Tirana/Durres/Golem: Saranda, Blue Eye, Ksamil and Boat tour

Traveling through Albania offers a blend of spectacular scenery, cultural charm, and untouched beaches—perfect ingredients for a memorable day trip. This tour from Durres or Golem packs in some of the country’s most iconic sights, from the enchanting Blue Eye natural spring to the relaxing beaches of Ksamil, topped off with panoramic views of Saranda. While it’s a well-rounded experience that covers a lot of ground, it’s not without its quirks—mainly long travel times and busy schedules. But if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to see key Albanian highlights in one day, this trip could be just the ticket.

We love that the tour includes a boat ride to the Ksamil Islands, allowing you to enjoy some true privacy on pristine beaches. The knowledgeable guides, especially Klod, known for his humor and insight, add a genuine touch that makes the journey more engaging. The scenery, especially around Blue Eye and Saranda, is breathtaking, giving you plenty of photo-worthy moments. However, the schedule can be tight, with some reviews mentioning long hours on the bus and limited time at each stop. This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who want a broad overview of southern Albania without spending multiple days on the road.

Good To Know

• Stunning natural sights: Blue Eye’s freshwater spring offers a cool, mesmerizing spectacle.
• Boat to Ksamil Islands: Enjoy privacy and beautiful beaches on a included boat ride.
• Panoramic views: Saranda provides breathtaking vistas of the Albanian coast and even glimpses of Corfu.
• Guides’ expertise: Guides like Klod bring humor and knowledge that enhance the experience.
• Value for money: At $70, the tour provides a full day of sightseeing with transportation, boat rides, and entrance fees included.
• Long travel hours: Expect several hours on the bus, which can be tiring but necessary to see multiple highlights.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting the Day: Pickups and Transportation

The tour kicks off with hotel pickups in Durres or Golem, which is convenient if you’re staying in these popular seaside spots. The transportation is by air-conditioned car or van, ensuring a comfortable ride even on the longer stretches. Expect to spend a considerable part of your day on the road—riders have mentioned the trip lasts around 9 hours, which might be a lot if you prefer more relaxed sightseeing.

One review noted that their guide Klod was knowledgeable, funny, and kept spirits high despite the long drive. The group size tends to be manageable, allowing some space to stretch out and chat with fellow travelers. It’s worth noting that the tour begins early, so bringing snacks and water is advisable—especially since meals are not included.

The Blue Eye: Nature’s Enchanting Wonder

The first stop is the Blue Eye, a natural freshwater spring famed for its stunning, almost surreal blue waters. Surrounded by lush greenery, this spot feels like stepping into a fairy tale. But be prepared for the water temperature—it’s quite cold, even in summer, which is a detail many reviews highlight.

Visitors on the tour get to marvel at the mysterious depth and clarity of the spring, which many find hypnotic. Some reviews mentioned that the guide shared interesting facts about the Blue Eye, including its unexplored depths and the local lore surrounding it. You might find that the walk around the site involves a moderate amount of walking on uneven terrain, so wearing comfortable shoes is key.

While the Blue Eye is breathtaking visually, a few travelers expressed that they wished they had more time to enjoy the area without feeling rushed, as the tour typically spends only about 20-30 minutes here.

Exploring Ksamil: Beaches, Islands, and Relaxation

Next, the tour heads toward Ksamil, renowned as the “pearl of the Albanian Riviera.” The beaches here are pristine—white sands and turquoise waters make for perfect postcard scenery. Most travelers love the chance to spend time soaking up the sun, swimming, or just relaxing on the beach.

The boat ride to the Ksamil Islands is a highlight, included in the tour price. Many reviews emphasize how this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some privacy away from crowded beaches. You’ll have the freedom to explore several small islands, each offering a peaceful setting for sunbathing or snapping photos.

One reviewer said, “We loved the way you could hop between islands, and the waters were so clear you could see the seabed.” Keep in mind, sunbeds and umbrellas are not included, so bringing your own or budgeting extra for rentals might be wise if you want comfort while lounging.

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Saranda: Panoramas and Cultural Sights

The final stop is Saranda, a lively coastal town with stunning views of the Greek island of Corfu. From an elevated vantage point, you’ll get a sweeping panorama of the bay—perfect for photos or just soaking in the scenery.

The tour includes a visit to the local castle, which adds a hint of history and culture to the day. Many reviews mention the scenic overlook and the chance to learn about Saranda’s historical significance. The guides usually share stories about the area, making the cultural connection more meaningful.

The group then departs in the late afternoon for the return journey, with some travelers remarking on the long drive back but feeling satisfied with the day’s experiences.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of This Tour

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing: Expect some walking, especially around Blue Eye and Saranda.
• Bring sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must as much of the day is spent outdoors.
• Capture the moments: The scenery is stunning, so a camera or smartphone is essential.
• Plan for the long hours: If you dislike spending extensive time on a bus, this might feel a bit tiring, but the sights are worth it.
• Budget for extras: Sunbeds, umbrellas, or meals are not included, so plan accordingly.
• Be prepared for the water temperature: Blue Eye’s water is very cold—brace yourself for a quick dip or just enjoy the view from above.

Authentic Experiences Highlighted by Reviews

Several travelers praised the guides, especially Klod, for his humor, knowledge, and ability to keep the group engaged despite the long hours. One said, “He was very informative and funny, very impressed with him.” Conversely, some reviews pointed out organizational hiccups, like late information about meeting points, which caused inconvenience and extra costs.

The boat ride to the Ksamil Islands was universally loved, with many noting how this added a level of privacy and relaxation that’s hard to find elsewhere. The beaches of Ksamil are a highlight, with fine white sand and clear waters making it easy to see why visitors consider it a true gem.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour offers outstanding value, it’s important to acknowledge the negatives. Several reviews mentioned that too much time was spent commuting—sometimes up to 9 hours on the bus. If you prefer slow-paced sightseeing or limited travel, this might not be the best fit.

The short duration at each site can also be a drawback; you might only get 20-30 minutes at Blue Eye, which could feel rushed if you want to linger longer. Plus, some visitors experienced minor technical issues or felt that explanations from guides could be more detailed.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is best suited for travelers eager to see multiple highlights in one day without the hassle of planning each step. It’s ideal for those who enjoy scenic drives, quick but memorable encounters with nature, and the chance to relax on beautiful beaches. The inclusion of a boat ride adds a special touch, especially for beach lovers.

However, if you prefer more leisurely exploration or are sensitive to long hours on a bus, you might want to consider spreading these sights across multiple days or choosing fewer stops.

The Sum Up

This tour to Blue Eye, Ksamil, and Saranda offers an efficient way to experience Albania’s southern coast in a single day. From the mysterious depths of Blue Eye to the sun-drenched beaches of Ksamil, the journey combines natural beauty with cultural charm. The guides, notably Klod, bring energy and insight that elevate the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

While the long travel times can be tiring, the value for the price—$70 including transportation, boat rides, and entrance fees—is hard to beat for what you get. It’s perfect for travelers who want a broad overview and enjoy scenic drives, beach time, and small-group adventures. Just pack your camera, some sunscreen, and a sense of adventure.

If you’re looking to tick off multiple top sights of Albania without the fuss of independent planning, this tour is a solid choice. Just be prepared for a busy, full-packed day and come with an open mind to enjoy the scenic, cultural, and natural wonders that await.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, boat ride to the Ksamil Islands, transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, and entrance fees.

Is meals included?
No, meals are not included in the price, so you should plan to bring snacks or buy food during the day.

Can I bring my own sunbed or umbrella?
Sunbeds and umbrellas in Ksamil are not included, so you may want to bring your own or be prepared to rent them locally.

How long do we stay at each stop?
Time at each site is relatively short—roughly 20-30 minutes at Blue Eye, with more time allotted for Ksamil beaches and Saranda panoramic views.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes and clothing are recommended. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses for sun protection.

Is the water at Blue Eye very cold?
Yes, many reviews mention that the Blue Eye’s water is quite chilly, even in summer.

What are the main downsides?
Long hours on the bus and limited time at each location are the primary drawbacks, which could be tiring for some travelers.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, but keep in mind the moderate walking and long travel hours. It’s best for children who can handle extended bus rides.

How flexible is the booking?
You can reserve with the “Reserve & Pay Later” option, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour.

Would I recommend this tour?
Absolutely, if you’re after a value-packed day of scenic highlights, cultural spots, and beach relaxation. Just be prepared for a busy schedule!

You can check if your dates are available here: