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Albania tours from Tirana to ​​Butrint, Saranda and Gjirokaster

Sarandë 10 hr English, Spanish Hotel pickup Free cancellation up to 48 h before
from $319.00 per person · 10 hr
Free cancellation Hotel pickup

Lose yourself in the ancient settlements of Butrint and explore the old stone town of Gjirokastra. This private tour is the combination of UNESCO heritage sites.

Highlights

  • The road then continues toward the majestic Llogara Pass, a mountain pass offering one of the most breathtaking panoramas in Albania
  • Our next destination is Saranda, a vibrant coastal town known for its warm climate and beautiful bays
  • From Saranda, we continue to Butrint National Park, an extraordinary archaeological complex that once formed part of ancient Epirus
  • Butrint was first a Greek settlement, later a Roman city, and eventually an early Christian bishopric
  • With its deep turquoise waters and lush surroundings, this natural monument is one of the most picturesque attractions in southern Albania

What to expect

The tour begins early in the morning, leaving Tirana at 06:00 and heading south toward some of the most remarkable historical and cultural landmarks of Albania. This full day journey takes you through spectacular landscapes and allows you to visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it one of the most complete cultural experiences in the country. As we travel through the city of Vlora, you will have the chance to learn about the City of Independence, where the Albanian Declaration of Independence was proclaimed in 1912. The road then continues toward the majestic Llogara Pass, a mountain pass offering one of the most breathtaking panoramas in Albania. From here, the view opens dramatically over the Albanian Riviera, revealing the deep blue Ionian Sea and the coastline stretching endlessly below. Our next destination is Saranda, a vibrant coastal town known for its warm climate and beautiful bays. From Saranda, we continue to Butrint National Park, an extraordinary archaeological complex that once formed part of ancient Epirus. Butrint was first a Greek settlement, later a Roman city, and eventually an early Christian bishopric. Walking among its well preserved ruins, including temples, basilicas, the theatre and ancient fortifications, gives you a unique sense of how civilizations flourished here for thousands of years. After exploring Butrint, we leave Saranda and head inland toward Gjirokaster, making an essential stop at the magical natural spring known as the Blue Eye. With its deep turquoise waters and lush surroundings, this natural monument is one of the most picturesque attractions in southern Albania. Arriving in Gjirokaster, you will discover a city famous for its stone architecture, rich traditions and exceptional cuisine. Gjirokaster is also the birthplace of Enver Hoxha, the former communist leader of Albania, and Ismail Kadare, the country’s most internationally renowned writer. A short city tour allows you to wander through its old bazaar and traditional neighborhoods, followed by a visit to the impressive Argjiro Castle, the largest fortress in Albania. From its walls, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Drino Valley and the characteristic stone roofed houses that give the city its unique atmosphere. After a day filled with history, culture, nature and unforgettable landscapes, we begin our return journey to Tirana, where the tour comes to an end.

What's included

  • Travel by Comfortable AC Car or minivan
  • Guide
  • Entry Tickets to the Archeological Park of Butrint
  • Entry Tickets to Castle of Gjirokastra
  • Entry Tickets to the Museum of Gjirokastra
  • City Tour of Gjirokastra

    Pickup

    Pickup arranged by the operator; the exact place and time are confirmed after booking. Or come straight to Skanderbeg Square, Tiranë, 1001, AL.

    Know before you go

    During the summer season there may be delays in the return caused by traffic jams. Customers must be able to go up and down stairs. This tour is not wheelchair accessible. The tour has 600km of travel on the same day 0039 055284770 Bring a mask with you and wear it during all the activity. All participants +12 years old must present one of the following documents: complete vaccination certificate; a certificate attesting to the administration of the first dose of the vaccine, which took place at least 15 days prior to the activity; a confirmation of the healing from Covid-19 within the last 6 months; the negative result of a swab performed no more than 48 hours before the activity. We remind you that in the absence of these documents it will not be possible to participate in the activity and no refund will be made.

    Cancellation

    Free cancellation up to 48 hours before.

    Questions people ask

    What is included in this tour from Tirana to Sarandë, Butrint and Gjirokastër?

    The tour includes travel by air-conditioned car or minivan, a guide, entry tickets to the Archaeological Park of Butrint, the Castle of Gjirokastra and the Museum of Gjirokastra, plus a city tour of Gjirokastra. Food, drinks and tips are not included.

    How long does the tour take and how far is the drive?

    It is a full-day tour departing Tirana at 06:00, covering around 600 kilometres in total, with return to Tirana the same day.

    Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

    No, the tour is not wheelchair accessible and travellers must be able to go up and down stairs.

    What can I see at Butrint National Park?

    Butrint is an archaeological complex that was once a Greek settlement, then a Roman city and later an early Christian bishopric, with well preserved temples, basilicas, a theatre and fortifications.

    Does the tour stop at the Blue Eye spring?

    Yes, the tour stops at the Blue Eye natural spring while travelling from Saranda inland to Gjirokaster.