Hafen
Klaipeda

Ride a ferry across the lagoon that separates Klaipeda from the Curonian Spit, where you will bicycle along its sand dunes and discover how this rare ecosystem has been preserved.

After departing from the pier on a bicycle, you will soon board the ferry that crosses the lagoon to the Curonian Spit, a sand dune peninsula that has been inhabited since prehistoric times. UNESCO declared the spit a World Heritage site because its lagoon settlements reveal how humans have adapted to the ever-changing environment over the centuries.

Once you disembark from the ferry, you will bicycle to Hagen’s Dunes, where a stone obelisk commemorates the work of 19th-century Prussian physicist Ludwig Hagen. He is credited with preventing the dunes’ erosion by planting native flora. From the bicycle trail that winds through the dunes, you will enjoy a panoramic view of Klaipeda across the lagoon.

The trail continues through a forest, parts of which Hagen planted, and on to a beautiful beach where you will pause to rest for a few minutes. There is a beach café nearby where you might purchase refreshments. Later, you will bicycle past 19th-century Nerija Fort, a six-sided defensive complex that now houses a maritime museum and aquarium.

Time permitting, you will pause for photos one last time at the breakwater before retracing your route back to Klaipeda. During free time in popular Theatre Square in the compact Old Town, be sure to notice the German-style architecture. It reflects the influence of Germany on Klaipeda, which was founded in 1252 around a castle that Teutonic knights built.

OVERVIEW

Learn to prepare a traditional Lithuanian dish in a hands-on cooking class and enjoy a selection of beers after touring the brewery that produced them. After a brief but enlightening drive through Klaipeda, you will meet the chef at an esteemed culinary studio. While enjoying an iconic summer appetizer of pink beet soup – served refreshingly cold – the chef will regale you with stories about the roots of Lithuanian cuisine. You will then learn how to make authentic potato pancakes, a flavorful crispy dish topped with sour cream, applesauce or perhaps a concoction that the chef has in mind. After sampling this freshly prepared treat, you will head for Svyturys Brewery for an inspiring tour and another tasting. Svyturys brewed its first beer in 1794 and has since become a beloved brand. The esteemed brewery offers a remarkable variety of beers that includes hefeweizen, dortmunder, German-style bock and Scottish ale.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Participate in a hands-on cooking class and learn to prepare Lithuanian-style potato pancakes.
• Enjoy an appetizer of cold pink beet soup before dining on the freshly made potato pancakes.
• Tour Svyturys Brewery, an iconic Lithuanian brand dating to 1794.
• Sample a selection of the brewery’s most popular and representative beers.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Drive through the central part of Klaipeda to the resort town of Palanga. A stroll through the Botanical Park leads you to the 19th-century Neo-Renaissance-styled mansion that houses the biggest Amber Museum in the Baltics. During your visit, the Amber Museum will reveal the marvel of its Baltic gold; amber's origins, places where it can be found, and amber processing and jewelry-making. You will also have an opportunity to stroll through the gardens, and see the swans and other birds in the ponds, on the way back to your coach. Every visitor to Palanga is drawn to Palanga's Basanavicius Promenade. Cafes, bars and restaurants line both sides of the street as well as many souvenir stalls. You will have a little free time here to enjoy this pedestrian precinct and its lively atmosphere. Enjoy an orientation walk through the narrow streets of Klaipeda’s Old Town. See the old Fachwerk construction buildings, along with the houses where shoemakers, blacksmiths, bakers and other craftsmen lived. Stop at Theater Square where you’ll find a symbol of romantic love and the story behind it; the sculpture of Annchen from Tharau adorns the fountain. Then, you will have a few minutes of free time before returning to your ship or you may also choose to stay in town and make your way back to the pier on your own.

Klaipeda's world of fairy tales and legends awaits your arrival during this scenic visit to the Black Shore, and Witches Hill.

A short drive through Klaipeda, then a 10-minute ferry ride across the Curonian lagoon takes you to the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which captivates visitors with its unique natural beauty. Your destination is the Black Shore, or Juodkrante, the oldest fishing village on the Curonian Spit. This picturesque village, now a resort, still retains its Old World charm. Drive by Amber Bay, a 19th-century amber-mining site, along with traditional fishermen's houses typically decorated.

The highlight of your visit to Juodkrante is Witches Hill, which features 80 sculptures carved from oak along the edge of a forest path. See the giant Neringa and Egle, the queen of grass-snakes, a dragon slain by the prince, the thunder, poacher and many witches performing their devilry. You will also hear some of the stories and legends related to them, and understand why Lithuania is renowned as Europe's last pagan state.

The stop in the town of Joudkrante, will also give you a chance to walk on the quay of the lagoon, decorated with modern sculptures or stop to see the Evangelical Lutheran Church and visit the gallery of weather vanes. In the 19th century, weather vanes were used as a special marking system on the top of the flat fishing boats, or kurenas. Later, they became particularly colorful and artistic symbols of the Curonian Spit.

On your return drive, stop for photos at the long honey colored shores which have been awarded the Blue Flag and are considered one of the best beaches of the Baltic Sea.

Explore the beauty and tragedy of Lithuania’s past and present during visits to Kretinga's Church of the Annunciation and monastery, and the historic mansion and museum of Count Tiskevicius. A scenic drive takes you to Kretinga, a quaint little town north of Klaipeda. Upon arrival, you will visit the 17th-century Church of the Annunciation. On the grounds surrounding the church lie the Stations of the Cross. You will visit the church, and explore the cellars below. The adjoining Franciscan monastery combines Renaissance and Baroque elements. The Franciscan friars, who lived in the monastery, made a great contribution to education in Lithuania. They opened the first school, and later began publishing books and newspapers. The Franciscan monastery was closed by the Tsarist government, and again later in Soviet times. After Lithuania's declaration of independence in 1992, the Franciscans returned again. Today, they look after the church, and hold heavily-attended services. One of the brothers will lead your tour of the church if they are not at prayer. Drive through the center of Kretinga en route to Count Tiskevicius' 19th-century estate. This historic mansion houses a museum displaying spiritual and cultural treasures of Kretinga. During your visit you will see a collection of Lithuanian wooden art and countless pieces of equipment used in authentic Lithuanian living. You You will also learn about a tragic period in Lithuania's history when thousands of people, including the Franciscan monks from the monastery, were deported to Siberia soon after the Soviet occupation in 1940. Today, the museum is also renowned for its beautiful winter garden, which showcases a wide variety of exotic plants from all over the world. Back in Klaipeda, enjoy an orientation drive before stopping in the Old Town for a stroll in the handicrafts and amber market.

Enjoy a tour that reveals Klaipeda’s history, including the years under Soviet rule, and then discover how fossilized amber has shaped the city’s fortunes. Pass several of Klaipeda’s architectural gems such as the Clock and Watch Museum, the neo-Gothic post office and a former military barracks that now houses Klaipeda University. Like the rest of Lithuania, Klaipeda was ruled by the Soviets from the end of World War II until 1991, when the country gained its independence. Drive through residential areas that the Soviets built. The scenery and guide’s commentary with offer great insight into the nearly 50 years that the Soviets controlled Lithuania. As influential as that period was, the production of items made with amber has also had a huge impact on Klaipeda. Since ancient times, this organic substance from pine trees has been used for medicinal purposes, as an ingredient in perfume and for jewelry. During a visit to an amber workshop, you will learn about the importance of this fossilized tree resin and see how natural amber turns into one-of-a-kind jewelry. Find out from the craftsmen themselves the remedial qualities of 50 million years old Baltic amber. Back in Old Town, you will visit the Amber Antiques Museum and sip a cup of herbal tea while listening to tales of the ancient amber trade route that passed nearby, stretching as far as Rome. Enjoy an orientation walk through the narrow streets of Klaipeda’s Old Town. See the old Fachwerk construction buildings, along with the houses where shoemakers, blacksmiths, bakers and other craftsmen lived. Stop at Theater Square where you’ll find a symbol of romantic love and the story behind it; the sculpture of Annchen from Tharau adorns the fountain.

