Best Tours & Activities in Gjirokaster

Rafting the Last Wild River of Europe The First Rafting Team in the Vjosa Valley – Est. 2012 Brand-New Rafting Center with Scenic Mountain & River Views All Gear is New and EU-Certified (Aqua Design Equipment) Experienced Local Guides Who Know Every Bend of the River Authentic, Non-Touristy Experience – No Mass Groups Free Pickup and drop off from any Hotel in Përmet City Includes Free Photos, Bottled Water & Seasonal Local Fruit Just 15 Minutes from Benja Thermal Baths & Lengarica Canyon

Embark on an unforgettable journey with expert guides, breathtaking scenery, and thrilling adventures. Enjoy unique insights, safe and exciting activities, and create lasting memories that stand out from the rest!

Our tour offers a unique blend of adventure and natural beauty that sets it apart from others. Here’s what makes our tour special: Exclusive 4x4 Off-Road Experience: We provide top-notch 4x4 vehicles that are perfect for tackling the rugged terrain around the Vjora River. This ensures a safe and thrilling adventure for all participants. Scenic Vjora River Route: Our tour includes a picturesque route along the Vjora River, known for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. You'll have plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural surroundings. Expert Guides: Our guides are highly knowledgeable about the area and its history, adding depth to your journey with insights and stories that enhance the experience. Customer Satisfaction: We prioritize your satisfaction and safety throughout the tour, ensuring that every aspect of your adventure is well-planned and enjoyable.

Rafting on the Vjosë River in Përmet offers a unique experience, combining adventure with breathtaking natural scenery. Our professional, trained guides ensure a safe and unforgettable adventure, navigating through the river’s currents. Besides the thrills of rafting, you’ll also get to explore charming villages and immerse yourself in the rich local culture and traditions. We offer customized packages for groups, families, or individuals, also providing opportunities to relax and unwind in our cozy, welcoming accommodations. This activity is perfect for those seeking adventure as well as those wanting a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

We will explore the unknown part of Gjirokaster, the magic of the town that every tourist skips. We start from “Cerciz Topulli Square” and head towards The “Old Bazaar”. It is the first neighborhood outside the castle and lies along beneath the its walls. The characteristic cobblestone the orthodox church and some of the oldest houses are the most beautiful elements. After passing the stream of Nanxa (where they are building a new street), we reach the neighborhood of “Cfaka”. Here we will pass by some first monument category houses, a rebuild mosque and then reach the last neighborhood “Dunavat” where we will find a tekke of the Bektashi Order. It is a beautiful combination of Nature and old houses before arriving to “Ali Pasha Bridge”, a remaining of the aqueduct build more than 200 years ago to bring water to the castle. It takes approximately 3 hrs and you should be prepared to walk on a not so comfortable terrain. So put on your sneakers and join us to this back in time trip.

Float freely down the crystal-clear waters of the Vjosa River with our self-guided tubing rental in the heart of Vjosa River National Park, Përmet! This relaxing adventure is perfect for families, friends, or solo travelers looking to cool off and enjoy nature at their own pace. You'll get a high-quality river tube, life vest, and dry bag, plus a safety briefing and route guidance. Drift through stunning mountain scenery, stop to swim or sunbathe, and let the river do the work. Optional shuttle service available. Fun, safe, and unforgettable – book your tubing experience today and create your own wild river memory!

Gjirokaster walking tour is the best way to explore the town with local certified guides During the tour we will show you the amazing stone city of Gjirokaster focusing on it's history, culture, architecture, traditions, and local histories. We will see the most interesting parts of the city like the Bazzar area or areas where are located the most beautiful Gjirokaster style houses like Scenduli house or some of houses of local famous people like the house of the dictator Enver Hoxha or the house of Ismail Kadare the most famous Albanian writer. We will visit also the castle but we will not visit the castle inside as it has a price for tickets and we want to let people choose if visiting or no or when visiting and how much time they want to spent there. Anyway the tour ends near the castle entry so you can go inside right after the tour if you want. During our tour we will also pass by the best panoramic spots for amazing views and have possiblity to take beautiful panoramic pictures

Navigate the stunning waters of Vjosa National Park on a thrilling kayaking adventure from Përmet. This 2.5-hour experience allows you to paddle through Albania's pristine landscapes, surrounded by breathtaking nature. With a guide and support raft by your side, you’ll explore the river's unique ecosystems while utilizing top-notch safety gear and kayaks. Perfect for those with a moderate fitness level, this activity promises an engaging way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors.

