Sarande: Blue Eye with Traditional Food and Wine Tasting

Explore the Stunning Blue Eye and Taste Authentic Albanian Flavors in a 5-Hour Private Tour from Saranda

The Sarande: Blue Eye with Traditional Food and Wine Tasting tour offers a well-rounded experience for those eager to see one of Albania’s most captivating natural sights while enjoying local wines and homemade delicacies. Priced at a reasonable rate for a private group, this 5-hour journey from Saranda or Ksamil combines scenic countryside drives, a mesmerizing spring, and a culinary tasting that highlights regional flavors. With professional guides, organic products, and a flexible schedule, this tour appeals to travelers seeking a mix of natural beauty and culture—though it’s worth noting that some aspects, like vineyard visits, may vary.

The tour is designed for those who enjoy scenic drives, natural sights, and wine tasting in a relaxed setting. It features hotel pickup and drop-off in climate-controlled vehicles, making the journey comfortable and convenient. The Blue Eye itself is renowned for its sapphire-blue waters, providing striking photo opportunities. After the visit, a local winery offers a bio food and wine tasting with organic wines, traditional raki, and regional snacks. This experience combines nature and culture, making it suitable for food lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Key Points

• Duration: Exactly 5 hours, with flexible start times based on availability.
• Includes: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Blue Eye entrance fee, wine and food tasting, and a wifi hotspot.
• Highlights: The Blue Eye’s mesmerizing spring, local wines and raki, and authentic regional cuisine.
• Transport: Comfortable, climate-controlled vehicles with jeep or SUV options for scenic drives.
• Guide: Knowledgeable, friendly guides speak English, Turkish, and Albanian.
• Tour Type: Private group, offering a personalized experience with flexible stops.

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Discover the Blue Eye: Albania’s Natural Wonder

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Saranda or Ksamil, where travelers are welcomed into climate-controlled vehicles. The scenic drive takes around 40 minutes through the Albanian countryside, revealing lush landscapes and rural charm. The Blue Eye is the main highlight, famous for its striking, sapphire-blue waters that mesmerize visitors. The entrance fee is included, giving access to this natural spring, where you’ll have 80 minutes to enjoy the views and take photos.

The Blue Eye’s natural beauty is its standout feature, with its crystal-clear waters and unique color, making it a must-see for nature lovers. The site’s peaceful environment offers plenty of photo opportunities, and the timing allows enough time to explore without feeling rushed. Visitors can choose to view the spring from various vantage points or take a short walk around the area, experiencing a sense of tranquility and awe.

Scenic Countryside Drive to the Blue Eye

The journey to the Blue Eye includes a 40-minute drive along scenic rural roads. This part of the tour showcases Albania’s lush landscapes and gives travelers a chance to see a different side of the country. The drive is described as safe and comfortable, with friendly guides who share insights about local life and the region’s history.

The jeep or SUV vehicle adds to the adventure, offering a more engaging way to experience the countryside compared to standard coaches. The scenic drive not only sets the tone for the day but also allows for photo stops along the way if desired, giving travelers opportunities to capture the beautiful vistas.

Wine Tasting at a Countryside Winery

After visiting the Blue Eye, the tour continues to a local winery where a bio food and wine tasting takes place. Set in a scenic countryside location, this experience features a selection of organic wines—including white, rose, and red—produced at the vineyard. Complementing the wines are traditional raki, a strong Albanian spirit, and fresh homemade sides crafted from regional recipes.

The tasting session lasts around 80 minutes. While staff leave the wines and sides on the table, it’s worth noting that no formal vineyard tour or detailed explanation is provided, which might be disappointing for those expecting a more educational experience. Guests are encouraged to help themselves and enjoy the generous offerings at their own pace.

Authentic Albanian Food and Raki Experience

The food tasting features regional dishes served alongside the wines. The fresh homemade sides are crafted from local recipes, providing a genuine taste of Albanian cuisine. The traditional raki offers an authentic flavor of the region, known for its strength and cultural significance.

This part of the tour emphasizes authenticity over formality, creating a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can enjoy gourmet craftsmanship with minimal interruption. It’s a good opportunity for foodies to experience local flavors and learn about Albanian wine and spirits.

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Flexible Stops and Scenic Options

The itinerary includes two pickup locations: Sarandë and Ksamil, with drop-offs at the same points. The scenic drive and free time at the Blue Eye are designed to optimize viewing without feeling rushed.

Guests have the option to choose how to reach the Blue Eye, such as by foot, train, or motor scooter—the latter looking especially fun. The train costs 3 per person one way, offering a quick and easy way to descend into the viewing area. The flexibility allows for a personalized experience and adds a bit of adventure for those wanting an active outing.

Practicalities and Tips for the Tour

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward. Travelers should bring a camera to capture the spectacular views. The duration of 5 hours provides a comfortable pace for sightseeing and tasting without feeling rushed.

Language options include English, Turkish, and Albanian, ensuring clear communication throughout the experience. Cancellation is flexible—guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Payment can be made later, allowing travelers to reserve without immediate commitment.

Guide and Overall Experience

The guides are praised for their friendly nature and good communication, especially via WhatsApp. The guide facilitates timely pickups, shares local insights, and makes the journey enjoyable. One guide, Ryan, is noted for being punctual and easy to talk to, enhancing the overall comfort of the tour.

The experience provides a balanced mix of natural beauty, culinary delights, and local culture. While some reviews mention self-guided parts and less detailed vineyard tours, the overall value remains strong, especially considering the private group setting.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This tour best suits travelers interested in natural sights and local cuisine. It’s ideal for those who enjoy scenic drives, relaxing visits, and wine tasting with a casual atmosphere. Families or couples seeking a personalized experience will especially benefit from the private group setup.

Those craving more in-depth vineyard or cultural tours might find the experience somewhat limited, but most will appreciate the beautiful Blue Eye combined with authentic Albanian food and wine.

Sarande’s Blue Eye and Food Tour: Final Thoughts

The Sarande: Blue Eye with Traditional Food and Wine Tasting tour offers a beautiful natural marvel combined with a local culinary experience. Its private setting, friendly guides, and flexible itinerary make it a practical choice for travelers seeking an authentic taste of Albania’s countryside.

While some may find the vineyard experience meager in detail, the scenic drive, stunning Blue Eye, and generous tastings make up for it. This tour is a solid option for nature lovers and foodies wanting a relaxed, personalized day exploring Albania’s scenic and flavorful side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, including sightseeing, tasting, and travel time.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, Blue Eye entrance fee, wine and sides tasting, and a wifi hotspot.

Where does the tour start?
It starts with pickup from any hotel in Saranda or Ksamil, with drop-offs at the same locations.

Can I choose how to reach the Blue Eye?
Yes, you can choose to walk, take a train (costs 3 per person), or use a motor scooter.

What kind of wines are served?
A selection of local wines includes white, rose, and red, all produced at the vineyard.

Is there a guide during the winery visit?
Guidance is friendly and informative, but there is no formal tour of the vineyard or winery—guests help themselves to the wines and food.

What should I bring?
A camera is recommended to capture the scenic views.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, especially for families with older children who can enjoy walking and scenic views.

What languages are available?
The tour is conducted in English, Turkish, and Albanian.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby