Saranda

What You Will See: -Mesopotam Monastery & St. Nicholas ChurchExplore a rare 11th-century medieval complex and discover the ancient Byzantine architecture and mysterious stone carvings of St. Nicholas Church. -The Blue Eye SpringWitness Albania’s famous natural wonder. See the breathtaking, crystal-clear turquoise waters bubbling from a deep, eye-shaped karst spring. -Lekuresi Castle (360° View)Enjoy spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of Saranda, the Ionian Sea, and Corfu Island from a historic 16th-century hilltop fortress.

Mesopotam

We depart from Saranda and head toward the village of Mesopotam, a quiet area known for its remarkable historical and religious heritage. Here we visit the Mesopotam Monastery, a fascinating complex that preserves centuries of history. Inside the monastery stands the Church of St. Nicholas, a rare and well-preserved Byzantine church distinguished by its unusual four-dome structure—considered unique in Albania and exceptionally rare even within the wider region. During the visit, there is time to explore the monastery ruins, admire the architecture, and step inside the church to experience its atmosphere firsthand. The site also offers an opportunity to reflect on the history of religion in the area, and how faith, tradition, and cultural influences have shaped life in this part of Albania over the centuries. The visit, including travel time and exploration on site, will last approximately 1 hour in total.