If you’re looking for a well-rounded day trip from Sarandë that combines history, natural beauty, and panoramic vistas, this tour offers a compelling option. Priced with flexible booking options and rated 4.8 out of 5, it provides a full day of exploring Albania’s top attractions, including Gjirokaster, the Blue Eye, and Lekuresi Castle. The tour starts conveniently from Leka Tours & Rent a Car Sarandë, with free hotel pickup available within the city, making logistics smooth and straightforward.

This 7.5-hour journey is perfect for travelers eager to experience Albania’s diverse highlights without the hassle of planning. The guided tour features professional guides who speak both Albanian and English, ensuring clear insights into each site. While the tour involves some walking and steps, it remains accessible to most visitors, with practical tips like comfortable shoes and sun protection recommended.

Key Points

Duration: 7.5 hours, ideal for a full-day adventure from Sarandë
Highlights: Gjirokaster’s Ottoman-era streets, Blue Eye natural spring, Lekuresi Castle views
Transport: Comfortable van with hotel or port pickup options within Sarandë
Guide: Expert guides speaking Albanian and English, providing informative commentary
What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, camera, sunglasses, hat, water, sunscreen
Limitations: Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with back problems

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Exploring Gjirokaster’s Historic Streets and Ottoman Houses

The tour begins at Leka Tours & Rent a Car Sarandë, from where a van takes you on a roughly one-hour drive to Gjirokaster. This UNESCO-listed town is known for its medieval streets and Ottoman-era houses, which you get to explore during your guided tour and free time.

Walking through the cobbled streets, you’ll admire the traditional stone houses with their distinctive architecture, characteristic of this historic city. The visit includes a photo stop and an opportunity to appreciate the scenic views of the Drina Valley. The guide provides insights into the history and significance of this cultural hub, making the walk both enjoyable and educational.

The guided tour of Gjirokaster lasts about one hour, giving enough time to appreciate the charm without feeling rushed. The town’s lively atmosphere, combined with its well-preserved architecture, makes it a highlight for history and photography enthusiasts alike.

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Visiting Gjirokaster Castle for Panoramic Views

Next, the tour leads to Gjirokastër Castle, which dominates the skyline. This historic fortress offers much more than its walls; it provides panoramic views of the town and the surrounding landscape.

The castle visit lasts approximately one hour, during which the guide explains its history and significance. The photo stops from the castle are particularly rewarding, offering sweeping views of the Drina Valley and the Albanian countryside.

Inside the castle complex, visitors can explore some of the preserved structures and learn about its strategic importance throughout history. The experience combines history with scenic vistas, making it a memorable part of the trip.

The Blue Eye: Nature’s Turquoise Treasure

After exploring Gjirokaster, the journey continues with a 55-minute drive to Blue Eye, a stunning natural spring near Muzinë. Recognized for its turquoise waters and serene setting, the Blue Eye is a perfect place to enjoy a photo stop and a guided walk.

Spanning 1.5 hours, this stop allows ample time to appreciate the clear, spring-fed waters bubbling up from underground. The surroundings are peaceful, and the vivid color of the water makes it a favorite for capturing striking photos. The guide shares insights into how the Blue Eye forms and its ecological importance.

Visitors should be prepared for some walking around the natural spring, and the area’s natural setting offers a refreshing break from the cultural stops. The Blue Eye’s beauty lies in its calm, untouched environment, providing a tranquil contrast to the historical sites.

Panoramic Views from Lekuresi Castle

The tour wraps up with a 30-minute visit to Lekuresi Castle, a hilltop fortress offering sweeping panoramic views of Sarandë, the Ionian Sea, and the surrounding mountains.

The break time and photo stop at Lekuresi Castle are highlights, as the scenic vistas are truly impressive. The guided visit reveals the history of the fortress, which once served as a strategic lookout point. Visitors enjoy the free time to take photos and soak in the landscape.

This final stop provides a fitting end to the tour, combining history with breathtaking scenery. The castle’s elevated position offers excellent opportunities for photos, making it a favorite for those wanting to capture the beauty of southern Albania.

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Practicalities: Meeting Point, Transport, and Pacing

The tour departs from the Leka Tours & Rent a Car office, with free hotel pickup available within Sarandë. For guests staying outside the city, they need to meet at the office coordinates (39.87118911743164, 19.99556541442871). The van is comfortable, and the schedule is paced to include sufficient time at each site without feeling rushed.

The itinerary is well-structured, with driving times of around one hour between major stops. The total experience balances sightseeing with relaxing moments, with the longest walk around the Blue Eye natural spring. The tour is designed for those who enjoy walking but may not suit individuals with mobility limitations.

The tour emphasizes practical tips: visitors should wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and use sunscreen and sunglasses. Note that smoking is not allowed in the vehicle, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with back problems.

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The Convenience of Flexible Booking and Cancellation

One of the tour’s advantages is the “Reserve now & pay later” option, which allows travelers to book without immediate payment, adding flexibility to travel plans. Plus, full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance, making it a low-risk choice for spontaneous plans.

The live guides speak Albanian and English, ensuring clear communication and engaging storytelling during the stops. This feature adds value, especially for those eager to learn about Albania’s culture and history.

Comparing Similar Experiences

This tour aligns with other popular options listed on platforms like GetYourGuide, which feature visits to Gjirokaster, the Blue Eye, and Lekuresi Castle. The detailed itinerary and the inclusion of hotel pickup distinguish it from more basic or self-guided trips, offering a comprehensive and convenient experience.

Sarandë: Day Trip Gjirokaster, Blue Eye & Lekuresi Castle – A Complete Summary

This 7.5-hour tour delivers a balanced mix of historic exploration and natural beauty, ideal for travelers who want to see some of Albania’s most renowned sights in a single day. The guided experience ensures you gain insights into each location, while the scenic stops provide ample photo opportunities.

While it involves some walking and uneven terrain, the overall logistics are well-managed, and the pickup options within Sarandë make it accessible. The impressive views from Lekuresi Castle and the tranquility of the Blue Eye stand out as some of the tour’s highlights.

If you appreciate historic towns, natural wonders, and panoramic vistas, this trip offers a reliable, well-organized way to experience those highlights with knowledgeable guides and flexible booking options.

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Sarandë: Day trip Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts 7.5 hours, including driving, sightseeing, and free time at each stop.

Where does the tour start?
The departure point is the Leka Tours & Rent a Car office in Sarandë, with free hotel pickup available within the city.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
The tour involves walking and some steps, so it may not be ideal for those with mobility issues or very young children.

What should I bring for the tour?
Visitors should bring comfortable shoes, a camera, water, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is there a guide leading the tour?
Yes, the tour features live guides who speak Albanian and English, providing informative commentary.

Are there any restrictions or limitations?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with back problems due to walking and terrain.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of UNESCO town exploration, the Blue Eye’s natural beauty, and panoramic views from Lekuresi Castle provides a diverse and engaging experience in a single day.

How does this tour compare to similar offerings?
It offers flexible booking, hotel pickup, and a comprehensive itinerary that covers Albania’s key highlights, making it a dependable choice among similar options.