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.

Describing the multidimensional beauty of this place will never be the same as looking at it while being there. Your professional guide will lead you in a 5-hour tour, learning about the legends of Blue Eye and immersing yourselves in the magical beauty of the area. Even in the hottest days of summer, the freshness of this place will make you enjoy this experience. You will be mesmerized by the clear water, that allows you to see straight to the bottom. Looking at the center of the tarn source, you will understand why it is named the ‘Blue Eye’. Divers have tried to descend into the Blue Eye to see its actual depth but it’s still unclear how far the mysterious hole really goes, because the pressure of the source, pushes you up again.

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.

We start our journey in Tirana with guided walking tour of the city center, including Skanderbeg Square, Ethem Bey Mosque, National Historical Museum, the Pyramid, Blloku area. Day 2: Thethi via Shkoder En route to Shkodra, a small city situated at the foot of the Albania Alps, stop and visit the hilltop Rozafa Castle. Enjoy its amazing views and the fortress’s fascinating history. You'll transfer for lunch in Shiroke, with Lake Shkoder well known for its fish cuisine. Experience the Old Town, St. Stephen’s Catholic Cathedral and the Ebu Bekr Mosque on a guided tour before transferring to Theth, where on route you will stop in the mountain village of Boge and Thore Pass surrounded by mountains. Day 3: The Blue Eye of Theth & Grunas Waterfall and Canyon Spend a day exploring Theth National Park on a leasure hike. Marvel at the view and sound of Grunas waterfall and Canyon. Enjoy a refreshing bath and lunch at the Natural pools of Nderlysa. Be amazed at the Blue Eye of Theth, after hiking through stunning scenery. Day 4: Durres via Kruja Leave the northern village of Theth and head for the city of Kruja. Set off on a guided tour of Dollma Bektashi Teqe, the surroundings and the Castle itself and the Skanderbeg Museum. Head for lunch in a local restaurant in Kruja, with a tremendous view of the city and valley of Kruja. Enjoy free time to wander around the Old Bazaar, transfer to the seaside city of Durres. Day 5: Saranda via Gjirokaster Transfer to Gjirokaster to discover this "city of a thousand steps” whilst driving through small villages. Once arrived, settle into your hotel before soaking up the rich history of the castle and enjoying the view of the “city of stone” from above. Explore the Ottoman Bazaar and historic wooden house before stopping for lunch in a small local restaurant for a taste of the city’s authentic dishes. On the road to Saranda, you will later stop at the “Blue Eye” spring. Day 6: Butrint and Ksamil Transfer to Butrint for a guided tour of the UNESCO archaeological site. Following that you will have free time for a beach day at the Ksamil Islands, before returning to Saranda in the evening. Day 7: Vlore via Ali Pasha Castle & Riviera Road Visit Porto Palermo Castle with your guide, before spending the day at the beach in the bay of Porto Palermo. Along the way you'll stop by Tirana, as well as the Llogara “balcony” to try local products of the area. Sightseeing tour of Berat (UNESCO) & Tirana Set off from Vlore to reach Berat, the “City of Thousand Windows”, where you will admire the Red and White Mosque, the Church of the Holy Trinity and the arched bridge of Gorica. In the afternoon Alpeta Winery will welcome you for a cellar and vineyard visit. enjoy lunch with their seasonal home-grown and locally sourced organic delights and their fine wine. Transfer in Tirana in afternoom

Welcome to Albania! Transfer to Tirana and settle into your hotel. For those of you not too tired, there is a guided walking tour of the city center, including Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Pyramid and the Blloku area. Drive to Gjirokaster to discover the city of “a thousand steps”. Pass by the Ottoman Bazaar and have a free time for lunch in one of the local restaurants for a taste of the city’s authentic dishes. Step into Skenduli house and listen to its history and details from the 10th generation of Skenduli family. Visit the castle and enjoy the view of the “city of stone” from above. Pass by the Ottoman Bazaar and historic wooden houses before transfer in Saranda in Late afternoon. Travel to the Blue Eye and marvel at the spring’s shades of blue and nature around it. Set off on a guided tour of Butrint National Park where a local guide explains 2500 years of history embedded in the Amphitheater, the castle, the churches and the Lion Gate. Enjoy free time in the idyllic beach of Ksamil before transfer in Saranda. Enjoy your beach town in the unspoiled sand backed by rolling hills covered in olive groves, the grilled meats and cold beers, or add an excursions like: Jeep Safari, Mussel Tour with a boat, Diving Lessons, Corfu day tour In the afternoon transfer to Tirana, get settled in the hotel and in the evening gather with your group to celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner. Transfer to Berat passing through striking hills full of olive trees. On this Unesco – recognized old town with our local guide, you will admire the White Mosque, the Holy Trinity Church, Gorica Bridge and the Berati citadel/castle. Wander around this pretty town with free time for lunch. Transfer to Tirana in the late afternoon.