Landmarks & monuments Guided tours Culture & history Nature & adventure Day trips Tours Day Trips From Art Neighborhood tours Outdoor activities Markets, bazaars, & souks Castle & palace tours Sightseeing

Explore the UNESCO-listed city of Gjirokastër and the Blue Eye spring on a day trip from Vlore. Visit Gjirokastër Castle, the Old Bazaar, and a traditional Ottoman-era house.

Highlights

• Discover the UNESCO-listed stone city of Gjirokastër
• Explore Ottoman-era houses and the majestic Gjirokastër Castle
• Visit the magical natural spring of Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)
• Enjoy scenic drives through southern Albania’s countryside
• Lunch in a traditional restaurant

Description

Begin your day with a pickup from your hotel in Vlore. Sit back and relax as you head south through rolling hills, olive groves, and charming villages toward Albania’s historical heartland. Arrive in Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step into Albania’s living history in the city of Gjirokastër, also known as the “City of Stone.” Nestled on a hillside, this beautifully preserved town is a unique blend of history, culture, and architecture. Visit Gjirokastër Castle, one of the largest fortresses in the Balkans, featuring panoramic views of the Drino Valley and a rich collection of historical weapons. Explore the Old Bazaar, with cobblestone streets filled with traditional artisan shops, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. See Skenduli House (or Zekate House), a well-preserved Ottoman-era tower house showcasing traditional Albanian domestic life. Enjoy free time for coffee, photo ops, or shopping in the Old Town. Then, take a scenic 45-minute drive to one of Albania’s most mesmerizing natural sites, the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër). Welcome to Syri i Kaltër, a deep natural spring where icy blue water bubbles up from over 50 meters below the surface. Surrounded by lush forest, it’s a perfect spot for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers. Take a short shaded walk to the viewpoint and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and take incredible photos. On the way back, you may choose to stop at a family-run traditional restaurant offering authentic Albanian cuisine (additional cost). Finally, enjoy the scenic return drive through the hills of southern Albania and get dropped off at your accommodation in Vlore.

Includes

Hotel pick-up & drop-off in Vlore Transportation (A/C vehicle) Professional English/Italian - speaking guide All taxes and fees Free time at the Blue Eye Bottled water

Important Information

• Bring comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets and forest trails Wear layers – temperatures vary between Gjirokastër and the Blue Eye Tour operates in all weather conditions so dress accordingly

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund