Albanian Adventure Day Trip from Corfu
Corfu, Greece
- 10 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Venture away from Corfu for the day on a full day excursion to neighboring Albania. Cruise to Sarandë, a resort town on the Albanian Riviera. The city is home to the site of Alabania's first synagogue, built in the 5th century. Tour the archeological relics, take photos in the horseshoe-shaped bay, do some duty-free shopping, and sample Albanian food in the town. An optional excursion to the ancient town of Butrint includes lunch.
- Day cruise to the Albanian Riviera
- Explore the scenic port town of Sarandë
- Sample Albanian food and culture
- Optional excursion to Butrint includes lunch
What's Included
- Round-trip shared transfer (if option selected)
- Round-trip boat to Sarande
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
- The Butrint Tour (if option selected)
- 20 Euro per person port fee (visa), payable at the port.
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Arranged start time
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
Select your preferred tour option to see hours.
Itinerary
1
Sarande
5 hours • Admission Ticket Free
2
Butrint National Park
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Sarande
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Adult pricing applies to all travelers.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Stroller accessible
- Passport name or identity card, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
- Service animals allowed
- You MUST confirm and obtain any visa requirements prior to border crossing if you are a non - EU citizens. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveller
- Subject to favourable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- Near public transportation
- 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.
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- Please provide your accommodation name if you choose to book the option with hotel transfer
- A 10 euro fee per person is obligatory before boarding and the payment must be done on board to the Albanian authorities.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
anne_r
This is an excellent excursion with a beautiful trip on the ferry across to Albania. The bus takes you to Burrint National Park and we had excellent guides who were most kind and informative. The Roman ruins are a must see. Afterwards we we enjoyed an exquisite lunch and then had some free time to strolli in town and enjoy dessert. Highly recommended tour.
We got lost from our guide after leaving the ferry but once we went to a tourist office every effort was made to quickly sort the problem. Sincere thanks to our guide and the lady in the tourist office in Albania.
Reviews
3.6
based on 38 reviews
Kristi_P, Sep 2025
Travel time to and from Albania (hotel transfer and boat) is quite extensive, 6 hrs total including immigration process. More time in Albania at Butrint and Sarande would have made this a 5 star. It was very well organized given all the logistics and the tour in Butrint was wonderful.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Dear guest,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience regarding the tour.
Your remarks will be taken into account!
Billy_M, Aug 2025
We were really looking forward to this trip, but I'm afraid I have to say it was a complete shambles from start to finish. Tour bus arrived almost 30 minutes late for our hotel pick up. Nobody from customer services answered the phone when we were calling to find out where the bus was.
We arrived at Corfu port and were left to get on with getting through customs ourselves and not as a group. Once through customs, we couldn't find our guide and wasn't sure whether we needed to board the ship or wait for them. We finally found them again once we decided to board.
Once on the ship, we paid a boarding fee of €80.00 for three of us. I paid this fee on card with one of the tour reps. We then went up to the snack bar upstairs and tried to order drinks for our young boy as it was 36 degree heat. We were told card is not accepted (even though I'd just paid one of their colleagues downstairs on card). In 2025, I would expect to be able to use my card to purchase food and drinks on this vessel.
We arrived in Sarande and boarded a hot bus and waited around for 20 minutes before departing for Butrint. The bus driver stalled when performing a hill start and almost crashed into a van behind us when the bus rolled backwards down the hill. The tour guide himself was a nice guy but god was his droning voice monotonous and boring. We would have much preferred to listen to music whilst stuck in traffic as opposed to irrelevant facts about Albania being blared out of the speakers and sending most guest to sleep, myself included.
Upon arrival to Burtrint, we started the tour of the ruins however, at this point everybody on the tour already looked fed up and was conscious of time, as we were also expected to have time to visit Sarande after the ruins and were already set back quite some time due to traffic and late arrival at the port. The tour was rushed in no way and again, was very boring and monotonous. The views and ruins themselves were nice, but the tour itself lost interest in all attendees by the looks of it.
Then came lunch... A wasp swarmed shambles of a restaurant where service was non-existent. We told or tour guide my wife was a veggie yet when we asked the waiters if we could have a menu or if there was a pre-selected meal, nobody could give us an answer and seemed quick to want to go elsewhere. We had to move inside as I'm allergic to wasp/bee stings and there was literally hundreds of wasps swarming plates of food outside and then inevitably, my wifes meal arrived with a lump of chicken slapped in the middle of the plate with stodgy rice on the side. She returned the meal and 5 minutes later the same plate was given back to her minus the chicken. She took a bite of the rice and then realised this had been cooked in chicken stock, so we abandoned all hope of having a nice meal and left for the coach. The waiter also disappeared for 10 minutes when taking my money for the bill after owing me €5.00 change. Our tour guide had to speak to the staff in order to get this back.
We boarded the bus and had to listen to another 40 minutes or pointless facts about Albania which had no relevance to the tour whatsover. We arrived at Sarande promenade at 2.31pm, and our boat back to Corfu was due to leave at 3.00pm. The walk to the port was around 20 minutes in the heat, so had no choice but to head straight to the dock and could not even pick up a fridge magnet on route.
We boarded the boat and again had to wait until back in Corfu until we could use our card to buy drinks.
All in all, what could have been a great day was ruined by poor organisation. It's a great shame as we were very much looking forward to this trip. I did request a refund and was granted this, which is the only silver lining of the trip.
Could be a great tour but needs better planning and organisation. Would also suggest adding some enthusiasm into the tours and also maybe just play some music when on the coach as opposed to boring and pointless facts being blared out of the speakers, sending most to sleep.
Robyn_P, Jun 2025
Interesting experience. Could do with maps for those not going to Butrint OK but would not go there again.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Dear guest,
Thank you for sharing your experience.
Howard_F, Jun 2025
The trip was well organized -- I had especially good help from Marita with arrangements -- and I really appreciated the informative, friendly guide we had to Butrint. The site was very interesting to see, the lunch was good, and it was a real treat in general to be in Albania. The country has a long way to go to appeal to Western tourists broadly but is making a good effort. Support for tourists to Butrint is an important aspect.
Sadie_D, Jun 2025
Got confirmation of trip. Waited at correct meeting point for over 30 minutes but bus never turned up. Was told when I called them that there had been a mix up and I wasnt going to be picked up.I had to reschedule for the next day which ruined the plans I had. Staff at hotel say they often do this when not enough people book, they cancel and don't inform you.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Dear Sadie,
Thank you for your feedback. We truly regret any inconvenience you experienced.
As discussed with you directly at the time of the incident, there was a misunderstanding regarding the pickup, for which we sincerely apologize. After speaking with you, we immediately offered a choice between a full refund or rescheduling the trip for the next day. You kindly chose to amend the booking, and we did our best to accommodate your plans accordingly.
We would like to clarify that the issue was due to a one-off mix-up with the transport schedule and not due to a lack of participants. We take such matters seriously and are addressing the situation internally to avoid any future recurrence.
Your experience is important to us, and we truly appreciate your understanding and patience. Should you need any further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sandra_J, May 2025
Whirlwind trip as ferry was late leaving, then unexpected road works delayed our arrival at Butrint National Park so felt quite rushed - would have loved longer as beautiful place.
Excellent guide.
Remember to take water as there’s a lot of walking and it’s needed.
Then taken for buffet lunch which was in a beautiful setting, food was okay but to be honest would have preferred to have gone straight onto Sarande - we ended up with only 55 minutes before having to
head back for the return ferry. Not long enough as looked like would have been a lively place to wander round.
Appreciate was not the organisers fault but almost an hour to get through passport control at Corfu Port was disappointing.
All in all enjoyed our trip and all the staff throughout the trip were lovely friendly and helpful.
