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Beekeeping in Lithuania
Of all the insects existing on the Earth (about one million species) the bee is one of the most useful for the man. It collects honey – the most miraculous, healing and nutritious product of all
In lands immediately east of the Baltic, now Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, hive beekeeping followed on from tree beekeeping which had a very rich tradition in the region and it was in general similar to that in neighboring Poland and Russia. Separated logs containing bees were taken home and set upright near the house, and some logs were placed horizontally or sloping, as in Poland. In certain areas tree beekeeping continued until the mid-1800s and was not completely superseded by hive beekeeping until the 1900s.
In the Baltic States honeybees flew from Spain, when the last glacier moved over, 5,5-6 thousand years ago, at that date warmth lover plants have spread: lindens, poplars, and others have provided food and dwelling for bees. Even for primitive communities bees were known because of their specific products - provided honey and wax.
In Lithuanian mythology bees are called holy God bugs and their destruction is considered as a sin, for it you can be even punished. It was believed that bees choose the host by themselves, therefore, bees became the corporate property of the old beekeeper and homestead, where the cluster was created, and owners became friends. Thus began a beautiful friendship of man and bee, which gave the new noble word – “Bičiulis“ (friend).
There are approximately 3421 beekeepers in Lithuania who owe 41000 beehives. The average production of honey per beehive per year is 15 kg and the average honey price wholesale/retail is 3 / 5 US $.
We invite all the lovers of bees to try out our exciting beekeeping tour:
Day 1
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 Arrival in Vilnius. Transfer from the airport to hotel.
Acquaintance with the capital of Lithuania – Vilnius.
On request Vilnius city tour. City tour of Vilnius includes the Old Town (included into UNESCO Heritage list) with it’s main historical and architectural monuments: the Cathedral and University campus, the Gothic corner and the Dawn Gate, St. Peter and Paul’s Church and the Parliament. Overnight in Vilnius. |
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| Day 2 |
Day trip for firsts meetings with Lithuanian beekeepers in Dzukija National Park, located in Southern part of Lithuania, famous for wild forests, mushrooms and berries, authentic villages and friendliness of local people.
The first visit to the “Levo bites” bee-keeping farm. “Levo bitės” are family kept bee- keeping farm. The place is far from civilization, on the bank of the river Nemunas, close to the small historical town Merkinė. Beautiful untouched nature is perfect pasture for bees. Old traditional bee-keeping methods ensure ecological, clean and free from any additives honey and other bee products. First honey of the season is collected from spring blossoms of lawns, gardens and forests of National park. This sparkling light yellow honey is perfect source of natural vitamins, minerals, usually used to cover fresh honey hunger after a winter time.
Later drive to the Žališkė village. Homestead "Žališkė" is a grange located on the shore of the lake not far from the forest. There is an authentic apiary in the homestead. The owner A.Kliučinskas, who has been a beekeeper for many years, owns 13 beehives. Therefore, you will be able to try honey with honeycombs straight from the beehive and learn everything about bees and beekeeping. Another attraction is a beehive house – a specially equipped room with the atmosphere of the beehive. The owner claims, that the bees create a very special and healthy atmosphere inside the house. You will definitely feel the positive effect to your body and soul.
After all day exciting tour drive for overnight in Druskininkai – charming spa town. Enjoy yourself at spa or water amusement park.
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| Day 3 |
Morning drive to the apiary in Kruonis village. The “GTL apiary” is located in the very clean place - Nemunas river loop of KRUONIS - Darsūniškis. Here, in the forests, full of magnificent lime, raspberry, pine trees and millions of other medicinal and woody trees, shrubs, herbs, have long cherished tradition of beekeeping. The experience, descendible from generation to generation, advanced beekeeping methods enable to produce the highest quality real Lithuanian honey, a great therapeutic and nutritional properties of honey are appreciable in Lithuania through the ages. “Honey and bees are the reason for my good health. I’m seventy-two years old and I feel absolutely healthy, and have enough energy to do all my work. There was a time when my joints ached. Now I’ve even forgotten about them. You might always squeeze some little bee in the course of your work, and some angry bee might sting you. But the venom is the best medicine of all. I always have an alcohol-based solution of propolis around. If I get a bruise or something, I rub it on, and it goes away.” - says the apiary’s owner Gintautas Bloznelis. After interesting visit drive to Kaunas – second largest city and the capital of Lithuania between the World Wars for overnight.
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| Day 4 |
Day visit to the NEIN HONEY apiary in Aukstaitija region.
“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 NEIN HONEY is in a remote place near Kukiai forest glade in (the ethnic region of) Aukštaitija, Lithuania. This region is well-known for its tree-covered hills, dotted lakes and open-hearted people. In this marvelous scenery Lithuanian original honey is made.” – says the owner of the apiary NEIN HONEY. Overnight in a nearby homestead.
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| Day 5 |
After close acquaintance with beekeepers of various Lithuanian regions time to summarize all the things and visit museum of ancient beekeeping. 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. Wood carvings of native be e gods Babilas (a fat, hairy spirit) and the altogether more dainty Austėja (a bee goddess) make for great photographs. Indeed, the reason you’ll find many bee hives standing atop of trees was in theory to keep them as close as possible to these gods. Items of interest include an oak tree once worshipped by pagans, hilarious carvings, elaborate hives and a couple of ingeniously menacing anti-bear traps (think rusty spikes on springs). The woodland surrounding the museum is currently home to seven swarms of bees, and a short trail makes for a scenic and interesting walk. Guests are welcome to sample their honey at the end of their visit.
Drive back to Vilnius for overnight.
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| Day 6 |
Free time for independent activities, last minute shopping etc.
Transfer to the airport. Departure home.
Package price: 699 Euro per person
Package includes :
• Accommodation
• Buffet breakfasts & 3 lunches ;
• Honey with honeycombs straight from the beehive
• Learning about beekeeping
• Sightseeing as per itinerary ;
• Arrival and departure transfers;
• Car / coach and guides services ;
• Information package
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