Valentin Aréno
a day ago
Très beau et très belle expérience
Gjirokastër Tour & Cold War Tunnel Day Tour from Durres
4.8 out of 5 starsbased on 13 reviews
Begin your journey with a scenic drive south, passing fertile plains, river valleys, and dramatic mountain landscapes. Along the way, learn about Albania’s complex past from ancient Illyrian roots and Ottoman rule to decades of communist isolation and today’s cultural revival.
Experience
Highlights
- Step back in time as you explore the Old Bazaar and its stone buildings
- Discover the Cold War Tunnel and learn about Albania’s recent history
- Savor a traditional lunch at a family-run restaurant in Gjirokastër
- Visit Gjirokastër Castle and enjoy panoramic views of the Drino Valley
- Taste homemade wine, raki, and local products at a family winery
Full description
Begin your journey with a scenic drive south, passing fertile plains, river valleys, and dramatic mountain landscapes. Along the way, learn about Albania’s complex past from ancient Illyrian roots and Ottoman rule to decades of communist isolation and today’s cultural revival.
Upon arrival in Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, start with a guided walk through the Old Bazaar. Here, centuries-old stone buildings, traditional craft shops, and local cafés create a living museum atmosphere. Learn how merchant families lived and traded in the Ottoman era and why Gjirokastër is known as “The City of Stone.”
Next, descend underground into the Cold War Tunnel, a secret bunker built during the communist dictatorship. Explore hidden rooms, corridors, and command spaces while hearing powerful stories about life under one of Europe’s most isolated regimes. This visit offers a rare and emotional insight into Albania’s recent history.
Afterwards, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local family-run restaurant, tasting regional specialties made from fresh, seasonal ingredients recipes passed down through generations.
In the afternoon, continue to the imposing Gjirokastër Castle, one of the largest fortresses in the Balkans. From its panoramic walls, admire sweeping views of the Drino Valley before exploring the Arms Museum, which displays weaponry from medieval times through World War II and the communist period. The castle’s former prison areas reveal another powerful layer of Albania’s past.
Conclude your day with a visit to a local family winery and farm in the Gjirokastër countryside. Be welcomed into a traditional rural home, where you taste homemade wine directly from wooden barrels, along with raki, local cheeses, olives, olive oil, and seasonal farm products. This intimate experience offers genuine interaction with local hosts and insight into traditional Albanian winemaking and agricultural life.
End your tour with a relaxing evening drive back to Durrës, leaving you with a deep understanding of Albania’s history, culture, and hospitality far beyond a typical sightseeing trip.
Includes
Hotel pick-up & drop-off
Scenic drive from Durrës to Gjirokastër
Guided walk through the Old Bazaar
Visit to the Cold War Tunnel
Customer reviews
4.8/5
out of 5 stars
Jessica Gomes
a day ago
This was a great experience! The tour guides were so friendly and knowledgeable! Plus great music
Pearl George
a day ago
Had an incredible boat day in vlora! The team was so friendly and took us to a bunch of hidden spots I wouldn’t have found alone. Pickup and drop-off included made it totally stress-free. One of the best days of my trip. Book it.
Robyn Cooke
a day ago
Mario was an amazing guide, we had a wonderful day out and would definitely recommend!
Ilham
a day ago
WORTH EVERY PENNY!! VERY EDUCATIONAL AND ADVENTUROUS. HIGHLY RECOMMEND 💯MARIO WAS GREAT TOUR GUIDE …
Martyna Sz
a day ago
Brak słów! Wycieczka zarezerwowana kilka dni wcześniej i w dniu, w którym ma się odbyć czekamy już na odbiór a tu wiadomość że wycieczka jest przełożona na kolejny dzień z powodu braku odpowiedniej ilości osób ! Nawet nie wystali żadnej wiadomości dzień wcześniej zeby można cos innego wyszukać ! Obsługa klienta to jakiś żart . Nie polecam
Marc Wiedemann
a day ago
Heute schöne Speedboat Tour bei Vlore zur Insel Karaburun mit Tropfsteinhöhle und tollen Meer. 🙂 …
Auriane Dufrene
2 days ago
Super activité avec une très bonne ambiance !
booczysco
2 days ago
Mario is the best! Super funny guy🤪 The trip was awesome and i want to go back with my girls💃 …
Joshua Tsidekenu
3 days ago
Had the most fun day started in the morning, happy to see the cave, Mario is a good guide
Véronique Hermans
3 days ago
Super journée avec Mario Endroit magnifique grotte super impressionnante
Akinkugbe Oluwaseun
3 days ago
Going on the boat cruise is so lovely, the guys are so welcoming and accommodating. They are helpful as well, they tell stories about places in the boat. I highly recommend this activities for anyone is Albanian, Duress. So much fun today ❤️❤️❤️. Thanks Mario
Jezabel Birtig
3 days ago
Super experience! Merci Mario tu es excellent
sarah98
3 days ago
Very good trip! The hosts are were amazing and kept us entertained
Daniella O'Nions
3 days ago
It was really funnnnn, Mario is super cool
ShaPapaya
3 days ago
This was a really tour!!! Had a great time with Mario. He was a great guide! It’s very value for money. I would definitely recommend it.
Kehinde Olusegun
3 days ago
I really enjoyed the tour the guys were amazing and very helpful. I really recommend this guys.
Leni Nowakowski
3 days ago
This was the best experience of my life. Mario is the best and it was just so much fun. I cannot recommend it enough!
Karen Nowakowski
3 days ago
Mario was an incredible guide, fun, funny and informative I would highly recommend Mario and this tour to anyone visiting Albania
Charles English
3 days ago
The boat ride was terrific and our guide Mario was phenomenal.
Collin Peck
3 days ago
Marco was great with our tour and was friendly to all
Дмитрий
3 days ago
Franko is really a good specialist in history of the city. Recommend him!
Thelma Tracol
4 days ago
mario est un super guide, magnifique excursion
Karl Tracol
4 days ago
très bon moment, guide très sympa je recommande
Steph H
6 days ago
Visite guidée de Krujë avec Mario 👍 Panoramas magnifiques, visite du château, du grand bazar et restaurant panoramique avec plats traditionnels. Guide très sympathique …
Book this tour
€120 / personFrom
€120 / person
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