Hafen
Saranda

Lekuresi Castle

Depart the pier for the approximately 15-minute transfer to Lekuresi Castle. With its strategic location overlooking the harbour of Sarande and protecting the road to Butrint, this castle was of great importance to Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. While much of it has been damaged by weather and war, it has been revived for tourists to enjoy its unmatched views overlooking the harbour - which, if conditions permit, may provide views of your Silversea ship.

Folk Performance

Inside Lekuresi Castle, a restaurant has been retro-fitted into the original structure. Here, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy refreshments and a local Albanian folk performance. At the conclusion of the performance, guests will re-board the coaches for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive through the Albanian countryside en-route to the Mesopotami Church.

Mesopotami Church

Dating back to the 13^th century CE and rebuilt in the 17^th, this church has long been renowned for its bas-relief depictions of mythical creatures. A quick stop is made here as guides lead the group around the exterior of the monastery, taking in all the sculptures and the theories behind them.

Blue Eye Spring

Re-board the coaches for a drive through mountainous landscapes to the Blue Eye Spring. After approx. 20 minutes walk, the spring appears as a shallow stream tucked into the lush Albanian forest. Upon closer inspection, guests will see that the river is fed by a subterranean spring that bubbles up perfectly-clear water from over 50 metres (164  feet) below. This pure, untouched water creates the illusion of being shallow due to its unique clarity and high visibility. It is said that these waters were so cherished that during Communist times, only ruling party members were able to bathe in the spring.

After approximately 30 minutes at the spring, re-board the coaches for the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore the culture and flavours of historic Albania during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Saranda, Lekuresi Hilltop and Castle, Panoramic Views, Albanian Folkloric & Dancing Performance

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Lekuresi Hilltop and a visit to the 17th-century Lekuresi Castle, which offers panoramic views of the vast field of Vourgu, Butrint Lake, the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, and island of Corfu. Upon arrival, enjoy a refreshment whilst taking in a performance of Albanian folkloric music and dancing.

Ksamil Village, Orange and Olive Trees, Mosques, Churches, Sea Views, Cruise Ships

Next, re-board your coach and head to Ksamil. This village is renowned for its orange and olive trees, as well as the many mosques and churches that were built next to one another. Many believe this proves that a variety of people with different religious backgrounds lived together in harmony. Upon arrival, a photo stop is made for splendid views of cruise ships and other vessels sailing the sea.

Livia Restaurant, Vivari Channel, Butrint Estuary and Lake, Ionian Sea, Mussel Recipe Tasting

Leaving Ksamil Village, re-board your coach and continue on towards the archaeological site of Butrint. En route, see the beautiful surrounding estuary that offers the ideal growing conditions for mussels. A stop is made at Livia, a restaurant overlooking the Vivari Channel, a natural connection between Butrint Lake and the Ionian Sea. Upon arrival, meet the hotel's chef and observe a demonstration of how to cook and prepare a delicious recipe made with the famous local mussels. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Leave the pier with your jeep and driver and after 50 minutes head to your first destination, The Waterfall of Borsh.

Waterfall of Borsh

From the mountains there is a water stream flowing down with a small waterfall in the centre of the village. From the Spring of Borsh (Ixuari i Borshit) the water is actually flowing under a restaurant where you can sit outside and enjoy a coffee or a drink and watch the water stream underneath.

Piluri Village, Local Lunch

We leave from Borsh and we continue to Piluri, known as the Coastal Balcony. The village of Piluri is part of the municipality of Himara and has a population of more than 500 inhabitants but most of them immigrated in different cities and countries, so now it's no more than 50.

We have here 30 minutes to explore the old village before proceeding to a local restaurant for a buffet lunch consisting of different dishes like Roast lamp, tomatoes salad, cheese, salce kosi (traditional yoghurt sauce), potatoes, different grilled vegetables, traditional meatballs, traditional Albanian donuts along with a glass of wine and a glass of traditional drink Raki.

Porto Palermo

After Lunch your jeep tour continues to the Castle of Porto Palermo. Locals say that this is the gift of Ali Pasha to his unique love, VasilikI, but this is not confirmed. There take 60 minutes to explore the Castle and to take fantastic photos from the breathtaking view.

Re-board your jeep and commence the 75-minute drive to the pier

Dive into the food and history of Albania during this half-day cultural tour.

Lekuresi Castle

Depart the pier for the approximately 15-minute transfer to Lekuresi Castle. With its strategic location overlooking the harbour of Sarande and protecting the road to Butrint, this castle was of great importance to Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. While much of the castle has been damaged by war and weather, it was revived for tourists to enjoy its unmatched views overlooking the harbour - which, if conditions permit, may provide views of your Silversea vessel.

Folk Performance

Inside Lekuresi Castle, a restaurant has been retro-fitted into the original structure. Here, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy refreshments and a local Albanian folk performance. At the conclusion of the performance, guests will re-board the coaches for the scenic, approximately 25-minute drive through the Albanian countryside en-route to a local winery.

Winery

Upon arrival in the small local village of Vrioni, a guide will lead guests to a local winery to learn about the process of making wines and Raki, the local drink of choice. Afterward, a wine tasting will commence and be accompanied with an array of local snacks.

Sarande

At the conclusion of the tasting, re-board the coaches for the last stop of the day - the city of Sarande. Enjoy an orientation to this waterfront Albanian city, followed by a walking tour to the local sights, including ruins of the Synagogue complex, dating back to the 5th century CE.

Explore Sarande at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Sarande at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Sarande at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Sarande at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore ancient Greek ruins and marvellous mosaics during this half-day tour to the ancient city of Butrint.

Butrint National Park

Depart the pier for the approximately 45-minute drive to Butrint National Park. Dating back to the 3rd century BCE, these ruins remained uncovered until 1928 when they were discovered by Italian archaeologists. Experts spent years uncovering the secrets of Butrint, or Buthrotum as it is known in Latin and English. Once undiscovered, these ruins are now known for being one of the best-preserved examples of an ancient Greek working town.

Guided Tour of Butrint & Museum

Upon arrival, local guides will lead you through the ruins, explaining the fascinating and advanced systems the ancient Greeks utilized to bring them modern-day conveniences, like running water. Guests will have the opportunity to see the public baths, Theatre of Butrint, and Lion Gate acropolis.

The highlight of the tour is getting up close with ancient Greek mosaics. Expertly laid out by hand and crafted with tiny shards of multi-coloured glass, these colourful masterpieces provide us with the best-preserved examples of Ancient Greek art.

Refreshments will be served before boarding the coaches for the approximately 45-minute transfer back to the pier.

Enjoy a rare glimpse into a well-preserved Ottoman town during this half-day tour to the medieval city of Gjirokastra.

Refreshments

Depart the pier for the approximately 100-minute drive through the Albanian countryside. Upon arrival in Gjirokastra, guides will lead guests to a local restaurant for refreshments and a restroom break.

Gjirokastra Fortress

Guests will board local taxis to take them uphill to the historic fortress of Gjirokastra - one of the best-preserved sites in Albania. This imposing and well-positioned fortress has protected the city for over 700 years. Here, guides will lead guests through the castle, explaining the various changes and renovations it has undergone through the centuries. From the vantage point of 336 metres (1,102 feet), panoramic views of the surrounding area can provide an aerial orientation to this historic city.

Old Town Gjirokastra & Bazaar

Following your tour through the Castle of Gjirokastra, guests will depart on-foot heading downhill to explore the charming cobbled streets of the protected medieval centre. Here, time is made to bring guests through the Old Bazaar, dating back to the 17th century CE. Along the way, be sure to admire the antique Ottoman architecture at one of the 500+ historically-protected homes in the centre.

At the conclusion of the walking tour, re-board the coaches for the approximately 90-minute return trip to the pier.