cool shore excursions®
Top activities
Top landmarks
Trip ideas
Nearby places
  • Tours by category
  • Tours by accessibility
  • Tours by feature
  • Tours by time
  • Tours by the numbers
  • Top attractions
  • Tirana travel guides
  • Tirana travel calendar
  • Tours in nearby places
  • Explore Albania tours
Language $Currency
Port schedule
Login / Sign up
Bookings
Bookings
Wallet
$0.00
Wishlists
Wishlists
Cool Rewards Rewards
Gift cards
Profile
Help Center
Language
Log out
Start your search
Change your search
Place or activity
Select Dates
You booked this experience
You're departing on
Google Calendar
Apple Calendar
Microsoft Outlook
Make your trip unforgettable

From Tirana: Private Gjirokaster Full-Day Tour, Private Guide/Car

1 Review 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 1 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Tirana, Albania
Book online or call us

from $119.83 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
From Tirana: Private Gjirokaster Full-Day Tour, Private Guide/Car Image 1
From Tirana: Private Gjirokaster Full-Day Tour, Private Guide/Car Image 2
From Tirana: Private Gjirokaster Full-Day Tour, Private Guide/Car Image 3
From Tirana: Private Gjirokaster Full-Day Tour, Private Guide/Car Image 4
From Tirana: Private Gjirokaster Full-Day Tour, Private Guide/Car Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.
12 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Dutch
Instant confirmation

Overview

During the Gjirokaster Full-Day Tour from Tirana, you will have the chance to see the UNESCO heritage city in detail. You will be picked-up from your hotel in Tirana by our guide. Once in Gjirokaster, you will see the highlights of the city, including the Gjirokaster Castle, the Old Bazaar Market, the Cold War Tunnel & the Museum of Weapons. In the afternoon, you can choose to visit Zekate house or Skenduli house to get a unique insight into a traditional Ottoman-style house. Gjirokaster is one of the most beautiful historical towns on Albania, and you will have a full-day tour to explore its highlights. You tour guide can customize the program to meet your interests.

What's Included

  • Private transport with a/c vehicle
  • Entrance fees to the museums described in the itinerary
  • Hotel pick-up and drop off in Tirana
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
See 1 moreSee 2 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Gjirokaster

Gjirokaster is a historical city, which is on the UNESCO heritage list. Walking through Gjirokaster gives you an insight into what the city was like during the Turkish Ottoman Empire. The city has typical stone houses and cobble stone streets. Therefore, Gjirokaster is also knows as the "stone city". The city of Gjirokaster is known in Albania as a "museum city", because it has beautiful historical buildings everywhere. It is a lovely city to stroll through.
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Gjirokaster Castle

The Gjirokaster Castle is a large fortress on the top of a hill in the city. The fortress has a spectacular view of the historical city and the traditional stone houses of Gjirokaster. It is one of the biggest hilltop castles in the Balkans and it dominates the city. The castle was originally build in the 12th century by the local Byzantine government. But it was renovated and additions were made during the Ottoman empire and the government of King Zog. From the 1930 onward, it was mainly used as a prison for people who were resistant against the government.
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Included

Gjirokastra Bazaar

The Old Bazaar of Gjirokaster is the traditional market place in Gjirokaster. The bazaar was originally build in the Middle Ages. There are a variety of craftsmen shops, souvenir shops and coffee houses along the Bazaar. You can buy handmade wooden pieces, handwoven rugs and delicate lace items. The street of the Bazaar is made of cobblestones and it set on a steep hillside.
Read more

30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Skenduli House

Skenduli House is a highlight for visitors to Gjirokaster. It is an original family house, which is more than 300 years old. During your visit, you will get a unique insight into what life was like for a rich family during the Ottoman period. The house has 9 fireplaces, 6 bathrooms, 12 rooms, 44 doors, 64 windows and 4 hamam Turkish baths. The house has been owned by the same family for generations. The family will show you around the house and tell you stories about it's history. One of the highlights is the room used for wedding ceremonies, with beautiful stained glass windows, carved wooden ceilings and a fireplace decorated with pomegranates, which symbolize fertility.
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Included

The Cold War Tunnel

The Cold War Tunnel is a gigantic bunker underneath the castle of Gjirokaster. It was build by the former communist dictator Enver Hoxha. The dictator was paranoid about a foreign invasion or a nuclear attack. In fact, he was so convinced an attack was eminent, he constructed 750.000 bunkers all over Albania. The Cold War Tunnel bunker was constructed in secret in the 1960s, and it remained a secret for the locals until the 1990s. The Cold War Tunnel is 800 m long and it has 59 rooms, therefore, it could hold up to 300 people if needed. The bunker is empty, but the use of the rooms have been displayed on the doors. There were rooms for government ministries, interrogators, party elites, power generation, water storage, sleeping, decontamination and air filtration.
Read more

30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Zekate House

Zekate House is a historical town house in Gjirokaster city. It is a beautiful example of a traditional tower house. The house was build in 1812, and it said to be "one of the greatest examples of Gjirokaster architecture in the Ottoman style". Impressive houses like Zekate House, used to only belong to the wealthy people, like government officials and merchants. Inside the house you can see the original interior and imagine what it was like to live there during the Ottoman period. There are beautiful stained-glass windows, wooden ceilings and wall frescoes.
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Included

Gjirokastër Obelisk

The Obelisk is a monument located on the highest peak of the city of Gjirokaster. The monument is a symbol of education in the Albanian language. For many centuries, Albania was a part of the Turkish Ottoman empire. Therefore, education in the Albanian language was forbidden for a long period of time. The Obelisk monument is located near location of the first Albanian language school in Gjirokaster, which was opened in 1908. At the time it was very dangerous to open an Albanian language school, particularly for the teachers, who worked there. Since the Obelisk monument is located on the highest peak in the city of Gjirokaster, it has amazing views. You can see the old city and the typical stone houses below.
Read more

30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Çerçiz Topulli Square

Cerciz Topulli Square is a historical square in Gjirokaster. It is named after the national hero Cerciz Topulli, who fought against the Ottoman Turks in the early 20th century. He was mainly known for killing the Ottoman commander Bimbashi in 1908. Shortly after in 1912, Albania became independent and he fought to protect the Albanian territory from the foreign invasion. There is a statue of the hero on the square.
Read more

15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Ethnographic Museum

The Ethnographic Museum gives you an insight into the traditional lifestyle of a wealthy family in Gjirokaster. The museum's building is on the location, where the former dictator Enver Hoxha's childhood home was. However, the original building was destroyed by a fire. Inside the museum you can see a display of artifacts, household items, folk costumes, clothing and kitchenware from the past.
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Included

Ali Pasha Bridge

In 1811, the city of Gjirokaster as ruled by the Ottoman Governor Ali Pasha. During his rule, he constructed a 12 kilometre long aqueduct, which brought drinking water to the city from the Sopot Mountain. In 1932, the aqueduct was mostly demolished, but one section in the Manalat Quarter still stands. The bridge is known as the "Ali Pasha Bridge", the "Manalat Bridge" or the "Dunavat Bridge". It is a 30 minutes hike from Gjirokaster and an off-the-beaten-path attraction for visitors.
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Show 9 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the From Tirana: Private Gjirokaster Full-Day Tour, Private Guide/Car?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-252565P16

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
1 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.
Tirana Tours
Attractions
Guides
Calendar
View more

Similar Tours & Activities

Private Day Tour of Kruja & Wine Tasting from Tirana or Durres
5.0 (5)

Private Day Tour of Kruja & Wine Tasting from Tirana or Durres

Famous for its rich medieval history, enduring traditions, and religious harmony, Kruja is one of the cities with the most remarkable past in Albania. Since...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (5)
from
$109
Western Balkan Explorer Tour “Blue Route”
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
4.9 (157)

Western Balkan Explorer Tour “Blue Route”

Mention the Balkans to anyone and it can conjure up a plethora of images -flashpoint of the First World War, the atrocities of the recent...

10 days Hotel pickup offered
4.9 (157)
from
$1,577
Historic City of Kruja - Private Walking Tour
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
5.0 (1)

Historic City of Kruja - Private Walking Tour

Discover one of the most beautiful cities in Albania. Kruja provides visitors with great views of the majestic local landscape and a rich collection of...

2 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$106
Discover the Heart of Tirana:Citytour And dance AlbaniaExperience
3.4 (5)

Discover the Heart of Tirana:Citytour And dance AlbaniaExperience

Tour starts, learn history, eat, dance to Albanian songs, and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere." "Begin with a captivating historical tour, followed by a delightful dining...

3 hours Free Cancellation
3.4 (5)
from
$74
Private Day Tour of Kruja & Wine Tasting from Tirana or Durres

Famous for its rich medieval history, enduring traditions, and religious harmony, Kruja is one of the cities with the most remarkable past in Albania. Since …More

5.0 (5)

Private Day Tour of Kruja & Wine Tasting from Tirana or Durres

5.0 (5)

Famous for its rich medieval history, enduring traditions, and religious harmony, Kruja is one of the cities with the most remarkable past in Albania. Since...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (5)
from
$109
Western Balkan Explorer Tour “Blue Route”

Mention the Balkans to anyone and it can conjure up a plethora of images -flashpoint of the First World War, the atrocities of the recent …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
4.9 (157)

Western Balkan Explorer Tour “Blue Route”

4.9 (157)

Mention the Balkans to anyone and it can conjure up a plethora of images -flashpoint of the First World War, the atrocities of the recent...

10 days Hotel pickup offered
4.9 (157)
from
$1,577
Historic City of Kruja - Private Walking Tour

Discover one of the most beautiful cities in Albania. Kruja provides visitors with great views of the majestic local landscape and a rich collection of …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
5.0 (1)

Historic City of Kruja - Private Walking Tour

5.0 (1)

Discover one of the most beautiful cities in Albania. Kruja provides visitors with great views of the majestic local landscape and a rich collection of...

