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Experience Tirana With A Passionate Local Guide: Discover the most lively city of Albania
5.0
29 Ratings
Tiranë
Experience the lively city of Tirana with a passionate local guide. Discover the history, taste traditional food, visit landmarks, and have a memorable time in Albania.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Skanderbeg Square - At Skanderbeg Square, visitors will find Tirana’s central and most significant public space, named after the national hero, Skanderbeg. The square is a lively hub that showcases the city’s historical and cultural essence.
- Et’hem Bej Mosque - At Et’hem Bey Mosque, visitors will see one of Tirana’s most historic landmarks, renowned for its stunning Ottoman architecture. The mosque’s exterior is modest, but inside, it features beautiful frescoes adorned with intricate floral and natural motifs, rare for Islamic art. The peaceful interior is highlighted by colorful depictions of trees, waterfalls, and bridges, offering a unique spiritual atmosphere.
- Clock Tower - At the Clock Tower of Tirana, visitors will find one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, standing tall at 35 meters. Built in the 19th century, the tower offers a mix of Ottoman and Venetian architectural styles.
- Sheshi Sulejman Pasha - At Sulejman Bargjini Square, visitors will find a lively public space dedicated to the founder of Tirana, Sulejman Bargjini. The square, though smaller than Skanderbeg Square, is a key historical and cultural hub.
- Pazari i Ri - At the New Bazaar (Pazar i Ri), visitors will experience a vibrant, revitalized marketplace that blends traditional charm with modern flair. The bustling area is filled with colorful stalls and shops offering a variety of fresh produce, local crafts, spices, and traditional Albanian foods.
- Teqja Pazari - At Teqja Pazari, the Bektashi religious site in Tirana, visitors will experience a unique aspect of Albania’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The teqe (a Bektashi monastery) is an important site for the Bektashi Order, a Sufi Muslim sect known for its mysticism and progressive values.
- Kapllan Pasha’s Tomb - At Kapllan Pasha’s Tomb, visitors will see a Cultural Monument of the first category, declared by the government of Albania in 1948. Built in the early 19th century, it features carved stones and an octagonal shape. The columns are made of stone, placed on stone bases and capitals with plant decor on the surface. The former ruler of Tirana was interred here in the 19th century but was later repatriated to Istanbul, Turkey.
- Ethnographic Museum of Tirana/Toptani Saraje Old Typical House - At the Ethnographic Museum of Tirana, also known as the Toptani Sarajet Old Typical House, visitors will see a well-preserved example of traditional Albanian life.
- BunkArt 2 - At Bunk’Art 2, visitors will experience a unique and immersive historical site located in a former bunker used during the communist era in Albania.
- Rruga Murat Toptani - At Rruga Murat Toptani in Tirana, visitors will experience a vibrant and culturally rich street known for its blend of historical charm and modern appeal.
- Fortress of Justinian - At the Castle of Tirana, visitors will encounter a historic site that offers a glimpse into the city’s past and features a blend of ancient ruins and modern attractions.
- Saint Paul’s Cathedral - Visiting the Catholic Cathedral in Tirana offers a blend of architectural beauty, spiritual tranquility, and cultural insight. It’s a meaningful stop for those interested in religious history, local culture, and serene environments.
- Komiteti Bar - Tiranë - At Komiteti Kafe Museum, visitors will step into a nostalgic world that captures Albania’s socialist-era culture and history, intertwined with traditional Albanian hospitality.
- Pyramid of Tirana - Visiting the Pyramid of Tirana, visitors will encounter a unique blend of historical significance and contemporary transformation.
- Postbllok - Checkpoint Monument - At the Postbllok – Checkpoint Memorial, visitors will encounter a striking open-air installation that serves as a reminder of Albania’s communist past. The memorial is located near the entrance of the Blloku Neighbourhood, symbolizing the oppressive regime that once governed the country.
- Enver Hoxha’s Former Residence - At Enver Hoxha’s former villa, travelers will step into a key part of Albania’s communist history, exploring the private residence of the country’s long-time dictator, Enver Hoxha. Situated in the Blloku neighborhood of Tirana, once off-limits to ordinary citizens, the villa offers a glimpse into the life of Albania’s most powerful and secretive leader.
- Blloku - The Blloku area in Tirana is one of the city’s most vibrant and iconic neighborhoods, blending a rich history with modern flair. Once an exclusive zone restricted to Albania’s communist elite, particularly high-ranking officials like Enver Hoxha, now Blloku has transformed into the heart of Tirana’s social life.
- Shallvaret - The Shallvare neighborhood in Tirana is an area with deep historical roots, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the city’s past and present.
- Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral - The Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral in Tirana is a significant symbol of Albania’s religious revival after decades of suppression under communist rule. The cathedral’s construction represents Albania’s return to religious freedom after the fall of the communist regime. Under the dictatorship of Enver Hoxha, Albania declared itself the world’s first atheist state in 1967, and all religious practices were banned. Many churches, mosques, and religious sites were destroyed or repurposed during this period. The Orthodox faith, along with other religions, was severely persecuted. After the collapse of communism in the early 1990s, Albania began to rebuild its religious institutions. The Resurrection Cathedral was constructed between 2001 and 2012, in the heart of Tirana. It was officially consecrated on June 24, 2012.
- House of Leaves - The House of Leaves (known as “Shtëpia me Gjethe” in Albanian) in Tirana, Albania, is a significant historical and cultural site, renowned for its unique history and its role in the country’s communist era.
- Bank of Albania - The Bank of Albania is the central bank of Albania, playing a crucial role in the country’s financial and economic stability. Established in 1925, it is one of the oldest financial institutions in the country. It was founded as the National Bank of Albania with the purpose of managing the country’s currency and monetary policy.
What's Included
- Savoring Mulliri Vjeter Coffee Shop’s exquisite coffee
What's Not Included
- Other Personal Expenses
Additional Information
In the vibrant heart of Albania, a rich history awaits discovery in everyday life. For every visitor to Tirana, our tour promises a unique and immersive experience, blending profound historical insights with the lively local culture. Guests will explore iconic landmarks such as Skanderbeg Square and the Clock Tower, and admire architectural marvels like the Pyramid of Tirana and the new modern buildings. Our Tirana tour is distinguished by its comprehensive and immersive approach, offering exclusive access to the four most significant religious sites in the city, representing Albania’s four major religions. Our enthusiastic local guides bring each site to life with captivating stories and personal anecdotes. With a focus on personalized experiences and thorough exploration, our tour offers a unique and enriching perspective on Tirana’s past and present.
Location
Skanderbeg Square
Sheshi Skender Beu
Meeting Point: In Front of the National Museum at Skanderbeg Square
Look for our guide in front of the National Historical Museum, the building with a large mosaic on its facade. Easily accessible by foot, taxi, or bus. Just look for the Skanderbeg statue and follow the signs to the museum.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(29 Ratings)
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Alexander_a
Jun 23, 2024
Authentic Tour - Amazing tour, I learned so much about Albanian culture and had delicious gelato...highly recommended
Review provided by Viator
Mark_s
Jun 20, 2024
Loved Tirana - Abiona was superb. Showed us around her city. She was funny and very knowledgeable about Tirana. Loved the hidden gem she took us to visit. The flavored Raki was excellent.
PS: Don't worry about any kidnapping Liam. Your daughter will be safe!
Review provided by Viator
Jackf314
Jun 1, 2024
Perfect walking tour of Tirana - Enjoyed a great walking tour of Tirana. Touched on culture, history, art, and what makes Albania and Tirana, such unique places. Fantastic way to get a feel for a great city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paul_h
May 24, 2024
Great city tour with a brilliant guide - The tour included the key sights and sites of Tirana and was very interesting. However what made it special was Albiona’s detailed knowledge of, and passion for, the history and landmarks of her country. I would definitely recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Happytraveller23567
Apr 24, 2024
A must-do in Tiranna! - Fantastic time experiencing the city. Highly recommend to anyone who wants an intimate and knowledgeable tour. This was a highlight of our trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bridget_y
Apr 14, 2024
HIGHLY Recommend this personal tour of Tirana! - Albiona is a gifted and passionate tour guide who shares a wealth of interesting information about the history and future of Albania. This was the absolute best experience we have ever booked on Viator and recommend it to any person or group who wants a personal tour of Tirana. Albiona's english is exemplary and she allowed ample time for questions and sharing of personal stories. Cannot recommend this tour highly enough!
Review provided by Viator
Juanenrico
Nov 14, 2023
Great tour of Tirana - Great tour of Tirana, we covered a lot of interesting places and our guide Albiona was fantastic and knowledgeable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephen_d
Nov 6, 2023
Great guide - I learned a lot about Albania and its history. My guide knew a lot about the area and its history. I enjoyed my tour.
Review provided by Viator
Emilyvh3667ze
Nov 3, 2023
Great overview of Albanian history and Tirana sights - Albiona was the perfect tour guide. She is super knowledgeable about the history of Albania. We took a nice tour of the city and she pointed out all of the important buildings and architecture. We stopped for a taste of Raki and even a few minutes in the bazaar. When the tour was finished, we stopped for an espresso and Albiona helped us plan the rest of our time in Tirana. I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karina_p
Oct 3, 2023
One of the best tour guides ever - The energy and professionalism of our tour guide was top class! We did it on our very first day in Tirana, and it helped us to navigate like locals for the whole trip. We appreciate all the tips and a full history of Tirana that helped us understand the country and feel closer to its people!
Review provided by Viator