From Vlora: Albanian Riviera, Blue Eye & Gjirokaster Day Trip
Overview
Available languages
11 hours
Mobile ticket
This full-day journey from Vlora offers a perfect combination of natural wonders and cultural discovery. Start your adventure with a peaceful stop at Uji i Ftohtë in Tepelenë, where you’ll enjoy the refreshing alpine spring waters and stunning mountain scenery. Continue to Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Stone City," where charming cobblestone streets, traditional Ottoman-era houses, and a vibrant bazaar await. End your day with a visit to the breathtaking Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), one of Albania’s most enchanting natural springs, with its crystal-clear, deep turquoise waters surrounded by lush forest. This carefully curated itinerary provides a rich, immersive taste of Albania’s natural beauty, history, and authentic culture — all in one day.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Tepelene
Natural Beauty of Uji i Ftohtë – Tepelenë’s Crystal Spring Discover one of southern Albania’s most refreshing natural spots — Uji i Ftohtë (The Cold Water) in Tepelenë. Famous for its icy spring water that flows straight from the mountains, this experience offers a perfect break in nature surrounded by fresh air, green hills, and stunning landscapes. This is a peaceful spot, perfect for cooling off on a warm day, taking photos, and enjoying a picnic or a break in nature
Gjirokaster
Discover the charm of Gjirokastra, Albania’s UNESCO-listed "Stone City." Stroll through narrow cobbled streets lined with traditional Ottoman-style houses, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Old Bazaar full of local crafts, colorful shops, souvenirs, and authentic Albanian charm. 1.5-Hour Guided Tour: Your journey begins in the heart of the old town, where a local guide will lead you through Gjirokastër’s historic streets, and includes as well visiting Gjirokastra castle, the Cold War Tunnel etc -1 Hour of Free Time: After the guided tour, enjoy time on your own to explore the colorful Old Bazaar, try local delicacies, visit artisan workshops, or simply relax with a coffee and admire the unique surrounding
Options
From Vlora: Albanian Riviera, Blue Eye & Gjirokaster Day Trip
What‘s Included
WiFi on board
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Meals
Lunch
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Stunning sights and good guide/driver
Haydn W,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Gjirokastër, the Blue Eye lagoon and the natural spring were all very beautiful and interesting. Klaudio from Vlora Daily Trips was our guide/driver, he was very friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable about the places we visited. He adapted well to different personalities and situations and was very honest and relaxed. A bit more general information about Albania itself (culture, language, non-political or historical facts etc.) would have made it even better. We took a point off for this and because the van broke down, which meant we had to wait two hours and finished later than planned. Klaudio and the group handled it well overall, which helped. The company communicated well, we were picked up from/dropped off at our hotel and were well looked after throughout. Highly recommend
10/10 day
Mallory P,May 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My friend and I had a great experience with Claudio. He went out of his way to make us comfortable and was always willing to make an emergency bathroom and/or raki stop. We are also big history people and Claudio answered all of our questions about Albanian history from the Illyrian times to present day. He was very knowledgeable and obviously excited to share about his lovely country. We loved our day with Claudio and would highly recommend this trip to anyone!
Great trip!
Escape20632905433,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00There weren’t enough people to do a full tour, so they set us up with our own driver. He took us to several beautiful roadside outlooks as well as to the main stops on the tour. We opted out of one part, so he took us to an alternate place instead. Super kind and very informative. We learned so much about the history of Albania. AMAZING 😁
No notice to give experience cancelled by the claimant.
Connector54066949432,Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Experience cancelled by the claimant on October 13. A little too bad. As a single person in Vlora, I understand that we are at the end of the tourist season while there are still quite a few boating experiences (made in 2024), what I had planned on my stay in Vlora outside the city has been cancelled. Just an experiment by myself. So 8 days just in apartment not being able to find visiting solutions. This is my third year in Albania for information.
Very good location...
Adeline M,Aug 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Despite everything our guide showed us some very nice spots for beautiful pictures.. Excursion taken for the blue eyes lagoon that we have not seen...
Great excursion absolute recommendation
hrjmueller,Jul 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great day. From the booking to the execution everything is simply top. We drove with Klaudio who explained everything about the country and people and knows the top places of his country perfectly and shows you. From us the absolute recommendation to book this tour. Thanks to the team.
Gorgeous southern Albanian highlights
967louisee,Jun 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip lovely safe driver Claudio! Longer review written and lost in Tripadvisor somewhere so this one short and to the point.
Amazing day trip in Albania
laertn2025,Jun 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of our favorite days in Albania 🇦🇱❤️ Gjirokastër is full of charm and the Blue Eye was amazing. Crystal clear water, beautiful nature. Definitely worth it if you’re near Vlorë!
Highly Recommended!
kristil617,Jun 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful day tour! The guide was excellent, and both Gjirokastër and the Blue Eye were breathtaking. Highly recommended for anyone staying in Vlorë!
Related Experiences
Operated by Vlora Daily Trips