2 Days Tour of Apollonia, Riviera, Berat, Gjirokaster & Blue Eye

We will leave Tirana at 8:00 and head to Gjirokastra, 230 km away. Known as ‘a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman town,’ Gjirokastra was built by farmers from large estates. As we drive through southern Albania, the road is lined with fields in one of the country’s most fertile regions. Along the way, we will pass the Vjosa River, one of the few wild rivers left in Albania and the Balkans.

The drive through Llogara is simply amazing. First, you’ll enjoy lush greenery and calming scenery. Later, you’ll see the breathtaking seashore from above, like something straight out of a movie. The scenic drive continues through coastal villages such as Dhermi, Qeparo, and Vuno, where stone architecture is beautifully preserved. In recent years, the area has transformed into Albania’s tourism center. We’ll stop for lunch in Saranda or Ksamil.

Our next stop is the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), one of Albania’s most stunning natural wonders. Located near Finiq, this spring features vibrant blue water so clear you can see the bottom. The sunlight creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for photos or a quick swim. The spring is a short hike from the parking area, and you can relax at a nearby cafe afterward.

Upon entering the city, you’ll immediately see it’s unlike any other. The historical center begins at one of the main squares, named after the famous Albanian patriot Cerciz Topulli. This square marks the end of the cobblestone streets that descend from the castle.

Dating back to the 17th century, during the Ottoman era, it was the city’s heart, driving its economy. It was where gossip spread, people shopped, and many marriages were arranged.

Today, the area has been beautifully restored. Visitors can explore its rich history through local souvenirs and the captivating stories shared by friendly vendors.

Walking through the Bazaar, we will reach Gjirokastra Fortress, built atop a hill in a naturally protected position. This was the city’s first settlement. The fortress is closely tied to the legend of Argjiro, the young prince who sacrificed himself, earning the castle the nickname ‘Crown of the City.’ Restored in the 19th century, it has served as both a fortress and a prison under various regimes. Aside from its historical significance, it offers stunning views of the stone city, nestled on the steep hills.

The unique fortress-style houses are one of the reasons Gjirokastra is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Chic, functional, and designed for independence, each house was built to stand on its own.

The house we’ll visit still retains all its original features, making it one of the most beautiful from that period in the Balkans. Built in an area with little water, it has an independent system for collecting, filtering, and storing water. The house is divided into family and ceremonial rooms, and even includes a ‘private bunker’ for protection during bombings. It truly feels like stepping back in time.

After an overnight stay in Gjirokastra, we’ll head to Berat, the ‘City of Many Windows,’ in Central South Albania. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008, Berat boasts over 20 centuries of history. Remarkably, life has continued uninterrupted here. The Castle, or ‘Kalaja,’ is the oldest part of the city. Home to a primarily Christian Orthodox population, it also houses the largest collection of churches, some dating back to the 14th century.

Mangalem is likely the most scenic part of Berat. Located steeply on the hill below the castle, it is known for its typical architecture, white walls, and many windows, facing its twin, Gorica. Mangalem mainly developed during the Ottoman period, and its current form took shape after an earthquake destroyed parts of the city. The style shifted from heavy towers with small windows and stone to lighter structures with more windows.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Berat was one of Albania’s most important cities, attracting people from all over the country to settle around it. This led to the creation of Gorica, primarily a merchant quarter, especially for citizens from Voskopoja in southeastern Albania. The city’s white color and architectural style were preserved, creating two similar faces on either side of the Osumi River, connected by the Stone Bridge of Gorica.

After free time in Berat, we’ll conclude the trip and head back to Tirana/Durres.