Private Day Tour of Saranda Gjirokaster and Butrint from Tirana
Overview
You'll be greeted with breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and the Albanian Riviera. With its crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, the Albanian Riviera is known for its stunning natural beauty that will leave you in awe.
Inclusions
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Private transportation
- Entry/Admission - Butrint National Park
- Entry/Admission - Gjirokaster Castle
What to expect
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Gjirokaster, Gjirokaster, Gjirokaster County
Departing Tirana at the dawn of 8 o'clock, we shall journey towards Gjirokastra, a place 230 kilometers away, renowned for its remarkable preservation of the Ottoman architecture and its prominent agricultural land. We will traverse through the depths of Southern Albania, admiring the green fields that the countryside has to offer. Along our path, we shall be accompanied by the Vjosa River, one of the few untamed rivers of Albania and the surrounding Balkan region.
Time includes transportation.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Gjirokastra Bazaar, Old town, Gjirokaster Albania
Once we arrive in the city, you will soon recognize that this metropolis is unlike any other. At the heart of the city lies the main square, proudly named after the renowned Albanian Patriot of the 19th century, Cerciz Topulli. Here, the cobblestone streets culminate in a splendid spectacle, their journey from the castle's lofty heights finally at an end.
Dating back to the 17th Century, the Ottoman era saw the flourishing of a bustling epicenter that sent its vitality reverberating throughout the city. A hub of economic activity, this was the place where news, gossip and rumors were propagated with remarkable swiftness. All manner of transactions were conducted here, as well as leisurely gatherings over coffee. Countless unions were arranged here, providing the perfect milieu for families to come together prior to the wedding rites.
This day, the city proudly displays its history to all who visit, with a splendid array of souvenirs and stories shared by the affable inhabitants.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Gjirokaster Castle, Gjirokaster Albania
Majestically, we tread through the bustling Bazaar to reach the grand Gjirokastra Fortress. Upon the hilltop's natural defenses, it was the first settlement of the city, deeply rooted in the captivating legend of Argjiro, the young princess who sacrificed herself. Thusly, it is commonly referred to as the Crown of the City. Renovated significantly in the 19th Century, it has been used as a fortress and prison by countless regimes and political parties of the past. Undeniably, the Fortress holds great historical significance, yet its stony visage still provides a stunning view of the city, placidly spread along the hills.
Time includes transportation.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Saranda, Saranda, Vlore County
After visiting the heritage city of Gjirokastra we will drive for about an hour to arrive the biggest and most beautiful city of Albanian Riviera , Saranda. We have a short stop in by the sea and walk on the main promenade that offers wonderful view of the sea and the neighboring country of Greece, the island of Corfu.
Time includes transportation.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Butrint National Park, SH81, Butrint Albania
As we make our way through the charming streets of Ksamil, we will soon arrive at the renowned Butrint Archaeological Park, a true gem of Albanian archeology. A visit to this impressive site will offer us a unique opportunity to gain insights into the social organization of ancient civilizations, which thrived over two millennia ago. From the early Albanian tribes to the Greek and Roman societies and the later establishment of an episcopal community, complete with a magnificent Christian Basilica and baptismal font, Butrint evokes a fascinating evolution of human civilization.
Historically significant, the city was frequently mentioned in the works of the esteemed Roman philosopher Cicero, who himself was a resident with a villa near the city. Butrint's significance, however, extends beyond its rich history, as the surrounding area has remained relatively unaltered, enhancing the authenticity and value of our visit.
Time includes transportation.
Duration: 3 hours
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- Travel time is included in the total duration of the tour
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
Ticket delivery
Cancellation
wonderful place , great itinerary and very good guide. we felt like we had a friend showing us around.
wonderful place , great itinerary and very good guide. we felt like we had a friend showing us around.We had the best time enjoying the wonderful sceneries of the south and learning about the history visiting two UNESCO sites.
We had the best time enjoying the wonderful sceneries of the south and learning about the history visiting two UNESCO sites.A tour full of history and culture . Gjirokastra was an amazing historical city and Skenduli house was a piece of real Albanian history that you can still visit.
A tour full of history and culture . Gjirokastra was an amazing historical city and Skenduli house was a piece of real Albanian history that you can still visit.Amazing tour and staff, beautiful places and amazing guidance. Totally recomand if you want to visit these places.
Amazing tour and staff, beautiful places and amazing guidance. Totally recomand if you want to visit these places.My wife and I had a great day! Our guide Julio made the trip fantastic! We felt like we were on a road trip. Julio was very personable, we got to know him well and he taught us so much about the history of Albania and the Albanian language. We went to a great lunch spot and even snuck in a swim. ...
My wife and I had a great day! Our guide Julio made the trip fantastic! We felt like we were on a road trip. Julio was very personable, we got to know him well and he taught us so much about the history of Albania and the Albanian language. We went to a great lunch spot and even snuck in a swim. Thanks you Julio!Long trip, nice place, good driver, interesting Castle and Museum. Guide was know everything about places which we visit.
Long trip, nice place, good driver, interesting Castle and Museum. Guide was know everything about places which we visit.