Butrint, Blue Eye, Ksamil and Lekuresi Castle Tour From Saranda

If you’re visiting Saranda and want a taste of Albania’s natural beauty, history, and breathtaking views, this private day trip offers a well-rounded experience. Covering Butrint National Park, the Blue Eye spring, Ksamil beaches, and Lekuresi Castle, this tour packs a lot into about six hours. What we love is how flexible and personalized it can be — especially with the private transport and Wi-Fi on board. However, some travelers have noted that the tour can feel rushed, and entry costs at certain sites aren’t included in the initial price.

This tour is ideal for those who want a balanced mix of archaeological exploration, stunning scenery, and cultural insights without the hassle of planning each step. If you’re ready for a mix of history, nature, and spectacular views, this experience could be a winner — just be prepared for some walking, and bring cash for certain entry fees.

Key Points

Personalized experience: The private tour allows for more tailored visits and stops, making it more flexible.
Diverse sites: From archaeological ruins at Butrint to the natural wonder of the Blue Eye spring, and scenic Ksamil beaches, the tour offers variety.
Cost vs. value: At around $80.57 per person, it provides good value for a full day of exploring multiple highlights.
Guided insights: The reviews show that knowledgeable guides, especially those like Elvis and Mariana, add a lot of depth to the experience.
Comfort and convenience: Air-conditioned transport and onboard Wi-Fi keep the trip comfortable and connected.
Some surprises: Entry fees are extra; at places like Butrint and the Blue Eye, cash is needed, and the walk to Blue Eye can be lengthy unless you opt for the train or a private vehicle.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, plus Wi-Fi onboard to share those scenic shots or stay connected. The guide’s local knowledge can really enhance your understanding of each site. Snacks or souvenirs aren’t included, so plan accordingly, especially for personal expenses.

Entry to Blue Eye is included in the price, but at Butrint, the ticket isn’t. Reviewers note that entry at Butrint costs about 10 euro (cash only), and at Blue Eye, it’s 50 lek (~0.40 euro). Bring some cash to avoid surprises.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Lekuresi Castle

Perched on a hill overlooking Saranda, Lekuresi Castle offers a fantastic panoramic view of the town, the nearby islands of Ksamil, and even Corfu, Greece, in the distance. It’s a quick 40-minute stop, perfect for snapping photos and soaking in the scenery. Best of all, the admission is free, so it’s a low-cost way to get a sense of the area’s strategic importance historically.

One reviewer, Margaret, praised her guide Mara and driver Neri, describing them as professional and attentive, especially helpful in making her sightseeing more personal. The view from the castle is considered a highlight, setting the tone for the day.

Stop 2: The Blue Eye

Arguably the most striking natural sight, the Blue Eye spring features crystal-clear, intensely blue water bubbling from a karst hole over 50 meters deep. Divers have gone down to fifty meters, but the true depth remains a mystery — the site adds an element of intrigue. You’ll spend around an hour here, enough time to marvel at the water and walk through the surrounding oak and sycamore trees in the nature reserve.

However, some reviews mention the walk to Blue Eye can be about 2 km in 34°C heat, which might be challenging for some. Fortunately, options like a small train (extra cost) and private car rides are available, which some travelers appreciated, especially with mobility considerations for older guests or those not keen on walking long distances.

Stop 3: Butrint National Park

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Butrint is an archaeological jewel. We loved the way guides like Elvis enhanced the visit with insights into the Trionch Palace, Baptistery, Basilica, City Walls and Gates, and the Acropolis. The ruins tell stories of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian influences, making it a fascinating walk through time.

With a duration of 1 hour 40 minutes, this stop offers a good balance — enough to explore the major sites without feeling rushed. Entry isn’t included, so be prepared to pay around 10 euro in cash. Some reviews indicated that the guide at Butrint might rush through the site if not given enough time, so it’s worth communicating your pace.

Stop 4: Ksamil

This small, charming village is famous for its beautiful beaches and islands. The tour offers about an hour here, giving you a chance to enjoy the stunning sea views, relax, or even swim if time permits. Several reviewers mentioned that they appreciated the flexibility to stay longer for swimming or just soak up the scenery.

Plus, the photos of Ksamil’s turquoise waters and tiny islands are truly postcard-perfect. One reviewer, Vivienne, noted that the guide was helpful and friendly, tailoring the experience to her needs.

How the Tour Works

Your private vehicle, equipped with Wi-Fi, takes you smoothly between sites, saving you from the hassle of public transport or large groups. The tour is scheduled flexibly, with several times to choose from, making it easier to fit into your day planned around other activities.

The total duration is roughly six hours, which allows for a leisurely pace — enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling overly rushed. The group size is kept to a maximum of 20 travelers, but the private aspect means most groups are smaller and more intimate.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

One of the standout comments was about the guides — both Elvis and Mariana received praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and willingness to go the extra mile. Elvis was especially noted for his attentiveness to guests with mobility issues, helping them get around and ensuring everyone could enjoy the Blue Eye.

Several reviewers mentioned the value for money, especially considering the diverse sites visited and the private transport. The tour’s cost of around $80.57 per person is quite reasonable for such an all-in-one day trip.

That said, some travelers found the organization could be better. Notably, one review pointed out that entry costs for Butrint and Blue Eye are cash-only and not included in the price, which could be an inconvenient surprise if you’re not prepared. Plus, the timing at each stop can be tight, with some feeling rushed, especially at Butrint.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a well-paced and diverse look at some of Albania’s most captivating sights, making it perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, and those seeking scenic views. The ability to customize stops, combined with knowledgeable guides and private transport, enhances the overall experience. It’s a good value considering the variety of sites and the personal touch.

However, it’s best suited for travelers who don’t mind walking or paying a little extra for entry fees, and who prefer a more intimate, tailored experience rather than a large group bus tour. If you’re looking for a combination of archaeological exploration, stunning natural sights, and spectacular vistas, this private tour from Saranda hits all those marks.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for mobility-impaired travelers?
Many reviews mention guides like Elvis who are attentive to guests with mobility issues, and options like a train at Blue Eye can help. It’s advisable to confirm your needs beforehand.

How long are the stops at each site?
Typically, the stops range from 40 minutes at Lekuresi Castle to about 1 hour at Blue Eye and Ksamil, and 1 hour 40 minutes at Butrint.

Do I need to bring cash?
Yes, especially for entry fees at sites like Butrint (around 10 euro) and Blue Eye (50 lek). The tour price doesn’t include these.

Can I swim at Ksamil?
Yes, the tour allows extra time for swimming if you wish. Many travelers enjoyed relaxing on the beaches or taking photos of the scenic islands.

Is food included?
No, meals or snacks aren’t included, so plan to bring some water or snacks for the day.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How early should I book?
On average, travelers book about 38 days in advance, making it wise to reserve early, especially during peak season.

What language is the tour guide speaking?
The reviews suggest guides are professionally spoken and knowledgeable, likely in English, but you might want to confirm.

What size are the groups?
The maximum is 20 travelers, but most guests end up in smaller, more personal groups thanks to the private nature of the tour.

This Butrint, Blue Eye, Ksamil, and Lekuresi Castle tour offers a thoughtfully curated snapshot of Albania’s natural beauty, ancient history, and picturesque scenery. Whether it’s your first time or a return visit, it’s a fantastic way to see some of the country’s highlights in a manageable day.