This full-day tour from Tirana, Durres, or Golem takes you to some of southern Albania’s most stunning sights for $77 per person. With a 16.5-hour duration, this trip offers a well-rounded mix of sightseeing, swimming, and nature exploration. You’ll visit Ksamil Islands, Saranda, and the Blue Eye spring — renowned for their vivid waters and captivating scenery. The tour is guided in multiple languages, including English, Italian, Spanish, and French, ensuring clear storytelling throughout.

One of the standout features of this experience is the careful pacing and diverse stops. It’s ideal for travelers eager to see Albania’s coast and natural wonders in a single day. Despite the long hours of travel, many reviews highlight the expert guides and beautiful destinations that make the trip incredibly worth the effort. Keep in mind, this tour involves a fair amount of driving and walking, so it suits those comfortable with a full schedule and outdoor activity.

Key Points

Price: $77 per person, with pick-up and drop-off included in Tirana, Durres, or Golem
Duration: 16.5 hours, offering a comprehensive sightseeing experience
Main stops: Ksamil Islands with options for boat rides and swimming, Saranda for scenic views, and the Blue Eye spring with its vibrant, icy waters
Guided experience: Led by knowledgeable guides fluent in English, Italian, Spanish, and French
Highlights: Crystal-clear waters, lush landscapes, local insights, and photo opportunities
Reviews: Consistently high ratings of 4.8/5 from over 1200 reviews, praised for organization, guide quality, and scenery

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From the Pickup to the Albanian Countryside

The tour begins with a comfortable pickup from your accommodation or designated meeting point in Golem, Tirana, or Durres. From there, a van transports the group for about 4.5 hours through the picturesque Albanian countryside. You’ll pass rolling hills, charming villages, and rugged terrain, all while your guide shares insights into Albania’s history and traditions. Many reviews mention the excellent driving skills of the guide, with some noting the scenic quality of the ride as a highlight.

This part of the journey sets the tone for the day, offering travelers their first glimpses of the country’s natural beauty. The drive itself becomes part of the experience, with plenty of opportunities for photos and relaxation.

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Exploring Saranda’s Coastal Charm

The first stop on arrival is Saranda, a lively seaside town renowned for its palm-lined promenade and views of the Ionian Sea. The short one-hour stop is perfect for capturing breathtaking photos of the coast and enjoying a quick walk along the water. Although the visit in Saranda is brief, it offers a taste of the vibrant local atmosphere and the chance to appreciate Albania’s coastal charm.

Many reviews note that Saranda is a nice introduction to the region, but the real focus of the trip is on Ksamil and the Blue Eye. If you’re pressed for time, some travelers mention that skipping extended time in Saranda could allow for even more relaxation in Ksamil.

Relaxing and Exploring Ksamil’s Beaches

After Saranda, the tour heads to Ksamil, considered one of Albania’s most beautiful beach destinations. Known for its white sandy shores and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Ksamil feels like a slice of paradise. The free time here includes about 30 minutes for a walk along the coast, sunbathing, or swimming.

A popular activity in Ksamil is renting small boats or kayaks to visit the Ksamil Islands, a group of unspoiled islets just offshore. Many visitors enjoy snorkeling or relaxing on the beach. The beach is often busy, especially in peak season, but not overcrowded. Tourists love that the lunch options at beachfront restaurants are nearby, though meals are not included in the tour.

Visiting the Blue Eye: Nature’s Vivid Water Spring

The Blue Eye spring is the tour’s natural highlight, renowned for its deep, vivid blue waters that resemble an eye. Surrounded by lush greenery, it offers a unique viewpoint from wooden pathways. The guided tour here lasts about 105 minutes, giving visitors plenty of time to admire the scenery and take photos.

For the brave, dipping feet into the ice-cold water at a constant 10°C (50°F) is a refreshing challenge. Many reviews emphasize the breathtaking colors and peaceful atmosphere of the Blue Eye, describing it as a magical place that is not to be missed.

