Best of Sarande
Moderate Activity
Includes meal
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Archaeological Park of Butrint
One of the world's great cities is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates from the Greeks and Romans eras to the Byzantines and Venetians who abandoned the city in the 16th century. Set among 200 hectares (494 acres) and surrounded by lush green vegetation, the site is a sight to behold. Highlights include the Triangular Fortress constructed by the Venetians in the 13th and 14th centuries, the Temple of Asclepius erected by Romans in 3 B.C. and the 2 B.C. Roman amphitheater. A stroll to the top of the hill reveals views of a Venetian castle constructed around the 13th century.
Blue Eye Spring
Covering an area of 180 hectares (444 acres), the park is a lush landscape of palm trees, wild ferns and tropical plants, as well as dense, mountainous forest vegetation of oaks and sycamores. Set among this tropical-like environment are 18 very deep and cold natural freshwater springs. Described by Lonely Planet as "a hypnotic pool of deep blue water surrounded by electric-blue edges like the iris of an eye," the "Blue Eye" is a legendary spring where it was believed a twelve-headed dragon jealously guarded and held back the spring waters from the villagers.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
While visiting Butrint, be sure to focus your lens on the fine mosaics inside the circular 1,500-year-old baptistery. A stop at Lekuresi Castle offers commanding views sought after by photographers. Built in 1537 by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the castle's strategic hilltop location offered protection against the Venetians. Set 548 meters (1,800 feet) overlooking the town of Sarande, you have panoramic views of Corfu and Ksamil islands.
LUNCH
Relax with a light lunch at Foinike restaurant with a menu of tzatziki, a refreshing yogurt and cucumber dip; filo pastry filled with bacon and cheese, eggplant and zucchini and meatball, pork with potatoes, water, fruits, and one drink per person.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
The approximate 30-minute drive to the Archaeological Park of Butrint travels through quaint city streets and through the Albanian countryside.
Points of interest
Ancient Butrint
National Park of Blue Eye
Special Notes
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, bring Euros for purchases, hat, sunglasses, mosquito repellent. This tour includes moderate walking on different and uneven surfaces, including steps. Guests need to negotiate approximately 50 meters (164 feet) uphill from the parking place to the entrance to Lekuresi Castle.
This tour is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties or using mobility devices.
Exceptional Value
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Moderate Activity
Includes meal
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Archaeological Park of Butrint
One of the world's great cities is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates from the Greeks and Romans eras to the Byzantines and Venetians who abandoned the city in the 16th century. Set among 200 hectares (494 acres) and surrounded by lush green vegetation, the site is a sight to behold. Highlights include the Triangular Fortress constructed by the Venetians in the 13th and 14th centuries, the Temple of Asclepius erected by Romans in 3 B.C. and the 2 B.C. Roman amphitheater. A stroll to the top of the hill reveals views of a Venetian castle constructed around the 13th century.
Blue Eye Spring
Covering an area of 180 hectares (444 acres), the park is a lush landscape of palm trees, wild ferns and tropical plants, as well as dense, mountainous forest vegetation of oaks and sycamores. Set among this tropical-like environment are 18 very deep and cold natural freshwater springs. Described by Lonely Planet as "a hypnotic pool of deep blue water surrounded by electric-blue edges like the iris of an eye," the "Blue Eye" is a legendary spring where it was believed a twelve-headed dragon jealously guarded and held back the spring waters from the villagers.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
While visiting Butrint, be sure to focus your lens on the fine mosaics inside the circular 1,500-year-old baptistery. A stop at Lekuresi Castle offers commanding views sought after by photographers. Built in 1537 by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the castle's strategic hilltop location offered protection against the Venetians. Set 548 meters (1,800 feet) overlooking the town of Sarande, you have panoramic views of Corfu and Ksamil islands.
LUNCH
Relax with a light lunch at Foinike restaurant with a menu of tzatziki, a refreshing yogurt and cucumber dip; filo pastry filled with bacon and cheese, eggplant and zucchini and meatball, pork with potatoes, water, fruits, and one drink per person.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
The approximate 30-minute drive to the Archaeological Park of Butrint travels through quaint city streets and through the Albanian countryside.
Points of interest
Ancient Butrint
National Park of Blue Eye
Special Notes
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, bring Euros for purchases, hat, sunglasses, mosquito repellent. This tour includes moderate walking on different and uneven surfaces, including steps. Guests need to negotiate approximately 50 meters (164 feet) uphill from the parking place to the entrance to Lekuresi Castle.
This tour is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties or using mobility devices.