From Tirana/Durres: To Saranda, Ksamil,Blue Eye,Hotel pickup

Planning a day trip along Albania’s beautiful Riviera? This full-day scenic tour from Tirana or Durres promises to showcase some of the most iconic sights in the country’s southern coast. With a stellar 4.9 out of 5 rating based on 60 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find real value in this experience—combining stunning views, cultural highlights, and enough free time for a true taste of the Albanian coast.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the professional guides—with many visitors praising guides like Gazi, Ernald, and Ronaldo for their knowledge and friendly approach. Second, the captivating scenery of the Blue Eye spring and Ksamil’s pristine beaches seem to truly impress. Third, it offers an efficient but relaxed itinerary with time for photos, swimming, and exploration, all wrapped up in comfortable transportation.

One aspect to consider is the long drive time—roughly 3.5 to 4 hours each way—which might be tiring for some. However, reviewers highlight that the scenic journey itself, passing through charming towns and along dramatic cliffs, makes the trip worthwhile. This tour is best suited for those eager to maximize their Albania experience in a single day and who are comfortable with a full schedule.

This tour caters well to travelers seeking authentic sights, guided insights, and a taste of Albania’s unspoiled coast. It’s perfect for first-timers or those with limited time, wanting to see as much as possible without the hassle of planning.

Good To Know

• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off in Tirana or Durres
• Diverse stops including Saranda, Ksamil, Blue Eye, and Lekursi Castle
• Expert-guided visits with friendly, knowledgeable guides
• Ample free time for swimming, photos, and exploring local spots
• Long but scenic drive through Albania’s beautiful landscape
• Value-packed experience with included taxes and water

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Complete Experience: Exploring Albania’s Hidden Gems

This tour offers a thoroughly planned route that balances sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural insight. You’ll start your day with a pickup at your hotel, either in Tirana or Durres, and then set out on a journey that’s as visually rewarding as it is comfortable. The trip is designed to showcase the best of the Albanian Riviera, with a mix of coastal beauty, historical views, and natural wonders.

Transportation & Group Size

The transportation is roundtrip, comfortable, and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a hassle-free experience. The tour is available as a private or small group activity, which allows for more personalized attention and flexibility—something many travelers value, especially when visiting scenic spots. The group is small enough to foster friendly interaction but large enough to keep costs reasonable.

The Itinerary: A Day of Highlights

Stop 1: Pickup in Tirana or Durres

Your day begins with pickup from your hotel or a designated central location. From there, you’ll leave the hustle behind and enjoy a scenic drive south along the coast or through inland routes, depending on your chosen path. Many reviews mention the scenic drives passing through spots like Vlora, Dhermi, and Himara, with panoramic views from the Llogara Pass that’s often called a highlight of the journey.

Stop 2: Saranda

The first major stop is Saranda, a lively seaside town famous for its vibrant atmosphere and scenic harbor. Visitors appreciate the free time here for wandering through the streets, grabbing a coffee, or just soaking in the lively coastal vibe. One reviewer, Shiva, noted that their guide took time to explain local sights, making this part educational and engaging.

Stop 3: Ksamil Islands

Next is Ksamil, with its tiny islands and sandy beaches. Here, you’ll spend around 100 minutes relaxing, swimming, or exploring. Many reviews emphasize the stunning clarity of the water, making this a perfect spot for a quick swim or a picnic. Lala mentioned the tour guide was “amazing,” and the long walk to Blue Eye was noted as worthwhile despite the heat.

Stop 4: Blue Eye Spring

The Blue Eye is a natural spring famous for its mesmerizing shades of blue and green. It’s a visual treat—an unforgettable picture opportunity. You’ll spend roughly 70 minutes here, walking along the paths, taking photos, and marveling at this unique natural wonder. Reviews suggest that the walk from the parking area is manageable, but note it can be hot in summer, so comfortable shoes and water are recommended.

