Blue Eye & Gjirokaster tour from Saranda: Private & small group

Jump into the Blue Eye spring, then climb to a castle overlooking an ancient Ottoman town

A guided day tour from Saranda covering the Blue Eye natural spring, the UNESCO World Heritage town of Gjirokaster, and Lekursi Castle, with private or small-group transport, a local guide, all entrance fees, and pickup from your accommodation. The route takes you through mountain scenery to the forest around the spring, then inland to the castle and bazaar, ending back in Saranda at sunset. A 10th-generation family member shows you inside the preserved Skenduli house.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Blue Eye, Gjirokastër, and Lekuresi

• Start from your accommodation
• Travel scenic route to Blue Eye spring
• Explore forest and crystal clear source
• Hear legends about Blue Eye
• Visit Gjirokastër castle and museum
• Photograph landscape from castle
• Walk through 17th century Ottoman bazaar
• Tour Skenduli house with family member
• Return to Saranda
• Enjoy sunset at Lekuresi Castle
• Optional swimming and local fruits with drinks

The experience

The tour starts from your accommodation and heads into the mountains toward the Blue Eye, a natural spring where the Bistrica river emerges from underground. You'll walk through the forest to reach the crystal-clear source: swimmers can wade in if they're willing to brave the cold water, or you can stay dry and hear the local legends about how the spring formed. The guide carries water and snacks for the journey.

From there the route turns inland to Gjirokaster, a UNESCO World Heritage site built on a hillside in the Ottoman period. You'll visit the castle overlooking the whole town and the Gjere mountains, tour the museum to learn the city's history, and walk through the 17th-century Ottoman bazaar where you can buy locally made souvenirs. The Skenduli house, an 18th- or 19th-century Ottoman structure preserved since the start of communism, is shown by a family member who has lived there for ten generations and explains the building's details and history.

The day ends back in Saranda at your favorite spot to watch the sunset over the landscape. If you want, this can include a swim or a meal of locally grown fruit and drinks. The whole outing runs between six and eight hours depending on how long you spend at each stop. You can book as a small group or as a private tour, with pickup and drop-off at your hotel included.

What’s included

• Private or shared transport depending on which option you choose.
• a local guide speaking English.
• pickup and drop-off at your hotel.
• entrance fees to Lekursi Castle and the Gjirokaster museum.
• bottled water and snacks throughout the day.

Options for this experience

4 options

Small Group TourGuide in English · 09:30Duration: 7 hours 30 minutes. Round trip: pickup in Ksamil or Sarande, Blue Eye, Gjirokaster, Lekursi Castle, drop-off in Ksamil or Sarande. SUV 4x4 | Air conditioning and music on board. Includes pickup

Saranda to Saranda | Private tourGuide in English · 09:30Duration: 7 hours 30 minutes. Round trip: 1) Saranda 2) Gjirokaster 3) Sarande. SUV 4x4 | Air conditioning and music on board. Includes pickup

Tirana to Sarande | Private tourGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 06:30, the last at 08:30Duration: 9 hours 10 minutes. Transfer and tour: in addition to the tour, this is also a transfer. The tour starts in Tirana and ends in Sarande or Gjirokaster. SUV 4x4 | Air conditioning and music on board. Includes pickup

Tirana to Tirana | Private tourGuide in English · 06:30, 07:00, 07:30 and 08:00Duration: 12 hours. Because of the long distance, we drive 2.5 hours to the first stop and 2.5 hours from the last stop back to Tirana. Round trip: 1) Tirana 2) Gjirokaster 3) Sarande 4) Tirana. SUV 4x4 | Air conditioning and music on board. Includes pickup

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 06:30, the last at 09:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (27 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 72 years) · Youth (19 to 26 years): free · Child (12 to 18 years) · Infant (under 12)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Private Tours Albania

Is this one for you?Choose the small-group tour if you're meeting other travelers and splitting costs, or book private if you're with your own group and want a dedicated vehicle and guide at your own pace.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (19 to 26 years): free; Child (12 to 18 years); Infant (under 12).

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.

What is the Blue Eye and can I swim in it?

The Blue Eye is a natural spring where the Bistrica river emerges from underground in a forest setting near Saranda. The water is crystal clear and cold. You can jump in if you're comfortable with icy water, but it's not required: many visitors just explore the forest and photograph the spring instead.

Will I visit Gjirokaster castle on this tour?

Yes, Lekursi Castle is a main stop. It sits on a hilltop overlooking the entire UNESCO World Heritage town of Gjirokaster and the Gjere mountains, and you'll tour the castle and its museum to learn the city's history.

What happens inside the Skenduli house?

The Skenduli house is a preserved 18th- or 19th-century Ottoman structure. A 10th-generation family member who still lives there shows you around and explains the building's history and details. It's been in the family since before communism in Albania.

Does the tour include the 17th-century Ottoman bazaar?

Yes, you'll walk through the bazaar in Gjirokaster, which is the perfect place to buy locally made souvenirs and get a sense of the town's Ottoman heritage.

Can I choose between a private tour and a small group?

Yes, you can book either option at checkout. Small-group tours run with other travelers. Private tours are for your party alone. Both include the same stops, guide, transport and entrance fees.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes private or shared transport, a local guide who speaks English, pickup and drop-off at your accommodation, all entrance fees to the castle and museum, bottled water, and snacks during the day.