Itinerary
- Day 1
Tirana to Gjirokastra
You'll leave Tirana early at 8:00 AM and drive south through Albania's agricultural heartland for about 230 km, passing along the Vjosa River valley. The scenery shifts from flatlands to hillier terrain as you approach Gjirokastra. Once there, you can walk through the Old Bazaar, which dates back to the 17th century and still has narrow streets lined with traditional shops. Up on the hilltop sits Gjirokastra Fortress, which offers views across the town and surrounding valleys. In the Palorto District, you'll find historic homes including the former residences of Enver Hoxha and writer Ismail Kadare. Before heading back to Tirana in the evening, step inside one of the traditional fortress-style houses to see how residents built independent water systems and adapted their architecture to the steep terrain. The drive back takes about 4 hours, so you'll arrive in Tirana around 9:00 PM or later.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Traditional Bazaar of Gjirokastra
- Visit Gjirokastra Fortress
- Explore Palorto District
- Visit typical Gjirokastra house
Landmarks/POIs Gjirokastra Fortress Traditional Bazaar of Gjirokastra Cerciz Topulli Square Vjosa River 
