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

We were on a small group tour of 13 and had a great day with Mariana from Joel Travel as our guide. Highlights of the day were Butrint National Park with all of its archaeological history and seeing the Blue Eye — a water phenomenon that is not to be missed. Saranda is still developing as a tourist destination but it hopes to capitalize on its natural beauty.

Great tour. We went in private cars which was much more enjoyable than a bus. R (our guide) was helpful and knowledgeable. Some absolutely stunning views. At the Blue Eye you can walk 6km or pay to get a little tourist train.

Our group required assistance with mobility issues, and so we chose to take a private custom tour of Saranda, Albania through Viator that included The Lëkurësi castle, Blue Eye, the Albanian countryside, and a fabulous lunch on the coastal restaurant that has incomparable food and staff. Our guide, Costadina, was a lovely, accomplished young woman who gave us lots of insights into to history and culture that we were looking for on our trip. She and the driver went out of their way to help us with mobility issues and made it possible for us to maximize our time while visiting the most beautiful places we could have asked to see. The lunch was the highlight of the entire day, and Costa helped us navigate every stop to ensure comfort and enjoyment. It was a terrific day!

Ok tour. Train wasn’t operating at Blue Eye the walk was uphill and muddy. The castle was good to take pictures but not much remains.

It was a very informative tour with lots of history behind Albania explained. It was a good way to see the main tourist sites in one day, which was perfect for us as we were staying in Saranda for a few days.

Really great trip seeing all the main sights in one go. There is time to enjoy a meal and a swim at the end in Ksamil. Knowledgeable, friendly guide. Would recommend.

Fedella was super nice and friendly and although I was the only one in our group traveling alone, he made the experience very warm and welcoming. He chatted with everyone and was very knowledgeable. Everything was planned very well and we moved timely. They were very accommodating and even waited for a couple that were late at the meeting spot later on so that they could catch up in a taxi and join the rest of the day. I really enjoyed myself and would do it again… maybe with a bit more time in Ksamil to relax further but even the hour we got was enough for a dip in the sea and an ice cream!

Excellent trip, superb guide, very knowledgable and just a lovely day out. Would recommend this trip.

Joel tours arranged an excellent tour for our group. They were incredibly helpful from our first contact and helpfully arranged a pickup in Ksamil. Our guide, Clyde was excellent. He was very patient and helpful. Feddy guided us around the national park as part of the tour. He too was a great guide. He was informative and helpful. This tour allowed us to see a lot during our stay in Albania.

Great private tour! We were met at the port by Mara, the owner / manager, and I knew we were in good hands. She walked us a short distance to their office where we met our driver, Neri. He was outstanding in every respect. Kind and attentive to our every need, knowledgeable, and willing to go off the beaten path at my request. I'd been to the Blue Eye before but I hadn't been told about the forest path leading to unspoiled nature and vistas. It was an amazing hike that I had no idea existed! At Butrint, where I also had been before, he took us to sites that my prior guide hadn't bothered. It was amazing! When you book, make sure to ask for Neri. He gave us an unforgettable experience.