Gjirokastra UNESCO city & Ardenica Monastery - From Tirana/Durres

Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

Explore southern Albania in one day! Visit the peaceful Ardenica Monastery and the UNESCO city of Gjirokastra, known for its stone houses, lively bazaar, and rich history

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Kindly note that this tour is not suitable for children under 4 years old

Not recommended for travelers with knee problems.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Pick up and drop-off from Durres or Golem (meeting points)

Air Conditioned transportation to the destination locations

Pick up and drop-off from Tirana

Road Taxes

English speaking tour guide

Snacks and drinks

Museum / Castle entrance

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Tirana

Your day begins with a scenic drive from Tirana, Durrës, or Golem toward southern Albania. The journey to Gjirokastra takes around four hours in total, offering beautiful countryside views along the way. During the drive, your tour guide will share interesting stories, local legends, and fun facts about Albania’s history and culture.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Ardenica Monastery

Our first stop will be at the Ardenica Monastery, a peaceful and spiritual place located on a hill surrounded by olive trees. You’ll have about 30 minutes to explore the site, admire the impressive frescoes, and enjoy the panoramic views over Myzeqe plain. The monastery dates back to the 13th century and is famous as the place where Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero, was married.

20 minutes • Admission Not Included

Options

Gjirokastra UNESCO old town & Ardenica top hill- From Tirana

Pickup included

Reviews

4.91

102 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

awesome trip to Gjirokastra and the monastery
albad778,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a wonderful place to visit and the guide was very nice and made sure that we learned all the history and the most remarkable insights It was very nice and i highly recommend it However, it is true that people there drive kind of crazy so just to be aware of taking care when you are on the road
Trip to Gjirocastra
annabO1338RD,
Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I highly recommend this trip. Gjirocastra is amazing city with such interesting history. Fantastic architecture, special food. Also the way through mountains and by river was so beautiful. Our guide Klajdi is very nice and helpful person. He is very knowledgeable about history of Albania. It was big pleasure to travel with him
Beautiful day
charlineo206,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a great day and our driver Klajdi was the best 😊 to explain us all the history of the places and of Albania through ages
What a wonderful day out, enjoyed by all
carolynwX7575GG,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Ervin is a professional, knowledgeable, tour guide. We are so lucky to have had him. He is very knowledgeable about Albania, we learnt so much.He is polite, respectful and thoughtful, you are very lucky to have him.
Great for self-exploration but terrible with communication
forsojourn,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
If you appreciate self exploration over more closely guided tours, then this is a decent option. I had just enough time to explore the fortress fully and eat lunch. The guide provided some history and storytelling on the bus ride, followed by free time on the ground. On my tour, the Blue Eye stop was removed due to the rain. On the way back from the substituted stop, there was a giveaway for a free tour, which I won. I contacted the company multiple times and completed their form, but they never responded so I ended up paying for my "free" tour. No big deal. But the night before the tour, they provided a pick up location that was a 25-30 minute walk from my Airbnb. I requested pick up at the closest hotel, which they were able to do for Gjirokaster, but no one responded. I missed the tour and lost money, which is so ironic since I was the giveaway winner! I hope this company improves their communication in the future. I loved Albania and will return, but I won't use this company going forward.
Excellent day trip to Gjirokaster
Carrie SoloTraveler,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent tour with Ervin! Highly recommend this trip to see Gjirokaster - good pace and good story telling. Itinerary breaks up the long trip and a smaller group was also great ❤️
Great Experience
451ahsanc,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
an amazing experience as it was a beautiful city and the journey itself is very refreshing. Very well guided and informative through out the day by Ervin!
A great day trip!
Elise D,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
A long drive from Tirana but very worthwhile. I'm so pleased that I did this trip during my stay in Albania. Gjirokaster town and castle were beautiful and very interesting to visit and the mountains of southern Albania were very impressive too. I also enjoyed the stops at Ardenica Monastery and the river in the mountains. Ervin was a great guide! I feel like I saw a lot on this trip. A fantastic day!
Great day trip from Tirana
N4049KZrahuls,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great day trip from tirana. Our guide Noel really made it memorable. Lots of local history and fun facts shared. Highly recommend place and the travel agency.
The town has an energy to it
Michael L,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
SmartTourAlbania is a great tour company, I’ve booked them for two tours now and they’ve been wonderful with pickup and transportation. I really enjoyed that the bus was big and had AC (which is great after much walking). I didn’t know what to expect, but the city and castle were an amazing experience. You could almost feel the spirit and energy of the Albanian people while you’re on the castle overlooking the city. The views were breathtaking and felt simply magical. The castle and city have a unique energy to it that you can feel. You won’t regret this if you come to Albania. Bledi our tour guide also kept us entertained throughout the whole 13 hour day. He always had a smile on his face and made sure we were attended to. I am very happy with the trip and the experience provided by the tour company, and it was extremely affordable compared to other tours!