This full-day tour from Saranda to Gjirokastër and the Blue Eye of Tepelenë combines nature, history, architecture, archaeology, and local traditions, offering an in-depth experience of one of the most fascinating cities in Albania. Gjirokastër is a Museum City and part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The tour departs from Saranda and follows the panoramic Muzinë road, one of the most scenic routes in Albania, with stunning views over the Drino Valley. The first stop is in Vanistër, at the well-known Kalimera pastry shop, where you will have a short restroom break and enjoy a traditional dessert included in the tour.

After this stop, we continue towards Gjirokastër. The visit begins in the city’s characteristic Old Bazaar, followed by a climb to Gjirokastër Castle, one of the largest castles in the Balkans. During the visit, you will learn about the city’s history and see the iconic spaces where the National Folklore Festival, the largest of its kind in Albania, takes place.

After the castle visit, you will have free time to explore the city at your own pace. You may take photos, wander through the old town and bazaar, or enjoy traditional local cuisine.

Later, the tour continues to the Blue Eye of Tepelenë, a natural spring known for its crystal-clear cold water and refreshing atmosphere. Here you will have free time to take photos, relax, enjoy a drink, or purchase local herbal teas and medicinal plants.

The return to Saranda is via a different scenic route, concluding a day rich in culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. End of the tour.