From Durrës or Golem: Ksamil, Saranda and Blue Eye Tour

Experience the highlights of Albania’s breathtaking landscapes and charming towns on the From Durrës or Golem: Ksamil, Saranda, and Blue Eye Tour for $74.31 per person. This 14-hour day-trip offers an effortless way to explore some of the country’s most photogenic spots, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide in English, ensuring you get both scenic views and cultural insights, all while enjoying air-conditioned comfort.

The tour is ideal for travelers who want a well-organized, comprehensive experience without the hassle of planning each detail. Though it’s a long day, the combination of natural wonders, coastal charm, and historical sights makes it a rewarding choice for those eager to see Albania’s best in a single trip. The 4.4-star rating from 81 reviews highlights consistent satisfaction, especially for the guides’ attentiveness and the stunning locations.

Key Points

• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Golem or Durrës for maximum convenience
• Visits five major stops, including Saranda, Ksamil beaches, Lekursi Castle, and Blue Eye spring
• Guided by knowledgeable English-speaking leaders, who provide background and stories about each site
• A long but rewarding 14-hour itinerary designed for travelers eager to see Albania’s coastal gems and natural springs
• Entry tickets to Blue Eye are included, while extras like sunbeds at Ksamil are optional and not included in the price
• Travelers appreciate the clear sequence of stops and helpful guides, with reviews praising the value and scenic variety

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From the Pick-Up to Your First Scenic Drive

The tour begins with hotel pickup from three possible locations: Lalëz, Durrës, or Golem, ensuring flexibility and ease for travelers staying in these areas. Once aboard the air-conditioned vehicle, the group heads out for a scenic 4-hour drive through Vlorë County, offering glimpses of Albanian countryside and coastlines.

This initial ride sets the tone for a day filled with stunning scenery and cultural insights. The guides are known for sharing interesting stories about Albania’s history and local life, making the journey itself as engaging as the stops along the way.

Exploring Saranda: The Pearl of the Albanian Riviera

The first major stop is Saranda, a lively port city famous for its natural bay of the Ionian Sea and views of Corfu Island. Here, visitors can stroll along the promenade, enjoying the seaside views and the vibrant atmosphere of this coastal hub. The city’s lush surroundings include citrus plantations, olive groves, and vineyards, adding to its scenic charm.

In Saranda, there’s time to visit the port area, take photos of the bay, and perhaps enjoy an optional coffee or ice cream while soaking in the view. The guide provides context about the city’s importance as a connecting point with Mediterranean countries, enriching the experience beyond just sightseeing.

Ksamil: The Beach Haven of Albania

Next, the tour moves to Ksamil, often called the pearl of the Albanian Riviera. The white sandy beaches here are the main attraction, with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and relaxing. Visitors have about three hours to explore, take photos, and enjoy the scenic views of four nearby islands.

The beaches are known for their finest sands and generally calm waters, making Ksamil an ideal spot for a leisurely break. Some travelers choose to rent sunbeds and umbrellas (not included in the tour, costing approximately 15-20 euros), or simply unwind on the beach, taking advantage of the great weather often present during the visit.

Visiting Lekursi Castle for Panoramic Views

The tour includes a stop at Lekursi Castle, a historical fortress perched above Saranda that offers spectacular panoramic views of Corfu and Saranda Bay. The guided visit allows for exploration of the castle’s history, with the elevated position providing photo opportunities of the coastline and surrounding landscapes.

This stop adds a cultural dimension to the day, combining scenic beauty with a glimpse into Albania’s past. The one-hour visit is enough to appreciate the views and take some memorable photos, making it a highlight for many travelers.

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The Blue Eye: Nature’s Mystical Water Spring

In the late afternoon, the tour visits Blue Eye, a famous freshwater spring renowned for its crystal-clear, blue waters. Surrounded by evergreen trees, the site’s mysterious depth and chilly temperature fascinate visitors. The guided visit includes a short walk, with plenty of time for photos and admiring the fairy-tale scenery.

The entry tickets are included, and there’s the option to take a 3-euro train ride from the entrance to the spring, which some visitors find convenient. The longer walk at Blue Eye is highly praised for the connection to nature it offers, making it worth the approximate 2-hour stop.

The Pacing and Sequence of the Day

The itinerary balances sightseeing, relaxation, and travel time. Starting at Ksamil in the morning benefits from better weather for the beaches and allows for swimming early on. Visiting Blue Eye in the late afternoon provides a cooler, more relaxed atmosphere, and the castle stop breaks up the day with cultural and scenic insights.

This sequence, as noted in reviews, helps maximize comfort and enjoyment, especially considering the long 14-hour duration. The tour’s pacing is generally appreciated, with stops prolonged at favorites and shorter at others, based on group preferences.

Practical Details: Transport, Guides, and Tickets

Traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, the group benefits from professional guidance throughout the day. The tour leader provides informative commentary about each location, enhancing the experience with historical and cultural details.

The entry to Blue Eye is included, while sunbeds at Ksamil are optional and not part of the package. For those wishing to relax fully on the beaches, budgeting around 15-20 euros for a sunbed and umbrella is advisable. The train ride at Blue Eye is also optional, costing 3 euros each way.

The Long Day and What to Expect

The 14-hour itinerary means a significant amount of time on the bus, but reviews highlight that guides keep the group engaged with stories and music, making the long ride more pleasant. The pick-up and drop-off service in Golem or Durrës adds convenience, especially for travelers staying in those areas.

This tour suits those comfortable with a full-day adventure and eager to see multiple highlights without the stress of organizing transport or tickets. While the day is long, the value for money and variety of sights often outweigh the fatigue, especially given the high praise for guides and scenic stops.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This experience is a solid choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive day that combines natural wonders, coastal scenery, and historical sites. The guides’ attentiveness and local insights make it especially appealing for those interested in Albanian culture and landscapes.

Anyone looking for a full, organized tour with easy logistics and access to the Blue Eye spring, Ksamil beaches, and Lekursi Castle will find this tour well worth the $74.31 price. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors to Albania who want to maximize their sightseeing in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Golem, Lalëz, or Durrës, making it easy to join the trip.

How long is the total tour?
The duration is approximately 14 hours, with the longest stops being the beaches in Ksamil and the Blue Eye visit.

Are entrance tickets to Blue Eye included?
Yes, entry tickets to Blue Eye are covered in the tour price.

Can I rent sunbeds at Ksamil beaches?
Sunbeds and umbrellas are not included; they typically cost 15-20 euros if you choose to rent.

What guides lead the tour?
The tour is led by an English-speaking guide whose insights about Albania’s sites and history are highly praised.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
While the tour is generally accessible, the long walking distances at Blue Eye and the full-day schedule may be best suited for adults or older children comfortable with a lengthy trip.

This Ksamil, Saranda, and Blue Eye tour offers a rich combination of natural beauty and cultural sights, all in one carefully organized day. With positive reviews focusing on guides’ knowledge and scenic variety, it remains a popular choice for travelers eager to explore Albania’s coast and landscapes with ease.

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