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Offered languages
- English
- Italian
Small grup tour with air conditioning minivan.This professional tour, specialized exclusively in the ancient religious heritage around Saranda, offers an in-depth exploration of Albania's unique interfaith harmony, visiting both Islamic and Byzantine Orthodox sites set in stunning natural landscapes. Led by our expert guide, you'll discover the Islamic Complex of Xhermehalla in Delvinë, the Gjin Aleksi Mosque with its impressive acoustics, the local Orthodox church in the village of Finiq, St. Nicholas Monastery in Mesopotam, and the panoramic ruins of the Monastery of the Forty Saints near Saranda. Together, these sites highlight the country’s long-standing religious tolerance and diversity. This dedicated focus on historic sacred places ensures a high-quality educational experience, with specialized interpretation and a thoughtfully curated itinerary free from unnecessary distractions.al experience with specialized interpretations and no unnecessary distractions.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We will pick you up at the arrival hall. The driver will be waiting for you with a sign with the lead traveler's name.
Saranda hidden stories on google maps. In front of alpet gas station. We will be waiting with a poster of their name
Itinerary
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1
We depart from Saranda in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan towards Delvinë, enjoying scenic views of the valley and surrounding mountains, while the professional guide offers an introductory overview of the region’s religious history and interfaith harmony. Upon arrival in Delvinë, we begin our visit directly at the Xhermehalla Islamic Complex. During the exploration of this 17th-century Ottoman complex, we visit the mosque, the türbe, the hammam, and the historic water source, gaining insight through the guide’s explanations into Ottoman influence, early urban planning, and the long-standing tradition of religious tolerance reflected in this site.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
2
Visit to the Gjin Aleksi Mosque in Rusan: We continue to the village of Rusan, near Delvinë, to visit the Gjin Aleksi Mosque, an important monument built in the 17th century. The mosque is distinguished by its unique acoustics and traditional architecture, while the peaceful natural surroundings create an atmosphere of reflection. During the visit, we learn about its historical and spiritual role within the local community, as well as the message of coexistence and religious harmony that has characterized the area for centuries.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
3
Discovery of the Orthodox Church in the village of Finiq: Our next stop is in the village of Finiq (outside the Archaeological Park of ancient Phoenice), where we visit a local medieval Orthodox church set within the village community. This visit highlights the area’s Byzantine heritage and offers insight into everyday religious life within picturesque rural landscapes.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
4
Exploration of the Monastery of St. Nicholas in Mesopotam: We continue to Mesopotam to visit the Monastery of St. Nicholas, a 13th-century Byzantine church-monastery distinguished by its unique architecture with two apses and restored frescoes. This visit illustrates the significance of Orthodox heritage in southern Albania, set within a serene landscape surrounded by olive groves and stunning natural scenery.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
5Monastery of 40 Saints
We conclude the historical part of the tour with a panoramic visit to the ruins of the Monastery of the Forty Saints, a 6th-century Byzantine site near Saranda that offers breathtaking views over the sea and is historically linked to the origin of the city’s name. To end the experience, we stop at a local spot near Saranda to enjoy freshly made byrek and refreshing dhallë, bringing the tour to a warm close with authentic flavors of Albanian cuisine.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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