Saranda & Gjirokaster 3 days from Tirana, includes visit of the two important Unesco’s heritage Sites: Ancient City of Butrint and the old city of Gjirokaster. We will visit the Fortress of Gjirokaster, the old town, typical house of 18th century and enjoy the delicious food in the traditional tavernas of the old city. We will spend the overnight in a featured hotel in Gjirokaster & Saranda and drive the scenery route passing through the coast road with amazing views of the mountains and Ionian sea, the most Scenic Drives in Albania.
Tirana Unless otherwise agreed.
08.00
We will leave Tirana at 08. 00 and drive towards Saranda taking the coast road through the mountain of Llogara, enjoying the views of the Ionian Sea and the small villages passing by Dhermi, Vuno and Himara. Time for lunch in Himara. After Lunch we will make a stop to visit Porto Palermo Castle near Himara. Drive to Saranda.
Check in hotel in Saranda. Dinner in Hotel. After dinner free walk on the promenade by the sea.
After Breakfast we will drive to Butrint National Park, 18 km. Full visit with a local guide for about 2 hours. Free time for a coffee at the caffe’s park. Later we will visit Ksamil a village famous for summer holidays on the beach. Lunch in Ksamil or Saranda. After lunch we drive to Gjirokaster. Check in the hotel in Gjirokaster. Later we will start with a orientation tour, strolling on the stone streets on the old town. Dinner in a traditional taverna. Overnight in Gjirokaster.
After breakfast we will start our visit. 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.
After lunch we will drive back to Tirana. End of our tour.
