Albania Cruise from Corfu
Description
Sail across the Ionian Sea to Saranda, Albania’s sun‑kissed coastal gem, and choose between two unforgettable ways to explore this fascinating land. Option 1: The Blue Eye & Saranda at Leisure Venture inland to the magical Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), where crystal‑clear sapphire waters bubble up from deep underground, surrounded by lush greenery. Soak in the colours, breathe in the tranquillity and capture stunning photos before returning to Saranda for relaxed free time along the lively seaside promenade. Option 2: Ancient Butrint & Saranda Walking Tour Step back through 2,500 years of history at Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary ruins – theatres, Roman baths, exquisite mosaics and a Venetian castle with sweeping views. Enjoy lunch back in Saranda, then discover the town on a guided walk. Two journeys, one captivating introduction to Albania
Tour Options
Itinerary
Saranda is a modern town on the south east coast of Albania. Saranda is situated in the Albanian Riviera, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque landscapes. When boat arrives in the port in case that clients do not get part to the optional tour to Butrint they can have free time for about 6 hours in town or to do their own program. Attractions: Beaches: Saranda is renowned for its beautiful beaches, including Mirror Beach, Pasqyra Beach, and Ksamil Beach, offering opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Lekuresi Castle: Perched on a hill overlooking the town, Lekuresi Castle offers panoramic views of Saranda and the surrounding area. It's a popular spot for visitors to enjoy sunset views. Blue Eye Spring: A natural spring located near Saranda, Blue Eye Spring is known for its crystal-clear blue waters and unique underwater features.
On supplement ( payable on the boat) is offered a guided tour from Saranta to Butrint by coach. Butrint is an ancient city located in present-day Albania, near the southernmost tip of the country, close to the city of Saranda. It was originally a Greek colony, later becoming a Roman city and eventually an important Byzantine city. Butrint is known for its archaeological significance, boasting ruins and structures dating back to various periods of history, including Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman periods. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its well-preserved remains, including a theater, temples, baths, an agora (marketplace), and defensive walls. Visitors to Butrint can explore the ancient city's streets, buildings, and monuments, gaining insight into its rich history and cultural significance. Later return in Saranda and q lunch is offered in restaurant.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
The pick-up service starts up to 90 minutes before the excursion, depending on the location of the accommodation, and is available only from the main tourist resorts, at specific pick-up points along the main roads. The accommodation details are requested only in order to identify the nearest available pick-up point. For isolated accommodations located far from the main road or outside the main resorts, private transportation can be arranged upon request.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Passport name, number, expiry date, date of birth. place of birth and country is required at time of booking for all participants
- A moderate amount of walking is involved ( aprox. 1hr20min)
- A minimum of 1 adult per booking is required
- Children or youngs under 18 year old must be accompanied by an adult and carry on with them travel permission from parents who are not take place on the trip
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- Guiding tours: Monday: English & German , Tuesday: English, German & French, Wednesday: English & German, Thusday: English, French & Italian, Friday: English, German & Russian, Saturday: English, German & French, Sunday: English, French & Italian
Reviews(156)
From pick up till we went home everything went smoothly. The guide was very knowledgeable and Albania was stunning. Would recommend.
Overall a good experience. Pick up was easy and on time (though I did have to email to get the time/location as hadn’t heard anything the night before). The trip was well organised and our guide for the blue eye was friendly and knowledgeable. Going as part of a group definitely makes the travel/port easier to navigate and gave us priority for the train at the blue eye. (I would not want to walk it so definitely get the train even if not part of a group!) then we had time in Sarande for a drink and wander before heading back to the ship just as a thunder storm rolled in! Overall would recommend especially for solo travellers and easy of travel to Albania!
They canceled our activity the day before, without reason…
It’s a really long day, and when it’s hot, it can be very tiring, but…the staff at Ionian were amazing! Great English and German explanations and we were very well looked after and everything was very well explained and smooth running.
You cannot swim in the river anymore or jump into the "Blue Eye". Make sure your pickup/ drop-off is from the right Hotel/pickup point you book. All said it was a very enjoyable day. Tour guide was very informative.
I would highly recommend this trip to Butrint. The guide was friendly and very knowledgeable. The archeological site is an amazing place and the lunch was both tasty and accommodated a large appetite like mine!
Viator has been our go-to for years but this time the tour from Corfu to Albania was disappointing. The times don’t include transfers which add 4 hours to the 8 hour trip. We were picked up at 0700 and returned at 1930. Coaches were tatty and uncomfortable with no seat belts. Ferries were basic with very limited refreshments. Many hours waiting and hanging around with the hidden extra expense of port tax £20 each. This made it a £200 plus day trip. The guides and drivers did their best but the groups were too large and it all felt like passing through a clanky old sausage machine, with sound track supplied by overtired kids and frustrated adults.
This day trip was a great way to see Albania. The ferry ride is short, and the group is divided into buses by language with a guide you spend the day with, so it felt like a smaller group.
Overall I would recommend this trip it was a great day out and Butrint is one of Albanias interesting historic sites. The only down side was the lack of directions at the port to find our ferry boat and the long queue to pay the Albanian ‘Tourist Tax’ actually on the boat The trip was well planned otherwise. The tour guides we met on the boat and accompanied us during the trip are very helpful and knowledgeable. The Butrint trip was lovely and the lunch was a really nice buffet in a restaurant right next to the archeological site. There isn’t a lot to say about Saranda, tourism has developed there over the past 10 years but it is still a working town with bars, restaurants and cafés with a few tourist shops scattered around the harbour. Had a nice coffee there and waited for the Ferry back to Corfu.
Arrived in Sarada Albania about 10 am from Corfu. Had breakfast at a local coffee shop. Spent the day by the beach then bit of shopping before getting the ferry back to Corfu. Well worth the visit .
