Ancient Butrint Guaranteed excursion from Saranda

This tour starts in the city of Saranda, located on the coast in the southern part of Albania. It was named in honor of the Byzantine monastery of the Agioi Saranda (Forty Martyrs of Sebaste). The Venetians called it Santa Quaranta when they controlled it. During its annexation by the Italians in World War II, Saranda was renamed “Porto Edda” in honor of Mussolini’s daughters. Saranda is included in some cruise itineraries. This is a perfect shore excursion if your cruise includes this lovely destination.

After meeting the guide, you will travel approximately 45 minutes south of Saranda to the biggest and most important archaeological site in Albania: the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your first indication of the quality of a visit to this ancient site is the sign at the entrance. “The 69 Rules of Success at Butrint National Park: #1 Serve the visitor wholeheartedly. #2 The other 68 don’t matter.” This is evident throughout this well-cared for destination: walkways are clear, signage is in English and Albanian, and there are fascinating exhibits to see as you walk the paths.

Butrint National Park is the most excavated site in Albania. It was originally part of Illyria, an ancient kingdom ruled by Queen Teuta in the 3rd century B.C. She was famous for pirate raids and defying the Romans. Julius Caesar designated Butrint a Roman colonial city. Caesar Augustus later sponsored a major rebuilding; larger-than-life statues of his family can be seen in the theater. This theater has inscriptions from the 4th century B.C. when it was first built by the Greeks. It was later rebuilt in the Roman manner. As you walk through this National Park, you will travel through time, viewing Roman villas, beautiful and richly-colored mosaics, early Christian basilicas, and city walls and gates, all featuring a variety of architectural styles from across the centuries. It’s peaceful, full of history, and beautiful. A nearby lake is dotted with concrete pillars; mussels collect on these and are exported all over the world.

After visiting Ancient Butrint, you will travel to nearby Ksamil with free time for lunch. This small village is fast becoming known for its beautiful beaches, clear water, and fresh seafood.

Following lunch, you will travel approximately an hour through the Albanian Countryside to the Blue Eye, a beautiful natural wonder of swirling water that descends to unknown depths. This amazing natural spring is widely known for its beauty and the legend of its creation: a snake that ate women, children, sheep, shepherds, and crops was defeated by a farmer and his donkey. In the snake’s death throes, his big eye dropped in the spring and continues to cry today. There are tourist cabins, a dining area, a rushing river, and the Blue Eye itself. You will have time to explore the area.

Return to Saranda.