Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 185 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle worth booking?
Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle is a 6-hour experience in Saranda, Albania, from $35 per person. It scores 93 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 185 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 93 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (185)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $35 per person
The fascinating old centre of Gjirokaster is on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Largely medieval, with some lovely architecture to admire, reflecting the town’s wealthy past, it is built on a hill overlooking a valley and mountains. This interesting museum will give a good impression of the way of living in Albania during the Ottoman period. On our way back to Saranda, we will pass from the national park Syri I Kalter. In this peaceful forest, we will walk (15 min) to the crystal clear spring called Blue Eye, where 900 m3 water per minute is coming from deep down the earth. If time permits, there will be a short coffee break at the restaurant next to the fast streaming river in the park, before heading back to the port of Saranda.
What you get
About this experience
The fascinating old centre of Gjirokaster is on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Largely medieval, with some lovely architecture to admire, reflecting the town’s wealthy past, it is built on a hill overlooking a valley and mountains. This interesting museum will give a good impression of the way of living in Albania during the Ottoman period. On our way back to Saranda, we will pass from the national park Syri I Kalter. In this peaceful forest, we will walk (15 min) to the crystal clear spring called Blue Eye, where 900 m3 water per minute is coming from deep down the earth. If time permits, there will be a short coffee break at the restaurant next to the fast streaming river in the park, before heading back to the port of Saranda.
What's included
Included
- Booster seat
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Entrance fees
Not included
- Entrance fees
- Train ticket in Blue Eye
What you'll see and do
Gjirokaster
First stop is in Gjirokaster (Old Town) Defined by its castle, roads paved with chunky limestone and shale, imposing slate-roofed houses and views out to the Drina Valley, Gjirokastra is a magical hillside town described beautifully by Albania's most famous author, Ismail Kadare (b 1936), in Chronicle in Stone. There has been a settlement here for 2500 years, though these days it's the 600 'monumental' Ottoman-era houses in town that attract visitors. For Albanians, the town is also synonymous with former dictator Enver Hoxha, who was born here and ensured the town was relatively well preserved under his rule, though he is not memorialised in any way here today.
120 minutes here
The Blue Eye
Second Stop: Blue Eye. Albania’s famous Blue Eye (Syri i kaltër) is a water spring and natural phenomenon that each visitor should witness. A popular tourist attraction, the beautiful light turquoise river stuns with its beauty. Located near Muzinë in Albania’s Vlorë County, you’ll want to rent a car to get to the famous Blue Eye. After following the signs and crossing the bridge (where you’ll pay a small fee), you’ll come across a parking spot and a footpath that leads to the Blue Eye. You’ll first be enchanted by the surrounding dense forest and the beautiful light blue river that flows through this natural paradise. The Blue Eye is located beneath a small metal balcony that was built so you can get a closer look. Even though swimming has been prohibited via signs, it doesn’t really prevent people from jumping right into the ice-cold water.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Lekuresi Castle
Third stop: Lekuresi castle Finally, explore Lekuresi Castle, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Saranda
This is our agency physical location.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
This is our agency physical location.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Leka Tours & Car Rentals
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 185 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
185 verified traveler reviews for Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Interesting day trip with good guide
We had a very interesting and relaxing tour, the guide was perfect, time well planned, good driver.
via Tripadvisor
Great trip
Great tour, Our guide Jona was very knowledgeable and friendly. Would highly recommend to anyone basing themselves in Sarranda
via Viator
Gjirokaster, Blue Eye and Lekursi Castle Tour
We enjoyed a wonderful tour of Gjirokaster, Blue Eye and Lekursi Castle. Jona was very informative and kept us on track! Communication was great with Jona and the pickup was right on schedule. Thank you for a great day!!!!
via Viator
AMAZING TRIP
The trip was very nice. Our guide Jona was an amazing person. She was funny, friendly and always eager to respond to our questions. She explained us a lot about the history of Albania and told some fun-facts about area which we were passing. The time in all places was perfect - not to much not to less. The driver drove us safely. We definitely recommend this tour!
via Tripadvisor
Great tour especially when its lead by an excellent tour guide.
We very much enjoyed the tour. We had an absolutely wonderful guide. She gave plenty of information and always kept us updated about everything, especially regarding the time and place to pick us up at our meeting point. This gave us a real sense of security and peace of mind throughout the trip. She made sure that everything went smoothly and, above all made the whole experience very enjoyable. We could not have asked for a better guide. She spoke very well in English. Her unique approach by creating a Whattsap group ensabled us to track where she was and to send us loads of written information that we could read.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 65
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Who runs this experience
Operated by Leka Tours & Car Rentals, who run 7 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.3 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Leka Tours & Car Rentals runsWhy this scores 93
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Saranda.
How much does Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle cost?
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Prices start at $35 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Saranda usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Saranda is not rushed.
Is Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 93 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 185 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Saranda, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle?
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Around 65 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Saranda can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Saranda and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Saranda within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Saranda?
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On Outty we rank every Saranda experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sarandë: Small-Group Boat Tour on Speedboat Swim & Snorkel Stops, 1-Day Tour in Blue Eye, Monastery, Gjirokaster and Lekursi Castle, Saranda Boat Tour Hidden Beaches and Crystal Waters. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Saranda?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Saranda?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle?
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Included: Booster seat; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Entrance fees. Not included: Entrance fees; and Train ticket in Blue Eye. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 10 listed pickup locations in and around Saranda. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle?
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Across 185 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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