Private Tour
Private Day Tour of Saranda Gjirokaster and Butrint from Tirana
Overview
Available languages
13 hours
Mobile ticket
Embark on a journey to discover the beauty of Southern Albania with our exclusive Tour of Saranda, Butrint, and Gjirokastra. This carefully crafted tour package is designed to offer a unique travel experience that combines the stunning views of the Albanian Riviera, the magnificence of the Butrint Archaeological Park, and the epic history of Gjirokastra's UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You'll be greeted with breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and the Albanian Riviera. With its crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, the Albanian Riviera is known for its stunning natural beauty that will leave you in awe.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travel time is included in the total duration of the tour
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Gjirokaster
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. Time includes transportation.
Gjirokastra Bazaar
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.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch
Coffee and/or Tea
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Private Day Tour of Saranda Gjirokaster and Butrint from Tirana
Pickup included
Reviews
38 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Breathtaking and well worth it!
Guide444378,,Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I hesitated to book a private tour but am so glad I did. First, everything went smoothly with logistics and communication, even before arrival in Tirana. Butrint was magnificent, with its Greek, Roman and Christian heritage, yet so peaceful in its natural setting with the unforgettable aroma of bay leaves. We could see Corfu on the drive from Saranda which, along with the landscape throughout the entire drive, was thrilling. Perhaps best was the amazing guide, Xhuljano, who was both informative and knowledgeable. He shared so many interesting details about geography, history and daily life. And I thoroughly enjoyed the lively and wide-ranging conversations with such a bright and thoughtful young man. Thanks Xhuljano and Local Friends!
Amazing day out of Tirana
Carlo D,,May 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Ilir, our guide, was simply the best. He was very attentive to all our needs, very passionate about his work and history, and told stories about the places we visited. If you have the chance to book him, I would definitely swear by his service.
Highly recommend
Tourist24267588577,,Apr 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great trip. It is a long drive from Tirana but well worth it. Our driver and guide did an excellent job.
TOP SOUTH ALBANIA!
iacopog482,,Mar 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour is MANDATORY if you love Albania. Gjokastra and Butrint are 2 UNESCO sites to visit absolutely. This tour is long, but allows you to visit 2 unmissable sites, passing by a beautiful scenic road, with unforgettable views. Saranda is by the sea and great for eating fish. The guide Xuliano very good, prepared, also spoke Italian and excellent driver of - many- kilometers. Highly recommended tour!
Must visit in the South
SatishN206,,Feb 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great experience with our guide and driver Xhuliano. He is an artist by passion and he was able to provide so much history which was surprisingly not boring at all. He was really kind and helpful all through. Butrint national park is the main attraction in this trip and Saranda beach and Ksamil beach is just worth a small stop over. Our guide did it perfectly so that the time was well spent. We had to travel 3 to 4 hours onwards and again the same when return, but the topics we were talking about were so interesting that we did not feel the length of the journey time. I would highly recommend this for anyone who wants to cover the major attraction in the South.
A wonderful glimpse into Southern Albania
MakingMemories0,,Jul 31, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Superb, very informative tour with Xhuljio to the South of Albania. I learned so much about the culture and the area. We had a very long wonderful day that truly flew by. Hugely recommend Local Friends Albania for fantastic communication and a wonderful, memorable tour.
Great tour
Michel K,,May 26, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide, Guilio, was great. As there are many hours of driving on this tour, it’s important the driver/guide is personable and he definitely was. He was excited to share Albanian culture and traditions and was knowledgeable about the sites. My only warning about this tour is that it is A LOT of time in the car for one day, a better way might be to go down one day and come back the next, or continue on down to Greece.
We had a memorable day...
Sritama B,,Feb 28, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a memorable day trip. Our guide Skerdi was knowledgeable and gave us insight into the Albanian culture.Gjokaster and Butrint are must visit place .The seafood bin Sarande was really good.
Efficiency, safety and professionalism
Dulce V,,Jan 4, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had Xhulio drive me twice. An evening in Tirana and a whole day in various UNESCO sites up to the south of Albania. Xhulio was a well-trained guide, always punctual, very professional and sociable. He is also an excellent driver. Highly recommended 👍
Amazing experience!
895anabelam,,Dec 5, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My experience with Local Friends was amazing! Planning our vacation was very easy, and communication with Skerdi was fast and efficient. The trip was so organized with logistics and communication. Our whole experience made us feel like we didn’t miss out on a single thing! Highly recommended!
Related Experiences
Operated by Local Friends Albania