Gjirokaster

Visit 4 different places in I day on this tour from Sarande and Ksamil. Explore the St. Nicholas Monastery Church, marvel at the Blue Eye, stroll through the city Gjirokastër, and admire the views from Lekuresi Castle. Immerse yourself in a Albanian culture and nature on a full-day tour.Discover 4 fascinating locations in just 1 day with your local guide.Admire the spectacularly clear waters of the natural Blue Eye spring. Pause for reflection at the St. Nicholas Monastery Church, Mesopotam.Step back in time on the streets of Gjirokastër and at Lëkurësi Castle.

Albania Rafting offer the best albanian trip on the Vjosa River, one of Europe’s last free-flowing rivers, is a class II rafting with some rapids of class III . Prepare for waves up to four feet and narrow passages that send the boat shimmying and water gushing over the sides. Vjosa river’s entire 270km course is wild and untamed and adorned with beautiful canyons, braided river sections, islands and oxbows. Meeting point in our Vjosa Albania Rafting Base After the wearings of all the rafting equipments our minivan will pick you up and bring in the starting point onli 35 min from our base. Length of rafting trip Transportation from Rafting Base to starting point 35 min Preparation, instructions and downriver 2,5 – 3 hours Optional tour Kayaking in Vjosa

Marvel at views of the city, the lonian Sea, and Ksamil from Lekuresi. Expereince seeing clearly to the bottom of the 50-meter deep Blue Eye Spring. Visit the ramparts of Gjirokastra Castle for views of the town of Giirokaster Shop for handcrafts, antiques, and souvenirs at the Gjirokastra Bazaar Enjoy the convenience of round-trip van transfers from central Sarande

Gjirokaster walking tour is the best way to explore the town with local certified guides During the tour we will show you the amazing stone city of Gjirokaster focusing on it's history, culture, architecture, traditions, and local histories. We will see the most interesting parts of the city like the Bazzar area or areas where are located the most beautiful Gjirokaster style houses like Scenduli house or some of houses of local famous people like the house of the dictator Enver Hoxha or the house of Ismail Kadare the most famous Albanian writer. We will visit also the castle but we will not visit the castle inside as it has a price for tickets and we want to let people choose if visiting or no or when visiting and how much time they want to spent there. Anyway the tour ends near the castle entry so you can go inside right after the tour if you want. During our tour we will also pass by the best panoramic spots for amazing views and have possiblity to take beautiful panoramic pictures

In this trip we will explore the unknown part of Gjirokaster, the magic of the town that every tourist skips. We start from the center of the old town the “Cerciz Topulli Square” and head towards The “Old Bazaar” which is not a Bazaar anymore. This is the first neighborhood outside the walls of the castle and lies along beneath the Castle walls. The characteristic cobblestone and some of the oldest houses are the most beautiful elements of this neighborhood. After passing the “Zerzebili” bridge, we reach another ancient neighborhood in town called “Cfaka”. Here we will pass some old houses which are first monument category and also a tekke which belongs to the Bektashi Order. It is a beautiful combination of Nature, many sheep on top of hills, and old houses to arrive in our last destination, the “Ali Pasha Bridge”.

In this tour, you will discover the magic of the city by visiting the medieval Bazaar, the highlight of the city Argjiro Castle, and one of the best-preserved houses, the Zekate House. Starting at Cerciz Topulli Square with our local guide, we continue toward the Old Bazaar, stopping at the Neck of Bazaar, where we meet artisans working with old methods, and head toward the Castle. The 2.5-hectare castle, full of history, tragedy, and legends, will be explained by the guide. You’ll be 330 meters above sea level, enjoying breathtaking views of Gjirokastra, the typical tower houses covered with grey stone, usually two or three floors. The last stop is the Zekate House, a gift by Ali Pasha Tepelena to his accountant, Beqir Zeko. This tour aims to let you experience the unique, magical, and friendly atmosphere of Gjirokastra, not just visit popular attractions. Entrance: 400 ALL/Castle 300 ALL/Zekate.

