Ancient Butrint and Gjirokaster Ottoman City

Saranda , Albania

Ancient Butrint and Gjirokaster Ottoman City

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(1 reviews)

6h - 7h

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This a tour that makes you travel in time, from ancient times ( in Butrint) to the Ottoman period in Albania, in Gjirokaster. A walk through history, legends, traditions and nature, starting with the Theater of Butrint, the Baptistery, the Grand Basilica and we continue to the old Bazaar in Gjirokaster.
A particular mix of culture, history, legends and nature that will take you back in time and understand how much you can discover and explore just in few places.

Available options

Ancient Butrint & Gjirokaster

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Butrint and Gjirokaster Castle

Air-conditioned vehicle

Audio device for groups up to 10 people

Guide Service

Detailed itinerary

Our certified guide will meet you at Saranda port (or at the hotel) and take you at the transport vehicle to start the tour. The drive from the Port to Butrint is 35-40 min ( depends on the traffic)
You will drive to Butrint, the archeological site and have a nice walk through nature and centuries of history.

After the tour in Butrint, you will drive to Gjirokaster, the city of stone. The drive will take 1.5 hours (according to the traffic). A gorgeous view of the mountains that divide the two regions is what you will see on the way.
The tour in Gjirokaster starts at the beginning of the old Bazar. You will have some free time to explore it after the visit at the Castle.

After lunch in one of the traditional restaurants you can enjoy some personal time to explore the Old Bazar in the old part of the city of Gjirokaster. You can choose a souvenir to remember Albania or you can enjoy a nice coffee or a local beer at the local traditional bars at the Bazar.

What's not included

tips

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

At the entrance of the Port of Saranda or the hall of your hotel or the city center, the guide or the driver will have a sign with your name or South Albania Excursions sign.
Easy to find.

About Saranda

Saranda is a charming coastal town in southern Albania, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and proximity to the ancient ruins of Butrint. It offers a blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.

Top Attractions

Butrint National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient Greek and Roman ruins, including a well-preserved theater, baptistery, and various temples.

Historical 2-3 hours €7

Lekursi Castle

A historic castle offering panoramic views of Saranda and the Ionian Sea. It's a great spot for sunset views.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Ksamil Beach

A beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters and small islands nearby. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Half day to full day Free to €10 for sunbeds and umbrellas

Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

A natural spring with incredibly clear, blue water. It's a popular spot for swimming and enjoying the natural beauty.

Nature Half day €2 for parking

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tavë Kosi

A traditional Albanian baked dish made with lamb, rice, and yogurt.

Main Dish Contains dairy and meat

Byrek

A savory pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or meat.

Snack Can be vegetarian or with meat

Peshk në Zgarë

Grilled fish, often sea bass or sea bream, served with lemon and olive oil.

Main Dish Contains fish

Fërgesë

A traditional dish made with peppers, tomatoes, and cheese, often served with bread.

Main Dish Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Butrint National Park Scuba diving in Ksamil Boat tours to Ksamil Islands Sunbathing at Ksamil Beach Yoga on the beach Spa treatments Exploring Butrint National Park Visiting Lekursi Castle

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather, ideal for beach activities and exploring the town. The sea is at its warmest, and the town is lively with various events and festivals.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Albanian
Widely spoken: English, Italian, Greek
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Albanian Lek (ALL)

Time Zone

GMT+1

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Saranda is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis.
• Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Getting there

By air

Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport • 200 km from Saranda

By bus

Saranda Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are affordable and convenient for getting around Saranda. They are frequent and connect major points in the town.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Taxi Albania

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Ksamil Butrint

Day trips

Corfu, Greece

15 km from Saranda • Half day to full day

A beautiful Greek island with ancient ruins, historic sites, and stunning beaches.

Llogara Pass

80 km from Saranda • Full day

A stunning mountain pass offering breathtaking views of the Albanian Riviera.

Gjipe Canyon

60 km from Saranda • Full day

A beautiful canyon with a hidden beach, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

Festivals

Saranda Summer Festival • July to August Butrint Festival • July to August

Pro tips

Visit Butrint National Park early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat.
Take a boat tour to the Ksamil Islands for a unique and unforgettable experience.
Try local dishes like Tavë Kosi and Byrek for an authentic taste of Albanian cuisine.
Explore the town on foot or by bike to discover hidden gems and local secrets.
Attend local festivals and events to immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions.