Days: 1
Daily Tour
People: 8
English
Private Gjirokastra Walking Tour – History, Culture & Dessert
Duration: ~4–5 hours
Location: Gjirokastra, Albania
Includes: Local guide, entrance fees, traditional dessert (Oshaf)
Optional: Lunch in the Old Bazaar
(Customize Tour)
Tour Description
Step into the heart of Albania’s most captivating stone city on this private walking tour through the historic streets of Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this immersive journey blends centuries of history, Ottoman architecture, Cold War secrets, and authentic Albanian culture—all in one unforgettable experience.
Begin at the lively Cerciz Topulli Square, then make your way up to the imposing Gjirokaster Castle, where breathtaking views of the Drino Valley meet tales of ancient battles and resistance. Descend into the mysterious Cold War Tunnel, a relic of Albania’s communist era hidden beneath the city’s foundations.
Continue to the beautifully preserved Skenduli House, an exquisite example of Ottoman domestic architecture, where you’ll discover how local elites once lived. Then wander through the charming cobbled lanes of the Old Bazaar, where artisans, spice shops, and souvenir stands bring the city’s heritage to life.
To top it off, you’ll savor Oshaf, a traditional Gjirokastrite dessert made from dried figs and sheep milk—served in a cozy café in the Old Bazaar.
For those who wish, we offer an optional lunch stop at a local tavern to enjoy the region’s signature dishes.
After exploring Gjirokastra, continue your journey to the mesmerizing Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a stunning natural spring with deep turquoise waters surrounded by lush greenery — perfect for a relaxing break and unforgettable photos.
The Cold War Museum (also called the Color War Tunnel) is an underground bunker that served as an emergency shelter in the latter part of Albania’s communist era (1944-1990). This bunker, and the innumerable small bunkers found throughout the country, reflects the paranoia of Albanian’s communist dictator, Enver Hoxha. He feared a foreign invasion, especially after Albania’s breakup with Soviet Union in the early 1960s. Built in secret in the early 1970s, the bunker is 800 m long and has 59 rooms. Unlike Tirana’s bunker museum, Gjirokastër’s bunker has been left in its original state, making it less informative but much more atmospheric and genuine. This bunker was designed to accommodate many different functions in case of a nuclear attack. There are rooms for government ministries, local government, interrogators, and party elite, as well as places for sleeping, power generation, and water storage. Much of original furniture was looted from the site in 1990 but pieces still remain.
The guide will walk you through its dark halls and Cold War history.
Gjirokastra’s castle is one of the biggest in the Balkans. It is situated on the hilltop overlooking the city, witnessing the history of the whole region across the centuries. The date for building this fortification is still unclear. According to archaeologists, the place had been inhabited since IV-V century.However the first walls of this citadel were built between 12th -13th centuries. According to historians, the decision to build this fortification came after the fall of Hadrianopolis. Some rich families built the castle to feel safe and protect themselves from the war. Then gradually many other families populated it.
The Skenduli house sits next to the Ethnographic Museum. It has been around for more than 300 years according to the owners. Exceptionally well-preserved, the tall building stands on traditional stone foundations that reach the height of the first-floor windows. The interior is impeccably designed and illuminated, and the house boasts a total of nine fireplaces and elegant ornate ceilings. The entire three-story house is traversed by a grand staircase which highlights the house’s unique construction pattern and which has earned it the status of the 19th century house architecture model.
Stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Bazaar.Browse traditional textiles, woodwork, silver jewelry, and handcrafted souvenirs.To top it off, you’ll savor Oshaf, a traditional Gjirokastrite dessert made from dried figs and sheep milk—served in a cozy café in the Old Bazaar.
The Blue Eye is a natural spring near Gjirokastra, famous for its vibrant, crystal-clear blue water bubbling from over 50 meters deep. Surrounded by lush forest, it’s a peaceful and picturesque spot ideal for nature lovers, photography, and a relaxing walk. Swimming is not allowed, but the view alone is unforgettable.
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