Join us for an unforgettable journey in Gjirokaster and Blue Eye from Tirana, Durres and Golem, where each stop blends culture, history, and stunning natural beauty. Start at the breathtaking Cold Water Springs in Tepelenë, then explore the historic Old Bazaar in Gjirokastër, filled with charming shops and local artisans. Discover the majestic Gjirokastër Castle, rich in history and offering panoramic views, before visiting the beautifully preserved Skenduli House for insights into traditional life. Savor authentic Albanian dishes at a local eatery and conclude your day at the mesmerizing Blue Eye in Saranda, surrounded by enchanting turquoise waters. With knowledgeable guides at every stop, our tour provides a deep appreciation of Albania's rich heritage. Book now for an authentic adventure through Albania’s hidden gems!

We will explore the unknown part of Gjirokaster, the magic of the town that every tourist skips. We start from “Cerciz Topulli Square” and head towards The “Old Bazaar”. It is the first neighborhood outside the castle and lies along beneath the its walls. The characteristic cobblestone the orthodox church and some of the oldest houses are the most beautiful elements. After passing the stream of Nanxa (where they are building a new street), we reach the neighborhood of “Cfaka”. Here we will pass by some first monument category houses, a rebuild mosque and then reach the last neighborhood “Dunavat” where we will find a tekke of the Bektashi Order. It is a beautiful combination of Nature and old houses before arriving to “Ali Pasha Bridge”, a remaining of the aqueduct build more than 200 years ago to bring water to the castle. It takes approximately 3 hrs and you should be prepared to walk on a not so comfortable terrain. So put on your sneakers and join us to this back in time trip.

Our kayaking trip takes place in one of the most beautiful parts of the river of Vjosa, the last wild river in Europe. We will start from Kelcyra's Gorge in southern Albania created by the Vjosa river, near the town of Kelcyre. The gorge has panoramic and relaxing views, during the trip we will enjoy the "Blue Eye" which has a water spring and natural phenomenon occurring near the village of Muzine Finiq. We will pedal through the canyon and the waterfalls for about 2 and half hour until we arrive at the village of Peshtan Gathering at restaurant Salmoni, you will park the cars there and our shuttle will pick you up and take you to the departure point of Kelcyra gorge. Preparing for the adventure, wearing neoprene suits, thermal sweatshirts, life jackets and helmets it’s a must. The whole trip will give you a very special feeling and the adrenaline will be covering your body going through Vjosa rapids, the beautiful canyons of Kelcyra, the waterfalls and the “Blue Eye” experience.

We shall drive over the mountains to the scenic Drinos valley to see Gjirokastra, the austere stone city perched on the Wide Mountain. One of the most famous mediaeval towns of the region the city dates back to the 3rd century BC. We shall visit the mighty fortress, the old Bazaar and the 300 years old Skenduli house as one of the best representatives of the original architecture of Gjirokastra. We shall visit Benja thermal baths..A stone bridge arcs over a winding stretch of brilliantly blue-green water. Built-in the Middle Ages, it has been letting people cross the sulfur-rich river since the days of the Ottoman Empire. Warm water rushes beneath it, providing a relaxing treat for those who visit. Near the bridge, you’ll find the the Benja Thermal Baths, born from the geothermal waters near Përmet, Albania. The heated water flows down the river unless it gets diverted into one of the several human-made pools. They’re a splendid spot for a hot soak on a crisp, cool day.

You can not speak about Gjirokastra without enjoying its traditional typical food. It will be a unique experience making your mouth water and bringing back your appetite. Their tastes are similar to the preparation of centuries-old recipes which you will find and prepare instantly while you are in Gjirokastra, in addition you will taste a meal that you have just learnt to prepare.

We meet at Cerciz Topulli square, where you join with your host and walk over to one of the oldest neighbourhoods, “Pazar i Vjeter” to meet Marjeta and her husband. We begin the class with a glass of raki or a soft drink while chatting with your group mates. The food we are going to prepare is a vegetarian menu, and under the guidance of Marjeta we will learn three dishes. The first one is called “Qofte bobollaqe” consisting mainly on yogurt, the traditional “Qifqis” found only in Gjirokaster and consisting mainly on rice and the desert called “Hasude”. All these three are accompanied by the salad of the season Marjeta has already prepared for you. After all the hard work, sit down with your group to savor each of your dishes. Pair your menu with a complimentary glass of wine, raki, or a soft drink and have a nice chat while you eat. Your cooking class will conclude after the meal. Cheers and Bon appetite!

