For more than 40 years this small Balkan country was sealed off from the rest of the world, now Albania is thriving with tourism. This is your opportunity to visit Saint Saranda City, a modern holiday resort with an optional visit to Butrint, designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
This tour includes:
For the more adventurous who enjoy a different experience, this is a one day tour to the fascinating country of Albania.
After our departure from the port of Corfu we sail along the Albanian coastline to the port of Saint Saranda. Once through passport control, the local guide will introduce you to the ancient city of Saint Saranda and it’s fascinating history that dates back to 520AD. Afterwards there will be plenty of free time to sightsee, shop, dine and swim at the town’s long sandy beach.
An additional guided tour is available for those who want to visit the famous archaeological site of Butrint.
A 20 km drive by coach through picturesque villages, along the interesting south coast of Albania, is Butrint. Designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 1997, the area is surrounded by a lagoon and is one of the most interesting archaeological sites in the region. Butrint is one of the best examples of a working Mediterranean town that had been covered by centuries of silt and dust.
The ancient city of Vouthrota is located at the edge of the lagoon. The site consists of well preserved archaeological monuments and an ancient theatre. Dating from the 3rd century the temple, with its enormous stone walls and stunning mosaic floor are impressive, there are Roman baths and an ancient gymnasium to view as well.
The castle of Ali Passa, a construction from the days of the Ottoman Empire, is on the topmost level of Vouthrota City. From the castle’s highest terrace, there is panoramic view of the ancient city, the lagoon and the vast plains beyond.
Upon returning to Saint Saranda, a buffet lunch will be served, this is included in the price of the Butrint tour. After lunch there will be enough time to stroll around the town, do some souvenir shopping or have a quick dip in the sea.
We recommend that whilst on the ferry to Albania, you purchase this optional tour.
The tour starting time depends on the resort you are staying in.
Please choose your pick up point in the reservation process in order to receive an exact pick-up time.
The ferry to Albania departs from Corfu Town’s port at 09.00 and returns at 19.00.
Return transfers from the port back to your resort start from 19.30 or as per instructions received at the time.
Please be at the chosen pick-up point at the time stated on your voucher. Look for a bus with the sign "IONIAN CRUISES" on the front window screen.
It is advisable to print your tour voucher however if you are unable to do so you can present yourself with a unique voucher number isntead.
Show your voucher or voucher number to the driver of the bus.
Give the voucher or show the voucher number once again to the ferry personnel. You do not need documents for your return journey.
If you are unsure of your pick-up point, choose the green option pick-up point. This is a central location in your resort.
If you cannot find the chosen pick-up point, or your bus is delayed for more than 15 minutes, please call us immediately at: +30 6945265048.
Do not assume that the tour is cancelled if the weather is not looking good on a day of the trip.
Always call the above number to ensure that the tour has been cancelled in order to receive the full refund. If you do not call us prior to your pick-up time, we will consider you as no-show and cancellation fees will apply.
We recommend that you enter your mobile phone number during the reservation process in order for us to contact you in case of any change or possible cancellation due to weather conditions or other reasons.
After the boat’s return to the port, look for the bus that is going back to your resort. When you reach your resort please tell the bus driver where you want him to stop.