Tirana to Gjirokastra

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.

Gjirokastra Bazaar, Old town

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.

Gjirokastra Castle

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.

Blue Eye

One must traverse the verdant parkland to behold the grandeur of the “Blue Eye” spring – an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon and popular tourist attraction. The river’s crystalline depths can be viewed from more than fifty metres below, and the refreshingly clear blue waters are a sight to behold. The journey to the springs is well worth the fifteen-minute walk through nature’s finest.

Accommodation

Kelcyre

On our way to Permet we head from Gjirokastra and could not include a stop on the amazing canyons of Kelcyra created by the Vjosa river “The last wild River Of Europe”.
We can stop to enjoy a coffee break to enjoy the beautiful view of the rubin coloured water of the river and the carved Canyon created from the erosion of thousands of years.

Permet

We arrive in Permet , also known as the city of roses, famous for it beautiful gardens full of flowers and the amazing nature that surrounds it. A visit at the mystic “Rock of Permet” a giant piece of stone that is believed to have fallen from the mountain nearby to occupy the centre of the city offering a panoramic view from the top.

Thermal Waters of Benje 

Located almost half an hour from the city of Permet , the natural thermal baths rich in sulphur are a major tourist attraction and is believed to be highly curative. Despite the temperature you can always have a swim inside the hot water just dont forget to bring your swimsuit.

On the way back to Tirana we will visit the city of Durres located on the coastline of the Adriatic, a city that is as modern as ancient on the same time. We can enjoy some moment on the beautiful promenade and visit the Ancient Durresi Amphitheatre nearby.