Tours & tickets

Çerçiz Topulli Square

Take a traditional wood crafting class in the heart of Gjirokaster at a master workshop. Enjoy some glasses of raki or homemade wine as you create your own souvenir to take home with you. Meet your host in Cerciz Topulli square and take a short walk to the workshop of Master Nurce. Get familiar with the various wood types you will be using and learn a little bit about this local tradition. Learn how to make small wooden signs with text or drawings, small necklaces, key hangers, or small mirrors. After choosing what you wish to create, get some help and inspiration for your design from your master instructor. Begin carving your own personalized item with expert guidance. While working, you can enjoy some glasses of raki or homemade wine. After some time and patience, admire your own personal creation and take home a treasured souvenir as a memento of your visit to Gjirokaster.

Explore the major landmarks, as well as some hidden gems, on a comprehensive walking excursion of the city of Gjirokaster, led by an experienced local guide. Join your guide on an exciting walking journey starting at Cerciz Topulli square, where you'll get information about the tour and have a chance to learn about the history of the city. Move towards the Old Bazaar, stopping at the Neck of the Bazaar to admire the architecture and meet local artisans. Browse through a variety of handmade items made of wool, stone, and wood. You might find the ideal souvenir to take home. Later on, head towards the Argjiro Castle, known for its history, tragedy, and legends. Enjoy breathtaking views of Gjirokaster from 330 meters above sea level. Your last stop of the day will be one of the best-preserved Ottoman-style houses in Albania, the Zekate House, which was built in 1812 and also offers great city views.

Starting from Cerciz Topulli square, you will join up with your host and walk over to one of the oldest neighbourhoods in town, “Pazar i Vjeter”. Here we'll meet Marjeta and her husband. The cooking class will begin with a glass of raki or a soft drink. We'll cook a vegetarian menu, and under the guidance of Marjeta we will learn how to make three dishes. The first one is called “Qofte bobollaqe” consisting mainly of yogurt, the traditional “Qifqis” found only in Gjirokastër and consisting mainly on rice, and the desert called “Hasude”. All these three are accompanied by the salad of the season Marjeta has already prepared for you. After all the hard work, we can sit down with the group to savor each of your dishes. Pair your menu with a complimentary glass of wine, raki, or a soft drink and have a nice chat while you eat. Your cooking class will conclude after the meal.In the end a recipe of what you have cooked will be given to you to prepare the same thing at home whenever you want.

Departure: 08:30 AM Depart from the Vlora Daily Trips office in a comfortable van. Get ready for a day full of nature, culture, and breathtaking views! Stop 1: Uji i Ftohtë, Tepelenë 09:30 AM – 10:00 AM A short refreshing break at the famous Uji i Ftohtë springs in Tepelenë. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters, snap some beautiful photos, and stretch your legs. Stop 2: Gjirokastër ️ Arrival at 10:45 AM Guided Tour: ️ 10:45 AM – 12:45 PM Discover the charm of Gjirokastra, Albania’s UNESCO-listed "Stone City." Stroll through narrow cobbled streets lined with traditional Ottoman-style houses, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Old Bazaar full of local crafts, colorful shops, souvenirs, and authentic Albanian charm. Your guided tour will reveal fascinating stories and hidden corners of this beautifully preserved historic town. This tour includes visiting a Cold War Tunnel and Gjirokastra Castle Free Time: ⏳ 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM Enjoy time to explore at your own pace. Shop for local crafts, capture beautiful photos, or relax at a café with a traditional lunch. Stop 3: Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) Arrival at 2:30 PM Visit: ️ 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM Discover the mesmerizing beauty of the Blue Eye, one of Albania’s most famous natural attractions. This stunning spring, with its deep sapphire and turquoise colors, bubbles up from unknown depths, surrounded by lush green forests. Take your time to walk around the viewing platforms, capture unforgettable photos, and enjoy the peaceful, refreshing atmosphere of this magical place. Return to Vlora: Departure from Blue Eye: 4:00 PM On the way back to Vlora, we will make a short stop to relax and refresh before completing the journey. Expected arrival in Vlora: ⏰ around 6:30 PM