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Sarande and Ksamil Tour: Blue Eye, Gjirokastër, Lekuresi
4.9
68 Ratings
Saranda
Explore Blue Eye, St. Nicholas Monastery, Gjirokastër, and Lekuresi Castle in a day. Dive into Albanian culture and nature with a local guide.
Explore Blue Eye, St. Nicholas Monastery, Gjirokastër, and Lekuresi Castle in a day. Dive into Albanian culture and nature with a local guide.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Monastery of Saint Michael - One of the oldest and largest churches of the Byzantine era and one of the world’s pearls of Byzantine architecture, St. Nicholas Monastery is located in the south of the Mesopotam village in the outskirts of Saranda, very close to the ancient city of Finiq. The monastery is thought to have been built in 1224 or 1225….
- Monastery of Saint Michael - One of the oldest and largest churches of the Byzantine era and one of the world’s pearls of Byzantine architecture, St. Nicholas Monastery is located in the south of the Mesopotam village in the outskirts of Saranda, very close to the ancient city of Finiq. The monastery is thought to have been built in 1224 or 1225. It was once enclosed by a circular wall which is today only partly preserved. Its double apse makes it unique in its genre, and some researchers have advanced the hypothesis that this was due to the monastery being used by two religious rites (Catholic and Orthodox).
- The Blue Eye - The “Blue Eye” (Albanian: Syri i Kaltër) is a water spring and natural phenomenon occurring in the village of Muzinë in Finiq municipality, southern Albania.[3] A popular tourist attraction, the clear blue water of the river can be seen from a depth of more than fifty metres. Divers have descended to fifty metres, but it is still unclear what the actual depth of the karst hole is
- Gjirokaster Castle - Gjirokastra, is also known as the stone city, and has been protected by UNESCO since 2005. It is one of the last Ottomans -style cities left in the Balkans
- Lekuresi Castle - Lekursi Castle (Kajala e Lëkurësit) is a castle on Lekursi Hill, just behind Saranda with an amazing view over the town and bay, making this the most popular and iconic viewpoint of Saranda.
What's Included
- Licensed or certified in-person guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Licensed or certified in-person guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- enternerace to blue eye
- enternerace to gjirokastra castle (optional)
- Lunch
- enternerace to blue eye
- enternerace to gjirokastra castle (optional)
Additional Information
Visit 4 different places in one day on this tour from Sarande and Ksamil. Explore the St. Nicholas Monastery Church, marvel at the Blue Eye, stroll through the city of Gjirokastër, and admire the views from Lekuresi Castle.
Immerse yourself in Albanian culture and nature on a full-day tour. Discover 4 fascinating locations in just one day with your local…
Visit 4 different places in one day on this tour from Sarande and Ksamil. Explore the St. Nicholas Monastery Church, marvel at the Blue Eye, stroll through the city of Gjirokastër, and admire the views from Lekuresi Castle.
Immerse yourself in Albanian culture and nature on a full-day tour. Discover 4 fascinating locations in just one day with your local guide. Admire the spectacularly clear waters of the natural Blue Eye spring. Pause for reflection at the St. Nicholas Monastery Church in Mesopotam. Step back in time on the streets of Gjirokastër and at Lëkurësi Castle.
Location
Hotel Vila Duraku
Rruga Naim Frashëri
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(68 Ratings)
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1 star
Howard58
Sep 30, 2025
Excellent day out - An excellent day based in 4 sites. Not too taxing with enough time to enjoy the Bkue Eye and Gjirokaster. Two small groups of 8 led by Ilmi - knowledgeable, pleasant and with good english.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Racheluk7
Sep 27, 2025
Easily 5 stars! - From start to finish, this company impressed us. Fast communication before the tour, punctual pick-up, and an itinerary that showed us the very best of the area in just one day. Every detail was thought through. Easily 5 stars!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Charlie_c
Sep 26, 2025
Great trip - Very enjoyable day out with activities done in the perfect order to avoid busy times. This tour covers off most of the places and landmarks close to Sarande in a full day tour, at a great price. Would highly recommend .
Review provided by Viator
Santosd361
Sep 25, 2025
The driver was careful - We traveled with kids and the whole experience was family-friendly and very safe. The driver was careful, the schedule was flexible, and the guide kept everyone entertained. It’s rare to find such professional service combined with a warm, personal touch
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Markoss121
Sep 24, 2025
The guide was patient - This tour is a must-do! I usually don’t book guided trips, but I’m so glad I did. It saved me the stress of figuring out transport, and I learned so much along the way. The guide was patient, kind, and always smiling. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Febie_t
Sep 23, 2025
Our experience was beyond... - Our experience was beyond words. Our guide
is very knowledgeable and gave us enough time to explore the sights. He even recommended some traditional food in Albania. The tour consist of small group in a van which I like the most. I would highly recommend to book your tour with them.
Review provided by Viator
Gaynorc1975
Sep 22, 2025
A good way to see more of Albania - We really enjoyed our tour. It was a good way to see more on our first trip to Albania.
We received good advice the day before about what to bring. The van was comfortable, cool and well-driven. The guide was knowledgeable and engaged well with the group. He even offered to take photographs for everyone.
There was a good mix of guided tour and time to explore by ourselves.
We appreciated that we weren't dropped into expensive tourist traps as we've experienced in other countries. Thank you for looking. After us!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Caroline_h
Sep 22, 2025
Perfect for lovers of history, culture & nature - This was a very well-organised tour with lots of variety. It caters for lovers of nature, history and traditional Albanian life. The Blue Eye, Lekursi Castle, St. Nicholas's Monastery, and Gjirokaster all boast breathtaking views. The Blue Eye national park also provides for people with limited mobility or those travelling with children as you have the opportunity to rent an ebike or take the train. Doing the ebike option also affords the opportunity to do some kayaking along the river. For those who are feeling more energetic, you can walk to the Blue Eye and take in the stunning scenery along the route. There is also the possibility to have lunch/coffee at one of the lovely restaurants/cafes on arrival. All in all, it was a lovely day out. Our guide/driver Ilmi was warm, friendly, welcoming and informative. The only thing missing was a dip in the sea to cool off after spending so much time under the hot sun.
Review provided by Viator
Jafar_h
Sep 20, 2025
Excellent the guide spoke... - Excellent the guide spoke reasonably good English. He kept us informed and gave us plenty of advice. He was knowledgable and courteous.
Review provided by Viator
Alberto_b
Sep 19, 2025
Recommended 100% - Incredible excursion with the best guide in the world.
We have loved the truth that for that price it is gifted.
The sites are beautiful and the guide goodism
Review provided by Viator