• Saranda - Departure from Saranda and Scenic Drive to Nearby Hill (9:00 – 9:15, 15 minutes):
  Departing from Saranda in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, the journey begins towards a nearby hill offering panoramic views. During this brief drive, a professional guide provides insights into Albania’s communist era under Enver Hoxha, setting the stage for the day’s exploration of this unique and isolating historical period.
• Gjashte - Visit to Underground Tunnels and Bunkers on the Hill (9:15 – 10:15, 60 minutes):
  Explore authentic Cold War-era tunnels and bunkers constructed during the regime’s invasion paranoia. Guided by an expert, hear real, chilling stories of life under communism, including surveillance, forced labor, and the extensive bunkerization project that resulted in over 173,000 structures across Albania.
• Monastery of 40 Saints - Visit to the Monastery of the 40 Saints (10:30 – 11:15, 45 minutes):
  Continue to the historic Monastery of the 40 Saints, appreciating 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, leading to the destruction or closure of religious buildings nationwide.
• Gjashte - Visit to Saranda’s Great Mosque and Exploration of its Architecture (11:30 – 12:15, 45 minutes):
  Visit Saranda’s prominent Great Mosque, where its elegant Ottoman-influenced architecture can be admired. 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, including hidden prayers, underground gatherings, and the immense risks involved under severe persecution.
• Agios Saranda - Return to Saranda with Reflections and Optional Traditional Snack (12:30 – 13:00, 30 minutes):
  Return to Saranda, allowing time for questions and reflections on this dark yet formative chapter of Albanian history. An optional stop at a local spot offers a taste of traditional byrek and refreshing dhallë, adding an authentic culinary touch (drop-off in Saranda around 13:00).

• In-vehicle air conditioning

• Entrance fees

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. With small groups limited to 8 people, personalized attention is guaranteed from our professional guide, who specializes 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 rich history. The tour begins with a journey to the observation point over the city, Ionia, and Corfu. Then, it descends to a secret anti-aircraft base with tunnels and artillery positions. The tour includes a visit to the Monastery of the 40 Saints, the historical symbol that gave Saranda its name, and concludes with a stop at a local mosque to understand the resurgence of faith after communism.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.