Gjirokastra Full Day Trip from Tirana

Gjirokastra Full Day Trip from Tirana

Defined by its castle, roads paved with chunky limestone and shale, imposing slate-roofed houses and views out to the Drino 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. The town is also synonymous for Albanians with former dictator Enver Hoxha, who was born here and ensured the town was relatively well preserved under his rule, though he is not memorialized in any way here today. UNESCO from 2005.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Gjirokastra Bazaar, Old town, Gjirokaster Albania

Our guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel and then we will drive to Gjirokastra.

Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Gjirokaster Castle, Gjirokaster Albania

Gjirokastër Castle is situated at a height of 336 metres. The castle dominates the town and overlooks the strategically important route along the river valley.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Gjirokaster Mosque, Sheshi Cerciz Topulli, Gjirokaster Albania

Built in 1757, the Gjirokastër Mosque is one of the most notable landmarks in the Old Bazaar area of Gjirokastër.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Skenduli House, Rruga Sokaku i Te Mareve, Gjirokaster Albania

The lovingly restored Ottoman-era Skenduli House has been in the hands of the same family for generations (apart from a few years during the communist period when the government took it over), and you'll most likely be shown around by a member of the family. Dating from the early 1700s, but partially rebuilt in 1827, the house has many fascinating features, including a room used only for wedding ceremonies and which has 15 windows, many with stained glass.

Duration: 1 hour