Discover Lithuania's natural beauty, and the former nuclear threat imposed by its Soviet neighbors, during this visit to the Plokstine Forest and Soviet Nuclear Weapons Site.

A stark reminder of the Cold War, the Soviet Nuclear Weapons Site was constructed in Zemaitija National Park under great secrecy in 1960, and became operational in 1963. Soldiers working around-the-clock excavated the silos by hand. Four silos housed the R 12 surface-to-surface missiles. The nuclear missiles were targeted towards the biggest European cities, including Berlin, London, Madrid and Paris. From this very same site in 1962 similar missiles were deployed to Cuba, in what became known as the Cuban missile crisis. The Nuclear Weapons Site was closed in 1979, but four silos and the central control complex remain.

In sharp contrast to this apocalyptic site, the Plokstine Forest is filled with an abundance of scenic vistas, and you will stop to view the most beautiful sites of the national park, including the crystal-clear waters of Plateliai Lake, and three spectacular islands.

During your visit to the nuclear weapons site, you will follow your guide through the 88.5-foot-deep corridors, mineshaft and underground tunnels of this old Soviet launch site. Along the way, you will see some of the symbols of the Soviet Army, and have an opportunity to climb through the narrow hatch and view one of the silos.

On your way back to Klaipeda you will stop for a light lunch of traditional national dishes and a local beer, in authentic Lithuanian restaurant.

Enjoy a taste of Klaipeda's history and locally brewed beer during this walking tour of Old Town Klaipeda.

Old Town

Depart the pier via coach for the old town of Klaipeda passing through the city's modern areas to Old Town, home to buildings dating from the 18th century.

Your coach stops in Theatre Square in the heart of Old Klaipeda. Note the monument to love, the sculpture of Annchen from Tharau, a lovely, slightly mysterious statue of a timid girl. Walk along the narrow streets where craftsmen, shoemakers, blacksmiths and bakers used to live and trade.

Local Brewery & Snacks

Next, stop at a local restaurant to taste the world-famous locally brewed beer, called Lighthouse, or Svyturys. Accompanying your sample of beer is a selection of Lithuanian snacks, such as cheese and fried bread, along with other specialties.

Free Time

Following your snack, enjoy some free time for independent exploration or shopping before returning to the ship.

Explore Klaipeda Old Town and a unique place in Lithuania: the Curonian Spit National park.

Klaipeda Old Town

During your old town cycling tour you will see the Theatre Square with the famous sculpture of Anchen von Tharau, the Old Town with its reconstructed Yacht harbor, and the Dane River promenade.

Ferry Ride & Curonian Spit

After a short ferry ride to the Curonian Spit, cycle through the pine woods. En route you will admire beautiful sites like the harbor gate and its protection mole heading to the Baltic Sea for several kilometers, exposition of boats from ancient and soviet times, and ethnographic fisherman's household.

Local Snacks & Swim

Be on the lookout as you may have a chance to discover a piece of golden amber washed ashore, or swim in the Baltic Sea, try local snacks and drinks and from panoramic dune and enjoy the beautiful views of the Curonian Lagoon, the Baltic Sea and changing face of Klaipeda city with its modern skyscrapers.

Discover the flavours and charm of Klaipeda during this delightful, half-day walking and tasting excursion to the Old Town.

Klaipeda, Old Town, Guided Walking Tour, Memel Shipyard & Castle, Swing Bridge, Meridianas Ship

Depart the pier with your guide, a Klaipeda University city archaeologist and historian, for a narrated sightseeing and tasting tour of Klaipeda’s Old Town on-foot. Along the way, stroll by renowned local landmarks associated with the city’s maritime heritage. Included are the former Memel Shipyard, Swing Bridge, Memel Castle and grounds, old warehouses, and the famous symbol of Klaipeda City, the tall ship, Meridianas.

