The Beautiful Monastery of Saint Maria in Kostar -

A special guest blog from an American Expat, who visited the Monastery of Saint Maria, in Kostar, with Tea Tours.

After having left my own country to travel, much of the last 5 years… I had wandered Ireland, Germany, Spain, Scotland, and Greece. However, when the path led me to Albania from the Greek island of Corfu, to beautiful Saranda I felt I may never leave. And, in getting acclimated to Saranda, and the people that live and work here, I immediately connected to the beautiful people of Tea Tours, and truly enjoy touring with them from time to time.

Now, since I love architecture and ancient places, set in idyllic environments… such as Monasteries, and other religious buildings, when I saw the tour to Saint Maria offered, I knew it was perfect for me!

Getting to the Monastery is a photographers dream. There are many beautiful views to find… An ancient ruin…

And an abundance of fascinating subjects to also see along the way…

The Monastery itself, it set above all other homes, and has a view for miles!

Not only will you find it peaceful, and warm feeling, but you will also appreciate the many works of religious art and murals inside.

Lastly, in being an Expat, who has fallen in love with Saranda, Albania, and who has decided to stay for quite some time, I want to thank the beautiful people of Tea Tours, as they truly help me in feeling right at home here in this foreign-to-me country, and have also aided me in finding a beautiful apartment, a rental car (that they were able to provide) and, honestly, they just go above and beyond being a tour company. If you love the arts, and books, as I do, you will also be pleased to find that Tea Tours is also a home to a Gift Store with a nice selection of English books, games and beautifully handcrafted Albania souvenirs, too.

Anything you need, they can help!