Klaipeda County

Lithuania Minor or Prussian Lithuania is a historical ethnographic region of Lithuania. This region has different traditions as it was influenced by the Teutonic Order, the Duchy of Prussia, and the German Empire. The wheel of history has turned, but signs of the times remain. This is where the best shipbuilders and net weavers live; this is where the most fish are caught, and the best fish soup is made. In this private tour, you can taste the most authentic local bites of the traditional and modern Lithuanian cuisine and discover culture of the unique Lithuania Minor region. On the way to Vente Cape (from Klaipeda) we will cross 25 km long ‘Klaipeda (Wilhelm) Channel' dig by French prisoners (1863-1873). In an hour we will stop at the fishing village of Dreverna and enter the Jonas Gižas Ethnographic Homestead to learn about boat-making and fishing traditions. You will see a historical exposition of the shipwright as well enjoy vetrunge (weathervane) painting workshop where you get to know the story of weathervane – a unique example of ancient Lithuanian fishermen carving and Baltic folk art, which has no analogues in the world! In the small vessel harbour of Dreverna you can view the area washed by the lagoon and the Nagliai Nature Reserve from a 15-metre observation tower and taste apple cheese - soft, fragrant and sweet delicacy from the 17th century that neither children nor adults can resist. On the way to Vente we will stop at a small boutique winery “Memel wine” where exceptional quality, handcrafted, limited edition wine is made under the old traditional recipe inherited from grandparents. During the tour you will be given an opportunity to meet the vintner and get a closer knowledge of the wine making process, taste all the varieties of the Memel Wine products that are made from quinces, apples and berries. From here we will drive to a unique location on the Lithuanian shoreline Vente Cape which is more kingdom of birds than of people. After establishing the Ventė Cape ornithological station, one of the first and the biggest bird catching and ringing base in Europe, approximately 60,000 – 80,000 birds are caught in the largest in the world bird traps and ringed per year. Some ringed birds were caught again even in Egypt, Iran and South Africa! In addition, you will be able to admire the beautiful landscape which opens from the observation deck of the unique old lighthouse located there. If there are no clouds, you can see the shores of Curonian Spit and Nemunas Delta. Something that everyone loves is the fresh fish dishes. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste our magic fish in one of the family restaurants along the route. And of course, what are the Lithuanians without rye bread? Enjoy the famous fried rye bread with garlic, freshly prepared for you by my Mum, along the way back to Klaipeda. We will end your tour in Klaipeda Old Town. Private tour option can be altered according to your preferences. If you have 2 more hours, there is a possibility to enjoy the peaceful feeling of floating through the air in Aukstumala Raised Bog Educational Trail that has been constructed along the 2 km kulgrinda – an ancient secret underwater road of stones that went through the swamps in the 18th century. I am waiting to give you the most amazing private food and culture experience in Lithuania Minor.

Dreverna

stop at the fishing village of Dreverna and enter the Jonas Gižas Ethnographic Homestead to learn about boat-making and fishing traditions. You will see a historical exposition of the shipwright as well enjoy vetrunge (weathervane) painting workshop where you get to know the story of weathervane – a unique example of ancient Lithuanian fishermen carving and Baltic folk art, which has no analogues in the world! In the small vessel harbour of Dreverna you can view the area washed by the lagoon and the Nagliai Nature Reserve from a 15-metre observation tower and taste apple cheese - soft, fragrant and sweet delicacy from the 17th century that neither children nor adults can resist.