Albania · GJIROKASTëR TOURS
The stone city sits on the road south, which makes it either a stop or a base. These 15 combine the fortress and the bazaar with the Blue Eye, the Vjosa and Permet’s thermal pools, each priced and timed.
Review of Vjosa River rafting near Gjirokastër, with canyon scenery, thermal springs, cliff jumps, gear, price, pacing, and practical tips.
“It’s a beautiful river, we were very pleased with our guide Kevin whom was very knowledgeable with excellent language skills.”
Explore Gjirokastër Castle, its Ottoman bazaar, Cold War tunnel, and Albania’s Blue Eye on a guided day trip from Saranda.
“This is a full day but an excellent way to get to know Southern Albania. Our guide Marisa was absolutely amazing, giving us loads of information on Albania and available to answer all our questions. Both Blue Eye and Gjirokaskra are great places to visit. Gjirokaskra was the highlight of our visit to Albania, fabulous town with plenty of time to explore and have a great lunch in one of the local restaurants. Clean, comfortable mini van and we were dropped off at our hotel on the way back to Saranda. Highly recommended.”
Review of the Gjirokastra and Ksamil day tour from Tirana, with practical advice on timing, beaches, costs, guides, and what to expect.
“A great trip. Antonio guided us throughout the trip and explained very eloquently. We visited Gjirokastra + Bazaar, and Monastery of Ardenica, and a stop at Vjosa River. He also briefed us on history and other noted places we saw along the way. We had also sometime on our own to explore. On his recommendation, I visited Skenduli House and Museum of Ethnography, and tried local cuisine, oshaf (fig dessert) is so good. Weather was great too!”
Explore the Blue Eye, Gjirokaster, two castles, and a Byzantine monastery on this small-group day tour from Saranda.
“I booked just to fill a day but it turned into one of the best memories of my vacation. Every stop had something unique from history to nature to great coffee spots. The guide’s passion really showed. Worth every minute!”
Review this long day trip from Tirana to Gjirokastra, the Blue Eye, Ksamil, Saranda, and the Albanian Riviera.
“It is a long way to Blue Eye but the views are definitely worth the drive. You got the chance to visit different parts of southern Albania. We also got one hour of lunch break at a very nice restaurant which offered traditional Albanian food. Highly recommend.”
Review of a private South Albania tour from Saranda to the Blue Eye, Gjirokastër, and Lekuresi Castle, with practical tips, costs, and advice.
“Ari, our guide, was fantastic. Gave me a proper history lesson on the drive and had plenty of other knowledge during the day. All 3 locations were worth the time. Blue Eye has a train for those worried about the walk. My favourite part was gjirokaster bazaar, lovely place to walk around, and definitely take Ari's recommendation for lunch.”
Review of Saranda’s Gjirokaster, Blue Eye and Lekursi Castle tour, with costs, timing, transport, walking advice and practical booking tips.
“I misunderstood what this experience was from the title hence the low star rating. It is NOT a guided tour, but a private taxi that takes you to the blue eye and Gjirokaster. It felt expensive for what it was, however I have not compared the price of other private taxis. Our driver spoke some English but did not talk or share and info about our destinations. There was also a mix up where he tried to get us to pay when he dropped us off despite us paying in advance. Although this was sorted out with a couple of calls to the booking office. Expectation of a tour aside,…”
Review of a private Tirana day tour to Gjirokaster, Saranda, and Butrint, with castle views, ancient ruins, transport tips, and value advice.
“We had a memorable day trip. Our guide Skerdi was knowledgeable and gave us insight into the Albanian culture.Gjokaster and Butrint are must visit place .The seafood bin Sarande was really good.”
Explore Bylis and UNESCO-listed Gjirokastër from Tirana, with ancient ruins, Ottoman streets, castle views, transport, and practical tips.
“Our tour guide Skerdi was excellent. Not only vey knowledgeable of Albanian history, but Skerdi gave us a personal insight into Albania today through sharing many perspectives from a younger generation. Skerdi personalized our trip back along the Riviera coast since he grew up there. A lover of Albanian polyphonic folk singing, we ended up driving back to Tirana singing along with a recording of his neighborhood choir. He was fun, genuine and gave us a feel for authentic Albania. Also, Skerdi was an excellent driver which we appreciated.”
Kayak Albania’s wild Vjosa River with a guide, safety gear, hotel transfers, and a Blue Eye stop in the Kelçyrë canyons.
“It was really good fun. The instructors were very friendly and funny. We felt safe at all times and we had a great time. In addition they took photos and sent them to us at the end of the tour.”
Explore Gjirokastër Castle, Skenduli House, Cold Water Springs, and Albania’s Blue Eye on an 11-hour tour from Tirana.
“The tour was fantastic. The guide, Besnik, took us everywhere we asked, even beyond what was in the description. I injured myself on the trip. Besnik took care of me when I needed medical help and he also managed the other tour group members at the same time. He was very kind to everyone! Gjirokaster and Blue Eye are beautiful, enchanting places to visit. 100% recommendation!”
Review of the Blue Eye and Gjirokaster tour from Saranda, with practical advice on timing, value, swimming, castle views, lunch, and logistics.
“Denis was amazing. He was very knowledgeable and we had a great time! He catered the tour to our request kind, ensured we were given history as we traveled, and took us to the best places for pictures at each stop.”
Review of Tea Tours’ Gjirokastra trip from Saranda, with castle visits, museums, transport, costs, timing, and practical booking advice.
“Gjitokaster is a true matvel and so rich in history from the narrow alleys to the statues to the castle. And the views are breathtaking. Albania is such an underappreciated country. Its still so natural in many places and the landscape is fantastic. Our driver Sula was great and our tourguide Dennis was very knowledgeable all along the way to Gjirokaster and when visiting the town.”
Shape a handmade Albanian souvenir in Gjirokastra with a patient woodcarver, local refreshments, and a small six-person class.
“This was such an incredible experience and one of the highlights of my time in Albania! The instructor and translator were both kind and helpful and we had great conversations in addition to the woodworking being fun. I felt like I learned a lot about Albania through this experience.”
Review this private southern Albania tour from Tirana to Gjirokastër, Blue Eye, Saranda, Lukovë, and Porto Palermo.
“The 2 main stops are well worth visiting. First to Durres to see the remains of the amphitheatre, and then a short visit to a remarkable beach (Not to swim!!). Then a fairly lengthy ride to Berat, wherenthe Castle is superb, as were the houses in the village. It is a lengthy trip, but well worth it. You will doubtless be wondering why I have only given it 3 stars. We booked a Private Tour (see title) and were more than a little surprised to find someone else sitting in the front seat. Bad enough, but made worse by the driver/guide spending 70% of his time talking to this unknown…”
Pick a coast, a canyon or a kitchen.
