Day Trip Tirana – Gjirokastra
Basic Information
Tour Basis: A/C private vehicle with driver in disposal
Departs: EVERY DAY
Duration: Full Day
Highlights: Colorful Tirana, Museum City of Gjirokastra in South Albania
Itinerary
Tirana, the heart capital of Albania has a never-ending movement and energy. This metropolis city is worth to discover by day and night. Founded in the 1614, Tirana is now a developed city which combines culture, history, contemporary architecture and lots of hospitality shown towards tourists. As you take a walk in Tirana you will enjoy the look of the colorful buildings, fancy coffees and green parks.
Visits in Tirana:
- Skanderbeg Square
- Clock Tower
- Et’hem Beu Mosque
- National Historical Museum
- National Gallery of Arts
- Tabak Bridge
Start with a visit in the city center, Skanderbeg Square where you will see the statue of Skanderbeg, our National Hero. In front of it you can see the Clock Tower. 35 meters (115 ft) tall it has 90 stairs that go in a spiral fashion. Next you will see the Et’hem Beu Mosque. It’s frescos with trees, waterfalls and bridges, rare for the Islamic art. The National Library is located in front of the Mosque, and near the National Historic Museum. Continue the tour by entering the Museum. The pavilions: Antiquity, Medieval, Rilindja Kombetare, Iconography, Culture of Albania, Albanian Resistance of World War II and Communist genocide, will give a good introduction to Albanian history. For those interested in arts, a visit in the National Art Gallery will complete the image of Tirana.
This is an important city of southern Albania, and has been declared a “Museum City” due to its attractive features. On the way time permitting we take a de-tour to visit the canyons of Kelcyre where you can experience Albanian traditional lunch.
Leaving Tirana we drive towards the Museum City of Gjirokastra, in South Albania.
The town of Gjirokastra is built on the slope of a hill and is known for its characteristic and narrow coble stone streets. The dwelling houses have the form of medieval towers consisting of a building ensemble with characteristic architecture. The city was besieged and captured by the Ottomans in the 15th century, but unlike many other towns in Albania it flourished under its new rulers. In the 17th century it had 2000 houses and was a very important trading town. The castle itself stands like a balcony over the city. It enables the visitors to enjoy a very beautiful landscape. The National Museum of Weapons is housed in the interior of the castle. Gjirokastra has produced many important historic figures among which the dictator Enver Hoxha and the several times Nobel Prize candidate, the famous Albanian writer Ismail Kadare.
After the visit we had back to Tirana. End of our service.
