Gjirokastra
is Ottoman-era heritage
Welcome to Gjirokastra
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.
Top experiences in Gjirokastra
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Gjirokastra activities
Long walking tour Old Bazaar, Castle, Ethnographic Museum, Historic House
In this short tour you will have the opportunity to discover some of the magic of the city by visiting the medieval Old Bazaar and the highlight of the city the Argjiro Castle. During this tour you will be accompanied by a local guide that knows all the secrets of the city.We will start the tour at Cerciz Topulli square where we will get some information about the tour and also learn a bit about the history of the city. Than we continue towards the Old Bazaar stopping at the Neck of Bazaar learning a bit about the architecture of the Bazaar and another stop at Obelisk the first school of the city. We have an amazing view of the city from here. It is the perfect spot to see some of the old characteristic buildings of the Stone City and also a perfect place to shot some pictures. Than we head towards the Castle where we spend around an hour and a half and learn more about the magic of the city and the history of the Castle. After the Castle we head towards the magical house of Zekate a must see. We learn there about the architecture of the house, what were the rooms used for, take some nice picture accompanied by successors of Zekate. Our last stop will be the Ethnographic Museum which was the house where the dictator of Albania Enver Hoxha was born. The aim of his tour is for you to experience the unique, magical and friendly atmosphere of Gjirokastra, not just to see the most popular tourist attractions.
Medium walking Tour Old Bazaar, Castle, Ethnographic Museum
In this short tour you will have the opportunity to discover some of the magic of the city by visiting the medieval Old Bazaar and the highlight of the city the Argjiro Castle. During this tour you will be accompanied by a local guide that knows all the secrets of the city. We will start the tour at Cerciz Topulli square where we will get some information about the tour and also learn a bit about the history of the city. Than we continue towards the Old Bazaar stopping at the Neck of Bazaar learning a bit about the architecture of the Bazaar and another stop at Obelisk the first school of the city. We have an amazing view of the city from here. It is the perfect spot to see some of the old characteristic buildings of the Stone City and also a perfect place to shot some pictures. Than we head towards the Castle where we spend around an hour and a half and learn more about the magic of the city and the history of the Castle. After the Castle we head towards the Ethnographic Museum which was the house where the dictator of Albania Enver Hoxha was born. The aim of his tour is for you to experience the unique, magical and friendly atmosphere of Gjirokastra, not just to see the most popular tourist attractions.
Walking Skip-the-Line Old Bazaar Castle Guided Tour
In this short tour you will have the opportunity to discover some of the magic of the city by visiting the medieval Old Bazaar and the highlight of the city the Argjiro Castle. During this tour you will be accompanied by a local guide that knows all the secrets of the city. We will start the tour at Cerciz Topulli square where we will get some information about the tour and also learn a bit about the history of the city. Than we continue towards the Old Bazaar stopping at the Neck of Bazaar learning a bit about the architecture of the Bazaar and another stop at Obelisk the first school of the city. We have an amazing view of the city from here. It is the perfect spot to see some of the old characteristic buildings of the Stone City and also a perfect place to shot some pictures. Than we head towards the Castle where we spend around an hour and a half and learn more about the magic of the city and the history of the Castle. After the castle we go again to Cerciz Topulli square. The aim of his tour is for you to experience the unique, magical and friendly atmosphere of Gjirokastra, not just to see the most popular tourist attractions.
Cooking Class With Chef Gjoca
Learn the secrets behind your favorite dishes of Gjirokaster with this 2-hour cooking class in Gjirokastra. Led by your local guide, step inside a traditional tavern, sip on a glass of raki or homemade wine and try your hand at some traditional Gjirokastrian food, using fresh, local ingredients. Then sit down to savor the fruits of your labor with your fellow chef. Numbers are limited to 10 to keep the experience as intimate as possible.Make your own way to Cerciz Topulli square, where you’ll join up with your host and walk over to restaurant Gjoca (the oldest chef in town). Meet your chef inside and begin the class with a glass of raki, wine or a cup of tea while chatting with your group mates. The food you are going to prepare is traditional of the city of Stone and the food is mainly based on vegetables and a little bit of meat. Prepare an authentic meal under the guidance of your instructor, where is included the furnace cheese (white cheese in oven) the unique Qifqi (Rice balls) found only in Gjirokastra, stuffed peppers with cottage cheese, traditional cheese pie and meatballs and in the end another characteristic dessert called Hasude. After all of your hard work, sit down with your group to savor each of your dishes. Pair your menu with a complimentary glass of wine or a soft drink and chat with your fellow chef while you eat. Your cooking class will conclude after the meal.In the end a recipe of what you have cooked will be given to you to prepare the same thing at home whenever you want.Cheers and Bon appetite!
Tour of Gjirokastra in one day
Tour starts at 9:00 from Choose Balkans Offices (Hotel Pick Up in Request).The origin of the city starts with the castle of Gjirokastra, built in IV century AD, and is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Balkans. Every five years Gjirokastra becomes the capital of the Albanian folklore and traditional music, where passionate folklore ensembles gather in the “stone city” and perform their traditional music, dances and costumes. Right before entering the castle of Gjirokastra you would have to pass by the medieval bazar. The atmospheric old town cascading down in graceful hill crammed full of beautiful narrowed stone decorated streets, where you would be amazed by the wide variety of hand made crafts from local artisans and producers. Will be visited • The fortress (Kalaja e Gjirokastres) • The old city • The polyphonic festival stage inside the castle • Museum of Weapons • The neighbourhood and house of Enver Hoxha, former Albanian communist Dictator • The neighbourhood and house of Ismail Kadare, world wide known writer, candidate for NOBEL price
4 UNESCO sites - 4 Countries in 2 weeks - Europes last secret
ItineraryDay 1: Tirana - Kruja - Shkoder Stop At: Kruja Castle, Kruje, Durres CountyOur professional tour guide will pick you up at your hotel in Tirana. Right after the group gets together we start our journey toward northern Albania. On our way to Shkodra we will visit the historic town of Kruja, its medieval castle and the Scanderbeg National Museum. Duration: 3 hoursStop At: Rozafa Castle, Shkoder, Shkoder CountyOvernight in Shkodra, where we visit Rozafa castle, and the Venetian style pedestrian street “pedonale”. Overnight in Shkoder. Duration: 1 dayNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 2: Shkodër - Podgorica (Capital city of Montenegro) - Fishtë Stop At: Museum and Gallery of Podgorica, Podgorica, Podgorica MunicipalityOn our way to Montenegro you would be invited by Shkodra’s lake glistening in the sunshine. Within 1 hour we arrive in Podgorica, capital city of Montenegro, where we explore the city’s most important attractions. Duration: 4 hoursStop At: Mrizi i Zanave AgriturizëmOur next destination is a slow food farm in a rural village in Northern Albania. Overnight at the agro – tourism. Duration: 12 hoursNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 3: Fishtë - Komani Lake - Valbona Valley Stop At: Komani Lake, Koman, Shkoder CountyKomani Lake journey is described as “one of the World’s greatest boat trips”. As we take the turn from the main road the area becomes more rural, with fewer cars but more wild nature and amazing landscapes. We will stop for a short break by Vau i Dejes Lake, a beautiful and tranquil setting. At 09:00 we get on a ferry that will take us through Komani Lake offering spectacular views of the Albanian Alps, waterfalls, rural villages and wild forests.Duration: 4 hoursStop At: Valbona Valley National Park, Valbona, Kukes CountyOur next destination will be Valbona Valley National Park. After a delicious traditional lunch, we hike to Kukaj, explore the area and admire the so-called Crown of the Albanian Alps. Duration: 12 hoursNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 4: Valbona Valley - Prizren (Kosovo) Stop At: Albanian League of Prizren Museum [Muzeu Lidhja Shqiptare e Prizrenit], PrizrenOur journey continues towards Prizren (Kosovo). This town played an important role in the region firstly as an Illyrian settlement and as a crossroad for the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, contributing to the unique architecture of the city. Prizren is considered as the cultural capital of Kosovo, mixing its’ rich history, incredible nature, religious tolerance and gastronomic delights. Overnight in Prizren. Duration: 1 dayNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 5: Prizren - Tirana (Capital city of Albania) Stop At: National History MuseumTirana, the capital of Albania would be our final destination for the fifth day, where we have full day city tour. Colourful, lively, vibrant, dynamic, 24/7 and crazy nightlife, these are some of the words that better describe this city where the communist and capitalist-era buildings battle on daily basis. Tirana offers a great combination of very interesting museums, historic sites, national parks and mountains, ottoman, Italian and communist style architecture all clashing between each other, offering however a great pleasure to wander. Not to be missed is Tirana’s delicious food varieties, from the tasty and cheap street food to the finest gourmet options. Overnight in Tirana. Duration: 1 dayNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 6: Tirana to Ohrid (UNESCO site, Macedonia) Stop At: Lake Ohrid, Ohrid, Southwestern RegionOhrid (Macedonia) is one of the most seductive destinations in Macedonia, indicated as one of the oldest human settlements in all Europe. Ohrid city and Ohrid Lake are part of UNESCO World Heritage since 1980. Ohrid Lake and its surroundings where inhabited by the Illyrian Tribe of Enkeleys. Ohrid became an important centre for the Orthodox believers during the Byzantine Empire and is famous for it’s 365 Orthodox churches, said to have one church for each day of the year. The houses where built with a very specific architecture that created narrowed streets, tunnels and tiny yards on the hilly terrain, making it possible for every house to have a good view of the lake. Overnight in Ohrid. Duration: 1 dayNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 7: Ohrid - Korça (Albania) - DrilonStop At: Korca Old Bazaar, Korce, Korce CountyWe continue our journey towards Korça in the southeastern region of Albania, one of the most beautiful and important cities in the country. Because of its beauty, French-style villas and coffee culture, Korça is also called the ‘little Paris of Albania’. We will take a city tour of this lovely enchanting town. Not to be missed “Pazari i Vjetër”, the most charming neighborhood in Korça and an area that looks like it was pulled straight from a fairy tale; narrow streets, colored buildings, nice cafés and small boutiques can be found everywhere you look. Duration: 6 hoursStop At: Driloni National Park, Pogradec, Korce CountyLate in the afternoon we head to Pogradec. Drilon national park was the favorite place of dictator Enver Hoxha, who used to come here to relax. Today Drilon is an attractive summer destination, thanks to its beauty, sandy beaches and delicious cuisine. Overnight in Drilon. Duration: 12 hoursNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 8: Drilon - Berat (UNESCO site) Stop At: Berat Castle, Berat, Berat CountyOur next destination is Berat, also known as the 1001 windows city, part of UNESCO world heritage. Walking through the narrowed stone streets offers a fantastic view of the medieval old houses, with windows that seem to stand above each other. Berat has it all; a beautiful medieval castle, ancient churches and mosques, a lively lower town consisting of grand old houses draped on steep hillsides, an old stone bridge, great museums and remains from the communism era in Albania. Berat is also known as the birthplace of Onufri, the famous churches’ painter all-over the Balkans, distinguished for creating a specific reddish colour still difficult to imitate. Overnight in Berat.Duration: 1 dayNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 9: Berat - Zvërnec - Vlora Stop At: Zvernec Monastery, Vlore, Vlore CountyOn our way to Vlora we visit the Narta Lagoon, the island of Zvërnec and its ancient Monastery of Saint Mary (XIII century). Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Ethnographic Museum, Vlore, Vlore, Vlore CountyOur tour continues towards Vlora where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. Free afternoon by the seaside. Overnight in Vlora.Duration: 12 hoursNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 10: Vlore - Llogara National Park - HimaraStop At: Llogara National Park, Llogara National Park, Vlore CountyWe drive along the coastline known as Albanian Riviera. We will shortly stop at Llogara National Park offering a spectacular view of the Palasa Beach. Duration: 1 hourStop At: Porto Palermo Castle, Himare, Vlore CountyOur next stop will be the beautiful castle of Ali Pasha at Porto Palermo. Himara would be our final destination for this day. Himara town is next to imposing mountain peaks blanketed in deep green forests, crystal clear seas fringed by long white beaches and sparkling springs inviting you to dive in. Overnight in Himara. Duration: 2 hoursNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 11: Himara - Butrint (UNESCO site) - SarandaStop At: Butrint National Park, Butrint, Vlore CountyThe ancient site Butrint, is our next destination. Part of the UNESCO world heritage, Butrinti is the most important archaeological site in Albania. Duration: 4 hoursStop At: Lekuresi Castle, Saranda, Vlore CountyIn the evening we take a city tour of Saranda, including the synagogue and Lekursi castle. On the ruins of the old castle there is a bar with a breath taking view of Saranda and Corfu Island. Overnight in Saranda.Duration: 12 hoursNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 12: Saranda - Blue Eye - Gjirokaster (UNESCO site) Stop At: The Blue Eye - Syri i Kalter, AlbaniaOn our way to Gjirokastra we will visit the natural wonder of Blue Eye. Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Gjirokaster Castle, Gjirokaster, Gjirokaster CountyGjirokastra is also known as “The Stone City”, part of UNESCO World heritage. The origin of the city starts with the castle of Gjirokastra, built in IV century AD, and is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Balkans. Right before entering the castle of Gjirokastra you would have to pass by the medieval bazar. The atmospheric old town cascading down in graceful hill crammed full of beautiful narrowed stone decorated streets, where you would be amazed by the wide variety of hand made crafts from local artisans and producers. Overnight in GjirokasterDuration: 12 hoursNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 13: Gjirokastër - Permet Stop At: Benja Thermal Baths, Permet, Gjirokaster CountyPërmet, our next destination, is the greenest and the cleanest town in Albania, also known as the "city of roses." The small town of Permet is famous for its folk music, literature personalities, and the good cooking, especially sweets, the so called 'gliko', or preserves. The area is also famous for good wine and strong raki. Very near to Përmet is Bënja, a natural hot thermal spring with a spectacular mountainous view. Overnight in Përmet. Duration: 1 dayNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 14: Permet - Apollonia - Tirana Stop At: Apollonia, Fier, Fier CountyAfter breakfast we head back to Tirana our final destination for this tour. On our way to Tirana we visit the ruins of the ancient city of Apollonia the Odeon Theatre, the Church of Saint Mary, the ancient statues of Illyrian times and the mosaic. This marks the end of this amazing experience through history and adventure. Duration: 3 hoursNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.