Traditional Albania
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Port
Sarande, Albania
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$74.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
A scenic drive brings you to Lekuresi Castle. The castle, built in 1537 by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, is located on a strategic hill overlooking the town of Saranda. Great views of Corfu and Ksamil islands dominate the landscape.
You will stop at the Mesopotamian Monastery, currently under restoration but nonetheless a fascinating attraction. View the exterior and take photos of this fine example of a fortified Byzantine 12th-century monastery.
Relax over a snack at Foenike restaurant, along with a demonstration of traditional Albanian folklore.
Heading back to Saranda, you will see the archaeological site of the ancient Illyrian city of Onchesmos -- an important port in the 1st century BC. In the 4th century AD, the town was fortified and today the excavated remains of dwellings, water cisterns and an early Christian Basilica (complete with beautiful multicolored floor mosaic) are evident. Also of interest are the ruins of an early Christian Monastery dedicated to the Forty Saints, from which the modern name of Saranda is derived.
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes.