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Gjirokastra, Full Day Trip from Tirana

2 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 2 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
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from $287.01 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Gjirokastra Fortress
Characteristic Houses, Gjirokastra
Old Bazaar, Gjirokastra
View Point, Gjirokastra
Gjirokastra Fortress
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.
8 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 2 more
French, Italian
Instant confirmation

Overview

Gjirokastra is known as “The Stone City”, part of UNESCO World heritage. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old town is famous for being a well-preserved Ottoman style town, with its fortress overlooking the entire city, the old houses lean against the slopes of the hills with their beautiful old wooden facades. Being the birthplace of the Nobel-laurate writer Ismail Kadare and also of the notorious communist leader Enver Hoxha, the city is intriguing and controversial as it preserves well all phases of history. 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.

What's Included

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Tour Guide
  • Lunch
  • All Fees and Taxes
See 2 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

We will pick up all travelers at the hotel

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.
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Gjirokastra Bazaar

Our guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel and then we will drive to Gjirokastra. The most beautiful thing to admire in Gjirokastër is its enchanting old town, which has been listed among UNESCO’s world heritage sites. As soon as you step onto its streets, you’ll understand why Gjirokastër is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Albania and the Balkans. The town is covered in stunning Ottoman-era houses and buildings that are now artisan shops, restaurants and lovely hotels. Most of them are located in or near the bazaar and date back to the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. So, bring your camera with you, take some pictures, and spend time looking for a tasty byrek to eat or nice souvenirs for you and your friends.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Gjirokaster Castle

The castle is the second largest in the Balkans and has still been used as a garrison and prison until very recently. The citadel was probably built in the 8th-7th centuries BC (Iron Age) and later fortified in the 5th century BC. Further building and extension happened in the early Ottoman period. Much of what can be seen today is the work of further improvements and architecture under the reign of Ali Pasha in the 19th century. From the hillside you reach the entrance via a steep cobbled road. Inside after about 50m you find the Bektashi Tomb to the right. To the left from the entrance there is a long artillery gallery with Italian and German pieces from WWII. There’s also an American spy plane on display, that was captured by the communists during the Cold War. The Clock Tower is one of Ali Pasha’s additions during the 19th century. Next to it is the Festival Stage built in the 1980s to host the Albanian National Folk Festival held every 4 years.
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2 hours Admission Ticket Included

Zekate House

The most impressive building in Gjirokastër is undoubtedly Zekate House, a majestic three-story house with twin towers and a double-arched facade. This enchanting palace, with gorgeous interiors, galleries and rooms, dates back to 1800 and is one of the most fascinating examples of an Ottoman-era house in the Balkan Peninsula.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Included

Skenduli House

The lovingly restored Ottoman-era Skenduli House has been in the hands of the same family for generations (apart from a few years during the communist period when the government took it over), and you'll most likely be shown around by a member of the family. Dating from the early 1700s, but partially rebuilt in 1827, the house has many fascinating features, including a room used only for wedding ceremonies and which has 15 windows, many with stained glass.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Included

Show 3 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Gjirokastra, Full Day Trip from Tirana?

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).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. 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-122139P16

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
2 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 2 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
2
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.
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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 Gjirokastra, Full Day Trip from Tirana?
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).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Tour Guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Lunch.
  • All Fees and Taxes.
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 Gjirokastra, Full Day Trip from Tirana is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • 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 Gjirokastra, Full Day Trip from Tirana 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

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Tour Guide
  • Lunch
  • All Fees and Taxes

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name