Daily Cruiser
For the more adventurous travellers seeking something out of the ordinary, we offer the following two-day cruise to the fascinating country of Albania.
Day 1
From the Port of Corfu, we follow the Albanian coast to the city port of Saranda. After a short coffee break in Saranda, a 20 km guided coach tour reveals the south coast’s virgin shores and scattered islands. Moving on from the mainland, we pass small picturesque villages and endless fertile plains that lead to a great lake.
The highlight of your day will be the excursion to Butrint – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Over the centuries, the ancient town had disappeared under layers of silt and vegetation, but archaeologists have since uncovered one of the best remains of a working town in the Mediterranean. At the edge of the lake is the ancient city of Vouthrota, whose well-maintained archaeological monuments and ancient theatre take visitors back 2,500 years to the 3rd century A.D. The Venetian Tower near to the entrance, the Temple of Asclepius, the ancient gymnasium, the Roman Baths, the Roman Baptistery with its priceless mosaic floor, the Lion gate, and the enormous Cyclopean walls will transport you to a time and place unrecognizable to modern man. At the top of the hill stands the Venetian Castle, whose panoramic view of the Ancient City, the lake and the vast plains below is truly breathtaking. Lunch is served upon our return to Saranda. The coffee break in the old castle of Licoursi, with its spectacular views over the city, is a must for any visitor. The afternoon allows for a walking tour of Saranda, as well as a chance to experience the plentiful cafeterias, bars, and seafood restaurants that line the promenade.
Day 2
Our second day is dedicated to exploring the ancient city of Gjirokastro. With a population of almost 30,000, the city extends along the slopes of Mali I Gjere, a mountain in the south of Albania. Gjirokastro’s name derives from both the princess Argiro and the castle, which is the symbol of the city. Built in the 4-5th century, the castle stands on a hill to the west side of the river Drino. Protected by seven towers, it was reconstructed by Ali Pasha Tepelena in 1811-12 and currently houses the Museum of Arms, which is included in our visit. Both the market in the main city and the shops inside the castle contain a range of souvenirs for you to purchase.
Situated between Tirana, the capital of Albania, and the city of Saranda, Gjirokastro is a small city with a distinctive architectural style. Established in the 13th century, the city went into decline in the 14th century and was conquered by the Turks. Located about 120 km from the capital, it is also known as the Stone Town. Since 1968, the National Traditional Festival has been held in Gjirokastro every five years, and many musicians and dancers from all over the country come to participate. Travelling by bus, our guides take us to the unique old fortress, the museum, the House of Hodsja and at a restaurant in the main square where we enjoy a tasty lunch. On the way back, we visit the magical Blue Eye – an underground spring more than 50 meters deep that creates a lake whose turquoise waters will fill you with feelings of energy and peace. In the afternoon we prepare to sail back to Corfu.
