1. Is this tour available for all ages?

Yes, this tour is perfectly suited for all ages. The walking is generally easy and relaxed, mainly through historic city centers and castles.

2. Can this tour be self-guided?

No, this multiday cross-border trip requires our professional driver/guide to manage border crossings smoothly, navigate the coastal and mountain roads, and provide in-depth historical context.

3. Can I book at any date?

Yes, this tour is available year-round. However, the coastal areas of Montenegro are most vibrant (and warmest) between May and October.

4. How to choose the appropriate package?

The standard package covers your transport, guide services, accommodation with breakfast, and specified entrance fees. If you want to upgrade your hotel category (e.g., from 3-star to 4-star or 5-star) or add the optional Ada Bojana boat trip in advance, please let us know during booking.

5-Day Pearls of the South Tour | Saranda & Ksamil

This 5-day Pearls of the South tour is perfect for those seeking relaxation under the Ionian sun while exploring Albania’s ancient history and natural beauty. We begin with a walking tour of the vibrant capital, Tirana, before heading south toward the spectacular Albanian Riviera. Serving as our anchor for the coast is Sarandë, known for its 300+ days of sunshine and stunning bay views of Corfu.

The itinerary is packed with unforgettable highlights, including the pristine beaches of the Ksamil Islands, the UNESCO-protected archaeological site of Butrint, the mesmerizing Blue Eye spring, and the historic Porto Palermo Castle. We complete our cultural journey in the “Stone City” of Gjirokastër, exploring its towering castle and the authentic Skenduli House. We stay for 4 nights throughout the journey, allowing ample time to unwind and soak in the coastal atmosphere.

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Package Includes

Included

Specialized guide
Private Transport
Accommodation for 4 Nights and Breakfast
Guided Boat Trip / Kayaking / SUP Excursion
Entrance fees of:
1. Apollonia Archaeological Park
2. Porto Palermo Castle
3. Butrint Archaeological Park
4. The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)
5. Gjirokastër Castle
6. Skenduli House

Excluded

Flight Tickets
Personal Health Insurance
Tips and Personal Expenses
Lunches and Dinners

Accomodation
3-4 Stars Hotel and Accommodation
Guide
Guided Trip in your language
Transportation
Private Transposration for Individuals and Groups
Difficulty
Easy

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Map

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Map

Why Go?

Experience the ideal Mediterranean summer getaway that effortlessly blends sun-drenched beach relaxation in Ksamil and Sarandë with deep dives into ancient archaeological wonders and medieval stone cities.

Highlights

Apollonia Archaeological Park
Llogara Pass Views
Porto Palermo Castle
Ksamil Islands Beaches
Coastal Kayaking/SUP
Butrint National Park Blue
Eye Spring
UNESCO Cities

Day 01 :

Route: Tirana – Apollonia – Vlorë

Distance ~174 KM | Visiting 3.30 Hours | Driving 2.30 Hours |

We depart the vibrant capital of Tirana, taking a scenic drive south to the ancient ruins of Apollonia, which covers about 116 km. After exploring the impressive Greek and Roman archaeological park, we take a short drive to the coastal city of Vlorë, where we will spend the evening relaxing by the sea and enjoying the lively Lungomare promenade.

Pearls of the South tour

Day 02 :

Route: Vlorë – Llogara Pass – Porto Palermo – Sarandë

Today is the ultimate coastal road trip. We ascend the spectacular Llogara Pass for breathtaking panoramic views of the Ionian Sea, then wind our way down the Albanian Riviera. We stop to explore the Ali Pasha Fortress situated in the stunning bay of Porto Palermo before arriving in Sarandë, the "Pearl of the Riviera," for the evening.

Pearls of the South tour

Day 03 :

Route: Sarandë (Boat Trip, Kayaking or SUP)

Distance ~0 KM | Visiting 5.00 Hours | Driving 0.00 Hours |

Enjoy a full day of sun and sea! Today features a guided Kayaking or Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) excursion—or a relaxing coastal boat trip—exploring the beautiful, hidden coves along the Sarandë coastline. The rest of the day is yours to relax on the pristine beaches of the Ksamil Islands and soak in the warm coastal atmosphere at your own pace.

Pearls of the South tour

Day 04 :

Route: Sarandë – Butrint – Blue Eye – Gjirokastër

Distance ~108 KM | Visiting 4.30 Hours | Driving 2.30 Hours | We begin our day exploring the magnificent UNESCO-listed Butrint Archaeological Park, taking a journey of just under 30 minutes from Sarandë. Leaving the coast, we stop at the mesmerizing Blue Eye spring to admire its vibrant, deep turquoise waters. We then journey inland to the UNESCO "Stone City" of Gjirokastër to spend the night.

Pearls of the South tour

Day 05 :

Route: Gjirokastër – Tirana

Distance ~276 KM | Visiting 3.00 Hours | Driving 3.30 Hours |

We dedicate the morning to exploring Gjirokastër, wandering its steep, cobblestone streets to visit the imposing hilltop castle and the perfectly preserved Ottoman-era Skenduli House. In the afternoon, we depart the stone city and drive back to Tirana for your final drop-off, concluding our southern adventure.

Pearls of the South tour

Pearls of the South: Saranda, Ksamil & Blue Eye (5 Days)

Duration

Group Size

Tour Type

Pearls of the South: Saranda, Ksamil & Blue Eye (5 Days)