Day Tour of Gjirokastra UNESCO City and Blue Eye from Tirana
Day Tour of Gjirokastra UNESCO City and Blue Eye from Tirana
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.
Book This ExperienceA glimpse of the journey
Your Itinerary
A curated journey through the experience
Gjirokaster
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.
1 hourGjirokastra Bazaar
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 minutesGjirokaster Castle
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.
30 minutesRruga Palorto
Accompanying the grand tour of Gjirokastra, one is brought to the famous quarter of the city, wherein stand the family house of Enver Hoxha, the venerated Communist Leader, and his neighbor, Ismail Kadare, the renowned modern Albania Writer. Here these two figures, enshrined on the pedestal as the two pillars of Politics and Literature of the 20th century, are held in awe. Before departing for the intriguing "Path of Mad People" and its captivating tale, one may pay a visit to the remarkable house that lies therein.
10 minutesSkenduli House
The remarkable Fortress-style of the houses throughout the city of Gjirokastra has earned it a place amongst the UNESCO Heritage. These unique dwellings are not only aesthetically pleasing, but serve an essential purpose - they are equipped with independent systems of collecting, filtering, and preserving water. The house we are to visit today encapsulates the beauty of the Balkans from long ago, boasting its own "private bunker" in case of any bombardments. Step into this timeless abode and you will be transported to a different era.
30 minutesThe Blue Eye
.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 minutesIncluded
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Private transportation
- All Fees and Taxes
- Entry/Admission - Gjirokaster Castle
- Entry/Admission - The Blue Eye
- Entry/Admission - Skenduli House
Not Included
- Lunch
- Coffee and/or Tea
Good to Know
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Travel Time is included in the total duration of the tour
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Tickets & Cancellation
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.