Discover the mysteries of the still unknown and fascinating country of Albania in a one day cruise from the port of Corfu. In this tour, you will have the choice to visit Butrint National Park and Museum, UNESCO Heritage-listed spot, and know many surprising things about this neighbor country.
After departing from the port of Corfu you will cruise along the Albanian shore sand before approaching the port of Agia Saranda, ‘the City of the Forty Saints’. Once passports are checked you will enjoy the mixture of old and new buildings. This town is held to be the site of Albania’s first synagogue, which was built between the 4th/5th centuries. There are also traces from the Ottomans, and also the ancient medieval roads. The center and the beach area have been recently renovated and are really charming and comfortable to stay at. Stroll around the small streets or just have a seat, relax, and enjoy some drinks while admiring the Ionian Sea and Corfu in the background.
The optional guided tour to Butrint explores the old history of the country while visiting an amazing archeological site, located in a National Park of great beauty. Greek, Roman, and Venetian remains are found in this spot. We highly recommend this tour option.
The first stop of the tour will take place at a local cafe, with a beautiful view of the town and its port. After this stop, the bus will drive you until the National Park.
Over the centuries, the ancient town of Butrint had disappeared under layers of silt and vegetation – but archaeologists uncovered one of the best remains of a working town in the Mediterranean. At the edge of the lake where the ancient city of Vouthrota is situated, with its well maintained archaeological monuments and ancient theatre, and here the visitor is taken thousands of years back in time: the ancient gymnasium, the Roman buildings, the old temple with the priceless mosaic floor, and also the enormous stone walls surrendering the old acropolis (which date from the 7th century BC), will take you back in time. Upon reaching the top of the hill lies the castle of Ali Passa, an oddment of the Ottoman Empire, from where you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Ancient city, the lake, and the vast plains, a breathtaking sight of the National Park.
Once we return to the city of Agia Saranda lunch will be served. The afternoon allows for a tour of the town until our departure at around 18:00.
The guided tour will be in English every day, in German every day except Saturday, in French every day except Sunday and in Russian every Friday.
The optional tour includes:
- The coaches from Saranda port to Butrint and return.
- The entrance to archeological monuments.
- The guided tour in English and in German that will last 1 hour and 20 minutes on foot.
- Lunch at the restaurant in Saranda City.
Languages on Board:
- Thursday: English- German- French
- Saturday: English- French
- Sunday: English- German- Russian- Polish
