From Tirana/Durrës: Gjirokastra and Blue Eye Day Tour

This full-day adventure from Tirana or Durrës takes you to two of Albania’s standout sights: the UNESCO-listed Gjirokastra, known as the “City of Stone,” and the Blue Eye, a mesmerizing spring with vivid turquoise waters. For around 12 hours, you’ll explore historic streets, ancient fortress walls, and a natural wonder that feels like stepping into a postcard.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines cultural discovery with breathtaking scenery — giving you a well-rounded taste of Albania’s hidden gems. The knowledgeable guides are passionate and ready to share stories that bring history and nature alive. Plus, the comfortable transport ensures you’re relaxed as you hop between sites.

One thing to consider is the long drive. While the scenery is worth it, be prepared for a full day on the road, which might be tiring if you prefer ultra-relaxed trips. Also, the Blue Eye’s waters are cool, so if you plan to swim, come prepared for a refreshing dip.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want an authentic experience, blending history, culture, and nature, with a dash of adventure. It’s especially perfect if you appreciate guided insights and small group intimacy — with only 10 participants maximum.

Key Points

• Cultural Highlights: Walk through Gjirokastra’s Ottoman-era streets and visit its castle, gaining insight into Albanian history.
• Natural Wonder: Marvel at the vibrant, deep-blue waters of the Blue Eye spring, a true natural spectacle.
• Local Flavor: Enjoy authentic Albanian cuisine during lunch, offering a taste of traditional dishes.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Afrim make the experience engaging and personalized.
• Comfort & Convenience: All transportation, hotel pickups, and drop-offs are included, making logistics worry-free.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups ensure a more personal experience and better access to guides’ stories.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Scenic Drive into the Albanian Countryside

From the start, we appreciated the comfort of the AC vehicle and the convenience of hotel pickup in Tirana or Durrës. The drive itself is a highlight, with views of rolling hills, rural villages, and farmland that give you a sense of everyday Albanian life. It’s a chance to relax and chat with your guide about what’s to come, setting an anticipatory tone for the day.

Exploring Gjirokastra: The City of Stone

Arriving in Gjirokastra, we found it hard not to be charmed by the cobblestone streets and stone houses that make up the town’s distinct character. Known as the “City of Stone,” it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason. The architecture has been remarkably well-preserved, offering a window into Ottoman-era Albanian life.

Your guide leads you through the narrow alleys, pointing out characteristic features like the traditional stone rooftops and decorative motifs. We loved the way the city feels like a living museum, with historic homes still inhabited and shops selling local crafts.

The Gjirokastra Castle is a highlight. Perched high above the city, it offers sweeping views of the Drino Valley. Inside, you’ll find an extensive collection of armaments and a former prison, adding depth to the history. As our guide explained, this fortress played a critical role in Albanian history, and wandering its ramparts gives you a tangible sense of its strategic importance.

Walking Through the Bazaar and Ethnographic Museum

The Gjirokastra Bazaar is a lively spot to browse traditional crafts, antiques, and local produce, making it ideal for picking up souvenirs. The Ethnographic Museum, housed in a former residence of Enver Hoxha, gives a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century Albanian life, with displays of clothing, household items, and historical artifacts. It’s a small but meaningful stop that adds cultural context to your visit.

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Lunch in Gjirokastra

After a morning of exploring, we sat down at a local restaurant to sample authentic Albanian cuisine. Dishes like byrek (savory pastry), fërgesë (a hearty vegetable and cheese casserole), and fresh seafood options made us appreciate the culinary traditions that have shaped the region. The meal is a great chance to relax and soak in the local atmosphere.

The Blue Eye: Nature’s Masterpiece

Post-lunch, your journey continues to Blue Eye, a natural spring famous for its vibrant turquoise waters that bubble up from over fifty meters deep. The sight is truly breathtaking, with the spring’s vivid colors contrasting sharply against the lush greenery surrounding it.

The walk around the wooded area is peaceful, and you might find yourself captivated by the calmness of the scene. For the adventurous, there’s an option to take a dip — and many do — but be prepared for the cold waters that make for a refreshing, if invigorating, experience.

Reflection and Return Journey

As the day winds down, the drive back offers time to reflect on what you’ve seen and learned. We appreciated the relaxed pace, which allowed us to absorb the experience without feeling rushed.

The tour concludes with hotel drop-offs in Tirana or Durrës, typically in the early evening, leaving you with a full day of sightseeing packed into manageable hours.

What the Tour Includes and What to Keep in Mind

The price covers transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickups and drop-offs, all taxes, and castle entrance tickets. It’s a solid value considering the transportation alone and the depth of the sites visited.

Not included are meals and drinks (which you’ll want to budget for), the small fee for Skenduli House, and personal expenses. The tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and better interaction with your guide.

What Travelers Say

Our favorite review, from Yasmina, highlights the guide Afrim’s friendly, jovial, and attentive nature. She notes, “He made a big effort to understand me and to explain to me with incredible patience.” It’s clear that a knowledgeable, personable guide makes all the difference in bringing the story of Albania to life.

Who Should Take This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history buffs, culture seekers, and nature lovers alike. It’s particularly suitable for those who enjoy guided tours with a small group setting — ensuring more interaction and a chance to ask questions. If you’re looking for a mix of historic exploration and natural beauty, this full-day journey offers authentic experiences without the hassle of planning logistics yourself.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-balanced glimpse into Albania’s most captivating sights — from the ancient stones of Gjirokastra to the mesmerizing waters of Blue Eye. It’s a journey into the heart of Albanian history, culture, and natural beauty, perfect for travelers who crave authenticity and value knowledgeable guides.

While the long driving hours might be less appealing for those seeking a more relaxed pace, the sights themselves make every minute worth it. You’ll leave with not only photos but stories and impressions that will stay with you long after the day ends.

In short, if you want a meaningful, manageable way to discover Albania’s gems, this tour hits the sweet spot — combining history, scenery, and local flavor in one memorable day.

FAQ

Q: How long is the tour?
A: The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, starting and ending with hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Q: Is the Blue Eye spring suitable for swimming?
A: Yes, there’s an opportunity to swim in the spring, but be prepared for the water to be quite cold, especially if you’re sensitive to the chill.

Q: What language is the tour guide?
A: The guide speaks English, and the tour is designed for small groups to ensure clarity and personal attention.

Q: Are meals included?
A: No, meals and drinks are not included, but lunch at a local restaurant is available and highly recommended to enjoy authentic Albanian cuisine.

Q: How big are the groups?
A: The tour is limited to 10 participants, providing a more intimate experience compared to larger tours.

Q: Is there an extra cost for any sites?
A: The castle ticket is included in the price, but the fee for Skenduli House (2 Euro) is not included.

This tour offers a fantastic way to experience Albania’s heritage and natural beauty without the hassle of self-organizing. Whether you’re a history lover or simply looking for stunning scenery, it’s a trip that’s worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: