Ksamil Blue Eye och Saranda Day Tour från Tirana Durres Golem

We booked the day before for the next day. The excursion was scheduled to depart at 7 AM from our hotel, but the night before at 10 PM, we received a WhatsApp from the guide informing us that the meeting would be at 5:20 AM, 35 minutes on foot from our hotel. We asked him to honor what had been sold, especially since we were two women and preferred to avoid going out alone in the middle of the night. He did not agree but offered to move the meeting to 5:10 AM at a location 15 minutes' walk from our hotel. We tried to ask him for a cancellation, but he refused. We still decided to go there. So we arrived at 5:10 AM at the indicated location (1 hour and 50 minutes earlier than what had been initially planned). We waited until 5:45 AM before the bus arrived. The air conditioning was broken, so we could not turn it off; the seat was also damaged and kept lowering onto the passengers behind us. We traveled for 6 hours and 30 minutes with several timed breaks to eat along the way. The first was at a gas station that offered breakfast. The reception, service, and organization were deplorable. To grab a snack, be prepared to be cut in line constantly without any warning; a higher amount than the receipt will be indicated on the payment terminal if you plan to pay by card (cash price: 120 Leke compared to 160 by card). We finally arrive in Saranda for only 45 minutes, just enough time to snack on something, but do not expect to visit or do any activities. Then, we depart on the bus towards Ksamil. After all this journey, fatigue was present, so we could not enjoy the 3 hours on site. Moreover, for Ksamil itself, it should be noted that to access a decent spot, you need to shell out about thirty euros for two sunbeds and a parasol. The guide will offer you an alternative, a free public beach. It is very small, crowded, and quite far from the center. After this long stop, we went to Blue Eyes. The place is beautiful but clearly does not deserve such a long trip. The water is freezing, swimming is prohibited, and to access it, expect about twenty minutes of downhill walking or plan to pay €3 per trip on a small train to avoid walking. The place is beautiful but quite small, and we quickly make the round. We had 1 hour on site. Return to Tirana at 11 PM, we ask the guide to kindly drop us off in front of our hotel. He did not bother to listen to us until the end and dropped us off at the starting point. In short, think twice before booking this excursion.

The tour was guided by Klodi who told many interesting things about Albania, he was responsive and helpful. The driver led the bus smoothly on the narrow road in the mountains, and the tour was organized well. However, my personal impressions is that the road takes much more time than sightseeing themselves since they are rather remoted if you start from Tirana.

The bus was broken and she didn't want to call another one in the middle of a mountain where there was no service.... Eventually have to arrange to board another bus yourself.... The places you go are good. But remember you're on the bus all day from 7 to 10 in the evening..

Had a lovely trip with friends. The guide was amazing with good knowledge of the places and explained the history associated. Was friendly.

Appointment at 7:30, at 8:00 I receive an email announcing that it is canceled!!! No respect for the customer, it ruined my day.

An unforgettable experience, an amazing beautiful place is well worth it and the guide Ksael could not be better.

They are very helpful and made sure all the planned activities were done, communication was very good informative

we booked a 7 am pick up from hotel the night before get a text to say no hotel pick up be at location a 15 min walk at 6am , we get there bus turned up at 6.40. the itinery changed , 1 hour less at ksami, bus driver was beeping swearing at cars going so close to them then overtaking on mountain be bends . after stop 1 we drove about 15 mins then the tour guide stopped us again on a bend as they had left 2 people behind, we had wait for 30 mins while the 2 people got a taxi to meet us. long 16 hour day and dangerous driver, tour guide hardly spoke to us all just a random we will be at this stop in 30 mins ect

Aurel was a great guide, very patient and helpful and lovely manners! It is a long day so I recommend bringing entertainment (a book etc) for the coach journey but it was good way to see the south. The first stop was the middle of nowhere to get breakfast, toilet etc. We spent an hour at The blue Eye was stunning and I suggest getting the train up if you’re visiting on a hot day, best €3 I spent. Coming back you can walk as it’s downhill or get the train back (another €3). We got a boat (€10 per person) which Aurel sorted when we got there or you could pre-book in Ksamil for half hour around the bay. You can see the other beach bars etc but the best benefit was a refreshing way to cool down. We spent 2.5hrs here so you should use your time wisely. We had enough time to do the boat, dip in the sea for half an hour and get lunch before it was time to go. We also stopped for 30 mins at a castle outside Seranda with a view of the town and Corfu. It’s a short (less than 5 mins) but steep walk up to the actual castle bit. As a side note a lot of people on our trip just used it as a more affordable way to get to the south especially if you don’t drive so that’s another option. I present they book a separate trip back.

The guys was very very kind, they was also waiting for me because I was a little late. The tour was absolutely fantastic! Thank you!