Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle
Overview
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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.
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.
What‘s Included
Booster seat
Air-conditioned vehicle
Entrance- Blue Eye
Gjirokaster Castel entry (optional)
Train ticket in Blue Eye
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle
Pickup included
Reviews
73 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful tour and guide
Kayla W,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Despite the weather not cooperating, we had a great day on this tour. Mainly due to our guide, Jona, who was so kind. She was informative and just a happy person to be around. Always checking in to make sure we were doing well. We saw some amazing views, even with less than ideal weather. My favorite part was the village of Gjirokaster, with its charming streets and stone houses. I would recommend this tour to others.
Throughly Recommend
Rita E,May 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a well organised tour that was marred only by being a very wet day (which was completely out of the tour organiser's control). In spite of this, we thoroughly enjoyed the places we visited. The pickup was punctual; the driver very pleasant and drove in a considered, safe way (in particularly bad weather). The tour representative Joni was on top of her game and kept us well informed! Thoroughly recommend.
Day trip to gjirokaster
manxhars,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We book the day trip in Saranda will Leka Tours and we visit Gjirokastea ,blue eye .lekursu castel Everything was excellent We suggested 100%
Awesome tour, must do, great views
Supertourist5785,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing tour! Highly recommend, Jona the guide is amazing, patient, and super knowledgeable. She will give you options to maximize your time at each stop, she knows the history and her English is very advanced! It happened to be a rainy day, so don’t let that stop you, everything is paved and you can step inside a lot of places.
Excellent tour, highly recommend!
Jennifer V,May 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely excellent tour to 3 must see spots in Seranda. Jona is an amazing guide, she is incredibly smart, patient, playful with the kids. And overall wonderful person. Leka Tours is very flexible and accommodating and Jona will provide you with options if you want to branch off from the group, but I recommend staying with because she will tell you all the history and information!
A day well spent!
soumyan548,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was great, and our tour guide, Jona, was super nice and showed us around Gjirokastër, the Blue Eye, and Lëkurësi Castle. She provided us with all the historical information about the places and was also a great host with brilliant vibes. Overall, I really enjoyed the day!
Unforgettable Experience!
algenad2026,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a great experience with Leka Tours during my visit to Gjirokastër. The guide was very friendly and professional, and explained the history of the city in a really engaging and easy-to-understand way.I especially liked how she didn’t just show the main attractions, but also shared interesting details and stories that you wouldn’t normally discover on your own. She made the whole tour enjoyable and memorable. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone who wants to explore Gjirokastër and learn more about its history and culture.
An Unforgettable Journey with Leka Tours
gavrielah2025,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Leka Tours made our trip truly special! Everything was well-organized, and we didn’t have to worry about anything during the journey. The places we visited were beautiful, and the whole experience was relaxing and fun at the same time. The guide was very helpful and friendly, always making sure we were enjoying ourselves. It was a wonderful trip, and I can’t wait to travel with Leka Tours again!
Great tour! Would definitely do it again!
522dorinad,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We chose this for our last day and it turned out to be such a good decision. Jona was fantastic, very easy to talk to, informative, and made the whole day enjoyable without feeling rushed. Everything felt well-paced and suited to us. It was a really nice way to end our trip and something we’ll always remember.
Best experience ❤️
jananQ7228SX,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience with Leka Tours! 🌟 Everything was very well organized and the guide was friendly and professional. The Blue Eye was truly mesmerizing, a place that leaves you speechless with its natural beauty. There was also a great souvenir shop with fantastic prices. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to explore southern Albania!
From €30.00
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