One of the largest fortresses in the Balkans, offering panoramic views over the Drino Valley. It houses the National Museum of Armaments, featuring a captured US Air Force plane and military exhibits from WWII.
A historic commercial heart with cobblestone streets lined with artisan shops, traditional handicrafts, and cafes. It is ideal for purchasing souvenirs and experiencing the local atmosphere.
Skenduli House: A remarkably well-preserved Ottoman-era home showcasing traditional architecture with features like original fireplaces and woodwork.
Zekate House: A grand tower-house offering some of the best views of the city from its upper floors.
Ismail Kadare’s House: The former home of the renowned Albanian writer, now a museum dedicated to his life and literature.
Cold War Tunnel: An 800-meter-long underground bunker with 59 rooms, built during the communist era to shelter officials in case of attack.
A 19th-century aqueduct located a short hike outside the city, known for its fairytale-like stone structure.
Natural Spring: A deep karst spring with vibrant turquoise and azure waters that resemble a human eye when seen from above.
Vantage Points: A balcony and staircase allow visitors to look directly into the “pupil,” where water bubbles up from an unknown depth of over 50 meters.
Experience: The site is surrounded by lush forests of oak and sycamore trees. While swimming is technically restricted due to the icy 10°C water and strong pressure, many visitors stop for photos and a coffee at the nearby floating restaurant.
Gjirokaster and Blue Eye, Day Trip from Tirana
Tirana Unless otherwise agreed.
06.30 or 07.00
Gjirokaster and Blue Eye, Day Trip from Tirana.
We will leave Tirana at 06. 30 and drive towards Gjirokaster. One stop on the road for personal needs, thus arriving in destination at about 11.00.
The main characteristic of Gjirokastra is the intensive use of stone in building the houses, which look like small fortresses, the streets of cobblestone, which all lead to Bazaar. We will here the Mosque of Bazaar, built in 1557. Due to all these features, Gjirokastra is also known as the “The Stone City”.
First we will visit the Fortress. The most important structure of the city, which is the biggest castle in Albania. Inside the castle, you can visit the Museum of Weapons, opened in 1971. Weapons from the prehistoric times up to the World War II are exhibited on here. The National Folk Festival has taken place in this castle during the years.
Ethnographic Museum, located in the house where the former communist dictator Enver Hoxha was born. This house (today a museum) is located in the Palorto quarter.
Skenduli House. Skender Skenduli, another wealthy land owner, built the Skendulate House in 1823 during Gjirokastra’s greatest period. The house had two courtyards and is unique in having both an internal and external staircase. It used to have 46 chimneys, indicating the wealth of the Skënduli family. The main guest room (oda), in particular, is distinguished by its decorated ceiling and wooden poles, just as the many other wooden decorations throughout this house give it an unrepeatable value. The great number of loopholes and the sophisticated locks of the main doors bear witness of its defensive function. Lunch in Gjirokaster.
Natural Spring: A deep karst spring with vibrant turquoise and azure waters that resemble a human eye when seen from above.
Vantage Points: A balcony and staircase allow visitors to look directly into the “pupil,” where water bubbles up from an unknown depth of over 50 meters.
Experience: The site is surrounded by lush forests of oak and sycamore trees. While swimming is technically restricted due to the icy 10°C water and strong pressure, many visitors stop for photos and a coffee at the nearby floating restaurant.
After lunch we will drive back to Tirana. 3 hours driving, including one stop. End of our tour.
Gjirokaster and Blue Eye, Day Trip from Tirana
