Southern Albania Day Tour: History & Beaches

Discover the highlights of southern Albania in just one day, exploring the UNESCO-recognized historic town of Gjirokastër and the stunning turquoise beaches of Saranda and Ksamil. This Day Tour offers an ideal blend of history, breathtaking landscapes, and relaxing seaside moments.

Duration: 15 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Tirana - Begin your day with a convenient early morning pickup from your hotel in Tirana or from a designated meeting point in Durrës or Golem. Relax as your knowledgeable tour guide manages all the details, providing fascinating insights about Albania and the destinations you will explore.
  • Gjirokaster - Following a brief coffee and restroom…
What's Included
  • Pick up and drop-off from Durres or Golem (meeting points)
  • Air Conditioned transportation to the destination locations
  • English speaking tour guide
  • Gjirokastra castle entrance fee
  • Pick up and drop-off from the hotel located in Tirana
What's Not Included
  • Snacks and drinks
  • Museum / Castle entrance
  • Boat trips and/or Kayaks rent
  • Sunbeds
Additional Information
  • Kindly note that this tour is not suitable for children under 4 years old
  • Not recommended for travelers with knee problems.
Location
Tirana
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(129 Ratings)
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225josephinef
Mar 10, 2026
The Girokaster tour - The Girokaster tour was really nice. Ervin our tour guide and driver was really nice and helpful explained everything well for us. He's got perfect English and we could communicate with him without problems. He really took great care of us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
678olivea
Mar 6, 2026
Fantastic day trip to Ksamil - Where do I start? It’s just been a wonderful day with Ervin our tour guide. He definitely had his hands full with a group of 10 women and all the time it took us to take pictures but he’s been so patient with us. Initially we thought 13 hours was a bit excessive but we were surprised when we came to our last stop at Ksamil because we wanted more. Ervin has a very good knowledge of the area which made it so much more interesting. We have had such a lovely day and lunch at Saranda was amazing which was Ervin’s recommendation. I will definitely recommend this tour. Just been incredible. Thanks Ervin for a wonderful day. You really made our day
Review provided by Tripadvisor
522ibukuna
Mar 6, 2026
Happy Holiday! - The experience was great and we had memorable moments!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Blessingritaa
Mar 6, 2026
Amazing experience - Amazing time with friends and our tour guide Ervin was wonderful with us. We enjoyed every moment, I will always recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annakopli
Feb 26, 2026
Absolute perfection - I liked swimming in Ksamil beach the most. All the road was magnificent and very scenic. The castle of Gjirokaster was very cool. Everything was perfect. Most of all, we are the most happy with our tour guide Ervin. He was very sweet, funny and interesting. He answered all of our questions and was very welcoming. We felt very good in his company. I highly recommend doing your tours with him!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cheriem766
Feb 7, 2026
Tour of Gjirokastra and Ksamil - This was a wonderful tour and Ervin was a fantastic guide. He was knowledgeable about Albanian history and culture and he was very kind and personable. We had a wonderful lunch in Saranda at the end of our tour. I highly recommend it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lucaax8815el
Feb 7, 2026
Very good experience! - Ervin has been very attentive during the excursion. The perfect balance between making a trip fun and safe. It is many hours by car but we have been lucky for the company:) Sama and Luca
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Reza_r
Feb 3, 2026
Rather longish drive... - Rather longish drive however it was beautiful and Bledi is one of the best guides ever. Very knowledgeable and a good sense of humour. He made us try the best Burek in Albania. The monastery enroute was peaceful and beautiful.
Review provided by Viator
Marianneives_s
Feb 1, 2026
Culture, Giggles, and a Bit of Rap. Unforgettable! - Our tour to Ardenica Monastery and the UNESCO city of Gjirokastra was excellent! We learned so much while laughing the entire time. Bledjan showed us Albania in a completely different light with his deep knowledge of the culture and history. To top it all off, he even shared his talent for rapping on our way back to Tirana! What a truly lovely and memorable day. My husband and I highly recommend this tour and Bledjan as your tour guide.
Review provided by Viator
Mikiko
Jan 25, 2026
Absolutely loved this tour! - Out of all the tours I took from Tirana, this was by far my favorite. Gjirokaster is the perfect size, and the sloping streets and bazar give it such a charming and nostalgic atmosphere. The first stop at Ardenica Monastery was also unexpectedly moving. It was so beautiful and peaceful. Our guide, Ervin, was incredibly kind and attentive to everyone in the group. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $37
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).