Booking fee
The booking fee includes the costs of booking your tickets such as charges for payment processing. It also covers the provision of our customer care center for processing your order, and all charges imposed by our suppliers.
* This tour requires at least one of the following per booking: Adult, Senior
Gjirokastër beckons! Journey to this enchanting valley nestled between the Gjerë mountains and the Drino River for an unforgettable day of exploration. Part of the World Heritage Sites, this Stone City and Castle of Gjirokastër offer a captivating glimpse into its unique architecture, local life, and delectable cuisine. Let us guide you on a journey that reveals the most awe-inspiring sights and experiences of Gjirokastër.
"Gjirokastra is a veritable marvel of unique architecture and historical grandeur, crowned by the majestic Castle of Gjirokastra sitting atop the hill. It is a city of rich heritage, culture, and sumptuous local cuisine. Your journey in Gjirokaster begins at the Pride of the city, the Castle of Gjirokaster. Winding through the cobbled lanes, you will discover an enchanting city, captivatingly beautiful and photogenic in every way.
See more
Private transportation
Air-conditioned vehicle
All Fees and Taxes
Coffee and/or Tea
Departure Point
Traveler pickup is offered
We pick up all travellers anywhere near Tirana , Durres , Golem
Gjirokaster, Gjirokaster, Albania Departing Tirana at the dawn of 8 o'clock, we shall journey towards Gjirokastra, a place 230 kilometers away, renowned for its remarkable preservation of the Ottoman architecture and its prominent agricultural land. We will traverse through the depths of Southern Albania, admiring the green fields that the countryside has to offer. Along our path, we shall be accompanied by the Vjosa River, one of the few untamed rivers of Albania and the surrounding Balkan region.
60 minutes
Gjirokastra Bazaar, Gjirokaster, Albania Once we arrive in the city, you will soon recognize that this metropolis is unlike any other. At the heart of the city lies the main square, proudly named after the renowned Albanian Patriot of the 19th century, Cerciz Topulli. Here, the cobblestone streets culminate in a splendid spectacle, their journey from the castle's lofty heights finally at an end.
Dating back to the 17th Century, the Ottoman era saw the flourishing of a bustling epicenter that sent its vitality reverberating throughout the city. A hub of economic activity, this was the place where news, gossip and rumors were propagated with remarkable swiftness. All manner of transactions were conducted here, as well as leisurely gatherings over coffee. Countless unions were arranged here, providing the perfect milieu for families to come together prior to the wedding rites.
This day, the city proudly displays its history to all who visit, with a splendid array of souvenirs and stories shared by the affable inhabitants.
30 minutes
Gjirokaster Castle, Gjirokaster, Albania Majestically, we tread through the bustling Bazaar to reach the grand Gjirokastra Fortress. Upon the hilltop's natural defenses, it was the first settlement of the city, deeply rooted in the captivating legend of Argjiro, the young princess who sacrificed herself. Thusly, it is commonly referred to as the Crown of the City. Renovated significantly in the 19th Century, it has been used as a fortress and prison by countless regimes and political parties of the past. Undeniably, the Fortress holds great historical significance, yet its stony visage still provides a stunning view of the city, placidly spread along the hills.
On Mondays the castle is closed so instead we visit the Skenduli House , a heritage house of the 1800s to see how people lived at the time and to learn more about the life and traditions of the time. 60 minutes
The Blue Eye, Gjirokaster, Albania .One must traverse the verdant parkland to behold the grandeur of the "Blue Eye" spring - an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon and popular tourist attraction. The river's crystalline depths can be viewed from more than fifty metres below, and the refreshingly clear blue waters are a sight to behold. The journey to the springs is well worth the fifteen-minute walk through nature's finest.
40 minutes
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travel Time is included in the total duration of the tour
The castle in Gjirokaster might be closed on Mondays in winter time so instead we will visit Skenduli House
Visiting the Nature Park of Blue Eye you need to walk for 15 minutes from the beam to the spring . Or instead you can take the tourist train for 300 LEK or 3 Euros
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
xhuljox2021
17 Apr 2023
I had an unforgettable experience on my private tour of Gjirokaster and Blue Eye in Albania! My guide was incredibly knowledgeable and showed me the hidden gems of the region. The natural beauty and historic architecture left me in awe. I highly recommend this tour for anyone looking to explore the best of Albania.
888marjuss
17 Apr 2023
Great tour of this two highlights of Albania, Gjirokastra as a UNESCO heritage was really impressive to us, we also enjoyed the walk into the nature park of Blue Eye and the beautiful spring.
kain m
14 Apr 2023
I went there with a few friends to experience albania better and loved the views! The boys were very kind and friendly and we felt safe and relaxed.
This tour in
Tirana
is organized by
Local Friends Albania
We always double-check the availability with our local partners for each booking. Even though this is usually a swift process, it can take up to 24 hours. Once this process is completed you will receive your voucher or ticket by email. If our local partner is not able to confirm your booking we will offer you the best possible alternative. If the new date and/or time doesn’t fit your itinerary, we will reimburse the full amount paid.
How great that you want to share your experience! Your feedback helps other travelers to make a better choice.