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(149)
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 .
Spoilt a little by the long queue at the beginning to pay the €20 port fee…….it would have been much better if that had been built into the overall price
We were not picked up on the day of booking and were not contacted either. After I spoke with the friendly support from Viator, they were able to arrange for us to take the tour the next day and actually be picked up. However, the event company completely failed on this Albania tour; there is little organization to be seen. One can be glad if they are picked up by the bus driver and actually make it back onto the bus that takes them back to the hotel, because whether everyone on the participant list is present seems to be of no concern to the bus driver, as he drives off randomly. During the tours and the boat trip, one always has to make sure to find the right group; information is only sparse. The time is also very tightly scheduled, as one tends to rush through everywhere. The tour guide who led us through Butrint and Saranda deserves great praise, as he was very competent and friendly. This review is not even worth 1 star, but unfortunately, one cannot give less. After all the waiting and being forgotten, the travel company did not even offer a small compensation, and our partial refund request was completely denied! We strongly advise others against this tour; it is better to book something else or this tour with another provider, but this one is catastrophic!!!
My partner and I had a great day in Albania. The beach resort town of Saranda was clean, had everything to offer, prices were good and all the people we talked to very polite. In the future we will plan a longer trip here. As an addition we also visited Butrint National Archaeological Park. Again we enjoyed this part of our trip. My rating would have been a 5 if the times in the Park and Saranda were more balanced 50/50. We felt a bit rushed in Saranda. Albania is a must visit destination.
The trip was very well organized. They will provide you with all the information and instructions during the cruise. Buses are waiting at the port to take you to Butrint. Then you will take a very well-commented tour, visiting all the important places. Finally, you will have lunch at a nearby restaurant. After returning, you will have time for a short tour of Saranda. On the way back, you will enjoy the beautiful views of Corfu and Albania.
Great day trip to Albania. Our guide Vela was excellent. She had amazing knowledge. Lunch was superb. The trip to Butrint was excellent plus we had spare time in Sarande. Well worth the money.
Dear guest, Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your day trip to Albania and that Vela made the experience even more special with her excellent knowledge. We’re also very happy that you loved the lunch, the visit to Butrint, and the free time in Sarandë. It’s great to know the tour felt well worth the money. We truly appreciate you choosing us and hope to welcome you again on another adventure.
We had a great day trip to Albania. Everything was well organised from hotel pick up & drop off to our guide in Albania. Everyone was very friendly & helpful. Definitely recommended this company.
hank you for sharing your experience. We’re pleased to know that everything ran smoothly and that our team—both the drivers and the guide in Albania—made your day enjoyable. Your recommendation means a lot to us.
