Departing Tirana at the dawn of 8 o'clock, we shall journey towards Gjirokastra, a place 230 kilometers away, renowned for its remarkable preservation of the Ottoman architecture and its prominent agricultural land. We will traverse through the depths of Southern Albania, admiring the green fields that the countryside has to offer. Along our path, we shall be accompanied by the Vjosa River, one of the few untamed rivers of Albania and the surrounding Balkan region.

Once we arrive in the city, you will soon recognize that this metropolis is unlike any other. At the heart of the city lies the main square, proudly named after the renowned Albanian Patriot of the 19th century, Cerciz Topulli. Here, the cobblestone streets culminate in a splendid spectacle, their journey from the castle's lofty heights finally at an end. Dating back to the 17th Century, the Ottoman era saw the flourishing of a bustling epicenter that sent its vitality reverberating throughout the city. A hub of economic activity, this was the place where news, gossip and rumors were propagated with remarkable swiftness. All manner of transactions were conducted here, as well as leisurely gatherings over coffee. Countless unions were arranged here, providing the perfect milieu for families to come together prior to the wedding rites. This day, the city proudly displays its history to all who visit, with a splendid array of souvenirs and stories shared by the affable inhabitants.

Majestically, we tread through the bustling Bazaar to reach the grand Gjirokastra Fortress. Upon the hilltop's natural defenses, it was the first settlement of the city, deeply rooted in the captivating legend of Argjiro, the young princess who sacrificed herself. Thusly, it is commonly referred to as the Crown of the City. Renovated significantly in the 19th Century, it has been used as a fortress and prison by countless regimes and political parties of the past. Undeniably, the Fortress holds great historical significance, yet its stony visage still provides a stunning view of the city, placidly spread along the hills. On Mondays the castle is closed so instead we visit the Skenduli House , a heritage house of the 1800s to see how people lived at the time and to learn more about the life and traditions of the time.

On our way to Progonat, we make a short stop at the remains of the Ali Pasha Aqueduct, a 19th-century structure built during the rule of Ali Pasha of Tepelena. Once used to supply water to his castle in Gjirokastra, this historic aqueduct is a fascinating example of Ottoman-era engineering. It’s a quick but scenic stop for photos and a brief explanation from the guide.

From Progonat, we take a short 10–15 minute hike to reach the Peshtura Waterfall, following an easy trail that requires a bit of attention due to the slightly slippery terrain. Surrounded by lush nature, the waterfall is a refreshing and scenic spot, especially in spring and early summer. Please note that during the very dry season in September, the waterfall may be reduced to a trickle or completely dry — but the walk and setting are still worth the visit.

Canyon Viewpoint (scenic stop) We also make a stop at a beautiful canyon viewpoint, offering breathtaking views of the rugged cliffs and natural landscape of the Kurvelesh region. It’s a great photo opportunity and a chance to take in the wild beauty of southern Albania.