2 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$106
Discover the Heart of Tirana:Citytour And dance AlbaniaExperience

Tour starts, learn history, eat, dance to Albanian songs, and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere." "Begin with a captivating historical tour, followed by a delightful dining …More

3.4 (5)

Discover the Heart of Tirana:Citytour And dance AlbaniaExperience

3.4 (5)

Tour starts, learn history, eat, dance to Albanian songs, and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere." "Begin with a captivating historical tour, followed by a delightful dining...

3 hours Free Cancellation
3.4 (5)
from
$74

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Traditional Albanian Cooking Class in Tirana with Raki Tasting
5.0 (178)

Traditional Albanian Cooking Class in Tirana with Raki Tasting

Discover the flavors of Albania at our interactive cooking class in Tirana. A friendly local chef will guide you every step of the way. Enjoy...

4 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (178)
from
$51
Albanian Night Show: Traditional Music, Dance & Dinner in Tirana
4.9 (715)

Albanian Night Show: Traditional Music, Dance & Dinner in Tirana

Discover Albanian heritage through dance, music and attire, with the option to enjoy a traditional Albanian dinner in the heart of Tirana! Experience Albanian culture...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (715)
from
$50
Berat UNESCO Heritage and Belshi Lake Tour - From Tirana/ Durres
4.9 (1,457)

Berat UNESCO Heritage and Belshi Lake Tour - From Tirana/ Durres

Join a guided tour of Berat City, a UNESCO heritage site. Explore the historic neighborhoods of Mangalemi & Gorica. Visit Berat Castle and stop at...

9 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (1,457)
from
$28
Kruja castle, the old Bazaar & Sarisalltik- Departure from Tirana
4.9 (962)

Kruja castle, the old Bazaar & Sarisalltik- Departure from Tirana

Explore the historic Kruja Castle, one of Albania's most significant landmarks. Discover the country's largest bazaar and browse local handicrafts, and enjoy the Sari Salltik...

7 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (962)
from
$26
Traditional Albanian Cooking Class in Tirana with Raki Tasting

Discover the flavors of Albania at our interactive cooking class in Tirana. A friendly local chef will guide you every step of the way. Enjoy …More

5.0 (178)

Traditional Albanian Cooking Class in Tirana with Raki Tasting

5.0 (178)

Discover the flavors of Albania at our interactive cooking class in Tirana. A friendly local chef will guide you every step of the way. Enjoy...

4 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (178)
from
$51
Albanian Night Show: Traditional Music, Dance & Dinner in Tirana

Discover Albanian heritage through dance, music and attire, with the option to enjoy a traditional Albanian dinner in the heart of Tirana! Experience Albanian culture …More

4.9 (715)

Albanian Night Show: Traditional Music, Dance & Dinner in Tirana

4.9 (715)

Discover Albanian heritage through dance, music and attire, with the option to enjoy a traditional Albanian dinner in the heart of Tirana! Experience Albanian culture...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (715)
from
$50
Berat UNESCO Heritage and Belshi Lake Tour - From Tirana/ Durres

Join a guided tour of Berat City, a UNESCO heritage site. Explore the historic neighborhoods of Mangalemi & Gorica. Visit Berat Castle and stop at …More

4.9 (1,457)

Berat UNESCO Heritage and Belshi Lake Tour - From Tirana/ Durres

4.9 (1,457)

Join a guided tour of Berat City, a UNESCO heritage site. Explore the historic neighborhoods of Mangalemi & Gorica. Visit Berat Castle and stop at...

9 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (1,457)
from
$28
Kruja castle, the old Bazaar & Sarisalltik- Departure from Tirana

Explore the historic Kruja Castle, one of Albania's most significant landmarks. Discover the country's largest bazaar and browse local handicrafts, and enjoy the Sari Salltik …More

4.9 (962)

Kruja castle, the old Bazaar & Sarisalltik- Departure from Tirana

4.9 (962)

Explore the historic Kruja Castle, one of Albania's most significant landmarks. Discover the country's largest bazaar and browse local handicrafts, and enjoy the Sari Salltik...

7 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (962)
from
$26

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the From Tirana: Private Gjirokaster Full-Day Tour, Private Guide/Car?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Private transport with a/c vehicle.
  • Entrance fees to the museums described in the itinerary.
  • Hotel pick-up and drop off in Tirana.
  • Private tour guide in Gjirokaster.
The following is NOT included:
  • Lunch.
  • Gratuities.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the From Tirana: Private Gjirokaster Full-Day Tour, Private Guide/Car is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for From Tirana: Private Gjirokaster Full-Day Tour, Private Guide/Car will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Private transport with a/c vehicle
  • Entrance fees to the museums described in the itinerary
  • Hotel pick-up and drop off in Tirana
  • Private tour guide in Gjirokaster
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Report Product Issue

Activity name