Visiting Gjirokaster? See the best of it on a private Gjirokaster tour with a friendly and experienced ToursByLocals guide!

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Gjirokaster

Butrint, Blue Eye Springs, Ksamil and Lekuresi Castle From Saranda

Saranda is by the far the most classically attractive point in Albania. It is a little town with a lovely horseshoe bay and a perfect climate, averaging around 290 sunny days a year. Ksamili, this hidden gem is located on the Albanian Riviera, and it sure is one of the best beach destinations in Europe. Once there, you can enjoy Paradise beaches offering white sand and crystal clear water. It is almost impossible not to like Butrint. The site is so complex, with remains dating from so many different periods covering 2500 years that everyone else is sure to find something which they will remember forever. Even if you are not interested in archaeology, you will enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, the scent of eucalyptus and other trees among the ruins. The Blue Eye is an unusual underwater spring where the clear blue water of the river bubbles forth from a stunning, more than fifty-meter-deep pool. Castle of Lekuresi which dates back to the 16th century features imposing round towers and sweeping views.

Butrint, the Microcosmos of Mediterranean.

The most attractive sites of Saranda in one day private tour

Full-Day Tour in Gjirokastra - The City of Stone, from Sarande

If you like a architecture, history and amassing views from the top of an Ottoman castle this tour will take you back in time. A beautiful experience where you start your walk on the rocks of the Old Bazar that belongs to the Ottoman period (13th -14th century). A road that takes you inside a battle-ship-shape castle at the top of a hill, where you see and touch the iron of the I and II WW ( Museum of Guns), the legend of castle itself.
I would like to walk you through the cells of the prison where you can understand, through the stories I will tell and read on the walls, the pain and sacrifices of the people of the town during the I and II WW and communist period in Albania.
It is one of the richest experiences that you can find all in one.

Architecture, history and sacrifices made during the Ottoman and Communist era

I was born and grew up in this lovely city and I love to show you the best part of it. There are many things to do in Sarandë but this tour gives you the opportunity to see the most attractive spots around the city such as Blue Eye, Ksamil, Lekursi castle and Butrinti National Park, where we will get 3000 years back in time and hear a lot.

Some other people say that Butrinti was built by people of Troy after they left their country because of the war. There are always things to do in Sarande. This tour is the right one for those people who choose to spend their holidays in the Summer and want to visit most of highlights.

I will tell you a story about Saranda - "once upon a time this city was called Onhezmus, there was a monastery on top of the hill in Saranda and 40 saints used to live there. When the war began those saint did never abandon their place, so they were killed and the city took their name, the forty (Saranda from old greek language)".

We have a lot to see around this place, I will show you.

Make a gift to yourself and discover highlights of Albanian Riviera during this full day tour

Sarandë City Tour - Shore Excursion

Gjirokastra (UNESCO 2005) known also with the name as the "Stone City" is a beautiful town in Albania, offering a fascinating glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage. Key highlights of a tour include the ancient Gjirokastra Castle, the Ethnographic Museum, the Old Bazaar, Skenduli House, Blue Eye, the Zekate House, and the Cold War Tunnel. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Albanian food and drink at cafes and restaurants scattered throughout the city. A tour of Gjirokastra is a wonderful way to explore Albania's history, culture and natural beauty.

The church of Labova of the Cross is a historical and cultural monument, and it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It represents a rich history and tradition of a region that has been influenced by the Byzantine, Ottoman, and the Orthodox Church. It is a must-visit place in Albania, especially for those who are interested in history, culture, and architecture.

Gjirokastra is known as "the stone city," a place where time has stood still, and history lives on through the ancient, weathered stones. As you walk along the cobbled streets, the houses made of grey stone seem to form a protective embrace around you, holding you in an intimate and timeless moment. It's a place where the heart of the past meets the present, where you can feel the pulse of the city's rich cultural heritage in every stone that surrounds you.

Mali i gjerë - The name "Mali i Gjerë" means "broad mountain" in Albanian, and it accurately describes the shape and size of the range.

The Flamuri i Kulturës (The Flag of Culture) is an 1in4 years folkloric festival in Gjirokastra that takes place in July. The festival features live performances of traditional music, dance, and food from the Gjirokastra region and other parts of Albania, as well as exhibitions showcasing local crafts and art shows featuring the work of local artists. Folklore groups from other Balkan countries also come to participate in the festival, making it a vibrant experience that celebrates the cultural heritage

The clock tower was built by Ali Pasha, a controversial Ottoman ruler who controlled much of southern Albania in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Ali Pasha was known for his extravagance and lavish lifestyle, and he commissioned many grand projects, including the construction of this clock tower.

Gjirokastra is called "the stone city" because of its unique architecture and urban layout. The city's old houses, many of which date back to the Ottoman era, are made of grey stone and have a distinct character. The rooftops are often made of an overlapping style of flat slates, giving the city a uniform appearance. The cobbled streets and stone walls are also characteristic features of the city, adding to its overall charm.

From Tirana to Gjirokastra

Visit Gjirokastra - day tour

Experience all the gems of Saranda, Butrint and Blue Eye with your Private Guide

Saranda is a city with more than 2000 years of history, located in the southern coastal area of Albania the city is rich in rare value of cultural and archaeological heritage, both Albanian and European. This rich archaeological heritage intertwined with the beauties of nature, and its natural amphitheatre looking construction constitutes the most important factors to promote the development of the current image of Saranda, as a tourism destination of the classical world, and also to attract an increasing number of visitors every year.

Cultural, Archaeological Heritage and wonders of Nature all together in a Private Tour!

Gjirokastra, Blue Eye and Lekuresi Castle Full Day Tour, from Saranda

The austere and beautiful town of Gjirokastra began to spread downhill from its castle in the 13th century. The castle still stands on its hill, overlooking the whole city and the river valley below. From that lofty point, the grey stone of the houses below and the grey slates of their roofs blend into the hillside, distinguished from it only by their whitewashed walls. As one of the city's most famous sons Ismail Kadare, wrote in Chronicle in Stone, Gjirokastra is "a surprising city, which seemed as if it had come out of the valley unexpectedly, like a prehistoric being, and clambered up with difficulty, stitching itself on the side of the mountain". Gjirokastra became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2005. It had been awarded the status of a 'museum-city' by the Albanian government, which gave legal protection to its architectural heritage and kept new building out of the historic center. Thanks to this, and no doubt also to its steep cobbled streets, the town has preserved its charming atmosphere.

- Blue Eye.
- Castle of Gjirokastra Etnographic Museum.
- House of Ismail Kadare.

Let's explore together the historical and cultural heritage and natural wonders

Wine Tasting Half Day Tour - Shore Excursion

An interesting tour where you can taste some of the best local products in Saranda. The South of Albania is well known for the production of good wine and strong raki (traditional alcoholic drink). In this tour you can taste and enjoy some:
- local raki (up to 22% alcohol) - walnut raki - Oregon raki - fruit raki - white, red and rose wines (Merlot, Cabernet and Sheshi - local variety of grape).

You will visit one of the places that has a long history as one of the families that started just with few hectares and nowadays is one of the biggest wine producing canteen.

To enjoy the best fresh snacks will be accompanying the wine and raki (cheese, tomatoes, jams, fresh vegetables, pure olive oil, etc. , from the Greenhouse at "ISAK" Canteen).

And of course some traditional Albanian music as atmosphere for everyone who wants to try this tour.

A photo stop at Lekursi Castle, one of the most beautiful high points. A castle that was build by Sultan Suleiman (the Great) during his way to concur Corfu Island.

white wine, red wine, 3 types of raki the traditional alcoholic drink in Albania

Local products offered by the cantin that you can buy during the tour

The cantin area where the tasting is offered

The wine, cognac and raki offered at the cantin

A special taste of local products in Sarande

Sarande, Half-day tour - the wonderful natural monument

This is a half-day trip designed by me which consists on my impressions of visiting three of the most attractive spots in Saranda.

Blue Eye which is a natural monument is a water spring that comes from underground and it is deeper than 50 meters. That cold crystal clear water spring and beautiful nature will steal your heart. It makes me feel like I'm living in a jungle for a moment and looking for food but in fact it gives you more than food, happiness. I love walking into the woods and listening to sounds of nature.

