red sandy beach by the lakeside sunbathing or swimming. The only folks around were a handful of locals and one or two fishermen who appeared to be having a bath in the lake. The beach is bordered by low sandstone cliffs full of nesting swallows and this makes it secluded and private.
From journal Tartu - The Real Estonian City