Gjirokastër Old Town Tour: Castles, Cobblestones & Culinary Delights

About this experience

Walk through centuries of history in the Stone City of Gjirokastër, where Ottoman architecture, cobblestone streets, and mountain landscapes come together in one magical place.

The tour starts in the heart of the old town, with a visit to the Gjirokastër Castle — the second largest fortress in the Balkans, offering spectacular views and a Cold War-era bunker. Inside, you’ll explore the Weapons Museum, prison cells, and royal halls.

We’ll continue through the traditional bazaar, where local artisans sell handmade carpets, woodwork, silver, and olive oil.

Our guide will then take you to Skenduli House, a beautifully preserved Ottoman home that gives insight into aristocratic life in 19th-century Albania.

The tour ends with a delicious lunch at a family-owned restaurant, where you’ll enjoy typical Gjirokastrian dishes like qifqi, pasha qofte, and oshaf.