Tour from Sarande to Blue Eye, Gjirokaster,St. Nicholas Monastery
Description
Explore the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes of Albania on this 8-hour tour starting from Sarandë. Visit the serene St. Nicholas Monastery in Mesopotam, the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Eye spring, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gjirokastër known for its Ottoman architecture and historic castle. Conclude your day with breathtaking views from Lëkurësi Castle overlooking Sarandë and the Ionian Sea, all while enjoying the comfort of a modern, air-conditioned van with a small group of fellow travelers. This tour is ideal for those seeking a blend of history, nature, and local culture. - Comfortable pickup and drop-off in Sarandë location -Visit top 4 natural and historical locations around Saranda - Enjoy a guide book in five languages for cultural insights - Fully insured transportation with AC and with experienced drivers
Tour Options
Itinerary
Begin your day with a comfortable pickup in Sarandë KMG Shuttles Start Location. Head to the serene St. Nicholas Monastery in Mesopotam, a 11th century church that was built on the site of an earlier orthodox monastery complex.Soak up the tranquil atmosphere and beautiful surroundings in a place of spiritual reflection and cultural significance.
Nestled in the heart of southern Albania, the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) is a natural wonder, water spring of natural phenomenon known for its stunning, vibrant turquoise waters as well as lush greenery of the surrounding landscape. Visiting Blue eye is a perfect escape to nature and natural beauty.
Known as the "City of Stone," Gjirokastra itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site while the Gjirokastra castle is one of its most iconic landmarks. Perched high above the enchanting town of Gjirokastra in southern Albania, the Gjirokastra Castle stands as a timeless testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage and medieval past. Dating back to the 12th century, this im pressive fortress offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the picturesque valley below. As you wander through its massive stone walls, you’ll discover a fascinating blend of history, architecture, and art, with remnants from various periods, including Ottoman, Byzantine, and Albanian influences. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply someone seeking a unique adventure, Gjirokastra promises an unforgettable journey.
Lëkurësi Castle is a historical fortress located on a hill overlooking the coastal city of Saranda, Albania. Built in the 16th century by the Ottoman Empire, it was strategically positioned to control the surrounding region and protect against potential invaders. The castle offers breathtaking views of Saranda, the Ionian Sea, Corfu Island, and the surrounding mountains.
On the way from Blue Eye to Gjirokastra, we choose to go through the national park of Muzine rather than the highway. Nature in this ride is just breathtaking.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(4)
Great value for money and must see for Blue Eye and Gjirokaster. Aircon on the bus was a life saver and views between destinations were outstanding. Shout out to Nancy at the kiosk in Saranda, very friendly!
Departure and arrival times and the duration of stops were respected. Everything else leaves much to be desired, especially the air conditioning blasting in the van, despite our request to lower it. The Italian-speaking guide in person, which we were assured of, does not exist, but they only make you download a short story on your phone that explains the sites. Overall, the service was disappointing compared to expectations, but many sites were appreciable, especially the Blue Eye and Agiirocastro, for a day trip within Albania starting from Saranda.
Perfect fabulous trip and iutstanding service
We used the excellent KMG Shuttles and Tours for the Culture Line day trip. Excellent value at €30 per person we were collected at 8:30am in Ksamil and returned around 5:00pm. We bought tickets from Kristi (co owner of KMG Tours) at the BIT Restaurant next to Bus Stop 1 in Ksamil. We were met by her husband Kristian on the morning and shared a car with two lovely German ladies and were provided with a QR code to download an excellent written guide - we preferred this to a normal guided tour as we could explore the stops at our own leisure. The driver was excellent and we felt very safe and secure. The stops were all very worthwhile and sufficient time was given at each to explore - in particular the highlights being the UNESCO town of Gjirokastra (a must see) and the stunning views of Saranda from Lekuresi Castle toward the end of the tour. The crystal clear waters of the Blue Eye were also very special and I would suggest if you can to walk the short 20 minutes from the entrance rather than take the transport available. A definite must do tour if staying in the area. Thank you KMG.