We offer an exclusive experience to the visitors of our city that choose us to get their tour with and enjoy it the most and get in the mood of a medieval era.

This Albanian cooking class in Gjirokaster is perfect for food lovers, travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience, and anyone interested in learning to cook traditional Albanian recipes in a fun, hands-on environment. Join a hands-on Albanian cooking class on a terrace in historic Gjirokaster. Learn to prepare three traditional dishes using simple, beginner-friendly recipes. Cook local favorites like Gjirokaster rice balls, cornbread, and halva. Enjoy a warm, communal atmosphere and interactive atmosphere. Sit down together for a shared meal and taste the dishes you’ve created, served with a glass of raki or wine.

Explore the enchanting town of Permet, known for its stunning nature and rich culture, on this unforgettable day trip from Tirana or Durres. Your adventure starts with a convenient pick-up and a scenic drive, showcasing the beauty of the Vjosa River and its national park. Delve into local traditions as you wander the charming town center, then unwind in the therapeutic waters of the Benja Natural Hot Baths. Marvel at the breathtaking Permet Canyon and its picturesque landscapes, including the Grunas and Langarica canyons. With a knowledgeable guide sharing insights about the area's history and ecology, this tour promises a memorable journey through Albania's hidden gems. - Convenient pick-up from Tirana or Durres for easy access - Relax in the mineral-rich waters of Benja Natural Hot Baths - Explore the stunning Permet Canyon and its natural beauty - Insightful commentary from a knowledgeable guide throughout the day

We offer rafting in the VJOSA river, which from March 13, 2023 is a national park, the last remaining wild river in Europe. Rafting is a group adventure sport. A normal tour has a length of 8.7 km with a duration of about 3 hours depending on the water level in the river. Together we will learn the rules of navigation, enjoy the waves of the Vjosa river, swim in the fresh water and jump from the cliffs. We hope that it will be a great experience for you as it has been for many others before.

This electric bike tour alongside the majestic Vjosa River grants cyclists a panoramic view of the river's splendor as it meanders gracefully toward the Kaluth Village Bridge, Cycling enthusiasts will relish this stretch, immersed in the serene ambiance alongside the flowing waters of the Vjosa. Permet boasts a mountain biking route renowned for its breathtaking scenery and distinctive segments, offering a captivating cycling adventure. This remarkable journey with electric Bike comprises three distinct sections, each showcasing the region's natural beauty and historical charm.

Learn the secrets behind your favorite dishes of Gjirokaster with this 2-hour cooking class in Gjirokastra. Led by your local guide, step inside a traditional tavern, sip on a glass of raki or homemade wine and try your hand at some traditional food, using fresh, local ingredients. Then sit down to savor the fruits of your labor with your fellow chef.

Funky Guest House and Adventures believes that traveling is the best investment and to make your holiday enjoyable and unforgettable, they organize various 4x4 Safari trips around national park in the region of Përmet. This is the most adventures and fun way to visit the natural beauties, the cultural monuments, the characteristic villages, and meet amazing people. The region of Përmet is blessed because of the landscape, historical and cultural heritage - as is surrounded by high mountains, blue rivers, green hills, amazing national parks, beautiful canyons, hot thermal baths, characteristic villages, old churches, wonderful stone bridges, friendly people, and delicious organic food. We also will visit the Kamincka & Lengarica canyon and thermal waters - one of the most visited attractions in the south of Albania. After the trip, you can enjoy the thermal baths, relax in the pools and explore the canyon. An experience that you will take with you...

Funky Guest House and Adventures believes that traveling is the best investment and to make your holiday enjoyable and unforgettable, we organize various horse riding trips in the Vjosa national park and valley. This is the most perfect, ecological way to visit the natural beauties, the cultural monuments, the characteristic villages and experience the local tradition. The region of Përmet is blessed because of the landscape, historical and cultural heritage - as is surrounded by high mountains, blue rivers, green hills, amazing national parks, beautiful canyons, hot thermal baths, characteristic stone villages, old churches, wonderful stone bridges, friendly people and delicious organic food. Funky Guest House and Adventures is not just a destination but an experience that you will take with you. We welcome you this holiday season and we promise you will fall in love with this amazing experience, our town and Albania too! What are you waiting for

Vjosa Wild River... First Europe's National Park, is a must do, at least once in life, happiness rafting experience! Offers a unique combination between exciting rapids and majestic mountains views! Our team mission is to transmit the local life experience, gifting a memorable day in one of the last wild rivers remained in Europe, the best adventure and fun! A special tour accompanied by fidelity, professionalism, security and details that you will never forget! With much love and dedication, you will have all the needed suggestions to help you hear all the Vjosa's "voices": her warm hugs, lovely waves, "angry thrusts", finesse and tranquility she transmits, her joyful rapids & much more, that you would want to come back again and again...

