Vezaiciai village is just 30 kilometres (18½ miles) to the east of Klaipeda. In the 19th century building which now houses the Village Cultural Centre, we will be able to see displays depicting various aspects of village life and children’s artwork. We will also learn about the soviet period when thousands of Lithuanians were deported to Siberia, meet the village women who came back and hear about the resistance movement in Lithuania.

A picturesque drive along the Minijos River leads to the neighbouring village of Lapiai. We will drive through the main street of the village and see the houses and apartments, which were built during Soviet times to house the workers of the collective farm. We will learn about village life in the days of the collective farm and how it has changed since Lithuania regained its independence in 1990. The younger generation of Lapiai is changing from farming to country tourism, which is becoming very popular with holidaymakers who are nature lovers and want to spend their leisure time in peace and tranquillity. In the valley below we can see a traditional farmstead where people who live off the land using the old traditional ways still use the old farming equipment pulled by a horse.

We will then stop at the home of the former British defence attaché in Lithuania, who now lives in the village. We can listen to stories of his life as a bomber pilot in the Royal Air Force and his time as a Defence Attaché in Cold War Moscow and Lithuania. We will be able to visit the refurbished old house, built in 1926, and the original outbuildings and wander about the large garden. We will be served with homemade wine and cake, and will be offered a taste of a locally made strong drink.

We shall return to Klaipeda and stop in the Old Town, where we can browse the Amber Market before returning to our ship.

TOUR NOTES: This tour requires minimum walking but, as most of it is over uneven grassy surfaces, passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users would need assistance. The amount of walking at each stop is at passengers’ own discretion. Please note that the driving time to and from the village will be approximately 40 minutes. Due to the narrow country lanes, coaches are restricted but we should be able to stagger departure times to allow access for more passengers.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2009 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC CRUISES