Experience the charm of Gjirokastra, the ‘stone city’, on a full-day private tour from Tirana. Explore the UNESCO-listed architectural wonders, including the Argjiro castle and the Old Bazaar.
Experience the charm of Gjirokastra, the ‘stone city’, on a full-day private tour from Tirana. Explore the UNESCO-listed architectural wonders, including the Argjiro castle and the Old Bazaar.
- Gjirokastra Bazaar - The city tour begins at 10:30 a.m. from Cerciz Topulli Square in Gjirokastra. Strolling through the cobblestone streets of the Old Bazaar leads to the Castle of Argjiro atop the hill, offering the best panoramic view of the entire city and the Drino River valley. Visitors will have the opportunity to closely observe the main…
- Gjirokastra Bazaar - The city tour begins at 10:30 a.m. from Cerciz Topulli Square in Gjirokastra. Strolling through the cobblestone streets of the Old Bazaar leads to the Castle of Argjiro atop the hill, offering the best panoramic view of the entire city and the Drino River valley. Visitors will have the opportunity to closely observe the main arts and crafts that the city still preserves today. Souvenirs can be purchased on the return journey at the tour’s conclusion.
- Gjirokastër Obelisk - While exploring the Old Bazaar, a short climb up a few stairs leads to the Obelisk point. From here, visitors can enjoy a close view of the traditional stone houses and both the old and new quarters of this expansive city nestled at the base of Mali i Gjere (Large Mountain).
- Gjirokaster Castle - Dating from the 6th to 12th centuries, the castle has been the heart of this ancient city since the 3rd century AD. It is renowned for its significant architectural, historical, and cultural values, and serves as a venue for events such as folklore festivals, wedding ceremonies, and photography enthusiasts. It stands as a prominent landmark not only for the city but also for the surrounding landscape.
- Rruga Sokaku i te Mareve - After visiting the castle, the tour continues down the street of the ‘mads’ “Sokaku i te marreve,” a traditional cobblestone street connecting the most important houses of the old city. Here, visitors can find the Dictator’s house, Ismail Kadare’s (a renowned Albanian writer) house, and the Skenduli or Zekateve houses. Each is unique, with remarkable 18th-century characteristics that should not be missed.
- Ethnographic Museum - Located on the street of the ‘mads’ (Sokaku i te marreve) at the former house of Communist Dictator Enver Hoxha, the Ethnographic Museum has been reconstructed to showcase many classic cultural elements in Ottoman style, inspired by other beautiful houses in the city. The interiors replicate those of the finest Gjirokastra houses from the 19th century.

- Private transportation
- Castle entrance included
- Access to a traditional house or ethnographic museum
- Personal guide and driver
- Fuel surcharges included
- Private transportation
- Castle entrance included
- Access to a traditional house or ethnographic museum
- Personal guide and driver
- Fuel surcharges included
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Gratuities
We suggest the Gjirokastra day tour for individuals seeking to utilize their last day in Albania by exploring one of our most fascinating cityscapes. Gjirokastra, often termed the ‘stone city’, is historically rich with buildings influenced by Ottoman architecture and adorned with stone rooftops. This distinctive architectural style has bullseyed the…
We suggest the Gjirokastra day tour for individuals seeking to utilize their last day in Albania by exploring one of our most fascinating cityscapes. Gjirokastra, often termed the ‘stone city’, is historically rich with buildings influenced by Ottoman architecture and adorned with stone rooftops. This distinctive architectural style has bullseyed the city onto UNESCO’s world cultural heritage sites since 2005.
Gjirokastra boasts of several attractions; a compilation of ‘must-sees’. With this one-day tour, we highlight the key sights you shouldn’t skip, such as the majestic Argjiro castle, a stroll on the Old Bazaar’s cobblestone streets, and a tour of a traditional museum house that will take you on a journey back in time, providing a glimpse into the residents’ past life.
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.