The fascinating old centre of Gjirokaster is on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Largely medieval, with some lovely architecture to admire, reflecting the town’s wealthy past, it is built on a hill overlooking a valley and mountains. This interesting museum will give a good impression of the way of living in Albania during the Ottoman period. For lunch we will leave town and drive to a nearby lake, where some specialties of the area can be tasted. On our way back to Saranda, we will pass from the national park Syri I Kalter. In this peaceful forest, we will walk (5 min) to the crystal clear spring called Blue Eye, where 900 m3 water per minute is coming from deep down the earth. If time permits, there will be a short coffee break at the restaurant next to the fast streaming river in the park, before heading back to the port of Saranda.

Discover the charm of Gjirokastër on this unforgettable day tour from Tirana, Durres, or Golem! Explore the scenic Cold Water spring, wander through the historic Old Bazaar, and step back in time at the stunning Gjirokastër Castle. End your journey with a visit to the beautiful Skenduli House. Experience Albania’s rich culture, history, and breathtaking views in one amazing day—book now!

You will find the landscape very interesting, changing and a bit challenging. It mixes small hills with wide valleys, waters, rare vegetation, livestock atmosphere and the charm of the rural life. Cold war bunkers can be seen along the way. Cini's lake will be an attractive stop for pictures and for the storytelling about this area. You should book this tour to meet a special horse. The horses used on this ride (Albanian horses) are a local breed, a mix of Tarpan and Arab horses. They are small but perfectly suited to the rocky terrain, being surefooted and accustomed to trekking long mountainous routes, allowing riders to feel confident, relaxed and free to enjoy the stunning views. Our horses are easy to ride and are used to riders from all over the world, in long and shorter trails. You can book this tour for the adventure, the rhythm and adrenaline, so intermediate riding level is required. Our professional guides are aiming to keep the harmony among humans, horses and nature.

Our tour of Gjirokastër and Saranda is legit one of a kind! You’ll explore the medieval vibes of Gjirokastër’s old town and castle, with epic views and cool history. Then, hit up Saranda and The Riviera for some beach time, fresh seafood, and crystal-clear waters. It’s the perfect mix of culture, nature, and chill vibes!

Lazarat is the first neighbor of the ancient city of Gjirokastra and, on the other hand, bordered by the village belt of the Dropull area. The village lies on the slopes of Mali i Gjerë and at the southern end of the province of Labëria, on the right side of the road Gjirokastër – Kakavija, Lazarat has an ancient history, starting from the Illyrian period. According to a legend, there were two brothers; Clay and Color. Argjiri, with his sons, built the castle of Gjirokastra, while Kollori built a smaller castle in the territory of today's Lazarat, where its ruins are still located. In the century. XVI the village resisted the pressure for Islamization and, consequently, a part of the population had moved to Greece, where even today there is a village called Lazarat, whose inhabitants until recently spoke the Albanian language. The Lazarats supported Ali Pasha Tepelena with weapons and fought for the protection of Ioannina from the Ottoman army.

Escape the stone streets of UNESCO-listed Gjirokastër and join us on a journey through history, nature, and local tradition. Our first stop is Libohova Castle, a once-grand residence of an Ottoman princess. Wander through the ruins, enjoy panoramic views of the Drino Valley, and listen to stories of power, love, and legend. Next, we dive into nature — literally — at the Selcka Waterfall. Hidden in a scenic valley, this beautiful spot is perfect for a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters surrounded by unspoiled landscapes. Bring your swimsuit and enjoy a moment of pure connection with nature. We end our journey at the Church of Saint Mary, a peaceful hilltop sanctuary rich in history and local spiritual traditions. It’s the perfect place to unwind and reflect after a day of exploration. This day trip offers the best of southern Albania — castles, waterfalls, and sacred sites — all waiting just beyond Gjirokastër.

Learn the secrets behind your favorite dishes of Gjirokaster with this 2-hour cooking class in Gjirokastra. Led by your local guide, step inside a traditional tavern, sip on a glass of raki or homemade wine and try your hand at some traditional food, using fresh, local ingredients. Then sit down to savor the fruits of your labor with your fellow chef.

During this Private Tour you will be available to comfortably visit all the Highlights of Saranda, Gjirokastra and "Syri i Kalter" combines with some local stories and good suggestions for delicious local food.