Gina_B, Oct 2024
Have to be honest, a trip to Albania wasn't on our bucket list when we decided to holiday in Corfu, but it made a lovely day trip. The trip to the old roman and Greek city was excellent, it's a gorgeous spot and the guide knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The ferry trip was well organized, passport lines were not as long as I had feared reading other reviews and the system of having blue cards to get on and off the ferry and by pass Albanian passport control made the process simple. We had 90 mins for a stroll and ice cream at the port which was ample for a coffee by the sea and the required purchase of a fridge magnet. Recommended.
Rosemary_W, Oct 2024
Saranda was much nicer than we expected it to be! We had a lovely walk along the front and enjoyed seeing streets behind the front. We didn't do tour but found the full day here a very pleasant experience. Bus collected us exactly on time and dropped us at our door at the end of the day. Excellent service- thank you!
anne_r, Sep 2024
This is an excellent excursion with a beautiful trip on the ferry across to Albania. The bus takes you to Burrint National Park and we had excellent guides who were most kind and informative. The Roman ruins are a must see. Afterwards we we enjoyed an exquisite lunch and then had some free time to strolli in town and enjoy dessert. Highly recommended tour.
We got lost from our guide after leaving the ferry but once we went to a tourist office every effort was made to quickly sort the problem. Sincere thanks to our guide and the lady in the tourist office in Albania.
Lucie_P, Sep 2024
After several less positive experiences with local boat hires, this company was a very welcome find.
They charge less for 8 hours than other companies charge for 4. Petrol costs are transparent. The family are so welcoming.
We got the €115 boat and it was perfect. Comfy, fast and easy to drive. Best day of the trip
Gabriella_R, Aug 2024
The islands of Paxos and Anti Paxos are beautiful. The boat journey on the way there was calm albeit the music very loud. The boat journey on the way back was pretty terrible with the captain going in to swell on what seemed on purpose. Was also a 2 hour bus journey to the boat and then around 90 mins to the first island. So about 5 hours on the boat and 4 on the bus. So a long day!
Petar_M, Jul 2024
The Butrint tour was very interesting. Long waiting times in the harbour and on the bus transfer on the way back keep this from being a 5.
James_M, Jul 2024
The historic ruins were amazing - the lady tour guide with us was absolutely incredible, so so knowledgeable and genuinely friendly. Well worth it
Andrea_T, Jul 2024
Worst trip you can make, initially when you get on the boat they will ask for other 35 euros each for the experience, so the price you see on the app it’s only half of the cost, I’ve tried to tell it to the woman on the boat but she told me it’s not up to them because I’ve made the reservation with another tour operator (the one who is selling the trip on Viator’s app)
Then you will spend a lot of time on the boat and then on the bus, visiting Butrinto only 1 hour and half. The lunch is nice and then you have one hour to visit the city of Saranda. I don’t recommend this experience at all.
I’ve also just send the information to the Viator team because is a scam.
Laura_R, Jul 2024
Albania was never on my list of place to visit but I thought what the heck, it's only 45 minute ferry ride from Corfu. I'm so glad we went. What a Beautiful place. The tour to Burnit was well worth it. The ruins are in the trees so there is plenty of shade. The buffet lunch was excellent. This was a wonderful excursion.
Henry_A, Aug 2018
My wife and I were so disappointed with this tour operator Ionian Cruise! While onboard their bus from Albanian pier, we were told that our ticket doesnt include Butrint tour so one of the crew told us that we have to get off the bus! I just asked her to upgrade our ticket and I will pay the extra. But unfortunately, this tour doesnt accept credit card payment, only cash. So I was told that they will drop us to the ATM machine to get cash but I told her that my card will not be accepted in Albania as I wasnt able to report it to the bank. Then, I offered her that I will pay on our return back to Corfu. But she didnt agree so we have to get off the bus in the middle of nowhere! She just ruined our day in Albania! I dont think we deserve this kind of treatment! Whoever you are, it is your responsibility to make sure the guests of the tour are safe and happy! The cost of your tour doesnt cost a fortune! I have already shown my good faith of paying but you really don't care! We tourist have money to pay...
Response from Host, Aug 2018
TOUR OPERATOR COMMENT: Thank you for your feedback. We are very sorry for your experience. We have checked our records and unfortunately the tour you purchased was the trip to Albania with transfer, but not the optional tour to Butrint, as specified in your voucher (Tour Grade: Option 2). Nevertheless, we really wish you would have contacted us immediately so we could have worked to rectify this situation on-site, even if the driver could not personally accept payment. We are sorry to hear this affected your overall enjoyment of your time in Albania.
Cristina_C, Aug 2025
The journey itself was normal, ferry transfer to Albania. Hard to find in Corfu Harbour, little information. We have to request outside the entrance a boarding pass but we were not explained before. Still, I highly recommend it. Albania is more receptive to tourists, very friendly people where the viuda is cheaper. We can pay in euros and they give us the exchange in Leks, without having to change before. Restaurant with entrance and seafood dishes for two people around 20 euros. Shame I only stayed for a day
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Response from Host, Sep 2025
Dear guest,
Thank you for sharing in such detail your experience. We are glad you have enjoyed it and that you loved visiting Albania.
It has to be noted though, that you had received your boarding card via message at the Viator platform by our stuff the day before your tour as well as instructions on how to get to the international terminal for your check-in!
At any case, thanking for choosing travelco!
Maeva_T, Jul 2025
Have a nice butrint tour in English. Good guide
Meal included basic but correct
Transfer included
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Response from Host, Sep 2025
Dear guest,
Thank you for sharing your experience and for choosing us!
Juergen_S, Jun 2025
It all worked very well, from picking up at the hotel, to checking in, the bus ride under German travel accompaniment to the return journey.
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Response from Host, Sep 2025
Dear guest,
Thank you for sharing your experience. We are glad you have enjoyed the excursion and that everything was to your liking!
Pauline_T, Oct 2024
Saranda era molto bello ho passato un bel pomeriggio
Il lungomare pedonale e piena di ristoranti e bar..con prezzi molto ragionevoli
Ho pagato di più per essere presa dal mio albergo
Invece il giorno prima mi hanno detto che doveva raggiungere il pullman 20 minuti a piedi all'altro lato di benitses
Ho detto xk? Se dovete passare lo stesso avanti il mio.albergo..mi hanno risposto..e così!...bah
C'era solo io a benitses non c'erano altre persone per il prelievo..
Lily_B, Oct 2024
Albanie vraiment magnifique ! Butrint très intéressant. Le repas étais bon. Je recommande cette visite
Florian_V, Sep 2024
Très longue attente à la douane (embarquement/débarquement), mauvaise gestion administrative.
Attention taxes à régler sur le bateau supérieures à ce qui est décrit dans le descriptif de VIATOR.
Bateau de type ferry chargé "comme du bétail".
Excursion en elle même sans grand intérêt, déception de cette journée en Albanie.
Morgane_M, Jul 2024
Matinée traumatisant, Nous qui sommes français, et ne parlons pas très bien. L’anglais, nous avons été accueillie par les contrôleurs du port très aigri.
Puis, mener à un bateau très mal fichu
Nous avons quand même pu suivre un guide anglais à une visite historique avec pour la suite un buffet à volonté
Attention, il y est écrit qu’il ne faut payer que dix euros Le bateau, mais si vous voulez manger c’est 35€ par pers
Prévoir décalage horaire
Francesco_S, Jul 2024
Tour consigliato per chi volesse passare una giornata in pieno relax. si arriva nel porto di Saranda dove si sale su un bus si passa per ksamil e si arriva a Butrinto, parco archeologico nazionale. Panorama bellissimo. Molto brava la guida ''Spresa'' . Ben organizzato .
From $44.41
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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