KLAIPEDA, LITHUANIA

This tour combines the sites of the Old Town of Klaipeda, with the Botanical Park and the marvel of the Amber Museum in Palanga – with its exhibits of amber pieces, jewellery and decorations.

This tour combines the sites of the Old Town of Klaipeda, with the Botanical Park and the marvel of the Amber Museum in Palanga – with its exhibits of amber pieces, jewellery and decorations. Our tour starts in the Old Town of Klaipeda with a visit to the Theatre Square where we will see the “Taravos Anike” sculpture. We will walk along the narrow streets of the Old Town, seeing houses where craftsmen lived and enjoy old Fachwerk (half-timbered) buildings. We shall then drive towards Palanga, through the centre of Klaipeda. After approximately 40 minutes we shall arrive in Palanga and stop at the Botanical Park. In 1897 Count Felix Tiškevičius founded the park around the palace built in the same year. Around 500 different kinds of trees and bushes were brought to Palanga from Berlin, Königsberg and other European botanical gardens. Walking through the gardens with our guide, we will see many of the specimens as well as hopefully passing swans and ducks on the ponds. The 19th century Neo Renaissance style mansion now houses the Amber Museum, which was established in 1963. An interior visit will reveal the marvels of the Baltic gold, as it is known here. The exhibition fills 15 rooms and has approximately 4,500 pieces. We will learn of its origins, the places amber can be found and about the processing and jewellery making. After visiting the Amber Museum we shall have some free time at the Basanavicius promenade. Recently refurbished, it is now the pride of Palanga. There are cafes, bars and restaurants on both sides of the street and it leads on to the pier jutting out 470 metres (1542 feet) into the Baltic Sea. We will be able to enjoy this pedestrian precinct and its lovely atmosphere before we rejoin our coach and return to Klaipeda.

This tour is not suitable for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users, as the upper floor of the museum is inaccessible – there are 25 stairs and no lift. The tour of the Old Town covers approximately 300 metres (984 feet) of cobbled streets. The walk through the park to the Amber Museum will be approximately 500 metres (1,640 feet) on a hard gravel path. The tour may operate in reverse order. At the end of the tour we may have the option of staying in the Old Town and returning to the ship on our own, instead of returning straight to the ship with our guide – this would be at our own expense. Refreshments are not included but may be purchased during free time if desired.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC CRUISES