From Tirana/Durrës: Gjirokastra and Blue Eye Day Tour

Discover the captivating beauty of Albania on a day tour that takes you from Tirana or Durrës to the UNESCO-listed city of Gjirokastra and the stunning natural wonder of Blue Eye. This immersive experience provides a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage while allowing you to bask in the serene charm of its landscapes. With convenient transportation and guided exploration, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you eager to uncover more of Albania’s hidden gems.

Key Points

• A day tour from Tirana or Durrës to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gjirokastra and the natural wonder of the Blue Eye spring.
• The tour is priced from $174.76 per person and includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and entry tickets.
• Visitors can explore Gjirokastra Castle, the old bazaar, and the Skenduli House, as well as spend up to 2 hours at the Blue Eye.
• The tour highlights Albania’s rich cultural heritage, with Gjirokastra’s distinctive architecture and the natural beauty of the Blue Eye.
• The tour includes comprehensive transportation and inclusions, with a hassle-free experience from start to finish.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This day tour from Tirana, Durres, or Golem to Gjirokastra and Blue Eye offers an opportunity to explore two of Albania’s most captivating destinations.

Priced from $174.76 per person, the 10-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and entry tickets to the visited sites.

The 10-hour tour from Tirana, Durres, or Golem includes hotel transportation, air-conditioned vehicle, and entrance fees, all for $174.76 per person.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also allows guests to reserve their spot without upfront payment, providing flexibility in planning.

With a focus on cultural and natural highlights, this comprehensive day trip promises an immersive Albanian experience.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with pickup locations in Durrës, Golem, and Tirana, allowing for convenient access from various points.

From there, the journey to Gjirokastra takes approximately 2.83 hours by car.

Upon arrival, the group will spend an hour exploring the magnificent Gjirokastra Castle, taking in the panoramic views and learning about the site’s historical significance.

Visitors may also opt to visit the Skenduli House, a showcase of Ottoman architecture, for an additional hour.

The tour then moves on to the stunning Blue Eye, a natural spring with crystal-clear waters, where guests can spend up to 2 hours admiring the natural beauty.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features an Old Bazaar with artisan workshops and traditional eateries that showcase Albania’s rich cultural heritage.

The medieval Gjirokastra Castle offers insights into the history of Ali Pasha Tepelena, a powerful 19th-century ruler.

The unique architecture of stone houses with slate roofs and carved wooden balconies reflects the country’s long-standing traditions.

Visitors can enjoy the living history of this remarkable city, which has preserved its distinctive character despite the passage of time.

Natural Attractions

While Gjirokastra offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, the region also boasts stunning natural wonders, most notably the mesmerizing Blue Eye spring.

This karstic spring is renowned for its vibrant, crystal-clear blue waters, surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors can marvel at the spring’s remarkable clarity, which allows visibility to impressive depths.

A wooden platform provides the perfect vantage point to admire the natural beauty of Blue Eye, a true gem in Albania’s diverse landscape.

The serene setting and vivid colors make it a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts exploring the Gjirokastra region.

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Included and Transportation

As part of the tour package, the trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Tirana, Durres, and Golem. Travelers will be transported in an air-conditioned vehicle, accompanied by a tour leader/driver. The tour includes entry tickets to the visited sites, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

| Inclusions | Exclusions |

| — | — |

| Hotel pickup and drop-off | Meals |

| Air-conditioned transportation | Drinks |

| Tour leader/driver | Personal expenses |

| Entry tickets | Optional gratuities |

The seamless transportation and inclusions make this day tour a convenient and comprehensive way to explore the historic Gjirokastra and the natural wonder of Blue Eye.

Pickup Locations and Travel Time

The tour pickup locations include Durrës, Golem, and Tirana, providing convenient access for travelers.

The journey from the pickup points to Gjirokastra takes approximately 2.83 hours.

The journey from the pickup points to Gjirokastra takes approximately 2.83 hours.

Along the way, guests will:

• Admire the picturesque countryside scenery

• Catch glimpses of traditional Albanian villages

• Learn about the region’s rich history and culture

• Stretch their legs during a brief stop if needed

• Arrive at the UNESCO-listed town of Gjirokastra, ready to explore its captivating castle and other highlights.

Exploring Gjirokastra Castle

Arriving at the historic town of Gjirokastra, the tour heads to the impressive Gjirokastra Castle.

Perched atop a steep hill, the medieval fortress commands panoramic views of the surrounding area. Visitors explore the castle’s well-preserved ramparts, towers, and courtyards, gaining insights into its rich history.

They learn about the castle’s role in the life of the notorious 19th-century ruler, Ali Pasha Tepelena, and how it withstood numerous sieges over the centuries.

The tour offers a glimpse into Albania’s cultural heritage, showcasing the castle’s unique architecture and its significance as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Discovering the Wonders of Blue Eye

Following the tour of Gjirokastra Castle, the day’s exploration takes visitors to the captivating natural wonder of Blue Eye, also known as Syri i Kalter.

This stunning karstic spring is renowned for its vibrant blue waters and remarkable clarity, allowing visibility to remarkable depths.

Visitors can enjoy the views from a wooden platform overlooking the spring, surrounded by lush greenery.

The natural beauty of Blue Eye is truly mesmerizing, offering a serene and rejuvenating experience.

• Captivating karstic spring with vibrant blue waters

• Remarkable clarity allowing visibility to great depths

• Wooden platform offering panoramic views of the spring

• Surrounded by lush greenery for a serene experience

• A must-see natural wonder during the day tour

The Sum Up

This guided tour offers a captivating exploration of Albania’s cultural and natural wonders. Visitors can enjoy the UNESCO-listed historic town of Gjirokastra, admire the impressive castle, and bask in the serene beauty of the Blue Eye spring. With convenient transportation and inclusive entry tickets, this day trip provides a hassle-free opportunity to discover the enchanting highlights of southern Albania.

You can check availability for your dates here: