Whispers of the Past: The Monastery of Saint Nicholas

The journey began with a whisper, a soft murmur of history that beckoned me to the Monastery of Saint Nicholas. Nestled in the outskirts of Saranda, this Byzantine relic stood as a testament to time’s relentless march. The air was thick with the scent of ancient stone, and as I wandered through the remnants of its circular wall, I could almost hear the echoes of prayers from centuries past. The double apse, a unique architectural feature, spoke of a time when two religious rites converged under one roof, a silent witness to the dance of faiths.

The guide, a gentle soul with a wealth of knowledge, painted vivid pictures of the monastery’s storied past. His words were like brushstrokes on a canvas, bringing to life the vibrant tapestry of history that lay before us. As I stood there, surrounded by the crumbling beauty of the monastery, I felt a deep connection to the past, a sense of belonging to a world long forgotten.

The Enigma of the Blue Eye

Our next destination was the enigmatic Blue Eye, a natural wonder that defied explanation. The water, a mesmerizing shade of azure, seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy. As I gazed into its depths, I was drawn into a trance, captivated by the mystery that lay beneath the surface. The Blue Eye was a portal to another realm, a place where time stood still and the secrets of the earth lay hidden.

Arriving early, we were fortunate to experience the Blue Eye in solitude, before the throngs of tourists descended upon it. The tranquility of the moment was a rare gift, a fleeting glimpse into the soul of nature. Our guide, ever the storyteller, regaled us with tales of divers who had ventured into the depths, only to return with more questions than answers. The Blue Eye was a riddle wrapped in a mystery, a testament to the unfathomable beauty of the natural world.

Gjirokastër and the Heights of Lekuresi

The journey continued to Gjirokastër, a city steeped in history and shrouded in mystery. Known as the “stone city,” its cobbled streets and Ottoman-style architecture whispered tales of a bygone era. As I wandered through its labyrinthine alleys, I felt the weight of history pressing down upon me, a tangible reminder of the passage of time.

Lunch in Gjirokastër was a feast for the senses, a symphony of flavors that danced upon my palate. The local cuisine, rich and hearty, was a reflection of the city’s vibrant culture, a celebration of its storied past.

Our final stop was the Castle-Restaurant in Saranda, perched atop Lekuresi Hill. The view from the castle was nothing short of breathtaking, a panoramic vista that stretched out before us like a living tapestry. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape, I felt a profound sense of peace, a moment of quiet reflection amidst the chaos of the world.

This journey through Saranda and Ksamil was a tapestry of experiences, a dance between the past and the present, a reminder of the beauty that lies hidden in the forgotten corners of the world. Sarande and Ksamil Tour