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Gjirokastra Day Trip: Historic Sites & Cuisine
4.7
7 Ratings
Ardenice
Take a day trip from Tirana to explore Gjirokastra, where you can visit the historic castle, the charming old bazaar, and the fascinating Skenduli House. Enjoy a picturesque drive, a coffee break at a hilltop location, and savor authentic Albanian cuisine.
Take a day trip from Tirana to explore Gjirokastra, where you can visit the historic castle, the charming old bazaar, and the fascinating Skenduli House. Enjoy a picturesque drive, a coffee break at a hilltop location, and savor authentic Albanian cuisine.
Duration:
13 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Ardenica Monastery - Begin your day with a picturesque drive from Tirana to Gjirokastra, which takes approximately four hours, including a 30-minute rest stop. After about an hour and a half of driving, your first destination is Ardenica Monastery. Here, you can visit the monastery and enjoy a coffee break, relaxing for about 30 minutes while…
- Ardenica Monastery - Begin your day with a picturesque drive from Tirana to Gjirokastra, which takes approximately four hours, including a 30-minute rest stop. After about an hour and a half of driving, your first destination is Ardenica Monastery. Here, you can visit the monastery and enjoy a coffee break, relaxing for about 30 minutes while taking in the stunning hilltop view.
- Gjirokastra Bazaar - Continue your journey to Gjirokastra. Upon arrival, your guide will introduce you to Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its rich history and exquisite Ottoman architecture. Stroll through the old bazaar, where you can explore, capture photos, and shop for unique souvenirs while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and traditional crafts.
- Gjirokaster Castle - Next, explore Gjirokastra Castle, one of the largest and best-preserved castles in Albania. Perched on a hilltop, the castle offers breathtaking views of the city. During your one-hour visit, you’ll discover its intriguing history and explore the ancient walls and towers.
- Skenduli House - Before departing Gjirokastra, visit Skenduli House, a beautifully preserved Ottoman-era house built in the 1700s that showcases how people lived centuries ago. Conclude your day with a relaxing drive back to Tirana, reflecting on the wonderful sights and experiences of the day.
What's Included
- Ardenica Monastery entrance fee
- Gjirokastra castle entrance fees
- English speaking tour guide
- Transportation to the destination locations
- Pick up and drop-off from the hotel located in Tirana
- Ardenica Monastery entrance fee
- Gjirokastra castle entrance fees
- English speaking tour guide
- Transportation to the destination locations
- Pick up and drop-off from the hotel located in Tirana
What's Not Included
- Snacks and drinks
- Skenduli House ticket ( 2 Euro per person )
- Snacks and drinks
- Skenduli House ticket ( 2 Euro per person )
Location
Ardenica Monastery
Cancellation Policy
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.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(7 Ratings)
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Carynek2021
Dec 3, 2024
Albania is magical - Ervin was my tour guide he is great with what he does he gave us great tour as well as explanations. I would greatly recommend him all the time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Asiem_s
Dec 1, 2024
An excellent experience with a fantastic guide (Ervin - Smart Tour Albania) - Had a memorable start to the last month of 2024 with an excellent visit to Ardenica Monastery, Gjirokastra Castle, and Gjirokastra UNESCO old town. It was just me and another person, and Ervin, our tour guide, made the experience very relaxed, informal and informative.
Despite the 3 hour-long journey each way (from Tirana to Gjirokastra and vice-versa), I was never bored, and Ervin kept us engaged with interesting trivia along the way to Gjirokastra (and gave us a mock quiz on our return!). After a quick stop at Ardenica Monastery, and some much-needed coffee right after, we proceeded to the castle.
We were lucky with the weather, and the views from the castle were stunning. The Mali i Gjerë ('Wide Mountain') gleamed in its snow-covered magnificence, and Ervin obliged us with endless photographs. We later enjoyed a hearty traditional Albanian lunch at the old town (at the Restaurant Odaja; definitely recommended!), and returned to Tirana late in the evening, replete with food and happy memories.
Tip: Birdwatchers, be sure to carry a pair of binoculars!
Review provided by Viator
Antoine_e
Nov 27, 2024
Fun tour of the Albanian south - Great tour, the driver/guided Antonio was great and the guided tour of Gjirokastra castle was very interesting. We also had free time in the main bazaar which was fun. Long drives (3.5 hours each way), but worth it
Review provided by Viator
B2520asmanuelap
Nov 22, 2024
Great Experience!!!!! - I had a great time in Albania with my friends; this tour was amazing.
The staff was caring and good, and the tour was very well organized!
I would do it again 100%!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mohammed_s
Nov 11, 2024
Great day out with an excellent guide ! - The guide Khalidi was brilliant, he was very informative and we asked many questions. Excellent guide and the town is amazing especially the changing colours of the mountains. The Fort was amazing and we had free time to explore the town. I highly recommend Khalidi as a guide and the route had breathtaking views ! Khalidi also highlightied the main points on the route .
Review provided by Viator
Emily_n
Nov 2, 2024
Nice day out in the South - Pick up was smooth, well communicated via whatsapp. Prepare for a long day in the car, 3.5hr each way, take water and snacks, but it is through the beautiful countryside! Monastery and castle were interesting to visit. The old town was a nice spot for late lunch and time to wander the narrow streets and stores.
Bledi our guide was great, great commentary along the drive and through the castle. Very entertaining.
Review provided by Viator
Monika_bijani
Nov 2, 2024
Lovely but too long - Our guide, Bledi, was amazing, very knowledgeable, professional and charming. The vehicle was super comfy for the long drive. The palace is a nice one to visit.. we spent about a hour and a half in there. Monastery was quick and interesting. The tour itself could have been wrapped up in half a day, as there wasn’t much to do apart from the castle and monastery visit. The world unesco site was a bit underwhelming with touristy shops and restaurants. Totally skippable. Would have preferred to either come back early or explore something else nearby.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
