Things to do in Gjirokaster, Gjirokaster County: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

This tour combines some of the lesser known countries in the Balkans; Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo and Montenegro, by trying to show the best each of these countries offers. Albania offers a mixture of cultural elements with 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a rich archaeological legacy. Macedonia offers some of the most excellent religious relics, with Ohrid having the biggest Icon museum in the region as well as many beautiful churches. This theme is carried over into Kosovo the newest state in Europe, where we combine religious monuments with tasting of wine and local foods. The Tour will end up in Montenegro which has made a name for itself based on its wild natural beauty.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 13 nights accommodation, Driver/guide, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, All Fees and Taxes

A visit into the most important and beautiful, natural and historical sites of Gjirokastra county. The profesional guide will make this experience unforgettable, mixing history and culture( Gjirokastra Castle, bazaar, traditional Houses and their way of life) with beauties of nature( Natural Park of Blue eye).

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, Professional guide included.

Exclusions: Meals., Alcoholic Beverages

One-day Trip South Albania. Departure at 08:00 from Vlora. First stop visit the town of Gjirokstra. Second stop the Blue Eye near Saranda. Third stop, on returning to Vlora, we pass by the coast and visit the Castle of Porto Palermo. A Trip to discover historical, natural and panoramic places that are breathtaking.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, Guide, Snacks

Exclusions:

This tour provides the opportunity to discover Albania and get a taste of the incredible beauty of Montenegro. Beginning in Albania, our visits include a number of the highlights of this country and its fascinating history, ancient and the more recent years of communist struggle, with four UNESCO sites visited as well as the beautifully scenic Albanian Riviera. In Montenegro we enjoy the stunning scenery of Kotor Bay visiting the old town, a wonderful ‘living museum’ of historic and picturesque streets. We also visit Budva, rich in historical monuments and home to yet another wonderful old town, which offers a treasure chest of cultural heritage. Other visits here include eye-catching Perast and historically glorious Cetinje, Montenegro’s ‘honorary’ capital.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 9 nights accommodation, Professional guide, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Lunches, Dinners, All Fees and Taxes

This 7 day tour aims to present Albanian cities/sites and objects, which fall under UNESCO protection. Albania counts several cities and objects that are part of our cultural heritage, so the value of this particular tour is of great cultural and archaeological importance. During the 7 day tour, you will explore the fabulous town of Berat (known as the city of the THOUSAND AND ONE WINDOWS), and Gjirokastra, the stone town that still fanatically fosters the tradition and culture of the country. You will also explore the ancient city of Butrint, which was proclaimed a museum in 1961, and in 1992 entered under the protection of UNESCO; The Blue Eye Natural Park; the fascinating old village of Qeparo, and enjoy free time on the lovely Himara beaches. Further on, you visit Përmet (known as the City of Roses), and we'll pass by Tepelena, with a visit of Ali Pasha Tepelena Castle.

Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks, Menu extras, Bedroom mini bar

Let`s stop for a moment and go Back in Time and explore the unknown part of Gjirokastra, the magic of the town that every tourist skips. Starting from “Cerciz Topulli Square” and heading to The “Old Bazaar” which is the first neighborhood outside the walls of the castle. The characteristic cobblestone and some of the oldest houses are the most beautiful elements of this neighborhood. After passing Zerzebili bridge, we reach another ancient neighborhood in called Cfake. Here we will pass some old houses which are first monument category and also a tekke belonging to the Bektashi Order. It is a beautiful combination of Nature, many sheep on top of hills, and old houses to arrive in our last destination, the “Ali Pasha Bridge”, a remaining of the aqueduct which was build more than 200 years ago to bring water to the castle. The whole trip takes 3 hours and you should be prepared to walk on a not so comfortable terrain. So put on your sneakers and join us to this back in time trip.

Inclusions: Guide

Exclusions: Gratitudes

When asked about Albanian food and heritage, most people would not know much but between the all-natural, delicious food, ancient cities bursting with legends and people with unique personalities, falling in love with Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia is assured. HIGHTLIGHTS – Saint Naum Monastery & Lake Ohrid – Mother Teresa Square & UNESCO Berat – The views of Gjirokastra Fortress - UNESCO – Memorial Complex of Prekaz (Kosovo) – Roshnik village wine tasting – Rahovec wine region in Kosovo – The “ottoman” town of Prizren – National Parks of Butrint & Matka – The Thermal Baths of Benje – The Natural Spring of "The Blue Eye"

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, 2 Wine Tasting experiences, Expert Tour Director & local guides, Private deluxe motor coach, 7 Guided sightseeing Tours and select entrance fees  , Boat Tour of Matka

Exclusions: Anything else not mentioned in inclusions, Single Room addition 240 €, Gratuities (optional)

This seven-day tour program offers a combination of deservedly famed historical UNESCO sites such as Ohrid, Berat, Gjirokastra and Butrint with traditions, local culture and culinary wonders. This tour of Albania & North Macedonia takes us through some of the best national parks of these two Balkan countries. During these 7 days, you will be able to visit some medieval splendour cities, UNESCO protected lake Ohrid and spectacular land and seascapes of Albania and Macedonia.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, BB (Accommodation and Breakfast) for all overnights, Professional tour guide, Transport provided by the company , Hotel pick up in Tirana, Hotel drop off in Tirana, Tourist taxes, Road taxes, International car insurance , Petrol

Exclusions: Lunches, Dinners, Drinks & Snacks, Souvenirs, Personal spending , Everything that is not mentioned in the included , * Tips are not a must in Albania or the Balkans, However, our recommendation is to tip the tour guide/driver 5 - 6 Euros per day/person , as an international practice to tip good service. , * Please note that prices are calculated on triple or quadruples room occupancy. , Double or single room occupancy is possible on extra charge. , The Triple/Quadruple room occupancy means you might share the room with other travellers , and/or the tour guide (whom could be males or females). , Double room occupancy is possible on 10 Euros extra charge per night per person. , Single room occupancy is possible on 20 Euros extra charge per night per person.

The city of Gjirokastra is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the most attractive tourist sites of the country. Perched on the eastern side of the Wide Mountain (Mali i Gjërë), the city began as a fourth century castle, which is today the greatest castle in the whole country. Inside the fortress is the Museum of Weapons, where weapons of different periods up until the Second World War are displayed. Gjirokastra is known as “The City of Stone”

Inclusions: Transport with a/c vehicle , Driver/ Guide, Hotel pick-up and drop off, Entrance fees to the Gjirokastra Castle

Exclusions:

Explorer the historic heritage and cultural diversity of the lands. On this tour we’ll discover the beauty and the vast Greek, Roman and Ottoman legacy. Our journey will take us to the post-communist, busy and eclectic Tirana, the capital of Albania and the Ottoman-era town of Gjirokaster and Korca, the city of Serenates. Once we’ve gained deeper understanding of Albanian rich history, we will cross the border to Greece to admire the natural beauty of Pindus Mountains in Zagoria region. We’ll take the meandering roads through the mountains, which are passing by small, charming villages and dramatic gorges. We will explorer multicultural Ioannina, visit the famous Meteora monasteries.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 4 nights accommodation, Professional guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, All Fees and Taxes