History & Nice to know - Butrint, Saranda, Ksamil, Blue Eye Two Day Tour from Tirana
You will visit the highlights in the South of Albania including the Blue Eye of Albania, Saranda city, Butrint UNESCO sight and Ksamil beach.
On day one, you will visit the Blue Eye spring. The Blue Eye is a natural spring, with bright blue water. Due to its magical bright colour, is is one of the most attractive touristic sights in Albania.
Afterwards, you will have some free time in the coastal city Saranda, where we will stay overnight.
On day two, we will visit Butrint UNESCO sight. You will get a guided tour of the archeaological park.
Afterwards, you have a few hours of free time at Ksamil beach. Ksamil beach is a paradise-like beach and you can swim to the little deserted islands accross the water.
The tour lasts two days, includes a 1-night stay in a 3-star hotel in Saranda. And it also includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in Tirana.
Highlights - Butrint, Saranda, Ksamil, Blue Eye Two Day Tour from Tirana
-
The Blue Eye of Albaniais a natural wonder. The spring pumps ice cold water up to the surface with enormous force. The Blue Eye has a bright blue color and it resembles a human eye, it is truely unique to Albania.
-
Visit Ksamil beach, the “pearl of the Albanian Riviera”and swim to one of the four little Ksamil islands in the sea.
-
Butrint is an archaeological site on the UNESCO World Heritagelist and the most impressive historical sight in Albania. The Butrint park is a beautiful combination of archaeological ruins and the surrounding nature.
-
You will visit Butrint, Saranda, Ksamil & the Blue Eye with a private tour guideand you can customize the itinerary based on your personal interests.
-
Private transportationto Butrint, Saranda, Ksamil & the Blue Eye.
Itinerary - Butrint, Saranda, Ksamil, Blue Eye Two Day Tour from Tirana
Day 1: Blue Eye & Saranda
Blue Eye
The Blue Eye of Albania is one of the most beautiful places to see in Albania. The Blue Eye is a natural fresh water spring. The natural spring pumps bright blue water to the surface of the river.
The Blue Eye has become a touristic attraction, since the water of the spring is a magical blue colour. The water is so bright, that you won’t believe it is all natural.
Moreover, the spring resembles a human eye. The dark underwater cave looks like the black pupil of a human eye. And the bright blue water looks like the iris of a human eye.
If you dare, you can jump into the Blue Eye spring, which is more than 50 metres deep. But bare in mind that the water is ice cold all year long.
Saranda
Saranda is a vibrant coastal city in the south of Albania, close to the Greek border. The city is often called “the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera”. The large coastal city has a variety of restaurants, bars, clubs and coffee houses. In the evening, the entire city lights up and you can walk along the promenade by the water. You will have some free time in the evening to explore Saranda.
Day 2: Butrint UNESCO sight and Ksamil beach
Butrint
Butrint is the most impressive UNESCO Heritage site in Albania. Throughout history, Butrint was a Greek city, a Roman city and a Biscopic.
What makes Butrint special is the unique combinatation of archaeological ruins, which are surounded by water and nature. The nature has integrated itself in the historical sight, which makes it a beautiful place to visit.
Butrint is an archaeological park, where you can see ruins and historical buildings from all the different periods throughout history.
Butrint was initially a prehistoric site, with its first occupation dating back to 50 000 BC. Then from 800 BC, it became a Greek colony. In 44 BC, it was taken over by the Romans, who built an aqueduct accross the Vivari channel to the main land. Then in the 5th century AD, Butrint was ruled by the Church and its Bishop.
In the 9th century, after briefly being abandoned, it was reconstructed by the Byzantine empire. In the 14th century, the Venentians controlled the site and strenthened the defensive works.
And finally, Ali Pasha, an Albanian governer during the Ottoman empire, ruled the city. In the late middle ages, Butrint was abandoned.
Ksamil
Ksamil beach is a paradise-like beach in the South of Albania. Therefore, the Albanian people describe Ksamil beach as “the pearl of the Albanian Riviera”.
Without a doubt, Ksamil beach is the prettiest beach in the country. The beach is set on a little peninsula with perfect white sand. And the water in the bay is a bright green colour and the clearest water you have ever seen.
At Ksamil beach, there are four little islands in the sea close to the beach. The most famous are the twin islands, which are connected to each other by a narrow strip of land.
If you have always wanted to visit an uninhibited island, this is your chance. From the beach, you can swim to the nearest island. Or you can rent a boat or kayak to visit the islands, which are further away.
Inclusions - Butrint, Saranda, Ksamil, Blue Eye Two Day Tour from Tirana
- Transport with a/c vehicle
- Hotel pick-up and drop off in Tirana
- Entrance fee to Butrint UNESCO sight and the Blue Eye spring
- 1 night stay in 3-star hotel in Saranda
- 1 x breakfast
Exclusions - Butrint, Saranda, Ksamil, Blue Eye Two Day Tour from Tirana
- Lunch and Dinner
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
