Butrint National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site

Butrint National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site

One of the original founders of the Butrint National Park, Mr. Auron Tare, is your expert guide that will lead you on the discovery of this ancient city. Butrint is a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE site possessing over 3,000 years of astonishing history revealed to you by a renowned historian, journalist, and cultural heritage expert at Albania’s most magical archaeological site in the country.

Your panoramic drive will take you to the World Heritage Site of Butrint which is located on the Ksamil Peninsula. Along the way Mr. Tare will share the local history and culture of Albania and its citizens. The area of Butrint has been the site of pre-Greek civilizations, a Roman City, a Byzantine Port and has even fallen under the influence of the Normans, Venetians, and the Ottomans. The present archaeological site is a collection of ruins representing each period in the city’s development.

The rich history of Butrint has left important vestiges across the territory of the park. The principal architectural monuments in the park includes a Graeco Roman theatre, Dionysus altar, Nymphaeum, Thermae, Gymnasium, Forum, Aqueduct, the temples of Minerva and Asclepius, the Lion Gate and a Baptistery. The Theatre of Butrint is among the best-preserved ancient theater in Albania. The theatre was built in the 3rd century BC, possibly on the walls of an older and smaller theatre.

The Castle of Ali Pasha Tepelena lies opposite the entrance of Butrint. It is named after the Albanian ruler Ali Pasha of Ioannina, who ruled over the Pashalik of Yanina. Another major attraction seen is the Lion Gate at one of the six entrances to the city from the 4th century BC. The inscription shows a lion, that is about to eat a bull. The lion symbolizes the inhabitants of the city and the bull as their enemies. The gate has a very narrow passage to allow as few people as possible to enter at the same time.

There is time to browse the museum which was restored within the last 10 years and a major attraction of the site. Inside you’ll find several artifacts discovered at the site among them the Busts of the Imperial Family and other statues. After your time at Butrint a brief stop will be made for a refreshment on the way back to your yacht waiting at the port.

Notes: This Land Adventure requires walking over uneven surfaces and cobblestones. Wear cool clothing for hot weather and comfortable shoes (no sandals), don't forget to take a hat or umbrella for shade from the direct sun in places. A minimum participation is required to operate all Yachting Land Adventures, and some may have limited capacity. All adventures in the SeaDream Yachting Land Adventures program are subject to change. Final departure times will be published on-board.

Port: Sarande (Butrint), Albania

Duration: 4 hours

Current Price: 179 USD