8-hour private tour from Saranda: Gjirokaster & Blue Eye

Two UNESCO sites and a natural spring in one day from Saranda

A private 8-hour tour from Saranda visits Gjirokaster's Ottoman fortress and stone houses, the Blue Eye spring, and other southern Albanian landmarks in an air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and return. You choose which sites to visit (Gjirokaster, the Blue Eye, Himare and the Ionian coast, Berat, Permet, or Vlora), and the driver collects you from your accommodation in Saranda. The tour operates daily and suits all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with cardiovascular concerns.

The experience

You pick your route when you book: a half-day in Gjirokaster exploring the fortress and the town's steep stone streets; a full day combining Gjirokaster with the Blue Eye's turquoise spring pool; the coastal run through Himare, Qeparo and Porto Palermo; or day trips to Berat, Permet, Vlora or Saranda itself. The vehicle is modern and air-conditioned, and the driver collects you from your hotel or any location you name in Saranda, then returns you to the same spot when the day ends.

The tour is private, so the pace and the stops are yours to shape. You're not waiting for other groups or following a fixed itinerary. The driver knows the region and can adjust based on what interests you most. Eight hours gives you time to move between sites without rushing, though the actual time at each place depends on which route you choose.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• pickup and drop-off at your chosen location in Saranda.

Options for this experience

8 options

Tour in Saranda08:00 and 09:00Pickup is included

Gjirokaster private tour08:00, 08:30, 09:00 and 09:30Duration: 8 hours, Volkswagen minivan, pickup is included

Daily tour (Ksamil, Butrint)09:00Duration: 1 day, daily tour, car, includes pickup

See 5 more options

Tour in Gjirokater09:00Duration: 1 day, Gjirokaster, minivan, includes pickup

Himare, Qeparo, Porto Palermo,08:00, 09:00 and 09:30Duration: 8 hours, Himare, Qeparo, Porto Palermo, minivan, pickup is included

Tour in Permet08:00 and 09:00Duration: 1 day, Permet, minivan, includes pickup

Tour in Vlora08:00 and 09:00Duration: 9 hours, tour in Riviera, minivan, pickup is included

Tour in Berat08:00Duration: 1 day, Berat, minivan, includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 08:30, 09:00 and 09:30

Book up to5h before

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by GreenTours

Is this one for you?Choose your route based on what draws you: Gjirokaster's fortress and Ottoman architecture, the Blue Eye's natural spring, the Ionian coast, or inland mountain towns. The private vehicle and flexible schedule let you spend more time at sites that matter to you and skip the rest.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I choose which sites to visit on the tour?

Yes. You select your route when booking: Gjirokaster alone, Gjirokaster with the Blue Eye, the coastal towns, or day trips to Berat, Permet, Vlora or Saranda. The private format means you set the focus.

What is the Blue Eye and why is it worth visiting?

The Blue Eye is a natural spring pool in southern Albania fed by underground water, known for its vivid turquoise color. It's a short stop on the full-day route combining it with Gjirokaster, and the water stays cold year-round.

Does the tour include meals or drinks?

The tour includes private transportation and the vehicle. Meals and drinks are not included, so you can choose where and what to eat along the route.

What is Gjirokaster and how much time do I spend there?

Gjirokaster is a UNESCO site in the mountains of southern Albania, built around an Ottoman fortress. The town is known for its stone houses stacked on steep hillsides. How long you spend depends on your chosen route, but the private format lets you linger on the sites that interest you most.

Where does the driver pick me up and drop me off?

The driver picks you up at any location you specify in Saranda (your hotel, a street corner, a restaurant), and returns you to the same spot at the end of the tour. Provide your pickup location when you book.