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Beekeeping is a cornerstone of Lithuanian and Baltic culture. Since long time, beekeeper was one of most respectable person in a village (had same level as a priest). In the Lithuanian language, the bee is held in as high esteem as the human, unlike other species: the word for death for bees is the same as the word for death for humans (although there is a different word for death for animals and insect species), the colony is called family and the queen is called motinele (little mother). Come and learn about Lithuanian and Baltics beekeeping.

Itinerary

Arrival to Vilnius. Private transfer to the hotel. Welcome dinner & meeting representatives of Lithuanian Beekeeping Association. Learn about Lithuanian beekeeping situation while tasting traditional food and special drink - mead. Overnight in 3* Rinno hotel or similar.

Morning city tour of UNESCO listed Vilnius Old Town ( 3 h.). Lunch &

meeting representatives of Lithuania's Apiterapy Association. It unites therapists, psychiatrist and different profile doctors, who use honey and other bee products for cure, prophylaxis, strenghtening immunity. Trip to Dzūkija National Park with en route stop in Trakai. Trakai is the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Visit the 15th century Insular Trakai Castle housing an exhibition on prehistoric findings and the 17-18th century applied art, the way of life of the

Lithuanian Grand Dukes, and the Karaites, brought to Lithuania from the Crimea.

Afterwards continue to Musteika village, where you will learn about wild beekeeping ( in tree hives): techniques, tools and will walk 1,5 km wild beekeeping path. Trip to Lithuanian SPA resort ruskininkai. Dinner at the hotel and overnight. 4* hotel Best Western or similar.

Morning departure from Druskininkai. First stop at Vytautas

Markisius apiary. He has around 20 beehives. His bee farm is

certified as exceptional quality farm, producing real Lithuanian Honey of high quality. Afterwards - proceed to ethnographic museum in Rumsiskes to participate in candle making workshop with en route stop in Prienai to visit the biggest beekeeping store in the Baltics - Wilara. Dinner and overnight in Anyksciai, 4* hotel Vilnius SPA Sana or similar.

Morning departure to Aukstaitija National park, called Venice of Lithuania. Visit the most beautiful places - Paluse, Ladaklanis, Ginuciai museum of ancient beekeeping in Stripekiai. Founded by Bronius Kazlas in 1974 the beekeeping museum is one of the oddest things you’ll ever come across. Attracting around 10,000 visitors annually the museum, situated in a rustic cottage, depicts the art of bee-keeping throughout the ages, as well as exploring its spiritual links. The role bees have played in ancient mythology are well presented with displays detailing their part in ancient Egyptian, Native American and pagan Lithuanian culture. Afterwards to NINE HONEY apiary in Juodupe. . “A person's life is like a bee's way. In the childhood we are looked after by our parents and loved by them, later we live separated from our parents and take the responsibility of ours. We start our career, work long hours as a honeybee does and make our homes as bees living in the hives. Old apiarists respect and treat bees like a human being. The first bee-hive in our family was made a decade ago. This occupation becomes like a hobby to our family. At the beginning, only our family used honey as a sweet, delicious, natural product and a remedy too. Later a lot of people became interested in our honey and today we have many clients. Our apiary NINE HONEY is in a remote place near Kukiai

forest glade in (the ethnic region of) Aukštaitija, Lithuania. This area

is well-known for its tree-covered hills, dotted lakes and open-hearted people. In this marvelous scenery Lithuanian original honey is made.” – says theowner of the apiary NINE HONEY. Travel to Pakruojis Manor for dinner and overnight in 3* hotel "Stadala".

Morning departure from Jelgavahe – center of Latvia's agriculture and

town where Latvia's Beekeeper's Association is placed. Meeting with

it's representatives. Lunch. Later proceed to Padure to visit Latvia's

beekeeping museum and apiary – "Medulāji". Afternoon departure

to the capital city - Riga. Riga Old Town tour (2,5 h). Dinner and

overnight at 3* hotel Konventa Seta or similar.

Morning departure to Sejas to visit Bath house/ Sauna museum and

apiary. Learn about inportant feature of Latvia's culture - saunas:

buildings, activities, meaning. The owners also work with modern

polystyrene beehives. Later on travel to Gauja National Park. Stops

at main atractions - Sigulda and Turaida castle. Lunch. Afterwards

– visit Kalnu Medus apiary and get introduced to young and

enthusiastic beekeeper - Sandris Akmans. Dinner and overnight in

Cesis - the heart of Gauja National park. 3* hotel Kolonna or similar.

Morning departure to Alfalfa apiary, which has around 120 beehives, keeps Italian bees and has a island mating station for queens. Later continue to the biggest apiary in Estonia - Kumalane in Laane village. They have around 1000 beehives. Last, but not least - Olustvere school, where they teach beekeeping to students. Every year around 25 people will get to know more about beekeeping. Studies last about 1 year. They have Honey house with modern beekeeping technology. Accommodation in nearby guesthouse or mannor.

Morning departure to Paradiisi mesila – one of the most populaar

beekeeping shop in Estonia & apiary of 500 beehives. Lunch. Later

proceed to the capital city - Tallinn and have a 3 h city tour. Dinner.

Overnight in 3* hotel Tatari or similar.

Private transfer to the airport. Departure.

Notes