Tastings of Local Specialities, Cheese Fingers at the Senamiestis Café, Herring at Etno Dvaras

Next, savour the flavours of delicious local specialities during tastings at local eateries. First, stop by the Senamiestis café. Explore a local legend that Klaipeda was once saved by a cheese whilst in battle with the Swedes during a tasting of cheese fingers. Afterward, proceed on-foot to Etno Dvaras, a local venue known since ancient times as a gathering-place for sailors. Upon arrival, enjoy a tasting of another Klaipeda speciality, herring.

Meridianas Ship, Meridian Restaurant, Grog Tasting, Svyturys B-House, Beer Tastings w/Snacks

Your tour continues with a special visit to a beautiful, tall ship, the Meridianas. Embark the ship and proceed to the Meridian, the ship’s restaurant, for an opportunity to sample an exclusive sailor’s drink, grog, and learn about the history of the ship. Finally, no visit to the port of Klaipeda would be complete without a visit to the legendary Klaipeda brewery, the Svyturys B-House. This unique gastropub is located just behind the glass wall separating the pub from the brewery’s production room, and has the longest brewing history in Lithuania. Upon arrival, proceed for a tasting of five different types of beer accompanied by snacks. At the conclusion of your tour, commence the guided walk back to the pier.

Witches and devils, fairy-tales and legends! Visit an open-air park of wooden sculptures that depict famous Lithuanian legends and traditions. The Hill of Witches is a place where the mystical and the real world meet.

Juodkrante

Departing the pier by bus, catch a ferry in order to cross the Curonian Lagoon to arrive at the Curonian Isthmus, the beauty of such will surprise you.  Continuing on the travel to Juodkrante (Black Coast) to visit the famous Hill of Witches.  Juodkrante is a seaside resort which has retained its old charm with historical villas and cosy summer cottages.  Discover the important Amber Bay where they have been extracting amber since the 19th-century.  Modern sculptures decorate the edge of the lagoon.  Admire the traditional fisherman's houses from the 19th-century decorated with specific decorations.

Hill of Witches

Later on enter the Hill of Witches that relives the legends such as Neringa the giant, Queen of Serpants, the Dragon decapitated by a prince, the goblin, the Furtive Hunter and many other witches and devils who reveal their malevolent characters. This is a special place where the beautiful reality mixes with the mystical world, where the imagination soars and the creative powers too.

Dead Dunes

Before returning to Klaipeda by ferry see the Dead Dunes listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that have buried more than 10 villages, due to strong winds and constant movement of the dunes.

Upon arrival back to Klaipeda, take a short ride back to the pier.

Explore Klaipeda at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Klaipeda at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Immerse yourself in the captivating essence of Lithuania's coastal gem, Klaipeda, where nature's hidden wonders unfold and history whispers through cobblestone streets. This extraordinary journey takes you into the heart of Lithuanian countryside, where a family-owned apiary reveals the magical world of honeybees. Your experience begins with an illuminating presentation that unveils the intricate life of these remarkable pollinators. Learn about the complex social structure of bee colonies, the critical role of bees in environmental sustainability, and the ancient art of beekeeping.

Equipped with protective gear, you'll step into the apiary for an up-close observation of active hives, witnessing firsthand the intricate workings of these fascinating creatures. The journey continues with a delightful honey tasting, where you'll sample an array of floral varieties, each telling a unique story through its distinct flavor and texture. Fresh honeycomb, artisanal beeswax products, and honey-infused treats provide a sensory exploration of the beekeeper's craft.

Throughout the experience, you'll have the opportunity to engage directly with passionate local beekeepers, gaining insights into their way of life and the profound connection between human stewardship and nature's delicate ecosystem.

