All Gjirokaster Tours & Excursions in 2026

Embark on an unforgettable journey with expert guides, breathtaking scenery, and thrilling adventures. Enjoy unique insights, safe and exciting activities, and create lasting memories that stand out from the rest!

Tour 1 – Old Bazaar, Cfaka, Dunavat & Ali Pasha Bridge Step into the heart of Gjirokastër on this enchanting walking tour. Wander through the historic Old Bazaar, explore the ancient houses of Cfaka, and traverse scenic hills to reach the iconic Ali Pasha Bridge. Experience the perfect mix of history, tradition, and natural beauty, and uncover hidden corners of the city that few visitors ever see on this unforgettable 3-hour journey. Tour 2 – UNESCO Castle & Zekate House Discover the magic of Gjirokastër with a local guide on this immersive walking tour. Explore the bustling Old Bazaar, ascend to the UNESCO-listed Castle for breathtaking views, and visit the beautifully preserved Zekate House, an Ottoman-era masterpiece full of stories and legends. This tour offers a truly unforgettable experience, letting you feel the city’s history, charm, and unique atmosphere like a local.

Family rafting Vjosa in Permet is a safe and easy way to experience rafting in Albania, specially adapted for children and beginners. Unlike standard rafting trips, it follows calmer sections of the Vjosa River with extra attention from certified guides, making it one of the most family-friendly ways to enjoy rafting Vjosa and a top activity in Permet.

Gjirokaster has been a hub for horse-riders for hundreds of years, but navigating local trails requires a guide. Ride through the hills and rocky valleys surrounding the quaint Ottoman-built town during this small-group, half-day horseback trek. Spot Cold War-era bunkers hidden in the ground, little villages, and golden eagles and other endangered birds as you complete a six-mile (10-kilometer) route through the Drino Valley countryside.

Navigate the stunning waters of Vjosa National Park on a thrilling kayaking adventure from Përmet. This 2.5-hour experience allows you to paddle through Albania's pristine landscapes, surrounded by breathtaking nature. With a guide and support raft by your side, you’ll explore the river's unique ecosystems while utilizing top-notch safety gear and kayaks. Perfect for those with a moderate fitness level, this activity promises an engaging way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors.

Vjosa Wild River... First Europe's National Park, is a must do, at least once in life, happiness rafting experience! Offers a unique combination between exciting rapids and majestic mountains views! Our team mission is to transmit the local life experience, gifting a memorable day in one of the last wild rivers remained in Europe, the best adventure and fun! A special tour accompanied by fidelity, professionalism, security and details that you will never forget! With much love and dedication, you will have all the needed suggestions to help you hear all the Vjosa's "voices": her warm hugs, lovely waves, "angry thrusts", finesse and tranquility she transmits, her joyful rapids & much more, that you would want to come back again and again...

We offer an exclusive experience to the visitors of our city that choose us to get their tour with and enjoy it the most and get in the mood of a medieval era.

Unearth Gjirokastër, Albania's stone city nestled in the rugged south. A UNESCO gem, it echoes with history, cultural treasures, and a majestic castle. Walk cobbled streets with stories, visit the castle, old bazaar, Skenduli house, and ethnographic museum. Taste authentic local cuisine in this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site.

This trip starts in Gjirokaster where we jump into one of our unique off-road vehicles and then head towards the ex communist villages, Valare, Shen Thodher and Erind. We will than climb to the field of Cajupi to make a stop at the spring of Brat and also at a luxurious shepherds hut where we can have a shepherds style breakfast. We will restart the trip now through the region of Zagoria and our next stop will be an abandoned magnificent bridge dating back in 1777. Another great place to rest cool down and then hop in the cars again towards the Holy Apostles church in Hoshteve with breathtaking paintings inside. A must visit! The lunch stop will be at Policani village where we will enjoy the bio products of the region. After lunch head towards the waterfall of Selcka, a miracle of nature, an unbelievable swimming pool, as our last stop for a day to remember. Choose us and spend a unforgettable day in the surroundings of Gjirokaster with a mix of nature history and characteristic food.

Rafting on the Vjosë River in Përmet offers a unique experience, combining adventure with breathtaking natural scenery. Our professional, trained guides ensure a safe and unforgettable adventure, navigating through the river’s currents. Besides the thrills of rafting, you’ll also get to explore charming villages and immerse yourself in the rich local culture and traditions. We offer customized packages for groups, families, or individuals, also providing opportunities to relax and unwind in our cozy, welcoming accommodations. This activity is perfect for those seeking adventure as well as those wanting a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

What makes our cooking experience truly unforgettable is its authentic blend of home-style warmth, ancient heritage, and breathtaking scenery. Far from a sterile commercial kitchen, this is a vibrant, hands-on culinary journey hosted on a private panoramic terrace overlooking Gjirokastër's historic stone rooftops and mountains. The true flavor of this activity lies in its rich sensory and social connection. You will breathe in the aroma of wild mountain spearmint as you learn to flip iconic Qifqi rice balls in a traditional cast-iron pan, feel the rustic texture of homemade dough as you bake traditional bread from scratch, and hear the sizzle of fresh, local cheese grilling to perfection. We culminate the experience sitting together at a beautifully set table to share a family-style feast paired with local southern Albanian wine and fiery raki under the stars. You don’t just learn recipes; you taste the authentic soul of Albanian culture in every single bite.

Rafting Vjosa in Permet Albania is unique because it takes place on Europe’s last wild river, where the Vjosa River flows freely through untouched landscapes. Unlike regulated rivers, rafting Vjosa offers a natural and authentic experience, making rafting in Permet one of the most special outdoor activities in Albania. Operating since 2012, we are the first rafting company in the Vjosa Valley, providing a well-organized and safe rafting Vjosa experience with certified local guides, modern equipment, and a dedicated rafting center in Permet.

