Day Trips

From Tirana/Durres: Gjirokastra UNESCO Old Town & Ardenica Hill

Name: From Tirana/Durres: Gjirokastra UNESCO Old Town & Ardenica Hill
Start: 2026-05-25T07:45:00
End: 2026-05-25T19:45:00
Location: Tirana

Interiors with cannons in the Ottoman castle of Gjirokaster, Albania.

Tourist woman walking through a market street in Gjirokaster, Albania.

View of Old Town Gjirokaster from the castle, showcasing historic stone houses and surrounding landscape.

Aerial view of Monastery of Ardenica surrounded by lush greenery in Albania.

Duration

12 hr

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Transfers available

Pickup available

Enjoy a full-day cultural escape from Tirana or Durres with comfortable round-trip AC transfers and scenic countryside views along the way.

Travel with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide who shares stories about Albania’s history, architecture, and local traditions throughout the journey.

Explore Gjirokastra’s historic Old Bazaar, wander through its stone streets, and visit the hilltop Gjirokastra Castle for panoramic views over the valley.

Stop at Ardenica Monastery, a peaceful hilltop monastery surrounded by forests, where you can admire centuries-old frescoes and enjoy a relaxing coffee break.

Choose a pickup option that works best for you, including hotel pickup from Tirana or meeting points in Durres.

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Tirana (based on the option selected)

Meeting-point pickup from Durres (based on the option selected)

Air-conditioned round-trip transportation

English-speaking tour guide

Full-day tour of Gjirokastra Old Town and Ardenica Monastery

Entry tickets to Gjirokastra Castle

Entry tickets to Ardenica Monastery

Food and beverages

Entry ticket to Skenduli House (€2 per person, optional)

TOTAL DURATION12 hours
Timeline
Map
Start point
Tirana
Get direction
90 min
104 km
1. Ardenica Monastery
Tickets included
2 hr
136 km
2. Gjirokastra Castle
Tickets included
1 attraction
Highlights
Skenduli House
Tickets not included
End point
Tirana
Get direction
Your ending point would be same as your start point

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

What to bring

Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring cobbled streets, the castle, and the monastery.

Carry a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses, as much of the tour is outdoors.

What's not allowed

Smoking and vaping are prohibited inside Gjirokastra Castle, Ardenica Monastery, and other heritage sites.

Do not touch historical artifacts or climb on structures within the castle or monastery.

Littering is not allowed; please dispose of any trash responsibly at designated areas.

Pets are not permitted on the tour, except service animals.

Accessibility

The tour includes walking on uneven cobblestone streets, slopes, and stairs, so moderate mobility is recommended.

Transportation is provided in air-conditioned vehicles suitable for most travelers.

Ardenica Monastery and Gjirokastra Castle may have steps or uneven terrain that limit wheelchair access.

Assistance can be requested from the guide for navigating steep areas or walking between locations.

Additional information

The optional visit to Skenduli House has a separate entrance fee of €2 per person.

Lunch is not included in the tour price, but the guide can recommend local restaurants in Gjirokastra.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.