Meet the team behind Saranda Experience
Bledi Budo
Marleen Oswald
Stephen White
Bledi, Project Creator & Local Organizer
Bledi is the creator and lead of the project. Originally from Southern Albania, he knows the region personally and has connections with local people, places and communities.
During the journey, Bledi is responsible for the overall organization and coordination. He coordinates transportation, accommodation, activities, meals, local guides and services, and makes the necessary decisions during the journey.
If a planned hotel, boat or service is not available at that moment, Bledi will choose a suitable alternative on site.
Bledi accompanies the group and remains responsible for it throughout the entire journey.
Marleen, German-Speaking Guide & Interpreter
Marleen accompanies the group throughout the journey as the German-speaking member of the team.
She communicates with participants in German and supports communication and interpretation with local people, guides and partners.
Marleen also understands Albanian, allowing her to serve as an important linguistic and cultural bridge between the group and the local environment.
Stephen, Online Administration & Coordination
Stephen supports the project before the journey begins.
He assists with online communication with participants, booking and payment administration, documentation and the preparation of services required for the journey.
Stephen works in coordination with Bledi and does not accompany the group during the journey.
● Local Guides & Partners
Depending on the activity, the project also works with professional guides, drivers, boat operators, hotels, restaurants, local families and other service providers.
They provide specific local knowledge, services and experiences and are coordinated by the project team.
● A Small Team, A Shared Experience
The team is intentionally small, with clear and complementary roles.
Bledi brings local knowledge and leadership.
Marleen creates the linguistic and cultural bridge.
Stephen supports online administration and coordination.
Together, they provide the structure that makes this experience possible.
My name is Bledi Budo, born in Saranda in southern Albania. I create small-group cultural and adventure experiences in the hidden landscapes of southern Albania — combining nature, local life, history, hiking, music and authentic human connection.
Throughout the journey, I personally take care of the organization, local coordination and the well-being of the group, so that every guest can feel safe, relaxed, and fully connected to the experience. My goal is simple: not to show Albania as a tourist destination, but to help people experience the country from within, honestly and naturally.
My name is Marleen Oswald. I was born close to Nuremberg and now live there again. Some years ago I went to Albania rather by chance — and ever since, the country hasn’t let go of me. I spent many months there and for a while even lived permanently in a village near Sarandë. Together with Bledi, I will accompany you throughout the whole tour. I’m really looking forward to showing you this fascinating country!
My name is Stephen White, born in Middlesbrough, England. I moved to Germany many years ago.
I am responsible for the design and maintenance of this website. I have travelled extensively, enjoy meeting fellow travellers and learning about other cultures.
I hope to visit Albania in the very near future!
Contact the Team