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Day 1: Guided tour Blue Eye, and Lekuresi Castle (Overnight in Saranda)
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, get on board with myTour to visit The Blue Eye and Lekuresi Castle.
Leaving at 9 am from Saranda, in just a few minutes you will arrive near the source of the Blue Eye. For those who enjoy peace and the great outdoors, this hidden spot embodies the best of Albania. The water is the undisputed protagonist. It’s collected a few tens of kilometers away in the Mali i Gjërë mountain and goes underground for it to rise right there, inside a large pool of crystal clear water, where our gaze is drawn to a dark blue spot in the center.
Looking closer, you will see that the blue spot has the shape of a circle (the pupil) that expands to the outside in an elliptical shape (the iris), taking on fantastic colors from emerald green to light green. The magic of this source is all there, in this hole that brings us into contact with the depths of the earth, called the Blue Eye National Park. But this pool is not only the main attraction of the area. From here, dozens of tiny paths branch off to explore the greenery and other amazing spring water mirrors. The park is a place for both, adults and children alike to have a fantastic intimate, and fun experience, just a few minutes from the beaches.
Guided tour of Lekuresi Castle
If you have not been to the Lekuresi Castle, you cannot claim to have seen Saranda. Suleiman I the Magnificent, the Ottoman sultan, constructed the castle in 1537, during a time when the Ottoman Empire was particularly expanding its influence in the region. To gain control over the entire valley below, Suleiman I attacked Corfu and had a manor built on the tallest hill inland from Saranda. From Ksamil and Corfu to Saranda and beyond, in the direction of Butrint. The ruins of the village of the same name can be found all around the Lekuresi fortress. The castle's square layout creates a sizable open area in the middle that functions as a kind of terrace and offers an amazing view.
Day 2: Boat trip to Krorëz and Kakome
Embark on a day of adventure with an unforgettable boat trip along the pristine beaches of Krorëza and Kakome, some of the last untouched gems in Albania. Marvel at the crystal-clear waters and stunning views surrounding these secluded heavens. Krorëza Beach, nestled above Kakome Bay, boasts turquoise waters and a tranquil atmosphere. Daily cruises to these unspoiled beaches offer a chance to bask in the beauty of the Albanian Riviera.
Please note that this is not a guided tour but a transport service from Saranda to the beaches. Enjoy plenty of free time to relax on the shores until it's time to return to Saranda, making it a leisurely and flexible coastal experience.
Day 3: Butrint and Ksamil
Embark on a captivating tour of southern Albania, beginning with a visit to the archaeological site of Butrint. Immerse yourself in the ancient Greek and Roman ruins surrounded by nature, as a knowledgeable guide unveils the historical significance of this Mediterranean gem. Butrint, founded by the Greeks, saw the rise and fall of several civilizations, including Roman, Byzantine, and Slavic. Admire the Byzantine Basilica, the remarkably preserved Greek/Roman theater, and other amazing relics kept in the castle's museum.
As the morning unfolds, your journey continues towards Ksamil, home to one of southern Albania's most enchanting beaches. Explore the Ksamil Islands archipelago, an oasis of natural beauty in the Ionian Sea. Sandy beaches, cliffs, and lush forests create a diverse landscape, with four uninhabited islands accessible by swimming. The crystal-clear turquoise waters and unique scenery make Ksamil a true coastal paradise.
Day 4: Visit Gjirokaster, the silver city
You will arrive in Gjirokaster from Saranda in approximately one hour. The beauty of the "stone city" will start to become apparent as you get closer to the old town. The sensation is similar to that which is experienced upon approaching Italian gems like San Gimignano, Assisi, and Orvieto. Naturally, the atmosphere is different here. In the middle of the valley is a castle surrounded by a village. Gjirokaster has a dynamic silhouette. In other words, the profile of the stone city varies greatly according to the point of view.
It is also known as "the city of a thousand steps" because you will need to walk a lot to get around the city. Others call it 'the stone city' because of its unique architectural structure. Houses with rather thick walls, and with very small windows. Cobbles and steps, doors and arcades, houses that look like small fortresses, topped with roofs that are works of art, in their shining simplicity. Everything converges towards the center, the magnificent castle also mentioned in the Greek name. The silver castle is the original etymology of the name that the Greeks gave the city. Silver reflections that continue from the castle also in the town center. On sunny days, the stone roofs of the houses surrounding the historic center immediately catch the eye. The gray of the stone shines when struck by the rays of the sun, making each building look like a small fortress.
Lastly, we return to Saranda.
