Venture into the lush greenery of South Albania to discover the natural phenomenon of the Blue Eye. visit the ancient Lekursi Castle on the hillside and get a stunning panorama of Saranda, Butrint Lagoon, and the Greek island of Corfu. Depart in the morning from Saranda. Your guide will lead you to one of the most breathtaking views in south Albania, the Blue Eye to admire its uniqueness. Be enchanted by the surrounding green forest and all its freshwater. At the center of the tarn source, you will understand why it is named the ‘Blue Eye’. Be mesmerized by how crystal clear the water is as you get a clear view of the bottom of a pool that is over 50 meters deep. Continue to the Lekursi Castle. located only half an hour away from the Blue Eye, on a hill that offers you a panoramic view of Saranda, Butrint Lagoon, and the island of Corfu. See the ruins of the homonymous village.

1st Day: We start our journey from Tirana to Komani Lake. At the lake we take the boat and sail for 2 hours through an outstanding dramatic mountain view to Fierza Lake. After that we take our private transfer heading to Valbona Valley. 2nd Day: We start our day early in the morning where we hike from Valbona Valley National Park to Thethi Valley National Park. The hike is moderate and is approximately 6 hours long. Along these 6 hours we will have plenty of time to rest and the most improtant thing, to enjoy one of the best part of Albania, the heart of the Alps. Afternoon we arrive in Thethi National Park. 3rd Day: We start our day visiting the most interesting parts of Thethi as The Curch, Grunas Waterfall and the Blue Eye. Afternoon we start our way back to Tirana with a short visit in Shkodra city. We arrive in Tirana around evening. End of our service.

Get a taste of rural Albania on a private 4-day hiking trip from Tirana with a professional guide. Visit Koman Lake, Valbona, Theth, the "Blue Eye," Gurnas Waterfall, and Shkoder. Enjoy included guesthouse accommodation and meals. On Day 1, leave Tirana early after pickup at your accommodation and drive toward Koman Lake. There, take a ferry to Fierza on the other side of this manmade lake, the only connection locals have to get in touch with the modern world. Next, drive on from Fierza to Valbona, passing through Bajram Curri. Stop for a lunch break in Valbona, then go hiking in Kukaj, a remote area in the Valbona Valley. See how local people go about their life before checking into your guesthouse for the night. On Day 2, hike for approximately 20 kilometers from Valbona to Theth, following the ancient path that was once the only way to travel between Valbona and Shkoder. Pass through old villages where people still live in their more than 100-year-old stone towers. Enjoy a spectacular view of the long rocky valley mixed with quiet, relaxing forest, and take your pick from some traditional cafes for a lunch break. Arrive in Theth and prepare to be amazed by its unique nature, history, and tradition. Admire the Lock-in Tower of Theth, and hear about its interesting past. Stay overnight in Theth. On Day 3, hike to the "Blue Eye," a natural water pool located around 10 kilometers from the center of Theth. With a depth of 5 meters and icy waters (5°C), the Blue Eye is formed by rock erosion caused by water descending from the mountains. Savor a picnic lunch at the Blue Eye and return to the guesthouse by the afternoon. On Day 4, have breakfast at the guesthouse, then head to Gurnas Waterfall, around 45 minutes on foot from the center of the village. After, leave Theth behind and drive for around 3 hours to reach Shkoder, the biggest city in northern Albania. Enjoy some free time in Shkoder before returning to Tirana in the evening.

Join us in this Day Tour of Gjirokastra and The Blue Eye to explore the secrets behind this Stone City and Castle of Gjirokaster. Part of Albanian UNESCO World Heritage. This Tour brings you nearer to the Unique Architecture, Local life, delicious food, and a stunning water spring. It is a complete guide with the best of what to visit in Gjirokaster, carefully selected by us, along with the last destination being The Blue Eye. Probably it is one of the steepest cities in the world, as Ismail Kadare describes it in his book. Gjirokastra will amaze you with its unique architecture and its dominant castle of Gjirokastra on the top of the hill. It is a city with a rich and glorious history, culture, and delicious local cuisine. Tour of Gjirokaster will start with the Pride of the city, the Castle of Gjirokaster. Walking through the coble stone paths sliding from the castle, you will explore a charming city, strangely attractive, and very Instagramable. While in Gjirokastra, we will explore also most of the Historic city, including some characteristic houses to understand more about how everyday life was organized in the family. Lastly, our final stop will be The Blue Eye water spring, which will leave you speechless and eager to jump in those vibrant blue colors and take a dip. Tour of Gjirokastra The history of the “Stone City” of Gjirokastra dates since the IVth Century AD. Known as Argyrokastro (Silver Castle) it has been an important economic, political and cultural city since the early Byzantine Era. Since 2005 the City is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. In addition, it is known for its highly preserved Ottoman Style Buildings and Architecture. The main components of the unique style are - Stone House Rooftops - Unique “Small Fortes” house style - The old Bazaar Blue Eye The “Blue Eye” is a water spring and a natural phenomenon occurring in a village in Finiq, southern Albania. The clear blue water of the Bistricë River can be seen from a depth of more than 50 meters, which is truly a magical view and makes the Blue Eye one of the most preferred destinations among tourists.

Join us on this Day Tour of the Riviera to explore some of the most beautiful parts of Albania. You will witness an amazing view while driving across Llogara, overseeing the whole seashore, on your way to getting to pristine beaches, such as Dhermi, Himare, Porto Palermo, and Ksamil. A Day tour that combines History, Culture, and stunning nature. Get inside Himara’s Castle and touch a part of Albanian history or see Porto Palermo’s Submarine Base, built in 1969 during Communism as a Fast Attack Craft base. Visit Ksamil, a gift from nature, and see why it has been dubbed “The Maldives of Europe” or have a lovely lunch in the South’s most visited city, Saranda. During this Day Tour, you would be part of an interesting exploration of the Albanian Riviera. You will be introduced to pleasingly beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, olive trees, historical locations and a non-ending seashore. A ride consisting of 500 Km on a round trip really gives you the opportunity to touch and enjoy every bit of Albania’s South beauty. The drive will consist of multiple stops and a lunch in Sarande to make sure the trip is not dull and also opportunities to take Instagram photos in front of the amazing view throughout the whole tour.

Explore Theth National Park on a 2-day guided tour and see breathtaking natural wonders such as the Blue Eye and the Grunas Waterfall as well as historical marvels like the Church of Theth and the Lock-in Tower. Arrive in Theth and take some time to settle into your room. Then, head down to the valley for a scenic walk along the river before stopping at the Lock-in Tower. Hear the fascinating history of this old prison from your expert guide. Continue to the Grunas Waterfall, and see one of the most unique natural formations in the Albanian Alps, proclaimed a state-protected natural monument. Then, head back to the guesthouse. Start your morning with a traditional breakfast before traveling to the Blue Eye. As you go, admire the incredible scenery along the trail with mountain ranges above you and rocky pools of freshwater - excellent for swimming. Finally, arrive at Cape Kapre, one of the most beautiful villages in the Alps. Here, marvel at the spectacular Blue Eye pool. Take the opportunity to capture incredible photos or just relax with your group on the edge. After a delicious lunch, travel back to Tirana city.

Departing Tirana at the dawn of 8 o'clock, we shall journey towards Gjirokastra, a place 230 kilometers away, renowned for its remarkable preservation of the Ottoman architecture and its prominent agricultural land. We will traverse through the depths of Southern Albania, admiring the green fields that the countryside has to offer. Along our path, we shall be accompanied by the Vjosa River, one of the few untamed rivers of Albania and the surrounding Balkan region. Once we arrive in the city, you will soon recognize that this metropolis is unlike any other. At the heart of the city lies the main square, proudly named after the renowned Albanian Patriot of the 19th century, Cerciz Topulli. Here, the cobblestone streets culminate in a splendid spectacle, their journey from the castle's lofty heights finally at an end. Dating back to the 17th Century, the Ottoman era saw the flourishing of a bustling epicenter that sent its vitality reverberating throughout the city. A hub of economic activity, this was the place where news, gossip and rumors were propagated with remarkable swiftness. All manner of transactions were conducted here, as well as leisurely gatherings over coffee. Countless unions were arranged here, providing the perfect milieu for families to come together prior to the wedding rites. This day, the city proudly displays its history to all who visit, with a splendid array of souvenirs and stories shared by the affable inhabitants. Majestically, we tread through the bustling Bazaar to reach the grand Gjirokastra Fortress. Upon the hilltop's natural defenses, it was the first settlement of the city, deeply rooted in the captivating legend of Argjiro, the young princess who sacrificed herself. Thusly, it is commonly referred to as the Crown of the City. Renovated significantly in the 19th Century, it has been used as a fortress and prison by countless regimes and political parties of the past. Undeniably, the Fortress holds great historical significance, yet its stony visage still provides a stunning view of the city, placidly spread along the hills. Last visit : the "Blue Eye" spring - an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon and popular tourist attraction. The river's crystalline depths can be viewed from more than fifty metres below, and the refreshingly clear blue waters are a sight to behold. The journey to the springs is well worth the fifteen-minute walk through nature's finest.

