The tour starts with the drive to Gjirokastra. The town is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated in the southern part of Albania, on the slope of the hills of (Mali I Gjere), overlooking river Drino. It is one of the most attractive town in Albania and called by nicknames like “the town of one thousand steps” or “the stone town” is of particular interest for its native architecture. There you will visit the Old Fortress, built in the 4th century.
It is the biggest castle in Albania and is situated on the top of a hill to provide the possibility for visitors to cast a glance on the most interesting landscape of the city; National Museum of the Weapons is at the main entrance of the fortress. The museum tells the story Albanian weapons through the ages; The Old Bazaar quarter, where are the shops situated in narrow cobbled streets, the church that dates before 1780 and the Bazaar Mosque built in 1757.It has a circled stony roof and tall minaret; The Mecite quarter with Old Turkish Baths, which date to the 17th century and the Mecite Mosque.
The church of Varosh quarter, dates from 1776; etc. It’s also the birth city of Enver Hoxha and Ismail Kadare, two famous Albanian history figures. A stop will be made at the Hotel Cajupi to enjoy a snack, after which you’ll then have a little free time to explore the charming bazaar area, with its sprinkle of small shops. Continue with the drive to the “Blue Eye”(Syri i Kalter). The “Blue Eye” spring is formed by the underground springs and is worth visiting. At this beautiful spot shaded by centuries old oak trees, a twelve headed dragon, according to the legend, jealously guarded and held back the spring waters from the villagers. Consequently, the pagan rituals were carried out through sacrificing young voluptuous maidens to the gods of the same waters.
