Sarandë: Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle

If you’re contemplating a day trip from Sarandë to explore some of Albania’s most captivating sights, this private tour offers a solid way to do it. We’ve looked into what makes it special—and where it might fall short—to help you decide if it’s right for your travel plans.

What really catches our eye are the personalized experience and the chance to visit UNESCO-listed Gjirokaster alongside the Blue Eye, a natural wonder. Plus, having a driver/guide means you get tailored insights rather than a noisy bus full of strangers. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that it’s a full-day commitment, with some driving involved, so this isn’t for everyone looking for quick, light excursions.

This tour can be a perfect fit if you love combining history, culture, and nature, and prefer a relaxed pace with a guide who can answer your questions. It’s also a good choice if you appreciate flexible scheduling and want a private experience that moves at your rhythm. If you’re traveling with family or friends and want to explore without the hustle of larger groups, this might be exactly what you’re after.

Key Points

• Private tour means personalized attention and flexible stops.
• Visit UNESCO Gjirokaster, with its charming Ottoman architecture and panoramic views.
• Explore the Blue Eye, a stunning natural spring with vibrant turquoise waters.
• Includes hotel or port pickup, making logistics easier.
• Guided experience with knowledgeable guides who can share insights.
• Full-day journey involving some driving, so prepare for a long but scenic day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Tour

This experience offers a well-balanced mix of cultural exploration and natural beauty, with enough flexibility to suit your preferences. Designed as a private tour, it’s tailored to your pace, so whether you want more time at a stop or a quicker visit, the guide can adjust accordingly.

Starting from the Port of Saranda or your hotel in Saranda (if within the city), you’ll hop into a comfortable van with a driver-guide. The journey begins with a roughly one-hour drive to Gjirokaster, a city that feels like stepping back in time with its Ottoman-era houses and cobbled streets. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience more engaging than just walking around on your own.

Gjirokaster: A Step Back in Time

Once in Gjirokaster, the highlight is walking through charming streets lined with stone houses. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site for good reason. The town’s architecture and ambiance evoke a sense of history, and the views of the Drina Valley are quite spectacular. The guided tour usually lasts about an hour, giving you a chance to snap photos, browse local shops, or simply soak in the scenery.

Many reviewers rave about the informative guides, with one mentioning Joan as being “fantastic—really knowledgeable and lovely.” With such praise, you’re likely to get a rich narrative about Gjirokaster’s past, its Ottoman influence, and its importance in Albanian culture.

Gjirokaster Castle and Its Views

Next, visiting Lekuresi Castle is a highlight. Sitting atop a hill, it offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding landscape. The castle’s ruins provide a chance to walk and explore, with some quick history thrown in by your guide. The reviews mention it as a perfect spot to admire the scenery, and many visitors appreciate how it complements the town’s historic charm.

Expect about an hour at this site, where you can also take photos, enjoy the breeze, and maybe buy a souvenir or two from local vendors nearby.

The Blue Eye: Nature’s Masterpiece

The journey then continues to the Blue Eye, a natural spring near Muzinë that looks like something out of a dream. Its vibrant turquoise waters draw visitors for photos and quiet admiration. The guided visit usually lasts around an hour and a half, enough time to walk around, take pictures, and appreciate the natural serenity.

Reviewers consistently mention how breathtaking the Blue Eye is, describing it as “something out of a dream” and “magical.” Since swimming isn’t permitted to protect the water, you’ll mostly enjoy the view and the tranquil setting.

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Additional Stops and Flexibility

The schedule also includes a break time, giving you a chance to relax or grab a snack. The entire day is designed to be balanced—enough time to enjoy each site without feeling rushed.

The timing can be adjusted, as the reviews highlight, with some stops giving options around how long to stay. The overall duration is about one day, with an early start to optimize your time.

Transportation, Cost, and Overall Value

The tour includes private transportation, making the day comfortable and stress-free. The driver/guide takes care of all logistics, so you can focus on enjoying the sights. The entrance fees are included, which simplifies budgeting.

Reviewers find the cost justified considering the personalized experience and the variety of sights covered in one day. It’s especially appealing if you prefer a relaxed, private way to see these highlights, rather than joining a larger, less flexible group.

What the Reviews Say

Customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive—every review we found gave a full 5-star rating. People praise the knowledgeable guides (like Joan and Kevin), mention the beautiful scenery, and emphasize how well-organized and relaxed the experience was. Many describe it as “magical,” “peaceful,” and “worth every penny.”

One reviewer noted that the tour was “really interesting,” and appreciated that it was “not rushed,” with options around timing. This indicates the flexibility and attentiveness to individual needs make it a standout.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a comprehensive, personalized day that combines history, culture, and nature at some of Albania’s top spots, this tour hits the mark. It’s excellent for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing without the hassle of figuring out transport or navigating solo.

You’ll love the scenic drives, the insider knowledge from guides, and the stunning views at the Blue Eye and Lekuresi Castle. Keep in mind, it’s a full-day commitment, so it’s best if you’re comfortable with some walking and a longer outing.

This tour might not suit those who prefer shorter trips, or who need more accessible options, as it involves some walking, and not all stops are quite wheelchair-friendly or suitable for pregnant women or those with back issues.

The Sum Up

For anyone eager to see the highlights of southern Albania without the stress of planning every detail, this private Gjirokaster, Blue Eye, and Lekuresi Castle tour offers great value. The personalized guide, comfortable transport, and well-chosen stops make it a flexible and enjoyable way to get a true sense of this beautiful region.

The reviews confirm it’s a trusted choice for travelers looking for informative, scenic, and peaceful experiences. It’s especially suitable if you value expert guidance and want to avoid large crowds. For those with a love of history, breathtaking natural sights, and panoramic views, this tour ticks all the boxes.

If you’re seeking a full-day adventure with the flexibility to explore at your own pace, this trip could be a highlight of your Albania journey.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
It’s not ideal for wheelchair users or those with back problems, as some walking is involved, and the tour isn’t designed with full accessibility in mind.

Can I book this tour for a specific time?
Yes, check availability for starting times, but generally, the tour lasts about a full day and begins early.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended, especially since you’ll be walking and spending time outdoors.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, so it’s a good idea to bring some snacks or plan to eat during breaks.

Is this tour good for families?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the moderate walking involved means older children and teenagers should be fine, but always check with the provider.

How long is each stop?
Most stops last between 1 to 1.5 hours, including photo opportunities, guided visits, and free time.

What’s the transportation like?
You’ll travel in a private, comfortable van, which makes for a smooth day without the chaos of larger groups.

Will I get enough time at each site?
Yes, the itinerary is designed to balance sightseeing and leisure, with options to extend or shorten stops if needed.

Is the tour available in multiple languages?
Guides speak English and Greek, providing options for bilingual travelers.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some peace of mind to travelers with flexible plans.

In all, this tour provides a well-rounded taste of southern Albania’s highlights, with enough flexibility to make it a memorable part of your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: