15 activities in Ksamil, Albania

During this tour you will be accompanied by a local guide that knows all the secrets of the city. We will start the tour at Cerciz Topulli square where we will get some information about the tour and learn a bit about the history of the city.

 

Then we continue towards the Old Bazaar stopping at the Neck of Bazaar to learn a bit about the architecture of it, where we also meet some of the artisans of the town, working with old methods. All products and souvenirs that you will see there are handmade, made of wool, stone and wood.

 

Then we head towards the Castle where we spend around an hour and a half. An old castle 2.5 hectares, fulfilled with history, tragedy, and legends which the local guide will explain you. You`ll be 330 meters under level of sea, enjoying breathtaking views of Gjirokastra, the typical tower houses, covered with grey stone, usually two or three floors.

 

One of the well-preserved ottoman style houses is the Zekate house which is our last stop. This house was a gift by Ali Pashe Tepelena for his accountant Beqir Zeko. The aim of this tour is for you to experience the unique, magical and friendly atmosphere of Gjirokastra, not just to see the most popular tourist attractions. 

Take a guided tour of one of Albania's most popular historical sites. Visit Gjirokaster, a must-see site for anyone who plans to travel in the south of the country. Thanks to the excellent level of conservation, the Ottoman medieval architecture and the splendid, fortified castle are worth the visit. you will be able to spend unforgettable hours here, amid history, culture and traditions.

Gjirokaster, a breathtaking view

Leaving from Saranda to Gjirokaster it will only take you about one hour to arrive. Approaching the old town you will be able to begin to perceive the beauty of the "stone city". The feeling is similar to what you feel when you approach Italian jewels such as San Gimignano, Assisi, and Orvieto. Of course, here the ambience is different. A castle surrounded by a village stands in the center of the valley. Gjirokaster's silhouette is dynamic. In other words, the profile of the stone city varies greatly according to the point of view.

It is also known as "the city of a thousand steps", because you will need to walk a lot to get around the city. Others call it 'the stone city' because of its unique architectural structure. Houses with rather thick walls, and with very small windows. Cobbles and steps, doors and arcades, houses that look like small fortresses, topped with roofs that are works of art, in their shining simplicity. Everything converges towards the center, the magnificent castle also mentioned in the Greek name. The silver castle, this is the original etymology of the name that the Greeks gave to the city. Silver reflections that continue from the castle also in the town center. On sunny days, the stone roofs of the houses surrounding the historic center immediately catch the eye. The gray of the stone shines when struck by the rays of the sun, making each building look like a small fortress.

Gjirokaster guided tour

Once you are in Gjirokaster, you immediately notice the magic that flows through this place. The architecture of the Ottoman era, the narrow streets covered with cobblestones, bring you back to the Middle Ages. And entering the ancient village, you will discover jewels of rare beauty. Museums, stalls and small antique shops are the signs of a time that never seemed to have stopped.

You will go up along the paved paths, to admire the old houses with stone roofs and reach the top of the hill where you will have a Gjirokaster castle guided tour. The manor was built in the 12th century, but the structure visible today is that dating back to the works done in 1490 by Ottoman Sultan Bayezid. Today the National Folklore Festival takes place here every five years. During this guided tour you will learn more about the history of the fortress and its environments. Starting with the defensive towers, the Clock Tower, the Church and the Cistern. You will also go to the castle dungeons, used as prisons for political opponents during the period of the communist regime. To learn more about the political communication of communist propaganda, you will finally go into the Museum of Arms, which preserves very interesting finds.

Leaving the castle you return to the old town, entering the Qafa e Pazarit neighborhood, to deepen the magic of the Ottoman houses and stop to shop in the craft shops. Here you will also visit the House of the Zekat family, with its splendid carved and well-preserved wooden ceiling and the museum House of Ismail Kadare, among the most important writers and men of culture in the country. And, then you have the option to visit the Ethnographic Museum (or enjoy your free time) before returning to Saranda.

Gjirokaster, geography

Protected by the Mali i Gjerë mountain range, whose highest peak reaches 1,800 meters above sea level, the city of Gjirokaster is strategically located. In fact, it lies along the valley washed by the fresh waters of the Drinos River, which is a branch of Vjosa River.

Gjirokaster, a bit of history

The first findings of Gjirokaster was in 1336, when the site is mentioned with its Greek name, Αργυρόκαστρο, as an integral part of the Byzantine Empire. The city became an Orthodox Christian diocese together with Adrianople. In those days there was a dispute over these territories between the Despot of Epirus and the Zenevisi family with the Albanian tycoon Sarbissa (Giovanni Sarbissa or Giovanni Zenevisi), which was originally from the territories between Permet and Gjirokaster. As had happened elsewhere, the Ottomans managed to enter the dispute and, in 1417 they conquered the city, renaming it Ergiri or Ergiri Kasrı. Over the course of 5 centuries of domination, the Turks favored the conversion to Islam of the population of the surrounding countryside, and what was a fervent Orthodox Christian center turned into an important Ottoman Turkish cultural religious site. It is no coincidence that an important Bektashi tradition developed here, the Islamic brotherhood of Sufi origin.

Starting in 1913 Gjirokaster became an integral part of the new independent state of Albania, but the population, rebelled against annexation, entering guerrilla war and founding in 1914 the autonomous Republic of northern Epirus. In 1921 Gjirokastra finally became an Albanian city.

•Due the moderate amount of walking to reach the main attraction sites could be better to wear comfortable shoes and clothes

•We suggest this tour to customers who are able to climb and descend streets and stairs.

•This tour is not suitable for customers in wheelchair.

•In case of hot weather, we suggest you bring a cap with you.

Duration: 5 hours

MEETING POINT INSTRUCTIONS:

Pick up from centrally located hotels in Sarande. Please call 48h before the service day to reconfirm pick up time and point.

This tour is good for getting the first impression of Tirana, it will quickly give you an orientation of the city, it includes its history, architecture and other information.

Start the tour from Clock Tower at Skanderbeg Square, National Museum (the huge mosaic on front represents the Albanian history development and the stages of this development are presented on respective pavilions).

Then you continue to see Palace of Culture/Opera/National Library, Mosque of Ethem Bey, the Clock Tower, Bunkart 2 , National Art Gallery, Tirana Castle, Parliament, Ura e Tabakeve, Catholic Cathedral Namazgjah Mosque, main government buildings,, the Pyramid, Prime Minister building, Palace of congresses, Mother Teresa Square, Archaeological Museum (there are presented many archaeological discoveries since the Stone Age up to the Medieval), Polytechnic University, Presidential palace, Cold War corner. Ex-Blloku ( the most beautiful and protected zone were the ex-communist leaders families lived).

Proceed to Youth Park, Taiwan, Orthodox Cathedral (optional visit to Christian Heritage Souvenir shop), House of Leaves Surveillance Museum. The tour ends at the National Bank.

The best place to get more information about Albania’s communism régime years is the National History Museum which has a large hall dedicated to the period.

In this hall, you’ll be briefed about communism dictatorship in Albania, where you’ll be introduced starting from the 2nd WW’s communism birth, full installation, prisons, political judgments, death penalties, bunkers, etc. until the first democratic protests, and finally the installation of democracy in ’90s.

We have a walking tour to visit all the main attractions of Tirana, including the possibility to visit Bunkart 2 and Museum of Secret Services "Shtepia e Gjetheve", etc.

Enjoy the city of Tirana on a magic evening atmosphere created by night.

Tour starts from Skanderbeg Square with the mosaic of the National Museum, Et’hem Bey Mosque, the elegant government buildings, Fine Arts Gallery, Hotel Dajti, and Rinia Park.

Then we walk across “Zhan D’Ark and “Bulevardi Bajram Curri” boulevards by Lana River’s bridge, (Photo stops) then and we arrive at the ‘Pyramid’.

Next is the Prime Minister’s Building (the ex-Communist Party headquarters), and in front of it is the Parliamentary Offices. Beyond Rruga “Ismail Qemali” is the Hotel Rogner Europapark, and a little further the Palace of Congresses and in front of it is the Presidential Building. This building was the Soviet embassy until 1961.

At the end of the main boulevard is “Mother Teresa” Square, named to honor the most famous Albanian nun of the 20th century. Around this square, we see the Archaeological Museum, the Art Academy and Polytechnic University. This square is a cosmopolitan meeting place.

Dajti National Park, Albania, also known as Tirana's Natural balcony, is located 26 km to the east of Tirana. It is situated at a distance of 50 km from the Rinas International Airport at an elevation of 1612 meters above the sea level. In winter, the mountain is often covered with snow, and it is a popular retreat to the local population of Tirana that rarely sees snowfalls. Its slopes have forests of pines, and beech. Dajti National Park, Albania commands a spectacular view of the capital. Dajti National Park, Albania is spread on a sprawling 3,300 hectares of land on the Dajti Plain, which is the converging point of visitors to Dajti. After arriving in the national park of Dajti via its cable car Dajti Ekspres, we have a lunch restaurant where you can enjoy the great views and nature.

Petrelë castle is located 15 km south of Tirana. It is famous its history, as it is located next to the Illyrian ancient city of Persqop back to more than 3000 years, and its beautiful views. In ancient times Petrelë was known also in documents as Petralba, which translated from Greek means 'the stone' of 'alba', therefore "The stone of Albanians". One can definitely see why it is called such since the town and its castle are built on a huge stone on top of a small mountain. Petrelë's Castle is one of the oldest structures in the area.


