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Albanian Riviera Private Tour: Exploring Ksamil, Saranda and the Blue Eye
4.7
39 Ratings
Vlore
Embark on a private tour of the Albanian Riviera, exploring the breathtaking beauty of Ksamil, Saranda, and the Blue Eye. Discover pristine beaches, historical sites, and stunning nature on this day tour.
Duration:
13 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- The Blue Eye - After around 3:30 hours of driving, we will arrive at the Blue Eye in southern Albania. Situated in a village near Finiq, the Blue Eye, or Syri i Kaltër, is a water spring that epitomizes Albania’s stunning natural beauty. The water is so clear you can see all the way to the bottom, and the sunlight creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for taking photos or enjoying a quick swim. The spring is an easy hike from the parking area, and there’s a nearby café where you can refresh yourself. Please note that from the parking area, it is a 25-minute walk (one way) to the Blue Eye. For an additional 3 euros, you can take a shuttle provided by a mini train from the administration.
- Ksamil - Many consider Ksamil to be the most beautiful beach in the country, often referred to as “The Maldives of Europe” by numerous magazines. It’s an ideal spot for photos to enhance your Instagram profile, with its vibrant blue waters and fresh seawater leaving a lasting impression. Please note that during the summer season, Ksamil becomes very busy and difficult to navigate, so the tour will be adjusted accordingly.
- Saranda - Arguably the most famous city in the Southern Riviera, Saranda is a top tourist destination known for its beautiful beach, a blend of Albanian-Greek cuisine, and modern resorts and bars. Surrounded by olive trees and serene nature, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a nice lunch and conversation after a tiring trip. A short stroll along the Saranda promenade offers the chance to have lunch.
- Kalaja e Lëkurësit - Located a few kilometers from Saranda, the Lekursi Castle offers a stunning panorama of the entire bay of Saranda and the island of Corfu. It’s also a great spot for a quick dessert or drink.
- The Castle of Porto Palermo - Porto Palermo is a bay a few kilometers south of Himarë along the Albanian Riviera. It is the most well-preserved garrison built by Ali Pasha in the region, and you can also find the Porto Palermo Castle, also known as the Ali Pasha Castle, constructed around the 19th century. Along the beautiful beach in the bay, you can also find the Porto Palermo Tunnel, a submarine base no longer used by the military, built in 1969 by Enver Hoxha as a home base for Fast Attack Crafts.
Return to Tirana via “Lumi i Vlores”
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Entrance Fees
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tour Guide
- Surcharges on fuel
- Hotel Pick Up / Drop Off
What's Not Included
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Private Expenses & Souvenirs
Additional Information
Embark on our Riviera Day Tour to discover the most picturesque parts of Albania. As we journey across Llogara, you’ll be treated to a stunning view of the entire coastline, paving the way to unspoiled beaches, including Dhermi, Himare, Porto Palermo, and Ksamil. This Day tour is a fusion of History, Culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Step into the historic castle of Himara or explore the Submarine Base in Porto Palermo, a Fast Attack Craft base constructed during the Communist era in 1969. Check out Ksamil, a true natural wonder, often referred to as ‘The European Maldives’ or enjoy a delightful lunch in Saranda, the South’s most frequented city.
Location
The Blue Eye
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(39 Ratings)
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353ihsano
Jun 16, 2024
The best agency in Tirana - The best agency in Albania that does not cancel at the last minute, you can count and trust on them. They saved me from an excursion canceled at the last minute by another agency. The guides are on time and very professional. They are serious, concerned about your well-being and bring you lots of anecdotes about the country. Albania is an underestimated destination that is worth visiting. These excursions are convenient and save time. You'll be amazed in a minimum of time. I highly recommend.
I booked severals excursions : berat, riviera, Montenegro, shkoder… all of them was magical !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Safari2010
Jun 15, 2024
Great Tour to see the jewels of Alabania! - The tour was fun, our guide Angelino was very helpful, fun and informative. The south of Albania was majestic and pristine. It really tells a story of the Albanian culture. I would absolutely go again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Idioneb
Jun 9, 2024
Tour of the Albanian Riviera - The tour is tiring, but the places are beautiful, it's worth it. Our guide was Erjon Tusha, very attentive and friendly. I highly recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Relax60997496633
Jun 4, 2024
Super ***** - It was a perfect day trip we have seen beatiful thinks .Take a lot of pictures and make a great drone movie, a day we never wil forget.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ganeshrahm
May 23, 2024
The Riviera Touch - Albania - À breathtaking journey into the Ionian Riviera and Adriatic coastline of Albania. Dismiss the negative vibes and come judge for yourself; you’ll be amazed!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Odneviv
May 21, 2024
Great day out - Excellent day tour full of smiles, joy and lovely conversation. Fluid integration of historical information delivered in an enjoyable manner. Fully recommend it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q5444dsmaryl
May 14, 2024
Loved my tour! - My tour was fabulous! I had a short time to spend in Albania and I felt this tour would give me a nice idea of the country; I'm thinking of retiring in Albania but wanted to see each city quickly before I come back for an extended time. My guide, Endri, was great!! So knowledgeable, loves his country, and put-up with all my many many questions!! Endri was accommodating and really tried to show me everything I wanted ... I could not have asked for more!! Endri was wonderful, the tour was wonderful.... I look forward to returning and booking a tour with goaslocal.com for Northern Albania! I would recommend this company to everyone!! In fact, I have!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anala2340tj
May 12, 2024
Amazing 🤩🤩 - Thank you very much. A huge thank to Daniel, the tour was so nice and he did a very good job. Was a great day. We have fun!!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L_s
Jun 24, 2024
Relatively good experience seeing the coastal areas and the Blue Eye. - This tour is a long one as it starts at 7.30am and ends at about 9.30pm as these places are in the southern tip of Albania where the roads are not so good. But our guide had 3 years experience and was reasonably good. He just seemed a little tired due to the long day. He gave good recommendations for road stops and was flexible enough to allow us time in Seranda to meet a friend for lunch. I think the Blue Eye was worth a visit and Saranda is a touristy seaside town with good restaurants. But I cannot say Ksamil was worth visiting as it is a small crowded beach! I wish I skipped some parts of this tour and just visited Butrint, the UNESCO park instead of Ksamil.
Albania does not have such fantastic beaches compared to other countries in Europe like Greece, Croatia, Spain or Portugal. But what it has is a unique history and complex blend of culture with so many stories to tell. It also has good affordable food, wines and beautiful northern mountains. I hope tourism can develop in a way which Albanians can talk about their culture and history with confidence and pride and that is what they can offer to tourists. If you charge a premium for a private tour make sure you deliver the appropriate service as world travellers will have higher expectations.
Review provided by Viator
353santym
Jun 6, 2024
Almost virgin beaches and exquisitely sociable and friendly people - Country of contrasts. I was in Vlorë, the second city in the country, and the poverty seen in streets, buildings, cars and roads contrasts with the tourist deployment of enclaves such as Ksamil, Sarandë or Himarë, which already exploit their coastal potential with resorts, facilities (and prices) typical of the Caribbean. In the middle, a multitude of almost virgin coves with transparent, idyllic waters. Of course, there is no sand, only pebbles.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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