





Saranda, Ksamil Beach and Gjirokastra -From Tirana/Durres/Golem
Duration
13 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
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Languages
English
Live tour guide available in the language you select
Skip the line
Included
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Explore the city’s historic castle, offering stunning panoramic views
Stroll through the charming old bazaar, filled with traditional shops and local crafts
Enjoy a relaxing coffee break at a hilltop café with breathtaking scenery
Savor authentic Albanian cuisine, rich in tradition and local flavors
Take a scenic day trip from Tirana to UNESCO-listed Gjirokastra
$ 22.73
$ 20.91
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Discover the timeless charm of Gjirokastër on an enriching day trip from Tirana, where history and culture unfold at every turn. Known as the Stone City, this UNESCO-listed destination captivates visitors with its distinctive Ottoman-era architecture and sweeping hillside views. Your journey begins with a scenic drive through Albania’s picturesque countryside, setting the stage for an immersive experience in one of the country’s most treasured locations. Upon arrival, explore the impressive Gjirokastër Castle, which rises above the city and offers panoramic vistas along with a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past.
Stroll through the атмосферic old bazaar, where cobbled streets are lined with artisan shops, traditional crafts, and local delicacies that reflect the city’s vibrant heritage. A visit to the beautifully preserved Skenduli House provides insight into Ottoman-era life, showcasing intricate design and cultural elegance. Take time to relax at a hilltop café, enjoying a freshly brewed coffee while admiring the surrounding valleys. Complete your journey with a taste of authentic Albanian cuisine, where rich flavors and local traditions come together. This unforgettable experience blends history, culture, and scenic beauty, offering a true glimpse into the heart of Albania.
English speaking tour guide
Pickup and dropoff Tirana, Durres, Golem.
Air Conditioned transportation
Entrance fee Ardenica Monastery and Gjirokastra castle
Snacks and drinks
Skenduli House ticket
Weather appropriate clothing
Comfortable shoes
Camera
Public transportation nearby
Keep your items organized and handy
A valid passport is required for this tour
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Type in your hotel/accommodation to see how far the attraction or departure point is.
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Activity Provider: Smart Tour Albania
Customer Reviews
Jillxpics

Beautiful Monastery with so much history...the inside of this church is just spectacular sadly but understandable you can't take photos but it's so worth a visit
M

A beautiful church with some old frescoes. You have to knock at the gate when you want to visit. For the 100lek entrance fee, I was kind of expecting to be allowed a tour of the entire area, at least the outside, but we were only allowed to see the church. The children bought candles and lit them in the adjoining room, only to watch the gard remove them after a minute and throw the candles into a large bag with thousands (not exaggerating!) of other candles. The half hour we were there, several tourist groups (busloads) came and went, with a lot of noise, everyone taking photos. We wanted to wait for the masses to leave so we could take in this sacred place in a peaceful way, but after we had spent 10 minutes in the church, the gard told us to please hurry up, take our photos and leave. For Albania, it is a nice church, but it is not really worth the visit if you come from far away. It is however close to the highway, so if you pass by anyway it is worth a stop. If you are interested in iconography, the small museum in Berat is much better, and it also includes a similar church.
Jana

Quick visit to the monastery, really beautiful interior of the church (not possible to take photos).
Jérôme

A hidden gem of Albania, this Orthodox church was saved from destruction and is one of the most beautiful we’ve seen. Peaceful, well-preserved, and full of history. Visit it now before it becomes a mainstream tourist spot. A must-see for culture and architecture lovers.
Ciprian

It was closing time (at 16:00) but we were let to enjoy the monastery. Being kind of famous, I expected to be more taken care of. The frescoes are nice, but the vibe isn't the one expected on an orthodox monastery. Perhaps nowadays, it doesn't serve its purpose, and it's just a museum (it's just a supposition)
