Gjirokastra, Full Day Trip from Tirana
Gjirokastra is known as “The Stone City”, part of UNESCO World heritage. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old town is famous for being a well-preserved Ottoman style town, with its fortress overlooking the entire city, the old houses lean against the slopes of the hills with their beautiful old wooden facades. Being the birthplace of the Nobel-laurate writer Ismail Kadare and also of the notorious communist leader Enver Hoxha, the city is intriguing and controversial as it preserves well all phases of history. In this short tour you will have the opportunity to discover some of the magic of the city by visiting the medieval Old Bazaar and the highlight of the city the Argjiro Castle.
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Gjirokastra Bazaar, Old town, Gjirokaster Albania
Our guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel and then we will drive to Gjirokastra. The most beautiful thing to admire in Gjirokastër is its enchanting old town, which has been listed among UNESCO’s world heritage sites. As soon as you step onto its streets, you’ll understand why Gjirokastër is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Albania and the Balkans. The town is covered in stunning Ottoman-era houses and buildings that are now artisan shops, restaurants and lovely hotels. Most of them are located in or near the bazaar and date back to the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. So, bring your camera with you, take some pictures, and spend time looking for a tasty byrek to eat or nice souvenirs for you and your friends.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Gjirokaster Castle, Gjirokaster Albania
The castle is the second largest in the Balkans and has still been used as a garrison and prison until very recently. The citadel was probably built in the 8th-7th centuries BC (Iron Age) and later fortified in the 5th century BC. Further building and extension happened in the early Ottoman period. Much of what can be seen today is the work of further improvements and architecture under the reign of Ali Pasha in the 19th century. From the hillside you reach the entrance via a steep cobbled road. Inside after about 50m you find the Bektashi Tomb to the right. To the left from the entrance there is a long artillery gallery with Italian and German pieces from WWII. There’s also an American spy plane on display, that was captured by the communists during the Cold War. The Clock Tower is one of Ali Pasha’s additions during the 19th century. Next to it is the Festival Stage built in the 1980s to host the Albanian National Folk Festival held every 4 years.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Zekate House, Gjirokastra, short hike form main bazaar, Gjirokaster Albania
The most impressive building in Gjirokastër is undoubtedly Zekate House, a majestic three-story house with twin towers and a double-arched facade. This enchanting palace, with gorgeous interiors, galleries and rooms, dates back to 1800 and is one of the most fascinating examples of an Ottoman-era house in the Balkan Peninsula.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Skenduli House, Rruga Sokaku i Te Mareve, Gjirokaster Albania
The lovingly restored Ottoman-era Skenduli House has been in the hands of the same family for generations (apart from a few years during the communist period when the government took it over), and you'll most likely be shown around by a member of the family. Dating from the early 1700s, but partially rebuilt in 1827, the house has many fascinating features, including a room used only for wedding ceremonies and which has 15 windows, many with stained glass.
Duration: 1 hour
Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Near public transportation"
"Most travelers can participate"
"This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund"
"This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers"
"Confirmation will be received at time of booking"
Start Time:
08:30 AM
Duration: 8 Hours
Start location: Traveler pickup is offered
We will pick up all travelers at the hotel
Cancellations and refunds:
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
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