Stop 5: Lekursi Castle

On the way back, the tour visits Lekursi Castle, perched on a hill overlooking Saranda and the Ionian Sea. It’s a great spot for panoramic views, and many travelers enjoy this as a peaceful end to their sightseeing. Gazi, one of the guides, was praised for his explanations about the castle’s history and scenic vantage point.

Experience & Review Insights

Many reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and friendly attitude, with names like Kristy, Gazi, and Ronaldo getting special mentions for their helpfulness and local insights. “Gazi was like a genie,” one traveler said, describing how he fulfilled even unspoken wishes and made the day feel personalized.

The value for money is another consistent theme. At roughly the cost of a full-day tour, visitors feel they received excellent value—covering multiple locations, guided commentary, and comfortable transport. The inclusion of taxes and water also adds to the convenience, removing extra worries about hidden costs.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Practicalities & Tips

• Duration: Expect a 14-hour day, so pack snacks, comfortable shoes, and sun protection.
• Weather: In summer, walking at Blue Eye or Ksamil can be hot; bring water and wear sunblock.
• Swimming: Take your swimsuit if you want to enjoy Ksamil’s beaches or Blue Eye’s waters.
• Group Size: Smaller groups mean more flexibility and personal interaction, which many reviews appreciate.
• Cost & Value: Compared to DIY trips, this tour offers a hassle-free experience with guided commentary, making it a good value for a packed sightseeing day.

What Could Be Better?

While most find this tour highly satisfying, the long drive — approximately 3.5 to 4 hours each way — can be tiring. Some reviews mention that it might have been better if they had spent more time at the beaches or Blue Eye, but in general, the schedule is tight yet manageable for most travelers seeking a rundown.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Albania eager to see its most scenic and popular sights without the hassle of organizing transportation or guides. It’s perfect for adventurous travelers comfortable with a full day on the road, seeking authentic experiences, picturesque views, and cultural context. If you love natural beauty, historical sites, and lively coastal towns, this tour hits all those marks.

It’s less suitable for travelers with mobility issues due to walking involved at Blue Eye and the castle, but otherwise, it offers a well-rounded, value-packed adventure.

The Sum Up

This Albanian Riviera tour delivers a balanced mix of stunning natural sights, cultural insights, and relaxed free time. With expert guides, comfortable transportation, and a carefully curated itinerary, it’s an excellent choice for travelers looking to maximize a single day on Albania’s coast. The long drive is a small tradeoff for the scenic routes and memorable stops you’ll enjoy along the way.

While it’s best suited for those comfortable with a packed schedule and a bit of travel time, the tour’s genuine highlights—like Ksamil’s beaches, Blue Eye’s waters, and Saranda’s lively streets—make it a worthwhile investment. Whether you’re visiting Tirana or Durres, this trip offers a fantastic introduction to Albania’s unspoiled beauty and warm hospitality.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 14 hours, starting early with hotel pickup and ending with drop-off in Tirana or Durres.

What locations are visited?
Stops include Saranda, Ksamil, the Blue Eye spring, and Lekursi Castle, with optional sightseeing and free time at each.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the roundtrip transportation is included, with options for private or small groups to enhance comfort and flexibility.

Is it suitable for children?
Most children who are comfortable with a full day of travel and walking should enjoy it, but those with mobility impairments might find some walking challenging.

Can I swim during the tour?
Absolutely, Ksamil’s beaches and the Blue Eye waters are perfect for swimming if you bring your swimsuit.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a towel, beachwear, and sun protection are recommended for the outdoor stops.

Is food included?
No, but there are plenty of opportunities to buy local snacks, drinks, or meals during the stops.

What if it rains?
The Blue Eye is still a sight to see in rain or shine, but heavy rain might limit visibility or walking around the area. The tour can be canceled with full refund if weather conditions are severe.

This tour offers a fantastic way to see Albania’s highlights in a single day, combining stunning scenery, cultural sights, and guided insights for an experience that’s both fun and informative.

You can check if your dates are available here: