KLAIPEDA, LITHUANIA

Lapiai village of 300 inhabitants is just 30 kilometres (18½ miles) to the east of Klaipeda, in a beautiful valley. 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.

Lapiai village of 300 inhabitants is just 30 kilometres (18½ miles) to the east of Klaipeda, in a beautiful valley. 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 talk to traditional folk like Povilas and Birute who live off the land using the old traditional ways and still use the old farming equipment pulled by a horse. The next stop is the home of their neighbour, a 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 out buildings and wander about the large garden. We will be served with drinks and light refreshments, and will be offered a taste of a locally made strong drink.

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.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC CRUISES