Daily Tour to Butrint National Park-Blue Eye-Lekuresi Castle

If you’re exploring Saranda or the surrounding Albanian coast, chances are you’ll come across this popular day trip. It’s a carefully curated journey that packs a lot into just six hours, offering a blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and scenic views. While it’s not a private tour, the small group size and knowledgeable guides make it feel personalized and relaxed.

What we really like about this experience is how smoothly it combines different types of attractions—each with its own unique charm. The Blue Eye, with its mesmerizing waters, is perfect for photography and peaceful reflection. Meanwhile, the ancient ruins at Butrint give a glimpse into past civilizations, and Lekursi Castle offers sweeping vistas of the region. That said, the price point might seem a bit steep if you’re conscious of budget, especially considering some extra costs like entry tickets and transportation to certain sites.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, well-organized day without the hassle of planning each stop themselves. It’s particularly good if you’re after a mix of scenery, history, and cultural insight, and if you’re comfortable with a moderate amount of walking and some waiting time at each spot. Families with older kids or anyone with a curiosity about Albania’s landscape and past will likely find it quite rewarding.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary: Combines natural wonders, historical sites, and scenic viewpoints.
• Expert-guided: Guides are knowledgeable, approachable, and eager to share insights.
• Comfortable transport: Air-conditioned vehicle makes for a relaxed trip.
• Cost analysis: $160 per person covers most major expenses but watch out for extra charges.
• Small group: Limited to 12 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Highlights of the Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off with a pickup from your accommodation in Saranda, which is super convenient. The group size is small—max 12 people—so it’s less crowded and more intimate than larger bus tours. The comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle ensures you’re not battling the heat or exhaustion, especially during the 6-hour adventure.

Blue Eye: Nature’s Masterpiece

Your first stop is the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), about 25 km from Saranda. This is a place that really lives up to its reputation. The vivid turquoise water looks like a giant eye from above, and the clarity is astonishing. The water is fed by an underground river, and the spring’s depth remains largely unexplored, adding a hint of mystery. It’s a popular spot, and you’ll definitely want to bring your camera.

From the moment we arrived, we appreciated how the tour includes a guided walk and free time. The 20-minute walk to reach the spring is manageable for most, though if you’re not keen on walking, you might find the trek a little tiring without the train option. The site is a peaceful retreat—great for soaking in nature’s calm or snapping some gorgeous photos.

Lekursi Castle: Panoramic Views and History

Next, you’ll visit Lekursi Castle, built by Sultan Suleiman the Great. This isn’t just about the ruins; it’s about the views. From the castle’s vantage point, you can see across the bay to Corfu, and spot Saranda’s skyline, a sparkling lake, and the Ionian coast. The entire setting feels like a perfect postcard shot.

Guides often share historical tidbits here—it’s a chance to walk along the old walls, take in the scenery, and maybe even imagine what life was like centuries ago. Several reviews highlight how friendly and knowledgeable guides, like Klajdi, help bring the history alive, making the experience more enriching.

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Butrint National Park: A Peek into the Past

The final stop is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Butrint. This site covers a vast area with well-preserved ruins from Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods. You’ll see remnants like a Roman theater, a baptistery, ancient city walls, and temples—all surrounded by lush greenery and Lake Butrint.

We loved the way the guide incorporated stories and insights, giving context to each ruin. It’s a real treasure for history buffs or anyone curious about Albania’s ancient civilizations. The 2-hour visit allows enough time to wander, take photos, and ask questions. Visitors have raved about how informative and friendly the guides are—“Klajdi was very knowledgeable and informative,” one review notes.

Timing and Pacing

The schedule is well-paced. The stops each offer a good mix of sightseeing and downtime. You get enough time at each location to enjoy without feeling rushed. The whole trip wraps back in Saranda around the six-hour mark, making it perfect for a day when you want a full experience without overextending yourself.

Price and Value

At $160 per person, this tour offers a lot. Most of the major site entrance fees are included, like the Blue Eye, but note that the entry to Butrint (10 euro) is not included and must be paid on-site. Transportation, a guided experience, and hotel pickup also add to the value.

Some reviews mention extra costs—like the 300 lek train ride to the Blue Eye—which adds a small expense but is optional. The overall quality of the guide, the convenience of transportation, and the diversity of sights make it a solid deal for anyone wanting a comprehensive day in Albania.

What’s Not Included

• Food and drinks (bring a snack or plan to buy locally)
• Entry ticket to Butrint (10 euro)
• Train ride to Blue Eye (around 3 euro)

If you’re on a tight budget, these extras could add up, but they’re reasonable for a full-day guided tour.

Experience Quality and Guide

The reviews consistently praise guides like Klajdi for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to make the day enjoyable. Guests have appreciated how guides not only share historical facts but also chat about daily life in Albania, making the whole experience more relatable.

We loved the way guides manage the group, giving plenty of opportunities for photos, questions, and relaxed exploration. The small group size helps create a friendly, less rushed environment—something we value highly.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal if you want to see Albania’s natural beauty and historical sites without the hassle of planning each detail yourself. It’s suitable for travelers who don’t mind some walking and want a mix of scenery, history, and culture. The small group setup makes it friendly and flexible—good for curious explorers or those who like a more personal experience.

Families with older children will enjoy it, especially those interested in history and photography. Younger kids might find the walk to the Blue Eye a bit tiring, but overall, it’s manageable for most.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-balanced glimpse into Albania’s scenic and historic treasures. The combination of the Blue Eye’s stunning waters, the panoramic views from Lekursi Castle, and the archaeological wonders of Butrint make it a memorable day. The guides are a real highlight, bringing stories and insights that enrich the experience.

While the price reflects this quality and convenience, be prepared for some extra charges if you want to explore all options fully. The experience is relaxed yet packed with highlights—perfect for travelers who want a taste of what makes southern Albania special.

If you’re after a straightforward, engaging tour that covers the essentials without feeling rushed, this one’s worth considering. It’s a great way to get your bearings, snap some unforgettable photos, and learn a little about Albania’s past and present.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation by air-conditioned car is included, along with hotel pickup and drop-off in Saranda.

Do I need to pay extra for the Blue Eye?
The entry ticket to the Blue Eye is included in the tour price. However, the train ride to the site costs about 300 lek (around 3 euro) and is optional.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially since there’s a 20-minute walk to reach the Blue Eye. You might also want to carry water, a hat, and your camera.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You may want to bring snacks or plan to buy something at stops.

How long is the visit at each site?
You’ll spend about 2 hours at Blue Eye, 1 hour at Lekursi Castle, and 2 hours exploring Butrint.

Is this tour suitable for families?
It’s suitable for travelers of most ages, especially those interested in history and scenery. Be aware that the walk to Blue Eye might be tiring for very young children or those with mobility issues.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What language are guides available in?
Guides speak Albanian and English, and reviews show guides are friendly and very knowledgeable.

That’s about it! If you’re heading to Saranda and want a comprehensive, enjoyable day trip, this one ticks a lot of boxes. It offers a genuine taste of Albania’s landscapes and history—done in a relaxed, friendly way.

You can check availability for your dates here: