Albania · GJIROKASTRA TOURS
The good gjirokastra tours fill up first and the best of them go weeks ahead. Below are 15 to book early, what each includes, and where they differ.
UNESCO Gjirokastër, the Blue Eye spring, and Lekursi Castle in one day from Sarandë. Pickup, guide, transport, and key fees.
“A great experience indeed. Highly recommendable to everyone. The tour guide, Jona, is really amazing. She got all the energy in the world, so lively to be with and very clever. She explains everything and give you time while you explore the scenic.”
3-hour guided walk in Gjirokaster, from Old Bazaar crafts to Argjiro Castle views and the Ottoman Zekate House, just $17.
“It was an interesting tour and he made it fun as well. Our guide shared historical events and cultural information which made it very interesting to me. Thank you!”
Saranda afternoon: Blue Eye spring, Vrion winery tasting, and Lëkurësi sunset views. Small group, hotel pickup, English guide.
“Great tour!! Our guide was very polite and knowledgeable, he went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed our experience. Highly recommend! The blue eye was lovely and not too busy, the wine and food at the vineyard was delicious and the views from the castle were amazing 💕”
Soak in sulfur thermal pools at Benja, then hike Langarica Canyon near Përmet, with Ottoman-bridge scenery and small-group comfort.
“Jó kikapcsolódás volt. A kirándulás vezetője segítőkész, türelmes, és naprakész volt. Jól ismerte a Permet és a kanyon környékét. Ajánlom.”
A 3-hour guided walking tour in Gjirokaster covering the Bazaar, the Castle, and Zekate house. English guide, small group.
“Arli is a great and knowledgeable guide. He took care of us and made the tour a very good experience. Thanks!”
A small-group vegetarian cooking class in Gjirokastër with Marjeta. Learn Qifqi, Qofte bobollaqe, and Hasude, then eat together.
“Les plus : guide interprète de l’activité adorable Le cadre du cours : maison de la professeure de cuisine Marieta fleurie et accueillante L’ensemble du repas était bon Les moins : l’autorité de Marieta, très directive et pas très souriante avec nous mais aussi avec l’interprète Le manque de diversité des plats : uniquement de la friture, on aurait aimé cuisiner des légumes par exemple 1 seul stand de cuisine : on regardait la plupart du temps les autres faire Le prix élevé : nous n’avons cuisiné que du riz, des œufs, de la farine et du sucre ….”
Make a personalized wooden souvenir in Gjirokaster with master guidance and raki or wine, plus a short local history intro in a real workshop.
“This class was so fun! The first part was a history lesson in the wood craftsmanship of Gjirokaster, which was extremely interesting. It makes me want to return once restoration efforts are further along! Victor is incredibly knowledgeable and was very helpful with guiding us on how to use the tools”
Private cooking class in Gjirokaster, Albania, learn qifqi, OSA pasta, and Hasude, then eat your meal and take recipes home.
“Really fun ~1hr cooking class where we learnt a lot about the culture of Gjirokaster and Albania and then ate our delicious meal in the restaurant after. Thank you for the great experience!”
Cook three Albanian vegetarian favorites with Teta Marjeta in her home in Gjirokaster, with raki, great conversation, and a take-home recipe.
“It was a great evening, we really enjoyed the cooking and the friendly environment! Would return at any time!”
Walk below Gjirokaster’s castle walls to the Old Bazaar, Cfaka, and Ali Pasha Bridge, with expert English guides and great views.
“In our 6 months of travel, this tour with Marco and Mario was our favorite. It felt like walking around town with a couple of knowledgable friends – as opposed to your typical, dry tour. We learned about the history of Gjirokaster, as well as what it's like to live there today. The bridge is cool, and Marco even spent a bit of extra time with us to show us some other sites. Highly recommended!”
Carve a small wooden sign in Gjirokaster. 2.25 hour English class with refreshments and a take-home souvenir, max 6 people.
“Absolutely lovely experience! Our translator was the nicest and Viktor, the wood carving instructor, was the sweetest and most knowledgeable person. I would def recommend this to everyone! Best experience in Gjiro”
Sarandë day trip to Albania’s Blue Eye and UNESCO Gjirokastra, Argjiro Castle, old houses and bazaar, with Blue Eye tickets included.
“Wonderful trip with Dennis who was so friendly and knowledgeable,.We had a fantastic day at the blue eye and Gjirokaster and we felt safe with this careful driving.Highly recommend his tour company”
A 3-hour guided walk through Gjirokastër’s Old Bazaar, Çfaka, and Ali Pasha Bridge, ending under the castle walls.
“Stevige wandeling langs niet geijkte paden. Zorg voor goeie schoenen, het is klimmen. Maar goeie gids die veel kon vertellen over de omgeving. Zou het zo weer doen.”
Cook three classic Gjirokaster dishes in Marjeta’s home, sip raki or wine, and leave with recipe cards to make it all again later.
“Super fun cooking class at Marieta house. Cooked three local dishes with wine and on a cute veranda with local ingredients. Everyone including our translator Besi were amazing and so friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend for an overall awesome experience of food, culture and a good time.”
Day trip along the Albanian Riviera from Durrës or Golem to Vlora, Llogara Pass, and Dhërmi, with big viewpoints and beach time.
“The transport was comfortable and the guide was really insightful and polite. Definitely the best experience for newcomers. Dhermi was a sight to behold and will surely visit again in the future.”
Pick a coast, a canyon, a castle or a kitchen.
