- Gjirokaster - 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.
- Private transportation
- In-vehicle air conditioning
The intriguing ancient heart of Gjirokaster is recognized on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites. Predominantly of medieval design, it boasts stunning architecture that mirrors the town’s prosperous history, and is strategically situated on a hilltop with vistas of a valley and rugged mountains. This captivating museum provides a well-rounded understanding of life in Albania during Ottoman times. For a midday meal, we will exit the town and head to a nearby lake to sample the region’s unique dishes. On our return journey to Saranda, the route leads through the national park of Syri I Kalter. Here, amidst tranquil forests, we will embark on a brief walk (5 min) to the crystal clear Blue Eye spring, which ushers 900 cubic meters of water per minute from the earth’s depths. If time allows, we can relax for a quick break at a café adjoining the rapid river in the park, before making our way back to Saranda’s port.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.