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Explore southern Albania in one day! Visit the peaceful Ardenica Monastery and the UNESCO city of Gjirokastra, known for its stone houses, lively bazaar, and rich history.
Tirana city
– From other cities extra charge
** For the group prices please contact us : contact@smartouralbania.com
Visit the following sites in the company of your Gjirokastra tour guide:
Explore southern Albania in one day! Visit the peaceful Ardenica Monastery and the UNESCO city of Gjirokastra, known for its stone houses, lively bazaar, and rich history
Full description
Your day begins with a scenic drive from Tirana, Durrës, or Golem toward southern Albania. The journey to Gjirokastra takes around four hours in total, offering beautiful countryside views along the way. During the drive, your tour guide will share interesting stories, local legends, and fun facts about Albania’s history and culture.
Our first stop will be at the Ardenica Monastery, a peaceful and spiritual place located on a hill surrounded by olive trees. You’ll have about 30 minutes to explore the site, admire the impressive frescoes, and enjoy the panoramic views over Myzeqe plain. The monastery dates back to the 13th century and is famous as the place where Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero, was married.
After our visit to Ardenica, we’ll continue the journey toward Gjirokastra, one of Albania’s most beautiful and historic towns. Upon arrival, your guide will introduce you to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture, stone-roofed houses, and steep cobbled streets.
Together, we’ll take a guided walk through the old bazaar, where you can browse local shops filled with handmade crafts, silver jewelry, textiles, and souvenirs. The colorful streets and traditional buildings make it a perfect place for photos and soaking in the city’s unique charm.
After the guided part, you’ll have free time to explore on your own — whether you’d like to visit a local museum, enjoy a traditional lunch, or simply wander through the narrow lanes of the “stone city.” IMPORTANT NOTE: During off season November- May most of the museums (including the castle) may be closed on Monday!
In the afternoon, we’ll start our return trip to Tirana, Durrës, or Golem, enjoying a relaxed drive through Albania’s landscapes — ending a day filled with history, culture, and beautiful views.