From the tranquil countryside, your adventure transforms as you return to Klaipeda, immersing yourself in the city's enchanting Old Town including the ruins of Klaipeda Castle, a 13^th-century fortress of the Teutonic Knights. This living canvas of architectural splendor bears witness to centuries of cultural transformation. Wandering through the charming quarter, you'll encounter the iconic Theater Square, crowned by the beloved statue of "Ann from Tharau," with the Simon Dach Fountain nearby telling its own poetic story. Half-timbered buildings showcase the city's Prussian and Scandinavian influences, while whimsical sculptures like the "Magic Mouse" and "The Black Ghost" add playful intrigue to the historical landscape, revealing Klaipeda's multicultural past and its significance as a former Hanseatic port.

Explore the iconic sites of Klaipeda’s Old Town and a former Soviet missile base-turned-Cold War Museum during this captivating, full-day sightseeing excursion with lunch.

Klaipeda, Zemaitija National Park, Former Soviet Missile Base

Dpart the pier for the scenic, approximately two-hour drive to Zemaitija, a national park in Lithuania. Zemaitija is located on the panoramic Samogitian Highlands, approximately 28 miles (about 45 kilometre) from the Baltic Sea. Upon arrival, take a guided and narrated walking tour of the Cold War Museum, which is located inside Zemaitija National Park.

Cold War Museum, Guided Walking Tour, Corridors, Operation & Generator Rooms, Mineshaft

The Cold War Museum is a former Soviet Missile base that was secretly built in the 1960s by the hands of Soviet soldiers. This mysterious site once housed four silos containing R-12 surface-to-surface missiles targeted at the biggest European cities, and was eventually closed in 1979. Recently, the base, with its corridors, operation rooms, generator room, and an impressive, approximately 88-foot-deep (about 27-metre-deep) mineshaft, was opened to the public as the Cold War Museum.

Lithuanian Lunch, Karcema Restaurant, Klaipeda’s Old Town, Orientation Drive

Following your captivating tour of the Cold War Museum, proceed for a Lithuanian lunch at Karcema, a traditional local restaurant. After lunch, re-board your coach and commence the picturesque, approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier. En route, your guide points out the essential local sites of this former German town, and Lithuania’s only seaport, during a short orientation drive through Klaipeda’s Old Town.

Discover the splendid history and natural beauty of Lithuania during this picturesque, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Klaipeda, Old Town, Drama Theatre and Square, Tall Ship Meridianas, Bronze Sculptures

Depart the pier for the short drive to Klaipeda, the oldest town in Lithuania, for a guided walking tour of the Old Town. Along the way, pass by the Drama Theatre and Square, tall ship Meridianas, and little bronze sculptures. From here, your guided stroll continues through the modern part of Klaipeda en route to the ferry station.

Ferry-Ride, Curonian Spit National Park, Great Dune, Pine Forests, Baltic Sea, Curonian Lagoon

Next, embark a ferry for the short ride to Curonian Spit National Park, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This unique, narrow peninsula with sand dunes and beautiful pine forests separates the Baltic Sea from the Curonian Lagoon. Upon arrival at the park, board a coach for a visit to the approximately 171-foot-high (about 52-metre-high) Great Dune, which offers magnificent panoramic views out to the dunes, Baltic Sea and Curonian Lagoon.

Nida, Lunch, Old Town, Fishermen's Cottages, Traditional Fishing Boats and Weathervanes

Leaving the Great Dune, re-board your coach and drive to the nearby small resort town of Nida, the central and oldest settlement in the area. Upon arrival, proceed for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, take a guided walking tour through the centre of Nida's Old Town. Along the way, see the old fishermen's cottages, traditional fishing boats and weathervanes that depict life in Neringa in bygone days. Following your walking tour, re-board your coach and return to the ferry for the ride back to Klaipeda. Upon arrival, board a coach for the short drive back to the pier.