Food & Drink in Gjirokastër

Full Albanian Experience: A 10 Day Tour

Something For Everyone

We were travelling as a group of three and this tour had something for each of us - stunning geography from beaches to farmland to cities to dramatic mountain peaks, beautiful culture and complex political history, and genuine, caring, sincere people. Our guide Anest looked after us very well and took interest in each of our personal stories as well as our tour wishes. He was knowledgeable and able to answer our many many questions. The tour began in the more rugged north - those mountains, just wow! And then we made our way to the gentler coastline along the Ionian Sea. We had time for some touristy shopping, learning about millennia of different cultural eras, lazing at hot springs, and even white water rafting (thank goodness it was July and the river was moderately slow!). Just a note: Albanians eat lunch around 3pm so bring snacks to hold you over until then. Albania's recent history of living under Communist rule was always an underlying presence either from driving by bunkers, touring the House of Leaves (on our own), or listening to people share memories of the growing pains of the past few decades as they sought to establish democracy. The complex history - ancient and recent - only served to highlight the warmth and kindness of the people we met. Thank you Anest. We were prepared to enjoy Albania, but your efforts and care turned a holiday tour into memories for a lifetime. - Nicole, James, and Sandra

Berat and Gjirokaster Private 2 Day Tour

From Tirana to Himare

Elidon is an excellent guide and a wonderful person. He shared so much history of Albania with us and took us to several different places on our way to Himare with a stop in Berat. I highly recommend him as a guide

Prepare Osa with Teta Marjeta

Cooking class

My friends and I were guests of Marjeta for a cooking class typical of the city of Gjirokastër. Mrs. Marjeta was very kind and helpful. She had us cook the dinner that we would then eat. A very familiar and evocative experience. Her granddaughter was also there helping her sweet grandmother and left us some bracelets she made herself. It was a lovely moment. If you are passing through Gjirokastër and want to eat something typical yet homemade, stop by Mrs. Marjeta's.