1-Day Tour in Blue Eye, Monastery, Gjirokaster and Lekursi Castle
Overview
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Visit 4 different places in I day on this tour from Sarande and Ksamil. Explore the St. Nicholas Monastery Church, marvel at the Blue Eye, stroll through the city Gjirokastër, and admire the views from Lekuresi Castle.
Immerse yourself in a Albanian culture and nature on a full-day tour.Discover 4 fascinating locations in just 1 day with your local guide.Admire the spectacularly clear waters of the natural Blue Eye spring.
Pause for reflection at the St. Nicholas Monastery Church, Mesopotam.Step back in time on the streets of Gjirokastër and at Lëkurësi Castle.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Monastery of Saint Michael
One of the oldest and largest churches of the Byzantine era and one of the world’s pearls of Byzantine architecture, St. Nicholas Monastery is located in the south of the Mesopotam village in the outskirts of Saranda, very close to the ancient city of Finiq. The monastery is thought to have been built in 1224 or 1225. It was once enclosed by a circular wall which is today only partly preserved. Its double apse makes it unique in its genre, and some researchers have advanced the hypothesis that this was due to the monastery being used by two religious rites (Catholic and Orthodox).
The Blue Eye
The "Blue Eye" (Albanian: Syri i Kaltër) is a water spring and natural phenomenon occurring in the village of Muzinë in Finiq municipality, southern Albania.[3] A popular tourist attraction, the clear blue water of the river can be seen from a depth of more than fifty metres. Divers have descended to fifty metres, but it is still unclear what the actual depth of the karst hole is
Options
1-Day Tour in Blue Eye, Monastery, Gjirokaster and Lekursi Castle
What‘s Included
In-person guide is licensed or certified
Air-conditioned vehicle
Insurance (during transportation)
Free Wi-Fi is available during transportation.
Lunch
enternerace to blue eye
enternerace to gjirokastra castle (optional)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
103 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Couple in their 30s, loved it!
Hannah H,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Full on day - 8.20-5.40 for us ksamil based. Wear the right shoes if you want to do the more challenging hike around the blue eye. Very steep at times but amazingly beautiful! Lekursi castle at the end is stunning - unexpected gem! Lovely guide, well air conditioned minibus so we were comfy all day when driving. gjirokaster is great - highly recommend Kujtimi restaurant to sample the local food as gorgeous terrace with flowers and leaves surrounding and off the main strip but has lots of locals and relaxed ambiance. All in all we saw the key gems and had a great day.
Very nice day out
Darren S,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great tour and guides were very good but the music on the bus was a bit load and not really suited for the demographic of the group
Absolutely worth it! Each...
Olivia H,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely worth it! Each stop was unique and special, offering a variety of sights and experiences. The transformation was comfortable and well maintained, with excellent air conditioning. The driver was incredibly friendly and patient.
Amazing!!!Had a great...
Olivia H,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing!!!Had a great time visiting the south of Albania,the tour was well organised and the price was great.The Blue Eye and Gjirokastera were my favourite. Would highly recommend.
This guy knows how to do...
Olivia H,May 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This guy knows how to do their jobs. Both the driver and guide were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. They spoke excellent English and were always ready to answer any questions you had. Highly recommended!
Great tour! Got to see a...
Jayne d,May 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour! Got to see a lot of southern Albania. Beautiful mountains and nature. Specially enjoyed Gjirokaster. Made me want to return and spend more time there. Our driver and guide were very friendly, knowledgeable and offered their assistance. They also answered our questions as they came up! Would highly recommend this tour and the tour company.
This day tour was an...
Sergio M,May 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This day tour was an excellent experience. All the places we visited were interesting and must see when you’re vacationing in Saranda. Ilmi our guide and driver was very careful and took great care of all of us. I highly recommend this trip and this company.
It is an excursion that...
Eberhard z,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It is an excursion that one must take to gain insight into the culture of Albania. For it was nice to see how proud the Albanians are of their history.
Excellent
Natalia G,May 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Everything was very good; we had the necessary time to visit the places. Good explanations and recommendations. The guide was very attentive. Highly recommended.
Delightful full day tour of 4 great places to visit in southern Albania
Beverly S,May 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00So many wonderful sights to savor. Excellent tour guide and driver. Comfortable. Informative. Just perfect.
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