Full Day South Albania Expedition Blue Eye & Gjirokaster

Experience the Charm of South Albania in a Day

If you’re thinking about exploring the southern coast of Albania, you’ll find this full-day expedition offers a practical way to see some of the region’s most stunning sights. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and detailed itineraries paint a clear picture of what to expect. It’s a carefully curated trip that combines natural beauty, historic sites, and breathtaking views — all in about ten hours.

What really stands out are the visits to the Blue Eye natural reserve and the UNESCO-listed city of Gjirokastra. These are two unique highlights that appeal to travelers craving authentic scenery and cultural depth. Plus, the tour includes iconic spots like Porto Palermo’s castle and scenic mountain passes, which make for memorable photo ops and genuine Albanian flavor.

A potential snag? The tight schedule means you’ll be on the move quite a bit, and the price (around $481 for up to four people) might seem steep if you’re just after a quick glance rather than an immersive experience. Still, for those who want a convenient, guided introduction to southern Albania, this trip ticks a lot of boxes.

This tour is most suitable for travelers who value well-organized day trips that cover a lot of ground without the hassle of planning. It’s ideal if you’re interested in combining nature, history, and panoramic views in one go—even if you’re not planning to linger long at each stop.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covers scenic, historic, and natural highlights of southern Albania.
• All-in-one day trip with transportation, snacks, WiFi, and drinks included adds convenience.
• Flexible stops for photos, brief explorations, and local food or drinks make the trip engaging.
• Group size limited to 15 ensures a more personalized experience.
• Cost reflects a full day’s adventure but might seem high for those on a tight budget.
• Not included are meals, so plan to bring lunch or buy at stops.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting from Vlore and the Drive Through the Riviera

The day kicks off early at 8:00am in Vlore, a lively coastal city. From there, the journey begins with a scenic drive along the Vlore Riviera, crossing areas like Radhime and Dukat. It’s a 45-minute ride, giving you your first taste of Albania’s beautiful coastline. The bus, equipped with WiFi and bottled water, makes the ride comfortable, and you can start soaking in the views right away.

Llogara National Park and Mountain Pass

Next, you’ll stop in the Llogara National Park, where a coffee break at the tourist village allows you to take in the alpine trees and maybe spot some deer. The mention of deers from reviews hints that the park’s natural setting is quite engaging. The 30-minute stop here is enough to stretch legs and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Crossing the Llogara Pass is a highlight, offering panoramic mountain vistas that are perfect for photos. The 15-minute drive across the pass and the subsequent 20-minute stop at the viewpoint allow for some stunning views of the South Riviera. It’s a bit quick, but the scenery makes it worthwhile.

Porto Palermo and its Historic Castle

From the mountains, the route leads to Porto Palermo, a charming bay with turquoise waters and a laid-back vibe. The star here is the Castle of Ali Pasha, which you’ll visit for about an hour. It’s not just a photo opp; the history of the fortress adds depth to the experience. A quick coffee or refreshment break here is also included, although drinks are not covered.

The Blue Eye Natural Reserve

Driving further south, you’ll reach the Blue Eye, one of the most iconic natural sights in Albania. The clear, spring-fed water in this natural reserve is truly mesmerizing. You’ll have about an hour to explore, take photos, and maybe grab a drink or a snack from the onsite restaurants and bars. This is a perfect spot for nature lovers and those wanting a peaceful yet powerful landscape experience.

Gjirokastra: UNESCO Heritage and Castle

After Blue Eye, it’s about 45 minutes to Gjirokastra, often called the “City of Stone” for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture. A walk through the old bazaar is a lovely way to browse souvenirs and sample local food. The highlight here is a visit to Gjirokaster Castle, which houses museums and offers fantastic views over the city.

While the castle’s entrance isn’t included in the tour, the visit is worthwhile for history buffs and those interested in the city’s architecture. The 1-hour stop allows enough time for a quick exploration, but you might find that the pace is brisk for a deeper dive into local culture.

Return to Vlore

The day wraps up with a 1.5-hour drive back to Vlore, giving you some downtime to reflect on an action-packed day. This return trip, with its scenic coastal views, rounds out the experience.

What Travelers Say

One reviewer mentioned a frustrating experience when the trip was canceled due to low numbers, which emphasizes the importance of confirming your booking and being flexible with dates. But on the plus side, other travelers highlight the knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and the opportunity to taste the area’s natural and historical treasures.

The guides’ expertise and comfort seem to be consistently praised, making the overall experience smooth and enjoyable. Many appreciated how the tour combined cultural sites, natural landscapes, and panoramic vistas, giving a well-rounded taste of southern Albania.

Practical Considerations

The cost of around $481 for a group of four makes sense when you consider the included transportation, Wi-Fi, snacks, and drinks. It’s a bit on the pricier side for a guided day trip, but the convenience of having everything arranged might be worth it, especially if you want to maximize your time without the hassle of organizing multiple tickets and transfers.

However, since lunch isn’t included, you’ll want to bring some snacks or plan to buy at stops like Blue Eye or Gjirokastra. The tour runs 9 to 10 hours, so comfortable shoes and a camera are essentials.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers looking for a structured, all-in-one day that covers a variety of highlights without the stress of planning. If you enjoy scenic drives, quick cultural stops, and natural beauty, you’ll find this trip offers a good overview. It’s especially ideal if you prefer guided tours that handle logistics and provide local insights.

On the flip side, if you’re someone who loves lingering at sights or exploring at a leisurely pace, this might feel rushed. Also, budget travelers might find the cost a little high for just a day’s sightseeing, unless the convenience justifies the price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi, making the overall journey comfortable and connected.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 9 to 10 hours, starting at 8:00am and returning to Vlore around 6:00 to 7:00pm.

Are meals included?
No, lunch isn’t included, but there are options at Blue Eye and other stops if you wish to purchase food or drinks.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, some cash for optional purchases, and a hat or sunscreen for sunny outdoor stops.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the description doesn’t specify age restrictions, the busy schedule and walking involved suggest it’s best suited for older kids and adults.

What happens if the tour is canceled?
You’ll receive a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. The tour might be canceled due to weather or low numbers, so check your booking details.

In short, this full-day tour of South Albania offers a well-rounded glimpse into the region’s natural scenery, historic sites, and charming towns. It’s perfect for those wanting a guided experience that covers the key highlights with convenience and comfort. Just keep in mind the pace is brisk, and you’ll want to be ready for a day full of sightseeing and scenic drives.

Whether you’re traveling solo, a couple, or a small group, it’s a solid way to tick off some of Albania’s most photogenic and culturally significant spots in one go. For lovers of mountain vistas, turquoise waters, and historic castles, this tour packs a punch in a single day.