Overview
Defined by its castle, roads paved with chunky limestone and shale, imposing slate-roofed houses and views out to the Drina Valley, Gjirokastra is a magical hillside town described beautifully by Albania's most famous author, Ismail Kadare (b 1936), in Chronicle in Stone.
There has been a settlement here for 2500 years, though these days it's the 600 'monumental' Ottoman-era houses in town that attract visitors. For Albanians, the town is also synonymous with former dictator Enver Hoxha, who was born here and ensured the town was relatively well preserved under his rule, though he is not memorialised in any way here today.
The aim of his tour is for you to experience the unique, magical and friendly atmosphere of Gjirokastra, not just to see the most popular tourist attractions,accompanied by our guides that knows all the secrets of the city.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Tea and coffee
All fees and/or taxes
Ethnographic Museum
Museum of Weapons
Lunch
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is offered for all travelers.
What to expect
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Gjirokastra Bazaar
3 hours
Departure from Tirana at 08:30 am.Pass By: Gjirokaster Castle
Gjirokastra (approx. 3-hour drive.)
Gjirokastra is love on the first sight. 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.We will start the tour at Cerciz Topulli square where we will get some information about the tour and also learn a bit about the history of the city. Than we continue towards the Old Bazaar stopping at the Neck of Bazaar learning a bit about the architecture of the Bazaar and another stop at Obelisk the first school of the city. We have an amazing view of the city from here. It is the perfect spot to see some of the old characteristic buildings of the Stone City and also a perfect place to shot some pictures. Than we head towards the Castle where we spend around an hour and a half and learn more about the magic of the city and the history of the Castle. After the Castle we head towards the magical house of Zekate a must see. We learn there about the architecture of the house, what were the rooms used for, take some nice picture accompanied by successors of Zekate. Our last stop will be the Ethnographic Museum which was the house where the dictator of Albania Enver Hoxha was born.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Tirane).
Additional Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 5 travelers per booking
FAQs about Gjirokastra: UNESCO World Heritage Site - A Full Day Trip from Tirana
Can I cancel Gjirokastra: UNESCO World Heritage Site - A Full Day Trip from Tirana for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 8–9 hours.
Is pickup offered?
Pickup is offered for all travelers.
What's included?
- Tea and coffee
- Ethnographic Museum
- Museum of Weapons
What's not included?
- Lunch
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English, Italian.
What fitness level is needed?
It is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
Operated by Travel Albania
