The Albanian Adventure – Lekouresi Castle

For the more adventurous ones, who wish to enjoy a different experience, the following one day cruise to the fascinating country of Albania is on offer.

The cruise

Departing from the port of Corfu you will travel along the Albanian coasts and you will approach the port of Ag. Saranda city.  Once your passports are checked, the local tourist guide will introduce you to the ancient city of Ag. Saranda.
An alternative which is highly recommended is an optional guided tour for those who wish to enjoy a 20km tour by coach on the south coast, with it’s virgin shores and scattered islands to Butrint and then Koursi castle.

The trip

Moving on from the mainland you will pass small picturesque villages, endless fertile plains leading to a great lake.
The highlight of your day will be the arrival at Butrint – designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 1997.
Over the centuries, the ancient town had disappeared, under layers of silt and vegetation – but archaeologists have uncovered one of the best remaining of a working town in the Mediterranean. At the edge of the lake where the ancient city of Vouthrota is situated, with it’s well maintained archaeological monuments and ancient theatre, the visitor is taken 2500 years back in time to the 3rd century A.D. The ancient gymnasium, the Roman ablutions, the ancient temple with the priceless mosaic floor and the enormous stone walls will take you back to a time not known to man. Upon reaching the top of the hill, lies the castle of Ali Pasha, an oddment of the Ottoman Empire. From this position we have a panoramic view of the Ancient City, the lake and the vast plains, a breathtaking sight.
Upon your return to the city of Ag. Saranda the pre- arranged and paid for lunch is served. (This has to be arranged on board prior to the arrival in Ag. Saranda).
After your meal, we head to the last destination which is the Lekouresi castle. A visit to this site will enchant you with its strategically important position.

Lekouresi Castle or Lykoursi is a ruined castle in the area of ​​the same name, near the Ionian Sea coast of southern Albania. The castle is located in a hilly strategic position overlooking the present-day town of Ag. Saranda and is located south-east of the center of the latter. From there, it is possible for someone to have control over both the city and the islands.
This castle was built in 1537 by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent who had attacked Corfu and needed to control the port of Ag. Saranda, as well as the road that connected it with Butrinti (Vouthroto).

After this visit you will be returned in Ag. Saranda for a short tour around the town, shop local products or relax, until your departure from the land caught up in time.

The tour in short words

09:00 departure from port of Corfu
10:15 arrival at port of Ag.Saranda
20 minutes for coffee in the town of Saranda.
1 hour and 20 minutes visit at the archaeological site of Butrint (guided)
1 hour for lunch in Saranda
1 hour visit at Lekouresi Castle

1 hour free time in the town of Saranda
Approx. at 18:30 return in Corfu and then by coach to resort

Needed items

Passport or identity card, photo- or video camera, glasses, hat, comfortable shoes, carry with you a small bottle of water for the tour to archaeological monuments. Duty Free is available.

Cruise days

The cruise runs every: Wednesday (As from 1/5/22) –  SATURDAY  – SUNDAY (As from 1/5/22)

Booking Information needed

Specifically for Albania, all guests have to provide the following details well in advance, in order their VISA to be pre-arranged. Additionally, all travellers have to have their passports with them on the travelling day, otherwise they won’t be let get in the coach.
1.- SURNAME and GIVEN NAME
2.- FATHER’S NAME
3.- NATIONALITY
4.- PASSPORT Number
5.- DATE OF BIRTH
6.- PLACE OF BIRTH
7.- OCCUPATION
Without the above information we will be unable to book you on the cruise.

Cost per person

The trip (including coach transfers from resort to resort) = 30,00 Euro
The trip without transfers = 26.00 Euro
The guided tour in Albania (lunch, transport and museum tickets are included) = 25,00 Euro (Payable on board)
Port Taxes =  10,00 Euro

NOTE: Prior to embarkation the 10,00 Euro fee for the port expenses have to be paid to the hostess on board.

The arrangements

The sooner you decide to join the cruise the better it is, provided that seats on the boat are limited. Just text or call Eos Travel at Tel.: 0030 26630 91044 Fax: 0030 26630 91112 Mob.: 0030 6956 204 488 at least 24 hours prior to the travelling day.