Gjirokastra Heritage Tour: Full-Day Private Exploration from Tirana
Gjirokaster
Experience the charm of Gjirokastra, the 'stone city', on a full-day private tour from Tirana. Explore the UNESCO-listed architectural wonders, including the Argjiro castle and the Old Bazaar.
Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Gjirokastra Bazaar - The tour of the city starts around 10.30 a.m from Cerciz Topulli square in Gjirokastra. A walk through the cobblestone streets of the Old Bazaar leads us to the Castle of Argjiro on the top of the hill and the best panoramic view of the whole city and Drino’s river valley. Here you will have the chance to see from close the main arts and crafts that this city uses to preserve still nowadays.
    You can buy souvenirs on the way back at the end of the tour.
  • Gjirokastër Obelisk - During the walk on the Old Bazaar, we will take a corner of a few stairs more to reach the Obelisk point. The view from here will allow you a close look at the traditional stone houses, at the old and new quarters of this big city situated on the roots of Mali i Gjere (Large Mountain).
  • Gjirokaster Castle - The castle, which dates between the VI-XII centuries, has served as the nucleus of this ancient city from III AD century. It is distinguished for its significant architectural, historical, cultural values, but also as a reference point for events such as folklore festivals, wedding ceremonies, photography enthusiasts, etc.
    It serves as a dominant point not only for the city but also for the surrounding landscape.
  • Rruga Sokaku i te Mareve - After the visit to the castle, on the way down we will proceed on the street of the ‘mads’ “Sokaku i te marreve”, a traditional cobblestone street, which connects the main important houses of the old part of the city.
    Here we can find the Dictator’s house; Ismail Kadare (our big Albanian writer) house; Skenduli or Zekateve houses. All of them unique and with amazing characteristics from the 18th century not to be missed.
  • Ethnographic Museum - The Ethnographic Museum is situated on the street of the ‘mads’ (Sokaku i te marreve) at the Communist Dictator Enver Hoxha house. The house was reconstructed bringing many classic cultural elements, ottoman style, copied from other beautiful houses of the city. The interiors replicate those of the finest Gjirokastra houses of the 19th century.
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Castle entrance included
  • Access to a traditional house or ethnographic museum
  • Personal guide and driver
  • Fuel surcharges included
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

We suggest the Gjirokastra day tour for individuals seeking to utilize their last day in Albania by exploring one of our most fascinating cityscapes. Gjirokastra, often termed the ‘stone city’, is historically rich with buildings influenced by Ottoman architecture and adorned with stone rooftops. This distinctive architectural style has bullseyed the city onto UNESCO’s world cultural heritage sites since 2005.

Gjirokastra boasts of several attractions; a compilation of ‘must-sees’. With this one-day tour, we highlight the key sights you shouldn’t skip, such as the majestic Argjiro castle, a stroll on the Old Bazaar’s cobblestone streets, and a tour of a traditional museum house that will take you on a journey back in time, providing a glimpse into the residents’ past life.

Location
Gjirokastra Bazaar
Old town
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1
Adult
May 2024
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