Albania Rafting offer the best albanian trip on the Vjosa River, one of Europe’s last free-flowing rivers, is a class II rafting with some rapids of class III . Prepare for waves up to four feet and narrow passages that send the boat shimmying and water gushing over the sides. Vjosa river’s entire 270km course is wild and untamed and adorned with beautiful canyons, braided river sections, islands and oxbows. Meeting point in our Vjosa Albania Rafting Base After the wearings of all the rafting equipments our minivan will pick you up and bring in the starting point onli 35 min from our base. Length of rafting trip Transportation from Rafting Base to starting point 35 min Preparation, instructions and downriver 2,5 - 3 hours Optional tour Kayaking in Vjosa

Experience the authentic taste of Gjirokastra through hands-on cooking of traditional Albanian dishes. Learn centuries old recipes, cook alongside a local chef, and savor flavors you can’t find anywhere else, from handmade pasta to rice balls. Every bite is a true taste of Albanian heritage.

Decked with mountains, rivers, canyons, villages and churches, the Permët region makes a wonderful base to explore Albania’s natural wonders. Experience them on a horseback riding trip, with snacks and 4WD transfers from the meeting point. While the exact route will vary according to your group’s abilities, most will follow the Lengarica Canyon with its ancient bridges and lovely hills, and wrap up with a visit to the thermal baths.

Explore the enchanting town of Permet, known for its stunning nature and rich culture, on this unforgettable day trip from Tirana or Durres. Your adventure starts with a convenient pick-up and a scenic drive, showcasing the beauty of the Vjosa River and its national park. Delve into local traditions as you wander the charming town center, then unwind in the therapeutic waters of the Benja Natural Hot Baths. Marvel at the breathtaking Permet Canyon and its picturesque landscapes, including the Grunas and Langarica canyons. With a knowledgeable guide sharing insights about the area's history and ecology, this tour promises a memorable journey through Albania's hidden gems. - Convenient pick-up from Tirana or Durres for easy access - Relax in the mineral-rich waters of Benja Natural Hot Baths - Explore the stunning Permet Canyon and its natural beauty - Insightful commentary from a knowledgeable guide throughout the day

This private tour showcases a rarely-discussed aspect of life in Gjirokaster, Albania during the Cold War. Visit the Cold War Tunnel, used by the political leaders of the time, as well as the City Castle's prison building. Hear stories and confessions of the people who lived and worked during this difficult period in Albania's national story.

Discover the magic of the city with this walking tour. Led by a local guide, start from Cerciz Topulli Square and continue towards the Old Bazaar. Meet local artists to learn about traditional methods of cultural craft creation. Unlock the historic Castle of Gjirokastra and learn about local history while wandering through its magnificence. Finish at the medieval fortress known as Zekate House to explore how the wealthy lived.

Kayaking on the Vjosa River For Adventure Travelers with Kayak Experience Explore the power and beauty of the Vjosa River, Europe’s last wild river, with a guided kayaking adventure designed for travelers who already have some paddling skills. Enjoy fast-moving sections, technical lines, and crystal-clear water surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes. Our professional guides lead small groups, providing safety, high-quality gear, and a dynamic route perfect for intermediate kayakers seeking a real outdoor challenge in Albania. If you’re an adventure traveler looking for a unique and wild river experience, kayaking on the Vjosa is one of the best activities in southern Albania.

We will explore the unknown part of Gjirokaster, the magic of the town that every tourist skips. We start from “Cerciz Topulli Square” and head towards The “Old Bazaar”. It is the first neighborhood outside the castle and lies along beneath the its walls. The characteristic cobblestone the orthodox church and some of the oldest houses are the most beautiful elements. After passing the stream of Nanxa (where they are building a new street), we reach the neighborhood of “Cfaka”. Here we will pass by some first monument category houses, a rebuild mosque and then reach the last neighborhood “Dunavat” where we will find a tekke of the Bektashi Order. It is a beautiful combination of Nature and old houses before arriving to “Ali Pasha Bridge”, a remaining of the aqueduct build more than 200 years ago to bring water to the castle. It takes approximately 3 hrs and you should be prepared to walk on a not so comfortable terrain. So put on your sneakers and join us to this back in time trip.

Lazarat is the first neighbor of the ancient city of Gjirokastra and, on the other hand, bordered by the village belt of the Dropull area. The village lies on the slopes of Mali i Gjerë and at the southern end of the province of Labëria, on the right side of the road Gjirokastër - Kakavija, Lazarat has an ancient history, starting from the Illyrian period. According to a legend, there were two brothers; Clay and Color. Argjiri, with his sons, built the castle of Gjirokastra, while Kollori built a smaller castle in the territory of today's Lazarat, where its ruins are still located. In the century. XVI the village resisted the pressure for Islamization and, consequently, a part of the population had moved to Greece, where even today there is a village called Lazarat, whose inhabitants until recently spoke the Albanian language. The Lazarats supported Ali Pasha Tepelena with weapons and fought for the protection of Ioannina from the Ottoman army.

Antigonea , also transliterated as Antigonia and Antigoneia, was an ancient city in Chaonia, Epirus, and the chief inland city of the ancient Chaonians. It was founded in the 3rd century BC by Pyrrhus of Epirus, who named it after one of his wives, Antigone, daughter of Berenice I and step-daughter of Ptolemy I of Egypt.

Paddle your own sit-on-top kayak while a raft with a guide stays alongside for safety and support. Beginner-friendly, scenic, and unique to Përmet. Photos included.