Rafting in the crystal clean waters of the Vjosa River will give you an unforgettable and very unique experience at the last wild river in Europe. Enjoying the landscape of the national park from the boat, swimming and jumping from the rocks for an amazing experience.

We meet at Cerciz Topulli square, where you join with your host and walk over to one of the oldest neighbourhoods, “Pazar i Vjeter” to meet Marjeta and her husband. We begin the class with a glass of raki or a soft drink while chatting with your group mates. The food we are going to prepare is a vegetarian menu, and under the guidance of Marjeta we will learn three dishes. The first one is called “Qofte bobollaqe” consisting mainly on yogurt, the traditional “Qifqis” found only in Gjirokaster and consisting mainly on rice and the desert called “Hasude”. All these three are accompanied by the salad of the season Marjeta has already prepared for you. After all the hard work, sit down with your group to savor each of your dishes. Pair your menu with a complimentary glass of wine, raki, or a soft drink and have a nice chat while you eat. Your cooking class will conclude after the meal. Cheers and Bon appetite!

Albania Rafting offer the best albanian trip on the Vjosa River, one of Europe’s last free-flowing rivers, is a class II rafting with some rapids of class III . Prepare for waves up to four feet and narrow passages that send the boat shimmying and water gushing over the sides. Vjosa river’s entire 270km course is wild and untamed and adorned with beautiful canyons, braided river sections, islands and oxbows. Meeting point in our Vjosa Albania Rafting Base After the wearings of all the rafting equipments our minivan will pick you up and bring in the starting point onli 35 min from our base. Length of rafting trip Transportation from Rafting Base to starting point 35 min Preparation, instructions and downriver 2,5 - 3 hours Optional tour Kayaking in Vjosa

In this trip we will explore the unknown part of Gjirokaster, the magic of the town that every tourist skips. We start from the center of the old town the “Cerciz Topulli Square” and head towards The “Old Bazaar” which is not a Bazaar anymore. This is the first neighborhood outside the walls of the castle and lies along beneath the Castle walls. The characteristic cobblestone and some of the oldest houses are the most beautiful elements of this neighborhood. After passing the “Zerzebili” bridge, we reach another ancient neighborhood in town called “Cfaka”. Here we will pass some old houses which are first monument category and also a tekke which belongs to the Bektashi Order. It is a beautiful combination of Nature, many sheep on top of hills, and old houses to arrive in our last destination, the “Ali Pasha Bridge”.

It is one of the best ways to get into touch with the culinary of this town, important part of the intangible heritage of this town. It is a hands on experience and Teta Marjeta and the guide will make this an unforgettable experience for you?

Design and create your own piece of art in wood and take it home as a souvenir or a gift for your loved ones!

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.

In this tour, you will discover the magic of the city by visiting the medieval Bazaar, the highlight of the city Argjiro Castle, and one of the best-preserved houses, the Zekate House. Starting at Cerciz Topulli Square with our local guide, we continue toward the Old Bazaar, stopping at the Neck of Bazaar, where we meet artisans working with old methods, and head toward the Castle. The 2.5-hectare castle, full of history, tragedy, and legends, will be explained by the guide. You’ll be 330 meters above sea level, enjoying breathtaking views of Gjirokastra, the typical tower houses covered with grey stone, usually two or three floors. The last stop is the Zekate House, a gift by Ali Pasha Tepelena to his accountant, Beqir Zeko. This tour aims to let you experience the unique, magical, and friendly atmosphere of Gjirokastra, not just visit popular attractions. Entrance: 400 ALL/Castle 300 ALL/Zekate.

You can not speak about Gjirokastra without enjoying its traditional typical food. It will be a unique experience making your mouth water and bringing back your appetite. Their tastes are similar to the preparation of centuries-old recipes which you will find and prepare instantly while you are in Gjirokastra, in addition you will taste a meal that you have just learnt to prepare.

