3 Day Tour of the South- Gjirokastra, Blue Eye, Himara
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- Pickup Service
- Private Tour
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Embark on an unforgettable 3 Day Tour of the South- Gjirokastra, Blue Eye, Himara , where you will discover some of the most breathtaking and remote beaches in the region , Learn about the history and heritage of Albania by visiting Gjirokastra UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. Our tour is carefully crafted to offer you a unique and immersive experience, giving you the opportunity to explore the hidden gems of this paradise on earth.
Itinerary Details
Operated by: Local Friends Albania
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Day 1 Tirana -Gjirokaster UNESCO World Heritage
Stop At: Gjirokaster
eparting 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.
Duration: 3 hour
Stop At: Gjirokastra Bazaar
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: 30 minutes
Stop At: Gjirokaster Castle
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.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Skenduli House
The remarkable Fortress-style of the houses throughout the city of Gjirokastra has earned it a place amongst the UNESCO Heritage. These unique dwellings are not only aesthetically pleasing, but serve an essential purpose - they are equipped with independent systems of collecting, filtering, and preserving water. The house we are to visit today encapsulates the beauty of the Balkans from long ago, boasting its own "private bunker" in case of any bombardments. Step into this timeless abode and you will be transported to a different era.
Duration: 1 hour
Day 2 Gjirokaster- Blue Eye Sarande-Himara
Stop At: The Blue Eye
One must traverse the verdant parkland to behold the grandeur of the "Blue Eye" spring - an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon and popular tourist attraction. The river's crystalline depths can be viewed from more than fifty metres below, and the refreshingly clear blue waters are a sight to behold. The journey to the springs is well worth the fifteen-minute walk through nature's finest.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Himare
Exploring the Ali Pasha Castle and Himara Old Town located on top of the hill overlooking the Ionian coast > Possible Boat Trip to virgin beaches and mystic caves during the summer season.
Duration: 3 hour
Day 3 Himare- Llogara National Park-Zvernec-Tirane
Stop At: Zvernec Monastery
We leave Himara behind and travel back to Tirana. On the way we stop to Zverneci Island . Situated in close proximity to a diminutive isle lies an island with a preponderance of majestic pine trees. This idyllic island, located to the east of its smaller counterpart, is linked to the mainland by a lengthy wooden bridge, spanning a distance of approximately 270 meters. Nestled within its verdant landscape is the well-maintained Zvërnec Monastery, a Byzantine structure dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, that has withstood the ravages of time. After the visit we head back to Tirana.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Llogara National Park
On our way back to Tirana we will have the opportunity to drive by Llogara National park and have a stop at Llogara Pass to enjoy the incredible view of the Albanian Riviera and the Ionian Sea .
Duration: 30 minutes
Day 1 Tirana -Gjirokaster UNESCO World Heritage
Stop At: Gjirokaster
eparting 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.
Duration: 3 hour
Stop At: Gjirokastra Bazaar
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: 30 minutes
Stop At: Gjirokaster Castle
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.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Skenduli House
The remarkable Fortress-style of the houses throughout the city of Gjirokastra has earned it a place amongst the UNESCO Heritage. These unique dwellings are not only aesthetically pleasing, but serve an essential purpose - they are equipped with independent systems of collecting, filtering, and preserving water. The house we are to visit today encapsulates the beauty of the Balkans from long ago, boasting its own "private bunker" in case of any bombardments. Step into this timeless abode and you will be transported to a different era.
Duration: 1 hour
Day 2 Gjirokaster- Blue Eye Sarande-Himara
Stop At: The Blue Eye
One must traverse the verdant parkland to behold the grandeur of the "Blue Eye" spring - an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon and popular tourist attraction. The river's crystalline depths can be viewed from more than fifty metres below, and the refreshingly clear blue waters are a sight to behold. The journey to the springs is well worth the fifteen-minute walk through nature's finest.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Himare
Exploring the Ali Pasha Castle and Himara Old Town located on top of the hill overlooking the Ionian coast > Possible Boat Trip to virgin beaches and mystic caves during the summer season.
Duration: 3 hour
Day 3 Himare- Llogara National Park-Zvernec-Tirane
Stop At: Zvernec Monastery
We leave Himara behind and travel back to Tirana. On the way we stop to Zverneci Island . Situated in close proximity to a diminutive isle lies an island with a preponderance of majestic pine trees. This idyllic island, located to the east of its smaller counterpart, is linked to the mainland by a lengthy wooden bridge, spanning a distance of approximately 270 meters. Nestled within its verdant landscape is the well-maintained Zvërnec Monastery, a Byzantine structure dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, that has withstood the ravages of time. After the visit we head back to Tirana.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Llogara National Park
On our way back to Tirana we will have the opportunity to drive by Llogara National park and have a stop at Llogara Pass to enjoy the incredible view of the Albanian Riviera and the Ionian Sea .
Duration: 30 minutes