The tower in the center was built in the 5th century AD, although most of the remainder is Byzantine dating from between the 11th and 14th centuries. The castle was used mostly to watch for Ottoman troops marching towards inner Albania. In Ottoman times, the castle was the house of Scanderbeg's sister (Mamica Kastrioti). The town and castle were also very dear to Scanderbeg and he used to take time off to come and rest in the area. We visit the castle then we have lunch in its restaurant inside the castle where you can enjoy the surrounding views.

Laç or also Laçi is a city in northwestern Albania. It is the administrative center of the Kurbin District, which is part of Lezhë County. Known as "Kisha e Laçit" or "Kisha e Shën Anoit" in Albanian, this church is dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua.

Fernando Martins de Bulhões venerated as Anthony of Padua or Anthony of Lisbon, (1190 or 1195 – 13 June 1231) is a Catholic saint who was born in Lisbon, Portugal to a wealthy family and who died in Padua, Italy.

This church is the most important place of pilgrimage for hundreds of thousand peoples that visit this holy place every year on 13th June and on Saturdays, and year around. It is the most important pilgrimage place in Albania, and is believed to has a much older history as a Holy Place of Pelasgian Illyrian Gods at the cave where is located, and is frequented for millenniums.

Don't miss the chance to witness the untouched allure of Shala River. This day tour is a perfect blend of exploration, relaxation, and the creation of indelible memories amidst the untouched beauty of Albania's natural paradise.

Full day tour in the foothills of the Albanian Alps, at Lake Koman. Boat to Shala river, the Albanian Thailand, and enjoy lunch at a riverside tavern that is included in the price.

Visit Koman lake, adventure and relaxation inside nature

This Koman lake tour is the best way to enjoy the natural beauty of northern Albania. Koman Lake's history is comparable to that of the famous Aswan High Dam, built in Egypt in the late 1800s. Similarly, Lake Koman was created in the late 1970s by the construction of a dam in Fierza. In 1978, to obtain hydroelectric energy, the dam was built about fifty kilometers from Shkoder. In this way it could take the strength of two rivers: the Drini i Zi and the Drini i Bardhe.

For over forty years, Lake Koman has become a very special part of the natural environment of this area. Here you can find dozens of species of fish, mollusks, crabs, birds and amphibians.

Day tour from Durres to Koman Lake, visit Shala river

Our adventure starts early in the morning, at 05.30 am you will meet the guide to leave by car or minivan and head for Lake Koman. You will stop halfway for a coffee and arrive around 10 am at the Lake Koman shore. Here you will get on a small boat, one of the twenty-seater motor boats used as a means of transport by the locals since the lake was created. Boating through the waters, you will find yourselves in a landscape made up of intense colors. The water is almost emerald green and the light warm colors of the rocks mix beautifully with the dark colors of the greenery.

As you reach the edge of a stretch of water you will be able to see a myriad of small farms, villages consisting of three houses in the middle of the woods. Further on, the wonders of the Shala River await you, also known as the Albanian Thailand for its crystal clear waters and breathtaking natural beauty. Reaching the estuary of the Shala river, you are introduced to a naturally magical landscape, with the rock and the impervious peaks of the Albanian Alps as a backdrop to small sandy beaches or beaches of river pebbles. Here you can sunbathe, but be careful, the water flows directly from the mountain springs and it is freezing even in summer!

Preza is located between Tirana, Durres and Rinas Airport.

It has a castle - therefore possessing tourist attraction potential. It has a great wealth in natural resources, with a great diversity regarding its flora and fauna. It has orchards where olive trees grow besides vines and the farmers maintain the traditions of their cultivation.

The Preza Castle overlooks the village with the same name and is located on a hilltop. It is a small castle the construction of which started in the 14th century and was completed in the early 15th century and belonged to the Topias, a local feudal family.

The castle has been declared a 'monument of culture. It has four towers, one in each corner. The clock tower was erected around 1800-1850. It is known for its beautiful location, overlooking the Tirana plain. The castle is quite close to the Mother Theresa International Airport. A restaurant and other service facilities are found inside the castle.

Discover the beauty of Theth Village on a full-day journey into the Albanian Alps. Enjoy scenic mountain roads, traditional village life, light nature walks, and a homemade local lunch in one of Albania’s most stunning destinations.

Experience the natural beauty and rich traditions of northern Albania on this full-day tour to Theth National Park. Traveling through spectacular mountain roads, the journey includes a scenic stop at Qafe Thore, one of the most impressive panoramic viewpoints in the Albanian Alps.

Upon arrival in Theth, explore the heart of the village, visit the iconic Theth Church, and discover traditional stone houses that reflect the region’s unique history and culture. Continue the adventure with a light hike through breathtaking landscapes to reach the famous Blue Eye of Theth, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters. Along the way, enjoy stops at the Nderlysaj Bathtubs, a beautiful natural formation shaped by flowing mountain water.

The experience blends nature, culture, history, sightseeing, and adventure, offering a perfect balance of exploration and relaxation. A traditional homemade lunch at a local guesthouse allows you to taste authentic Albanian mountain food and enjoy warm local hospitality.

On the return journey, a short stop at Shkodër City Center offers a glimpse into one of Albania’s most historic cities before heading back to your accommodation.

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy hiking, scenic views, cultural experiences, and traditional food, all in one unforgettable day.

Elbasan is a city situated in central Albania, with a rich history dating back to the ancient Illyrian kingdom of Skampa during the first millennium BC.

Archaeological evidence reveals that the city walls were reconstructed during the first half of the IV century AD. In 1466, Sultan Mohammed II renovated the walls and renamed the town El-Basan, which in Turkish means "the fortress."

During our visit to Elbasan, we stop to admire the impressive city walls before passing through the Bazaar Gate near the Clock Tower.

A must-see attraction in the city is St. Mary's and St. Vladimir's Orthodox Church, which boasts stunning stone arcades on its walls.

Shkodra city is one of the oldest cities in Balkan Peninsula and was the capital of the Ex-Illyrian Empire.

A nice landscape with a highland (Albanian Alps on north, Shkodra lake, Buna, Drini and Kir rivers) is a full contrast with great natural colors. During ottomans, time was the capital of Iskodra Vilayet and nowadays it is the most important city of Northern Albania. City tour, visit the photography museum “Marubi”, then visit the Castle of Rosafa (the legend of Rozafa’s presentation) and the museum inside it and we enjoy wonderful views of mountains, Shkodra’s lake, Drini, Buna and Kir rivers with the valleys around from the top of Rozafa castle.

Boat tour (on request), and lunch at Shiroka with a nice view of Shkodra’s Lake.

Departure from Titana in a comfortable minivan. We'll reach the city of Vlora around 08:00 - 08:30 and after a short coffee/ breakfast break we will make the check-in at the boat.

You will leave by boat at 9 from Vlora, to reach the Haxhi Ali Cave, located at the end of the Karaburun Peninsula, after about half an hour on the water. Arriving at the cave by boat is a unique experience. You enter a cubic-shaped area that extends for 30 meters in length, with a maximum height of 18 meters, and 12 meters in width. Inside this cave, the view is lost between the rock formations and the stalactites, the result of the constant work of water on the rocks over thousands of years. In addition, at the end of the cave, there is a source of fresh water.

After a half-hour guided tour, the participants are free to choose between snorkeling in the wonderful crystal-clear water, full of life, of the cave, or enjoy a pleasant drink on the boat. The best beaches on the Karaburun peninsula

After the stop, you will set off again to travel along the wild coast of Karaburun. Here you will have the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful beaches with caves, of the peninsula up close. Corners of paradise such as Shen Jani, Aquamarina Beach, and San Basil Beach.

After lunchtime, you will stop on the beach of Zhanpovel Beach, refreshing yourselves with the best specialties of the local gastronomic tradition at the restaurant located on the beach. Returning in the early afternoon, you will cross the bay, flanking the Vlora coast, approaching the beaches with caves, of Zhironi and Kalasa and skirting the entire Cold Water district. The story of the pirate Haxhi Ali cave owes its name to the legendary pirate Haxhi Alia Ulqinaku. Born in Calabria in 1569, he moved with his family to Ulcinj, Albania and received military education under the Ottoman Empire. After serving in the Ottoman fleet, in 1609 he moved with his children and some Albanian sailors to the Karaburun peninsula. Here he began to defend the coasts from the incursions of the Venetians and the French, cooperating with the local population, which supplied the pirates with timber and raw materials. It was an episode that handed him over to the legend. Haxhi Alia was attacked in 1623 off the coast of Otranto by a powerful fleet of Venetians and British, but he heroically defended himself, until he earned legendary fame among the inhabitants of the Karaburun peninsula, who still sing songs in his honor.

Apollonia (UNESCO candidate), founded by Pelasgian-Illyrians, and mentioned in ancient documents since 588 BC and taken by Aristotle as a model in his analysis of oligarchy, because of its distinct and separate Greek and Illyrian communities. It was a vital stronghold in Caesar's civil war with Pompey and also important in early Christian history with its bishop attending the councils of Ephesus and Chlalkis in 431 and 451 AD.

Visit its museum, Shen Meri Monastery and Church, Arch of Triumph, Forum, Agora, Theater, etc.