Discover the beauty of southern Albania in just one day! Start with a visit to the serene Ardenica Monastery, then head to the UNESCO-listed city of Gjirokastra. This charming city is famous for its stone houses, vibrant bazaar, and fascinating history.
Discover the beauty of southern Albania in just one day! Start with a visit to the serene Ardenica Monastery, then head to the UNESCO-listed city of Gjirokastra. This charming city is famous for its stone houses, vibrant bazaar, and fascinating history.
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Tirana - Start your day with a picturesque drive from Tirana, Durrës, or Golem towards southern Albania. The journey to Gjirokastra takes approximately four hours, offering stunning views of the countryside. During the drive, the tour guide will share fascinating stories, local legends, and interesting facts about Albania’s history and culture.
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- Tirana - Start your day with a picturesque drive from Tirana, Durrës, or Golem towards southern Albania. The journey to Gjirokastra takes approximately four hours, offering stunning views of the countryside. During the drive, the tour guide will share fascinating stories, local legends, and interesting facts about Albania’s history and culture.
- Ardenica Monastery - The first stop is at the Ardenica Monastery, a serene and spiritual site located on a hill surrounded by olive trees. Visitors will have about 30 minutes to explore the area, admire the impressive frescoes, and enjoy the panoramic views over the Myzeqe plain. The monastery, dating back to the 13th century, is renowned as the place where Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero, was married.
- Gjirokastra Bazaar - After visiting Ardenica, the journey continues towards Gjirokastra, one of Albania’s most beautiful and historic towns. Upon arrival, the guide will introduce this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture, stone-roofed houses, and steep cobbled streets.
Together, the group will take a guided walk through the old bazaar, where visitors can browse local shops filled with handmade crafts, silver jewelry, textiles, and souvenirs. The vibrant streets and traditional buildings make it an ideal place for photos and experiencing the city’s unique charm.
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Gjirokaster - After the guided tour, there will be free time to explore independently — whether visiting a local museum, enjoying a traditional lunch, or simply wandering through the narrow lanes of the “stone city.”
IMPORTANT: During the off-season from November to May, most museums may be closed on Mondays. -
Tirana - KNOW BEFORE YOU RESERVE:
PICK UP: If the hotel pick-up option is selected, please note that in some cases, guests may be kindly asked to walk a short distance (1–5 minutes) to a nearby main street. This is usually because some hotels are located on narrow streets where buses cannot easily access.
IMPORTANT: Final tour details will be sent via email and WhatsApp the night before the tour, between 22:30 and midnight. Pick-up times may slightly change depending on the schedule, so it’s crucial to check the message. If asleep when the info is sent, simply check it in the morning to confirm the pick-up time.
MOBILE DATA ROAMING: On the tour day, all communication will be via WhatsApp, so please ensure the phone number is linked to WhatsApp and mobile data/roaming is enabled.
FITNESS LEVEL: Participants should have a basic level of fitness to comfortably complete the tour.
PICK UP/DROP-OFF FROM DURRES AND GOLEM IS INCLUDED

- Pick up and drop-off from Durres or Golem (meeting points)
- Air Conditioned transportation to the destination locations
- English speaking tour guide
- Gjirokastra castle entrance fee
- Pick up and drop-off from the hotel located in Tirana
- Pick up and drop-off from Durres or Golem (meeting points)
- Air Conditioned transportation to the destination locations
- English speaking tour guide
- Gjirokastra castle entrance fee
- Pick up and drop-off from the hotel located in Tirana
- Snacks and drinks
- Museum / Castle entrance
- Snacks and drinks
- Museum / Castle entrance
- Kindly note that this tour is not suitable for children under 4 years old
- Not recommended for travelers with knee problems.
- Kindly note that this tour is not suitable for children under 4 years old
- Not recommended for travelers with knee problems.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.