Ksamil, Gjirokastra & Berat in 2 Days from Tirana - Guided Tour
Description
Discover three of Albania’s most beautiful destinations on this 2-day tour of Ksamil, Gjirokastër, and Berat from Tirana. Spend your first day relaxing on the crystal-clear beaches of Ksamil, often called the “Maldives of Albania.” Enjoy free time to swim in the turquoise waters, sunbathe on the white pebble beaches, or explore the coastline by kayak, included in the tour. In the evening, we’ll head to the lively coastal city of Sarandë, where you’ll spend the night. On the second day, travel inland to the UNESCO-listed city of Gjirokastër, famous for its impressive stone architecture, rich history, and breathtaking hilltop castle. Continue to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Berat, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” where centuries of history meet beautiful Ottoman architecture. A minimum of 4 confirmed participants is required for the tour to operate. For example, if you book for 1 person, we will need 3 additional bookings to confirm the departure.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your adventure for the Tour of Ksamil and South Albania begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Tirana before heading south through some of Albania’s most scenic landscapes towards the Albanian Riviera. Upon arrival in Ksamil, you’ll have several hours of free time to enjoy one of Albania’s most beautiful beach destinations. Swim in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, relax on the beach, or explore the coastline with a complimentary kayak experience included in your tour. After enjoying the beaches of Ksamil, we continue to Sarandë, one of Albania’s most popular coastal towns. You’ll have free time to enjoy the lively promenade, waterfront cafés, or a relaxing evening by the sea before checking into your hotel for the night. Overnight in Sarandë.
After breakfast, we leave Sarandë and travel towards the UNESCO World Heritage city of Gjirokastër, one of Albania’s best-preserved Ottoman towns. During our guided visit, you’ll explore the historic Old Bazaar, traditional stone houses, and picturesque streets. Those who wish can visit Gjirokastër Castle and the famous Skenduli House, two of the city’s most important landmarks. Entrance fees are optional and can be paid on the spot, while guests who prefer not to enter may enjoy additional free time exploring the town at their own pace.
In the afternoon, we continue to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Berat, famously known as the City of a Thousand Windows. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided walk through the historic neighborhoods and have the opportunity to visit Berat Castle. Entrance to the castle museums is optional, allowing those who prefer to continue exploring the charming streets and local cafés at their leisure. Following our visit to Berat, we begin our return journey to Tirana, arriving in the evening with unforgettable memories of Albania’s spectacular coastline and historic cities.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pickup at your location.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(47)
We did the Tour with Armando, everything perfect, exceptional guide, great culture, professionalism and kindness, we felt like home, thank you very much, we will definitely be back to travel this time to the North, all beautiful ❤️
This trip needs to be re-planned because you basically don't see the essence of what is mentioned, you're just constantly running to catch up with the clock. We had half an hour in each city and a little more in Ksamil, so you don't have time. Suggestion to remove Sarandë or Ksamil and give more time to one destination. We were in the car for about 10 hours, very tiring. Fortunately our guide was excellent and tried very hard to make us have a good time, giving us lots of information about what we asked for, always willing to help us. Very good guide and very knowledgeable about the area and its history
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're glad to hear that you had a great experience with our guide. We truly understand that the pace of the tour may have felt a bit rushed, and we appreciate your honest input. This particular itinerary is designed for those who wish to see as much as possible in a single day, combining Sarandë and Ksamil into one experience. However, we also offer these destinations as separate, full-day tours for guests who prefer a more relaxed pace and want to spend more time exploring each location in depth. Your feedback is valuable and helps us improve how we present and suggest our tours. We’ll continue working to ensure there's something for every type of traveler. Thank you again for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you back for a more leisurely experience in the future!
Engjell was perfect! He made us discover the most beautiful part of Albania in an unforgettable way. We were accompanied by our 2 young children (5 months and 2 years). He adapted to all unforeseen circumstances to facilitate the excursion (breakfast break, pharmacy (to uncork the baby’s nose 😵💫), breaks to go to the little corner for my daughter, diaper changes etc...). He adapted the route so that we could enjoy with the family. The landscapes of the riviera are breathtaking, we stopped several times to admire the views from above. Thank you Engjell for your royal accompaniment! The best guide you will find in Albania!
As Our second Tour with Gal Our Expectations were not Low. A Perfect combination of driving, swiming time, Free time and Cultural insights.
Thank you for trusting us with your experience in Albania. We are glad you enjoyed it. Wishing you all the best.
Erjon was an amazing guide - quite knowledgeable! And the scenes were very beautiful, totally recommended. We got a private tour as it was just 2 of us, so it was amazing
First time when we have been to Albania was last year during summer and we were very excited and in the same time worried because was our first time in this country. We booked the prive tour from Tirana to Ksamil and all went perfect. I never thought i can find such professional team and water as in the MAldives in Albania. I recommend to all the people in this world to visit Ksamil and do the tour.
Daniel, as a guide, was accommodating and considerate to everybody during that day. He also has been on time and always ready to help when needed. The only thing is that I just feel like we’ve spent more time on the road than the actual scenery, it lacks detailed explanation including the history of the castle, why it was built and who built it but hey, that’s just my take. Also, this could’ve been a good tour if it started outside Tirana. Just my take but overall lovely.
I had the best time on my trip to Gjirokaster, Blue eye of Saranda and Butrint. My guide , Erjon, is extremely caring , funny person . Had the best time on the longest drives. He constantly looks at your need and curates the experience to meet all of it.Especially Butrint and the drive back through riveria. Also the blue eye of Sarandë , 🤌🏽. Highly highly recommend this .
It was the most scenic drive I’ve ever been on. It was a long tour but we stopped regularly for pictures and to take in the view. My tour guide, Engjell, was very knowledgeable, warm and friendly. I definitely recommend this tour
The tour is super nice,, special thanks to the wonderful and best of the best to have such a long trip with Mr. Erjon.. very very recommended. Thanks 🙏
