Drino Valley Excursions: Gjirokaster's Natural Wonders

The fascinating old centre of Gjirokaster is on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Largely medieval, with some lovely architecture to admire, reflecting the town’s wealthy past, it is built on a hill overlooking a valley and mountains. This interesting museum will give a good impression of the way of living in Albania during the Ottoman period. On our way back to Saranda, we will pass from the national park Syri I Kalter. In this peaceful forest, we will walk (15 min) to the crystal clear spring called Blue Eye, where 900 m3 water per minute is coming from deep down the earth. If time permits, there will be a short coffee break at the restaurant next to the fast streaming river in the park, before heading back to the port of Saranda.

You will find the landscape very interesting, changing and a bit challenging. It mixes small hills with wide valleys, waters, rare vegetation, livestock atmosphere and the charm of the rural life. Cold war bunkers can be seen along the way. Cini's lake will be an attractive stop for pictures and for the storytelling about this area. You should book this tour to meet a special horse. The horses used on this ride (Albanian horses) are a local breed, a mix of Tarpan and Arab horses. They are small but perfectly suited to the rocky terrain, being surefooted and accustomed to trekking long mountainous routes, allowing riders to feel confident, relaxed and free to enjoy the stunning views. Our horses are easy to ride and are used to riders from all over the world, in long and shorter trails. You can book this tour for the adventure, the rhythm and adrenaline, so intermediate riding level is required. Our professional guides are aiming to keep the harmony among humans, horses and nature.

THIS IS THE ONLY LITERATURE TOUR IN ALBANIA. It will be lead by experts in the field of literature or by well-known critics. It introduces untold and unwritten stories seen by a local prospective. This tour impresses participants with Ismail Kadare's childhood, memories and influences. He wrote those books because he lived in such an interactive and controversial environment. All the stops of this walk can attach his readers with the starting point of his early writings. We offer unique local characters and their unknown lives for the visitors, characters that inspired Kadare to describe "secrets" from his angle of the world. This is a tour not only about literature but also about history, architectures, war, co-living, facts and thoughts. The way this tour engages your mind introducing quotes from Kadare's books is deep and thrilling. You understand that Kadare's books aren't just ordinary literature.

We shall drive over the mountains to the scenic Drinos valley to see Gjirokastra, the austere stone city perched on the Wide Mountain. One of the most famous mediaeval towns of the region the city dates back to the 3rd century BC. We shall visit the mighty fortress, the old Bazaar and the 300 years old Skenduli house as one of the best representatives of the original architecture of Gjirokastra. We shall visit Benja thermal baths..A stone bridge arcs over a winding stretch of brilliantly blue-green water. Built-in the Middle Ages, it has been letting people cross the sulfur-rich river since the days of the Ottoman Empire. Warm water rushes beneath it, providing a relaxing treat for those who visit. Near the bridge, you’ll find the the Benja Thermal Baths, born from the geothermal waters near Përmet, Albania. The heated water flows down the river unless it gets diverted into one of the several human-made pools. They’re a splendid spot for a hot soak on a crisp, cool day.

Bukowski Tours provides personalized transportation experiences with a focus on cultural immersion. They offer small-group experiences, allowing travelers to interact with knowledgeable guides and fellow adventurers. Their commitment to sustainability ensures a transformative journey filled with memorable experiences. One such tour is the Natural Park of Zagoria, a picturesque region in southern Albania. The park offers breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and traditional cultural experiences. Visitors can explore Zagoria Valley, the charming village of Sheper, the historic village of Nivan, and the Selckë Waterfall. The park is home to numerous endemic species, traditional Ottoman-era stone bridges, and historic religious sites. The tour offers a unique and enriching experience for nature lovers, hikers, and cultural enthusiasts.

Starting from your accommodation we head to Drino’s valley in our 4×4 vehicles to enjoy our off the beaten path adventure among wild vegetation, breathtaking views, and remote villages in pure off road. We reach our lunch place, a traditional family restaurant among mountains. Later we proceed to our destination, through tangerine and orange plantations, towards the ancient ruins of Butrint, UNESCO World Heritage. After you visit the ancient ruins you have enough time to enjoy the sea breeze and a very unique natural habitat of rare plants, insects, animals and birds of the lagoon. We leave Butrint to drive south until we reach The Blue Eye a famous water spring of crystal clear water and unexplored depths. Take your time to refresh and take some more photos and collect memories that will remain with you forever. We drive back to Gjirokastra with the setting sun accompanying us till we reach our destination and bring you safe home.