We start the tour in the morning from your pick up location (hotel,port etc) Then we take the way from Ksamil to reach the first destination(Butrint) The Butrint National Park is the most famous attraction in the south of Albania and the UNESCO World Heritage site is the most visited archaeological park in the country. In this guide you can find everything you need to know before visiting Butrint. On the way back to the city, a short visit around 30 min to Lekursi Castle, build by Sultan Suleiman the Great. A 360o view of all the region around, where your eyes can enjoy a magnificent sight-seen of a big island ( Corfu), a city ( Saranda), a lake ( Butrinti Lake). All in one from the top of this strategic place. A beautiful visit to the natural spring of Blue Eye, a hidden place between the mountains where you can enjoy a magnificent view of transparent water, that still can't be measured how deep it is.

Explore Albania's top attractions in the hands of an expert tour director during a 4-day, 3-night sightseeing tour. Sample authentic Albanian food and visit Unesco World Heritage Sites such as Berat, Gjirokastra, and Butrint. Day 1: Sightseeing tour of Berat via Durres Travel to Berat, stopping in Durres for a short walking tour of the City Walls, Byzantine Forum, Roman Thermal Baths, the Venetian Tower, and the Amphitheater. Transfer to Berat passing through suggestive hills full of olive trees. Then, get settled in the hotel and head out for a guided tour admiring the citadel/castle of Berat with the Red Mosque, recognized by its solitary minaret, and the many Byzantine Churches like the Holy Trinity Church and the St. George Church. Finally, step inside a local home inside the castle of Berat for a coffee, raki, and dessert break. Enjoy the rest of the day wandering in the two main districts of Mangalam and Gorica. Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Gjirokastra After breakfast, admire small villages during your transfer to Gjirokaster. Once you arrive in this “city of a thousand steps,” settle into your hotel before soaking up the rich history of the castle and enjoying the view of the “city of stone” from above. Next, see the Ottoman Bazaar and historic wooden houses. Visit the Gjirokastra Obelisk dedicated to the first school of Gjirokastra and enjoy the 360º view from there. Next, stop for lunch in a small local restaurant for a taste of the city’s authentic dishes. Step into Skenduli house, the nicest Ottoman tower house, and listen to its history and details from the 10th generation of the Skenduli family. Spend a relaxing evening in the streets of Gjirokaster. Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Butrint & the Blue Eye spring Travel to the “Blue Eye” spring. Admire the shades of blue and surrounding nature before heading to Butrint. There, marvel at 2,500 years of history on a guided tour with a local guide. See the highlights, such as the amphitheater, castle, churches, and Lion Gate. Drive to Ksamil and enjoy lunch by the lake at the Mussel House. Spend your afternoon in Ksamil before heading to Saranda via Lekursi Castle, which overlooks the city. Day 4: Tirana via Vlore and Riviera Road En route to the city of Vlore via the scenic Riviera road, and explore the Ali Pasha Castle with your Tour Director. First, head to the Llogara “balcony” for a stunning view of the South Coast beaches before indulging in lunch at Llogara National. Next, visit a park surrounded by pine trees and a fresh mountain breeze. Marvel at the architecture and listen to entertaining legends about the man who built it, Ali Pashe Tepelena. Then, stop for lunch at a rustic local restaurant along Shushica river. After lunch, visit the city of Vlore, the hometown of the National Independence movement. visit Flag Square with its Independence Monument in the center, the Muradie Mosque, and Vlore Lungomare. Transfer to Tirana. (Hotel accommodation in Tirana is not included on the tour).

Take advantage of a convenient private transfer from Tirana or Durres to Saranda. Our English speaking driver will be waiting for you with a sign at your hotel 15 min before departure. Cars are available all year round, 24 hours per day. On the way to Saranda, enjoy a coffee break in Tepelena Cold Waters. Ride in the air-conditioned comfort of a Opel Corsa, Dacia Duster or T5 Caravelle Van. Vehicles and drivers are supplied by Good Albania, a local tour operator, with a track record of high-quality customer service.