Private Day Tour of Saranda Gjirokaster and Butrint from Tirana
Description
Embark on a journey to discover the beauty of Southern Albania with our exclusive Tour of Saranda, Butrint, and Gjirokastra. This carefully crafted tour package is designed to offer a unique travel experience that combines the stunning views of the Albanian Riviera, the magnificence of the Butrint Archaeological Park, and the epic history of Gjirokastra's UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll be greeted with breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and the Albanian Riviera. With its crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, the Albanian Riviera is known for its stunning natural beauty that will leave you in awe.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Departing Tirana at the dawn of 8 o'clock, we shall journey towards Gjirokastra, a place 230 kilometers away, renowned for its remarkable preservation of the Ottoman architecture and its prominent agricultural land. We will traverse through the depths of Southern Albania, admiring the green fields that the countryside has to offer. Along our path, we shall be accompanied by the Vjosa River, one of the few untamed rivers of Albania and the surrounding Balkan region. Time includes transportation.
Once we arrive in the city, you will soon recognize that this metropolis is unlike any other. At the heart of the city lies the main square, proudly named after the renowned Albanian Patriot of the 19th century, Cerciz Topulli. Here, the cobblestone streets culminate in a splendid spectacle, their journey from the castle's lofty heights finally at an end. Dating back to the 17th Century, the Ottoman era saw the flourishing of a bustling epicenter that sent its vitality reverberating throughout the city. A hub of economic activity, this was the place where news, gossip and rumors were propagated with remarkable swiftness. All manner of transactions were conducted here, as well as leisurely gatherings over coffee. Countless unions were arranged here, providing the perfect milieu for families to come together prior to the wedding rites. This day, the city proudly displays its history to all who visit, with a splendid array of souvenirs and stories shared by the affable inhabitants.
Majestically, we tread through the bustling Bazaar to reach the grand Gjirokastra Fortress. Upon the hilltop's natural defenses, it was the first settlement of the city, deeply rooted in the captivating legend of Argjiro, the young princess who sacrificed herself. Thusly, it is commonly referred to as the Crown of the City. Renovated significantly in the 19th Century, it has been used as a fortress and prison by countless regimes and political parties of the past. Undeniably, the Fortress holds great historical significance, yet its stony visage still provides a stunning view of the city, placidly spread along the hills. Time includes transportation.
After visiting the heritage city of Gjirokastra we will drive for about an hour to arrive the biggest and most beautiful city of Albanian Riviera , Saranda. We have a short stop in by the sea and walk on the main promenade that offers wonderful view of the sea and the neighboring country of Greece, the island of Corfu. Time includes transportation.
As we make our way through the charming streets of Ksamil, we will soon arrive at the renowned Butrint Archaeological Park, a true gem of Albanian archeology. A visit to this impressive site will offer us a unique opportunity to gain insights into the social organization of ancient civilizations, which thrived over two millennia ago. From the early Albanian tribes to the Greek and Roman societies and the later establishment of an episcopal community, complete with a magnificent Christian Basilica and baptismal font, Butrint evokes a fascinating evolution of human civilization. Historically significant, the city was frequently mentioned in the works of the esteemed Roman philosopher Cicero, who himself was a resident with a villa near the city. Butrint's significance, however, extends beyond its rich history, as the surrounding area has remained relatively unaltered, enhancing the authenticity and value of our visit. Time includes transportation.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick Up Anywhere near Tirana , Durres or Golem . If any other location please let us know.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Travel time is included in the total duration of the tour
Reviews(38)
I hesitated to book a private tour but am so glad I did. First, everything went smoothly with logistics and communication, even before arrival in Tirana. Butrint was magnificent, with its Greek, Roman and Christian heritage, yet so peaceful in its natural setting with the unforgettable aroma of bay leaves. We could see Corfu on the drive from Saranda which, along with the landscape throughout the entire drive, was thrilling. Perhaps best was the amazing guide, Xhuljano, who was both informative and knowledgeable. He shared so many interesting details about geography, history and daily life. And I thoroughly enjoyed the lively and wide-ranging conversations with such a bright and thoughtful young man. Thanks Xhuljano and Local Friends!
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Ilir, our guide, was simply the best. He was very attentive to all our needs, very passionate about his work and history, and told stories about the places we visited. If you have the chance to book him, I would definitely swear by his service.
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We had a great trip. It is a long drive from Tirana but well worth it. Our driver and guide did an excellent job.
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This tour is MANDATORY if you love Albania. Gjokastra and Butrint are 2 UNESCO sites to visit absolutely. This tour is long, but allows you to visit 2 unmissable sites, passing by a beautiful scenic road, with unforgettable views. Saranda is by the sea and great for eating fish. The guide Xuliano very good, prepared, also spoke Italian and excellent driver of - many- kilometers. Highly recommended tour!
We had a great experience with our guide and driver Xhuliano. He is an artist by passion and he was able to provide so much history which was surprisingly not boring at all. He was really kind and helpful all through. Butrint national park is the main attraction in this trip and Saranda beach and Ksamil beach is just worth a small stop over. Our guide did it perfectly so that the time was well spent. We had to travel 3 to 4 hours onwards and again the same when return, but the topics we were talking about were so interesting that we did not feel the length of the journey time. I would highly recommend this for anyone who wants to cover the major attraction in the South.
Superb, very informative tour with Xhuljio to the South of Albania. I learned so much about the culture and the area. We had a very long wonderful day that truly flew by. Hugely recommend Local Friends Albania for fantastic communication and a wonderful, memorable tour.
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Our guide, Guilio, was great. As there are many hours of driving on this tour, it’s important the driver/guide is personable and he definitely was. He was excited to share Albanian culture and traditions and was knowledgeable about the sites. My only warning about this tour is that it is A LOT of time in the car for one day, a better way might be to go down one day and come back the next, or continue on down to Greece.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that you had an amazing experience with our tour. Our team works hard to ensure every trip is special and memorable, and your feedback truly makes it all worthwhile.
We had a memorable day trip. Our guide Skerdi was knowledgeable and gave us insight into the Albanian culture.Gjokaster and Butrint are must visit place .The seafood bin Sarande was really good.
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I had Xhulio drive me twice. An evening in Tirana and a whole day in various UNESCO sites up to the south of Albania. Xhulio was a well-trained guide, always punctual, very professional and sociable. He is also an excellent driver. Highly recommended 👍
My experience with Local Friends was amazing! Planning our vacation was very easy, and communication with Skerdi was fast and efficient. The trip was so organized with logistics and communication. Our whole experience made us feel like we didn’t miss out on a single thing! Highly recommended!
