Wakacje Saranda - holidays and trips

Land of the Eagles, Land of Openly-Speaking People – these are names, which Albanians use when speaking of their beautiful motherland. Magnificent monuments, mountains, beaches, lakes, Mediterranean climate and the hospitality of inhabitants are the main reasons why tourists more and more often visit this small country, looking for new and authentic places to discover.

Albania, situated by two seas: Adriatic and Ionian Sea, one of few countries in Europe that still astonishes with its authenticity. Long years of isolation have preserved its unique atmosphere. There is no mass tourism here yet, but more and more often those who find the world interesting come. The great climate, monuments, and cuisine are the advantages of Albania. This dynamically developing country has many sides to it. You can find laden donkeys, as well as luxurious Mercedes cars in the streets, there are multi-star hotels along with abandoned bunkers from the times of the Enver Hoxha regime. Albanians are people attached to their culture, who uphold traditions, and at the same time they have a positive attitude towards tourists. Few of them speak foreign languages, so you have to prepare for problems with communication. The place where fascination with Albania often begins is Saranda - the capital of the Albanian Riviera, the most famous resort, once available only for dignitaries. There are many reasons Firstly, location. Saranda is situated in the south of the country, by the Ionian Sea, close to the border with Greece and opposite Corfu, which is just a short catamaran cruise away. Wonderful climate provides about 290 sunny days a year, and temperatures in the summer rarely exceed 30 degrees. Summer evenings are very pleasant and encourage walks. The beautiful seaside boardwalk with palm trees constitutes the centre of the resort and is an ideal place for it. There are many little shops, restaurants and... a typical holiday atmosphere. For little money you can have a delicious coffee or try byrek - a traditional Albanian snack, a kind of dumpling stuffed with spinach, cheese or meat. Saranda, like all of Albania, is developing. Together with the increasing interest of tourists, many new hotels and houses are being built, also outside the city centre. Along the seaside boardwalk there are beaches - mostly shingle, quite narrow with a view of Corfu island. Saranda has a long history, reaching as far as the Illyrians and Romans, in the vicinity there are many interesting places to visit. The most famous is Butrint - located less than twenty kilometers from the excavation centre of the ancient city, which is on the UNESCO List.

Gjirokastër — transfer to Gjirokastër, a UNESCO-listed "museum-city" where Enver Hoxha was born. The city is built on a hill slope and is famous for its characteristic narrow stone streets. The programme includes: visiting the fortress, the Museum of Military, the Ethnographic Museum - the house where Enver Hoxha was born. Free time. Price - approx. 40 EUR (includes: transfer via air-conditioned coach, pilot/guide care, entry tickets to visited sites).

Butrinti and Ksamil — a trip to the city of Butrinti, which is on the UNESCO List. Sightseeing: The Sanctuary of Asclepius, The Baptistery, The Lion Gate, The Acropolis. A trip to Ksamil - the crown jewel of Albanian nature, famous for its beautiful, clean beaches. Over two hours of free time on the beach and visiting the city. Day trip. Price - approx. 25 EUR (includes transfer via air-conditioned coach, pilot /guide care, entry tickets to visited sites).

Albanian Riviera — a trip along the coast from Saranda in the direction of Himarë, during which you can explore the beauty of the Albanian coast. Stop for coffee in Borsh and visiting Porto Palermo Castle, built by Ali Pasha for his wife, Vassiliki. Stop for a swim in Lamanji near Himarë. Free time for lunch (extra charge). A ride to the hill in Saranda to the Castle of Lëkursi with its beautiful view of the Saranda surroundings. Day trip. Price - approx. 45 EUR (includes transfer via air-conditioned coach, pilot /guide care, entry tickets to visited sites).

Albanian Folklore Evening — depart late afternoon to the Albanian village Karahaj, where a dinner will take place in a specially prepared restaurant Fenike with local specialties and wine, accompanied by typical music and dances. Price - approx. 30 EUR (includes dinner and wine).

Blue Eye and Castle of Lëkursi — transfer to the Castle of Lëkursi, towering over Saranda, with a beautiful view of the whole area. Then a visit to springs called the "Blue Eye", one of the largest nature attraction of the region. Free time for bathing and relaxing under old plane trees. Transfer to the winery and regional specialties tasting. Price - approx. 25 EUR (includes transfer via air-conditioned coach, pilot/guide care, entry tickets to visited sites, tasting).

Local excursions are organized by local travel agencies under the conditions fixed by them. It's possible to disorganize trips due to low number of applicants.