Gjirokaster Walking Tour: Discover Unknown Landmarks & Experience its Magic
5.0
9 Ratings
Gjirokaster
Embark on a 3-hour walking tour of Gjirokaster, uncovering hidden landmarks and experiencing the town's enchanting magic. Explore the Old Bazaar, visit historic houses and a mosque, and marvel at the Ali Pasha Bridge. Lace up your sneakers and step back in time!
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Gjirokaster - Let’s pause and embark on a journey through history. We’ll delve into the lesser-known aspects of Gjirokaster, uncovering the enchantment of the city that many visitors overlook. Our adventure begins at the heart of the ancient city, “Cerciz Topulli Square,” and we proceed to the “Old Bazaar,” which no longer functions as a market. Situated just outside the castle’s fortifications, this was the first district and stretches right beneath the castle’s ramparts. The district’s hallmark cobblestone paths and some of the oldest residences are its most charming features. Crossing the “Zerzebili” bridge, we enter another historic district known as “Cfaka,” where we’ll encounter several ancient homes classified as first monument category, as well as a tekke belonging to the Bektashi Order. The journey offers a picturesque blend of nature, with numerous sheep grazing on the hills, and venerable buildings leading us to our final stop, the “Ali Pasha Bridge.” This bridge is a vestige of the aqueduct constructed over two centuries ago by Ali Pashe Tepelena to supply water to the castle.
    The entire excursion lasts about 3 hours, and participants should be ready for a somewhat rugged walk. So lace up your walking shoes and come with us on this historical voyage.
What's Included
  • Experienced guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratitudes
Additional Information

Let’s journey through the unexplored areas of Gjirokaster, a charming locale that often goes unnoticed by visitors. Our excursion begins at ‘Cerciz Topulli Square’, taking us towards ‘The Old Bazaar’. This neighbourhood, standing right outside the castle and nestled beneath its grand walls, is steeped in history. The unique cobblestone streets, an Orthodox church, and some of the oldest residential structures heighten its appeal. After crossing the Nanxa stream (where a new road is under construction), we find ourselves in the ‘Cfaka’ district. It boasts several first category historical buildings, a renovated mosque, and leads us to the final region, ‘Dunavat’, home to a tekke belonging to the Bektashi Order. The route concludes with the picturesque ‘Ali Pasha Bridge’, a surviving relic of an aqueduct built over two centuries ago to supply water to the castle. The journey, combining natural beauty with architectural marvels, lasts around three hours, and requires navigating uneven terrain. So, wear your walking shoes and accompany us on this captivating step back into history.

Location
Experience Gjirokastra
Rruga Gjin Zenebisi
At our office right next to Cerciz Topulli statue in Cerciz Topulli square
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(9 Ratings)
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Ellen_l
Sep 20, 2023
Great tour thanks to our tour guide Arli. - What made this tour so awesome was our guide, Arli. He was so knowledgeable and willing to share as we walked through the streets of Gjirokastra. In particular, we wanted to see the Ali Pasha Bridge. He was quick to explain that the terrain was difficult getting to the actual bridge so he took us through neighborhoods that led to a spectacular view of the bridge. He carefully explained the historical significance of all of the neighborhoods and the “bridge”. If you get the right tour guide, these tours are excellent!! We certainly did!!
Review provided by Viator
Amberh294
Jul 7, 2022
Exceptional Tour - Arli took us on a remarkable walking tour of the Hidden Gems of Gjirokaster. He was very knowledgeable about the history and culture and answered all our inquiries. He was funny, charismatic, and spoke exceptional English. Typically walking tours are a lot of stop and go. This tour involved a lot of walking and talking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. The tour was just under 3 hours and did not include the 250LEK entrance fee to the Zekate House, which is worth the price of admission. I highly encourage everyone to attend this tour to gain a greater appreciation of the local customs, history and culture.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Javierag348
Jul 6, 2022
Amazing experience - Me and my friend did the walking tour with Aril and it was brilliant , he was very kind and knowledgeable about the history of Jirokastra and Albania. The bridge was beautiful and we had enough time to enjoy the incredible place. Aril took really nice pictures of us and he was very accomodating when it came to arranging the itinerary and tour time. He made us feel at ease throughout the entire tour and was very chatty in general. He gave us lots of suggestions about other places in Albania to visit also. It was an amazing experience and Aril have a bright future ahead of him ! He is excellent
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Botswana98
May 21, 2022
Fantastic walking tour with great insights into Gjirokaster life - I did this walking tour with guide Arli and I recommend it very highly. I learnt so much not only about Gjirokaster and its history but also about Albania generally and its cultural and political life. Arli’s English is excellent and I would never have found the Ali Pasha bridge on my own (in fact I had already tried and failed). A highly enjoyable experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christine
Sep 14, 2020
Fantastic walking tour, great way to see the town; you will want to come back! - Viki is an excellent guide, knowledgeable, courteous, and tailored the tour according to interests (she is from Gjirokaster). The architecture, history, and scenery are stunning. I can't wait to visit Gjirokaster again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christine_d
Sep 14, 2020
Fantastic walking tour, amazing history and architecture; you will want to come back and visit - Viki is an excellent guide, very knowledgeable, courteous, and tailored the schedule according to interests (she is also from the town). The history, architecture, and the setting/scenery are stunning. I can't wait to visit Gjirokaster again.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
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May 2024
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