Lekursi Castle and Ksamil beach have wonderful landscapes, trust me, it will marvel you. I've been doing this tour many times and I love visiting those places. Investing on experiences, makes your life happier.

This is a great tour to make your holidays awesome when you're in Sarande.

Captured from a hidden corner in Blue Eye

There is a Restaurant in Lekursi Castle with very interesting Royal tables.

Highlights of Albanian Riviera - Explore the beauties of my country.

Visit Gjirokaster,Blue Eye and Lekuresi Castle with your Private Guide

The city in the south of Albania was elected UNESCO world cultural heritage.
The castle which is believed is the largest in the Balkans is one of Albania's most magnificent monuments. Archaeologists believe that the site of the castle has been inhabited since the Iron Age with the first fortifications, block-built stone walls - probably being erected from the 5th century. Dominated by the sheer flanks of its vast castle, Gjirokastra (Gjirokastër) is a magical city with a tumultuous past. From feudal stronghold, to Ottoman invasion, to Italian colony, the city has known many rulers and has inspired poets, authors and artists alike.
Also known by many as the "City of Stone, " Gjirokastra (Gjirokastra) is a developing center for cultural heritage tourism. A walk through its network of cobbled streets that climb steeply out of the bazaar will transport you back in time.

History, Cultural Heritage, Albanian Tradition, Wonders of Nature and than again History in a Private Tour

Experience Riviera Of Albania on this Full day Tour

The Albanian Riviera is a place where the sun stretches across the deep sea, a place which is known for having fascinating beaches with deep and very clean waters, with incredible scenery, delicious food and more than hospitable locals. It is blessed with 300 days of sun. These all mean that the Albania Riviera should be at the top of your must-see travel list.
There is plenty to see and do here so let's get into it!

There are so many hidden gems here, let's explore them together!

Half Day Tour to the Magnificent Blue Eye

A beautiful visit to the natural spring of Blue Eye, a hidden place between the mountains where you can enjoy a magnificent view of transparent water, that still can't be measured how deep it is. Even during summer the temperature of the water remains always 8-12 C. You can enjoy a nice coffee surrounded just by nature, the sound of the water and the feeling of being in magical place.

On the way back to the city, a short visit to Lekursi Castle, build by Sultan Suleiman the Great. A 360o view of all the region around, where your eyes can enjoy a magnificent sight-seen of a big island ( Corfu), a city ( Saranda), a lake ( Butrinti Lake), high mountains, new and old constructions, churches and mosques, a river ( Bitrica River). All in one from the top of this strategic place.

A half day tour from Sarande to explore the hidden beauty of Albania

Gjirokaster & Sarande - Tour of Southern Albania

Think of having a daytrip which will let you at the end full of memories and happines.

It is Gjirokastra and Saranda daytrip that I have designed by three unique experiences which are totally different but in a great harmony with each other. I live in this area and I am keen to show you the way I see it. We have a lot to see and to visit together, nature, archeological sites, museums, traditions and histories.

I remember when my father used to tell me stories of Ali Pashe Tepelena which are very interesting to listen. He was a real powerful ruler due to Ottoman occupation. After building the treasure storage, he used to kill all the men who built it because he didn't want anyone else to know where the treasure was except him.

When you visit Gjirokaster you get back to history and tradition of Albania. It feels like you are living on that time. This tour will approach you closer to the lifestyle of Albanians and will make your holidays unimaginable. Let's do it!

- Blue Eye.
- Castle and its museum.
- Museum.

Just less than 10 minutes walking in the woods and we reach at a hidden corner of Blue Eye. The view from there is just amazing.

Observing the scenery from Lekursi Castle

Gjirokaster tours

Explore with 19 tours and 5 guides.

Marjela P.

$ 341 (USD)

Linda H.

$ 321 (USD)

Ari H.

$ 461 (USD)

Elio K.

$ 289 (USD)

Edvin X.

$ 579 (USD)

Marjela P.

$ 434 (USD)

Linda H.

$ 276 (USD)

Ari H.

$ 338 (USD)

Edvin X.

$ 695 (USD)

Marjela P.

$ 456 (USD)

Linda H.

$ 223 (USD)

Ari H.

$ 529 (USD)

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