expedia
Skip to main content

Hidden Stories of Saranda Communism

By Saranda Destination
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 167 per adult
See tickets
Features
  • Free cancellation available
  • 4h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Selective hotel pickup
  • Multiple languages
Overview

Travel for the Communism Tour is provided in a modern, air-conditioned minivan, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey. We offer convenient hotel pickup and drop-off at no extra charge if your accommodation is outside the main meeting point in Saranda, and with small groups limited to 8 people, you'll receive personalized attention from our professional guide specialized in Albania's communist-era history.
• Discover another side of Saranda – beyond the beaches.
This short and intense tour combines stunning views from a panoramic hill, hidden communist-era bunkers, spiritual monuments and strong history. We start with a journey to the observation point over the city, Ionia and Corfu. Then we descend to a secret anti-aircraft base with tunnels and artillery positions. We visit the Monastery of the 40 Saints, the historical symbol that gave Saranda its name, and end with a stop at a local mosque to understand the resurgence of faith after communism.

Activity location
  • Saranda
    • Saranda, Albania
Meeting/Redemption Point
  • Saranda, AL - Corfu, GR 49
    • 49 Saranda, AL - Corfu, GR
    • 9701, Saranda, Qarku i Vlorës, Albania

Check availability

Hidden Stories of Saranda Communism in Multilingual
  • Activity duration is 4 hours4h
    4h
  • Opening hours: Wed 17:30-20:30
  • English

Pickup included

Price details
RM 157.91 x 1 AdultRM 157.91
Paid at activityRM 9.29
Total
Price is RM 167.20

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    Air-conditioned vehicle
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    40 saints minastery ticket for entrace

Know before you book

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Activity itinerary

Saranda
  • 15m
Departure from Saranda and Scenic Drive to Nearby Hill (9:00 – 9:15, 15 minutes): We depart from Saranda in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, heading to a nearby hill with panoramic views. Along the short drive, our professional guide introduces Albania's communist era under Enver Hoxha, setting the context for the day's exploration of this unique and isolating period in history.
Gjashte
  • 1h
Visit to Underground Tunnels and Bunkers on the Hill (9:15 – 10:15, 60 minutes): We explore authentic Cold War-era tunnels and bunkers built during the regime's paranoia of invasion. Led by our expert guide, you'll hear real, chilling stories of life under communism – including surveillance, forced labor, and the massive bunkerization project that dotted Albania with over 173,000 structures.
Monastery of 40 Saints
  • 45m
  • Admission ticket included
3. Visit to the Monastery of the 40 Saints (10:30 – 11:15, 45 minutes): We continue to the historic Monastery of the 40 Saints, admiring its Byzantine architecture and scenic location. The guide explains how the communist regime, after declaring Albania the world's first atheist state in 1967, repurposed this sacred site as a military base, destroying or closing religious buildings nationwide.
Gjashte
  • 45m
Visit to Saranda's Great Mosque and Exploration of its Architecture (11:30 – 12:15, 45 minutes): We visit Saranda's prominent Great Mosque, where you'll admire its elegant Ottoman-influenced architecture and learn about its key elements: the mihrab (niche indicating the direction of Mecca), the minbar (pulpit for sermons), the ablution area (abdeshane), and the graceful minaret. The guide will discuss the revival of religion after the fall of communism in 1991, sharing powerful real-life stories of how believers secretly practiced their faith during the regime – hidden prayers, underground gatherings, and the immense risks involved under severe persecution.
Agios Saranda
  • 30m
  • Admission ticket included
Return to Saranda with Reflections and Optional Traditional Snack (12:30 – 13:00, 30 minutes): We head back to Saranda, with time for questions and reflections on this dark yet formative chapter of Albanian history. Optional stop at a local spot to taste traditional byrek and refreshing dhallë, adding an authentic culinary touch (drop-off in Saranda around 13:00)

Location

Activity location
  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Saranda
    • Saranda, Albania
Meeting/Redemption Point
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Saranda, AL - Corfu, GR 49
    • 49 Saranda, AL - Corfu, GR
    • 9701, Saranda, Qarku i Vlorës, Albania

Best Deals on Things to Do

Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. Expedia offers one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Saranda your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.

Top experiences in Saranda

With so many things to do in Saranda, planning the perfect day out may seem like a daunting task. Expedia is here to take the hassle out of finding the best attractions, tours and activities in Saranda. Families, couples and business travellers can all find the perfect activity in Saranda to create life-long memories with the help of Expedia.