Gjirokastra and Blue Eye Tour from Saranda
+4 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 5h 30min
- Price from
- $116 / person
- Location
- Saranda, Albania
- Rating
- 4.0 / 5 · 5 reviews
- Languages
- DE, EN, IT, FR
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Joel Travel
Description
The austere and beautiful town of Gjirokastra began to spread downhill from its castle in the 13th century. The castle still stands on its hill, overlooking the whole city and the river valley below. From that lofty point, the grey stone of the houses below and the grey slates of their roofs blend into the hillside, distinguished from it only by their whitewashed walls. As one of the city's most famous sons Ismail Kadare, wrote in Chronicle in Stone, Gjirokastra is "a surprising city, which seemed as if it had come out of the valley unexpectedly, like a prehistoric being, and clambered up with difficulty, stitching itself on the side of the mountain". Gjirokastra became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2005. It had been awarded the status of a 'museum-city' by the Albanian government, which gave legal protection to its architectural heritage and kept new building out of the historic center. *Minimum number of travelers per booking is 2. For solo travelers there is an extra charge.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Next available
- Fri, Oct 30
- Adult (ages 18–59)
- $116
- Senior (ages 60–70)
- $116
- Youth (ages 13–17)
- $116
- Child (ages 6–12)
- $58
- Infant (ages 3–5)
- Free
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 29.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Gjirokastra Bazaar
Here, tourists can find some of the best-handcrafted travel mementos in wood, stone, and fabric, all handmade with pride by true masters of their crafts.
Gjirokaster Castle
Inside the castle, you can visit the Museum of Weapons, opened in 1971. Weapons from the prehistoric times up to the World War II are exhibited on here.There is also a small church and the prison from the communist regime.At the exit of the castle, the fortified courtyard and ruins are another sight to enjoy. The beautiful valley of the Drino River, the strong wind over the fortress and the magnificent view of the stone houses.
Skenduli House
Visiting Skenduli House in Gjirokastra offers a vivid glimpse into traditional Ottoman architecture and Albanian cultural heritage. This well-preserved 19th-century mansion features original decorative elements, including intricate wood carvings and beautiful frescoes. As you tour the house, you'll experience the historical lifestyle of the Skenduli family, exploring rooms that showcase period furniture and authentic artifacts. The knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into the daily lives and customs of historic Gjirokastra, making it a memorable step back in time for any visitor.
The Blue Eye
As you travel towards the Blue Eye via winding, steep, uphill roads, you will pass through different landscapes; from palm trees on the shore, to green and dense, almost mountainous forest areas.The Blue Eye is a water spring and natural phenomenon. The clear blue water of the river bubbles forth from a depth of more than fifty metres.
What's included
Included
Private transportation
WiFi on board
Bottled water
Snacks
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Pickup Locations & Times
We can pick you up in Saranda City Center. We can also provide hotel pickup and drop-off. We can also pick you up at Saranda port if you are visiting the town on a cruise ship as our office is just next to the port ,or you are a daily visitor entering the town from a seaway like from Corfu from example. *Minimum number of travelers per booking is 2. *For solo travelers there is an extra charge.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.0
5 reviews
How it compares in Saranda
- Starting price $116 is 76% above the typical $66 for tours of similar length in Saranda
- Price over the last 27 days: $116–$117
- Today’s price is the lowest in that period
Excurgo comparison of 157 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Gjirokastra and Blue Eye Tour from Saranda take?
Gjirokastra and Blue Eye Tour from Saranda lasts about 5h 30min. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does Gjirokastra and Blue Eye Tour from Saranda cost?
Prices start at $116 per person for this Saranda experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Gjirokastra and Blue Eye Tour from Saranda run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day.
How much does Gjirokastra and Blue Eye Tour from Saranda cost for children?
Children aged 6–12 pay from $58, adults from $116. Infants go free.
Can I cancel Gjirokastra and Blue Eye Tour from Saranda for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. We can pick you up in Saranda City Center. We can also provide hotel pickup and drop-off. We can also pick you up at Saranda port if you are visiting the town on a cruise ship as our office is just next to the port ,or you are a daily visitor entering the town from a seaway like from Corfu from example. *Minimum number of travelers per booking is 2. *For solo travelers there is an extra charge. Pickup points include Hotel Saranda Butrinti, Affiliated by Melia.
What languages is Gjirokastra and Blue Eye Tour from Saranda offered in?
The experience is available in DE, EN, IT, FR, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Specialized infant seats are available
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Gjirokastra and Blue Eye Tour from Saranda worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.0 out of 5 across 5 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Joel Travel.
Reviews(5)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
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| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gjirokastra and Blue Eye Tour from Saranda | 5h 30min | 4.0 (5) | $116 | |
 Gjirokaster and Blue Eye, Small-Group Tour from Saranda & Ksamil | 5–6 hours | 4.8 (205) | $44 | View |
 Day trips from Saranda to Gjirokastra the Blue Eye Lekursi castle | 5–6 hours | 4.4 (5) | $68 | View |
 From Tirana/Durres/Golem: Saranda, Ksamil and Blue Eye Day Trip | 12–15 hours | 4.7 (367) | $30 | View |
 2-Day Tour from Tirana to Saranda, Blue Eye, and Butrint | 2 days | 5.0 (15) | $453 | View |
 3-Day South Albania : Gjirokastra, Blue Eye, Himara, Riviera | 3 days | 5.0 (18) | $544 | View |
 Private Day Tour of Gjirokastra & Blue Eye from Tirana or Durres | 10–12 hours | 5.0 (10) | $221 | View |
from$116
4.0(5) Free cancellation