Blue Eye, Gjirokaster & Lekures | Private & Small Group Tours

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. The ancient Ottoman town of Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will be our next stop. We will go to the castle, which looks over the whole town and the rest of the Gjere mountains. visit the museum and listen to the history of this marvelous city. After some photography of the landscape, we will proceed to the 17th century Ottoman bazaar, which offers the perfect opportunity to buy some locally-inspired souvenirs. Another 18th/19th Ottoman structure, Skenduli house, has been preserved ever since it was taken from the wealthy Skenduli family at the start of communism in Albania. A 10th generation family member will show us around and explain all of its quirks.

   4 hAdmission included

2. The final stop is back in Saranda where I will take you to my favourite place to enjoy the breathtaking landscape as the sunsets. If you like, this can include swimming or eating locally grown fruits with some drinks, making for an unforgettable day.

   1.3 h

3. Join me for a journey that goes beyond the ordinary sights and experiences that most tourists can find in Albania. My guided tour offers the perfect opportunity to become acquainted with the culture and traditions of my country, and to see for yourself the wild nature of the lonian land. Just as importantly, I can be your photographer so that every special moment of your adventure is captured. The journey starts from your accommodation, taking you along the scenic route amongst the mountains to the Blue Eye spring, a famous natural monument here, you have the pleasure of exploring the forest and finding the crystal clear source of the Bistrica river. Rebellious tourists may jump into the icy water but that is only for the brave! Maybe I can tell you about the most interesting legends about Blue Eye's origins instead.

   50 minAdmission included

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 43 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

• 5Best Tour in South Albania

  Very good service of the Company. This was the highlight of our holidays in Albani. We had a paddle tour with our guide and he suggested us a day trip to Gjirokaster , a UNESCO site which was absolutely magnificient. You should try this tour. Note: book in advance. They are almost full in the summer and you'd badely find seats.

  batom2025June 2025via Tripadvisor

• 5It was an amazing experience!

  Ari was an excellent guide in Gjirokastra! Knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about the city’s history, Ari made the tour engaging and memorable. Highly recommend for an insightful and enjoyable experience!

  xhuljos2025March 2025via Tripadvisor

• 5Ari is the best

  Ari is everything you would want in a guide. Very knowledgeable, very friendly and easy going. Flexible to meet your needs. Great guy.

  Todd_KOctober 2024via Viator

• 5Excellent tour! I cannot recommend it highly enough!

  This is such a fantastic tour! Ari is an amazing guide and he kept my 2 teenage kids and myself entertained for the whole day. He is extremely knowledgable and adapted our trip to our needs. We took the tour from Tirana to Sarande which was a great way to make the trip without needing to do the drive myself while also seeing so much on the way. Thank you so much Ari!

  Helen_SSeptember 2024via Viator

• 5Tour of South Albania

  Ari, our guide, was fantastic. Gave me a proper history lesson on the drive and had plenty of other knowledge during the day. All 3 locations were worth the time. Blue Eye has a train for those worried about the walk. My favourite part was gjirokaster bazaar, lovely place to walk around, and definitely take Ari's recommendation for lunch.

  Andrew_SSeptember 2024via Viator

• 5An outstanding private tour of Southern Albania

  Ari is the only guide you need for Southern Albania - he is the most thoughtful, interesting, helpful and practical guide possible. Nothing was too much trouble as he effortlessly guided me through the complicated but fascinating history of his country, answering questions patiently and in a most captivating manner. He also expertly guided his trusty Nissan through the challenging streets of Gjirokaster! I would not hesitate to recommend this tour, particularly as Ari has such a passion for his job. I wish I could give more than 5 stars!

  Robert TSeptember 2024via Tripadvisor

Know before you go

How it compares in Saranda

• Its from-price is 74% above the median of the 62 day trips we list in Saranda.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 9 of 62.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Saranda

Saranda is a sunny port on Albania's Ionian coast, curved around a wide bay with the Greek island of Corfu in sight across the water.

Saranda climbs a steep hillside above its bay, with a palm-lined promenade at the water's edge and apartment blocks stacked up the slope. Its name is a local form of the Greek for Forty Saints, after a monastery whose ruins lie among the houses. The mosaic floor of an ancient synagogue was found near the harbour, and Lëkurësi Castle, a sixteenth-century fortress on the ridge, looks over the town towards Corfu.

Top-ranked sights in Saranda: Lekursi Castle (Kajala e Lekuresit).

See all 172 experiences in Saranda