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Activities and Optional Extras in Ksamil

Beyond just sightseeing, this tour offers opportunities for swimming, food tasting, and a boat cruise. While meals and water are not included, many visitors choose to enjoy lunch at local restaurants or rent kayaks to explore nearby islands. The boat ride to the Ksamil Islands is an optional activity that adds a fun dimension to the day.

The tour schedule is flexible enough to allow free time for personal exploration or relaxation. Many reviews highlight the well-organized timing, ensuring visitors get enough leisurely moments without feeling rushed.

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The Scenic Drive Back Toward Tirana

After the Blue Eye, the group boards the van for the almost 4-hour drive back to Tirana, Durres, or Golem. During this return journey, travelers can reflect on the day’s spectacular sights and experiences. The scenic landscapes continue to impress, and the guide’s commentary helps fill the quiet moments with interesting stories about Albania.

Many reviewers mention that the return drive feels shorter because of the beautiful scenery and the engaging guides. The drop-off is conveniently arranged at the original pickup points, making the overall experience smooth and straightforward.

The Experience of the Guides and Logistics

The tour’s success largely hinges on the guides’ professionalism and friendliness. Reviewers repeatedly praise guides like Orgest, Beni, and Ilmi, describing them as knowledgeable, attentive, and humorous. They share stories, tips, and local insights that enhance the visit.

The transportation is in air-conditioned vehicles, with pick-up and drop-off included. The group size varies depending on the day, but the transport is adapted to the number of participants—either van, minivan, or bus. Despite the long hours, many find the comfort and organization to be excellent.

Practical Tips for the Day Trip

Travelers are advised to bring passport or ID, sunscreen, sunglasses, and swimwear with a change of clothes and towel. A camera is recommended for capturing the breathtaking views. Since snacks are not included, bringing some food or water for the day is wise.

Being prepared for outdoor activity is helpful, especially at the Blue Eye and beaches. The tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year and involves many driving hours, so motion sickness medication might be needed if applicable.

Final Thoughts: A Day Packed with Albanian Beauty

This 16.5-hour tour offers a comprehensive look at Albania’s coastal scenery and natural springs. The combination of scenic drives, beach relaxation, and nature exploration makes it an ideal choice for adventurous travelers with limited time in the region.

The high ratings and glowing reviews reflect the quality of guides and the beauty of destinations. While the schedule is packed and involves long hours of travel, many see this as a small price for such a full day of memorable sights.

Perfect for those eager to see Albania’s best in a single trip, this tour is especially recommended for outdoor lovers and photographers. If you enjoy guided tours with reliable logistics and stunning scenery, this experience delivers on all counts.

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Tirana/Durres/Golem: Saranda, Ksamil, Blue Eye Day Trip

4.8

(1203)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include transportation?
Yes, the tour provides air-conditioned transportation from Tirana, Durres, or Golem, with pick-up and drop-off included.

How long is the total trip?
The total duration is 16.5 hours, with approximately 4.5 hours of driving each way.

What are the main stops during the day?
Stops include Saranda for a quick photo, Ksamil for beaches and optional boat rides, and the Blue Eye spring for sightseeing and swimming.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch and snacks are not included, but there are beachfront restaurants and options for food nearby.

Can I swim at the Blue Eye?
Yes, you can dip your feet or swim in the ice-cold waters of the Blue Eye, where the temperature remains at 10°C (50°F) year-round.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak English, Italian, Spanish, and French, ensuring clear explanations for diverse travelers.

Is this tour suitable for children or babies?
It is not recommended for babies under 1 year and involves long hours of travel and outdoor activity.

What should I bring?
Bring passport or ID, sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, and outdoor clothing.

Are there any hidden costs?
Additional expenses like meals, boat rides, kayaks, sunbeds, or tips are not included; tips are customary in Albania.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations can be made with the option to reserve now and pay later, and full cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

This well-organized, scenic, and engaging trip appeals strongly to travelers seeking a full taste of Albania’s coastal beauty and natural wonders in just one day.