Unearth Gjirokastër, Albania's stone city nestled in the rugged south. A UNESCO gem, it echoes with history, cultural treasures, and a majestic castle. Walk cobbled streets with stories, visit the castle, old bazaar, Skenduli house, and ethnographic museum. Taste authentic local cuisine in this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site.

During the tour you will have an one of a kind time travelling experience. It will be focused on the less visible sides to visitors. True stories, facts and confenssions will take you to the most dark times of the Albanian history. It will be possible to explain the main concepts that were created and that were strongly injected into the population, such as “The concept of the young man” and whatever this means in the concept of Albanian society, the dictatorship of the proletariat, the ideology of school and art, the way of life of people in the city and in the village. We will have an explanation of how these concepts were applied by the regime of the time in Albania. All these will be taken from photos preserved as facts and taken from the archives of Gjirokastra families.

Enjoy a great experience in the last wild River in Europe, VJOSA River! We depart early in the morning around 8:00 AM from Gjirokastra in a one hour and a half trip through a scenic road to Permet where our Rafting adventure will take part. After reaching the starting point and having a cup of coffee or a beverage we start the Adventure at 10:00 AM. Around 2 hours rafting in the waters of Vjosa we reach the city of Permet. Then we head towards the hot springs of Benje, but before reaching there we stop for lunch at a family place where we suggest you the fish of the local river (lunch at your own expense). After the delicious lunch we spend around two hours in the hot springs a nature monument in Albania (where except the thermal pools you have the option to take a short walk inside the Langarica canyon) and hit the road again towards Gjirokastra. This magnificent day ends around 5:00 PM in CercizTopulli square right where it began! (Hotel pickup is available)

This is not just another rafting tour — it’s a river journey guided by experience. Guided by Rico – Not Just a Guide, a River Insider With years of hands-on experience on the Vjosa and countless 5-star reviews, Rico knows this river in all seasons and moods. Expect expert navigation, real-time coaching, and stories only a local guide can share. Adventure with Personality From playful rapids to calm, glassy stretches, this route balances excitement and relaxation. You won’t just float downstream — you’ll understand the river, how to read it, and how to enjoy it safely. Moments Worth Remembering Hidden swimming spots, dramatic canyon views, and perfect photo stops are built into the experience — not rushed, not scripted. A Connection Beyond the Paddle This journey is also about slowing down and tuning in — fresh mountain air, untouched nature, and a deep respect for Europe’s last wild river.

Passionate traveler and local guide with years of experience sharing hidden gems and authentic cultural experiences. I love helping visitors discover the stories, flavors, and traditions that make this destination special.

Lazarat is the first neighbor of the ancient city of Gjirokastra and, on the other hand, bordered by the village belt of the Dropull area. The village lies on the slopes of Mali i Gjerë and at the southern end of the province of Labëria, on the right side of the road Gjirokastër - Kakavija, Lazarat has an ancient history, starting from the Illyrian period. According to a legend, there were two brothers; Clay and Color. Argjiri, with his sons, built the castle of Gjirokastra, while Kollori built a smaller castle in the territory of today's Lazarat, where its ruins are still located. In the century. XVI the village resisted the pressure for Islamization and, consequently, a part of the population had moved to Greece, where even today there is a village called Lazarat, whose inhabitants until recently spoke the Albanian language. The Lazarats supported Ali Pasha Tepelena with weapons and fought for the protection of Ioannina from the Ottoman army.

This rafting experience takes place on calm, scenic sections of the Vjosa River inside Vjosa National Park, making it ideal for families and first-time rafters. Unlike faster-paced rafting tours, this activity focuses on enjoying nature, comfort, and time together on the river. Small group sizes allow for a relaxed atmosphere and personal attention, while professional equipment and a clear safety briefing help travelers feel confident throughout the experience. Photos taken during the activity are included, allowing families to take home lasting memories from one of Europe’s last free-flowing rivers.

What sets this tasting apart is the fact that we’ve carefully handpicked seven raki flavors out of 58 distinct varieties produced across Albania, ensuring you taste only the very best. Hosted in a warm, stylish venue that blends traditional charm with a modern edge, you’ll sip everything from smooth, aged raki to bold, caramelized blends, each expertly paired with delicious, organic meze like flaky homemade byrek, tangy local cheeses, and perfectly pickled veggies. Throughout the evening, our friendly local companion will be by your side, sharing captivating stories about raki’s roots, offering insider travel tips, and answering any questions you may have about Albania. It’s more than just a tasting, it’s a relaxed, immersive look into a vibrant culture, where every sip invites you deeper into the spirit of Albanian hospitality

In this experience you have the opportunity to dress up in the traditional costumes of the southern region and have one hour to walk up around the bazaar and shoot your best memories. Have a small chat with Elida Zhulati, our Artisan of the traditional costumes and learn a bit more about our intangible heritage. Then dress up in those costumes and get the attention of every visitor in the town while walking on them in the bazaar. You can also order yours and we ship it to your home after we sew it for you.

Experience the authentic taste of Gjirokastra through hands-on cooking of traditional Albanian dishes. Learn centuries old recipes, cook alongside a local chef, and savor flavors you can’t find anywhere else, from handmade pasta to rice balls. Every bite is a true taste of Albanian heritage.

Kayaking on the Vjosa River For Adventure Travelers with Kayak Experience Explore the power and beauty of the Vjosa River, Europe’s last wild river, with a guided kayaking adventure designed for travelers who already have some paddling skills. Enjoy fast-moving sections, technical lines, and crystal-clear water surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes. Our professional guides lead small groups, providing safety, high-quality gear, and a dynamic route perfect for intermediate kayakers seeking a real outdoor challenge in Albania. If you’re an adventure traveler looking for a unique and wild river experience, kayaking on the Vjosa is one of the best activities in southern Albania.

Join us for a day of discovery, connection, and appreciation for the beauty of rural Albania Get a taste of freshly made animal farm products, showcasing the flavors of the region. Savor homemade cheese, bread, and other delicacies, all lovingly prepared by our hosts. After the meal, take a leisurely stroll through the lush surroundings, collecting aromatic herbs such as oregano, thyme, and sage. Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the extraordinary with our Shepherd's Hut Experience. Book now and embark on a journey that will leave you with cherished memories for years to come.

An amazing experience that it is worth trying if you vissit the city of Permet. The best way to explore our nature and to have some unforgettable memories

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.

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.

This trip starts in Gjirokaster where we jump into one of our unique off-road vehicles and then head towards the ex communist villages, Valare, Shen Thodher and Erind. We will than climb to the field of Cajupi to make a stop at the spring of Brat and also at a luxurious shepherds hut where we can have a shepherds style breakfast. We will restart the trip now through the region of Zagoria and our next stop will be an abandoned magnificent bridge dating back in 1777. Another great place to rest cool down and then hop in the cars again towards the Holy Apostles church in Hoshteve with breathtaking paintings inside. A must visit! The lunch stop will be at Policani village where we will enjoy the bio products of the region. After lunch head towards the waterfall of Selcka, a miracle of nature, an unbelievable swimming pool, as our last stop for a day to remember. Choose us and spend a unforgettable day in the surroundings of Gjirokaster with a mix of nature history and characteristic food.

Paddle your own sit-on-top kayak while a raft with a guide stays alongside for safety and support. Beginner-friendly, scenic, and unique to Përmet. Photos included.

Be among the first to taste Përmet’s boutique wines in an intimate setting! Join our small group wine tasting for 12–15 guests, featuring 3–5 glasses of local wines paired with traditional bites like byrek and mini meatballs. Learn the stories behind our wines, vineyards, and traditional winemaking methods. Perfect for travelers seeking a real local experience in Përmet. Take home your favorite bottles and enjoy the authentic taste of Përmet anytime!

Therapeutic art is a unique technique for revitalizing the mind and soul through creativity and expression of emotions. We offer an ART opportunity to communicate and explore new, perhaps unfamiliar aspects, of your personality. Doodles is the embodiment of free art, inside the lines, but at the same time outside the frames. It is a method of meditation. Through repetition it stimulates concentration and hypnotizes you to another spiritual level by adding colors, to your emotions. Inspired by local motifs, you will decide with your coach the design to be drawn. This experience will be a long-term art and tea therapy option. It will teach you techniques that you might use in the future.

Antigonea , also transliterated as Antigonia and Antigoneia, was an ancient city in Chaonia, Epirus, and the chief inland city of the ancient Chaonians. It was founded in the 3rd century BC by Pyrrhus of Epirus, who named it after one of his wives, Antigone, daughter of Berenice I and step-daughter of Ptolemy I of Egypt.

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.