Saranda All Included: Butrint, Ksamil, Blue Eye & Lekuresi Castle
Description
Imagine a day where you don’t have to worry about a thing, just relax and soak in the best of Southern Albania. Our “Saranda All Included” tour brings you face-to-face with some of the country’s most stunning places: the ancient city of Butrint, the crystal waters of Ksamil, the hidden magic of the Blue Eye, and the sweeping views from Lekurësi Castle. With guaranteed entrance tickets, comfy transport, and a local guide who’s been sharing these stories and places for over 13 years, you’re in the best hands. We keep our groups small, our pace easy, and our vibe friendly, giving you time to dive into the culture, uncover hidden spots, and really connect with the beauty around you. If you’re the kind of traveler who values authentic experiences, loves stunning landscapes, and enjoys taking the time to truly connect with each place, this journey was made for you.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We start at Butrint National Park, Albania’s most iconic site, and the first to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I’ve guided here for 15 years and even helped with excavations, getting to know this place well. We’ll begin at the Sanctuary of Asklepios, where ancient healing took place, and then move on to the Theater, Roman Baths, and the Gymnasium. After that, we’ll see the beautiful Baptistry mosaics and the Great Basilica. We’ll pass through the Monumental Gates and finish with stunning views from the Venetian Castle. There is no rush here, just a chance to truly feel the past. Relax, enjoy the stories, and connect with history along the way.
Ksamil- The Postcard Made Real We’ll take a 30-minute pause in Ksamil, just long enough to soak in the postcard beauty of this coastal gem. With its powder-white beaches, crystal-clear shallows, and the tiny green islands scattered just offshore, Ksamil feels almost too perfect to be real. It’s the kind of place where time slows down—you’ll have a chance to snap a few unforgettable photos, breathe in the salty breeze, and maybe dip your toes in the Ionian Sea. Even in a short stop, the magic of Ksamil leaves an impression
The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) is a natural wonder, a karstic spring with waters so clear and deep they seem to glow with every shade of blue and green imaginable. This is a place where the earth’s secrets bubble up to the surface, and the colors shift before your eyes, drawing you in like an artist’s brushstroke.
Lekursi Castle stands proudly 250 meters above sea level, offering an unparalleled 360-degree view of the entire region around Saranda and the Ionian coast. From this hilltop fortress, you’ll have a sweeping panorama that stretches out over the sparkling waters, the hills, and the coastline. It’s not just about the castle—this vantage point gives you a chance to see it all: the Blue Eye, the ancient ruins of Butrint, and the shores of Ksamil, all from above. You’ll feel like you’re standing on top of the world, with the history of the region and the natural beauty laid out before you, ready to be absorbed. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your journey—taking in the whole picture, from the land to the sea, and everything in between.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We will pick you up at hotels, BNB or agreed upon meeting points. The driver/guide will be wearing the licensed badge and will be waiting for you with a sign with the lead travelers name.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(5)
Tour guide was amazing, very knowledgeable of all the history and very interesting. Was quick to help where we needed it on some of the terrain. I don’t know what I expected of Albania but I was very impressed. Can’t recommend this tour and the guide enough
We had a wonderful tour with Gert. I can’t imagine going to Butrint without the extensive information he gave. He guided us through the huge complex with so much background history and answered all our questions. If you love history and really want to understand what you are viewing, you need an experienced guide like Gert. Blue eye was a beautiful spot and we stopped for some amazing views. Overall it was a full day full of interesting conversation and we learned so much.
Gert is an friendly amazing guide who know a lot of historical sites on the destination we are going. He also knows a lot of amazong restaurants in Saranda area. Highly recommended.
Gert was very knowledgeable and we were able to skip a lot of lines. Knows his history very well and was a delight to chat with throughout the tour. Speaks English very well.
From the very beginning, Gert makes you feel like you are traveling with a friend who happened to know everything about southern Albania! He was professional, warm, and incredibly knowledgeable. I visited some of the most stunning spots, Butrint, Ksamil, the Blue Eye, and Lekurësi Castle and the way Gert planned the day made everything feel smooth, relaxed, and special. We avoided the big crowds, timed each stop perfectly, and he shared stories that brought each place to life. What made the day really stand out was how personal and well thought out the whole tour felt. It never felt rushed. It was the best way to see the area, with great stories and stops along the way for stunning pictures . If you’re visiting Saranda, do not miss this tour. Highly recommended!
