Live the Culture and Traditions of Gjirokastra and Lazarat
This tour provides an authentic experience, connecting you with the traditional stories and lifestyle of both Gjirokastra’s historic center and the village of Lazarat. Embrace the flavors, customs, and spirit of southern Albania.
Walk along its cobbled stone streets of the Old Bazaar. Dress the Gjirokastrian traditional costumes, also part of
UNESCO heritage and take some memorable pictures.
Then let’s depart to Lazarat village for a local flavor on our cooking class. Each dish is enriched with local extra-virgin olive oil, and the meal is complemented with homemade raki. You’ll also receive written recipes for each dish. The cooking process preserves traditional methods using wood fire and ash, connecting you to time-honored culinary techniques with dough, olive oil, dairy, and herbs at their heart.
In the evening get relaxed, taste some wine from the vineyard and listen to the Albanian poetries performed by a famous Gjirokastrian actor. This personalized gathering will allow you to experience the evocative beauty of Albanian poetry, creating a memorable cultural moment even for those new to poetry. The evening’s recitations, paired with carefully selected local wines, make it a wonderful surprise and a unique way to connect with Albania’s artistic heritage. (For participants under 16, wine will be replaced with a non-alcoholic beverage.)
This unique experience is available every weekend, all year round!
Pricing
• 96 Euros per person (1 November – 14 March)
• 114 Euros per person (15 March – 31 October)
Informations
Each dish is enriched with local extra-virgin olive oil, and the meal is complemented with homemade raki. You’ll also receive written recipes for
each dish. The cooking process preserves traditional methods using wood fire and ash, connecting you to time-honored culinary techniques with dough, olive oil, dairy, and herbs at their heart.
During the wine testing you will experience the evocative beauty of Albanian poetry, creating a memorable cultural moment even for those new to poetry.
The evening’s recitations, paired with carefully selected local wines, make it a wonderful surprise and a unique way to connect with Albania’s artistic heritage. (For participants under 16, wine will be replaced with a non-alcoholic beverage.).
Terms & Conditions
Group Size: Minimum 6, maximum 22 participants.
Rooming: Shared rooms for two; single rooms are available upon request with a seasonal supplement.
Inclusions: Accommodation, meals, activities, and transportation to Lazarat. Extra drinks and any unlisted services are not included.
Age Limit: 16 years and older.
This 24-hour program offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, relaxation,
and cultural connection for those ready to explore and unwind in nature!
Itinerary
11:00 AM (Friday or Saturday)
-Arrive in Gjirokastër, check into a traditional hotel in the historic center, and meet your professional guide for a 1-hour walking tour. This tour will lead you through the historic bazaar, the heart of Gjirokastër, where trades, crafts, and unique cultural exchanges have flourished for centuries. Learn about the bazaar’s evolution, local stories, and the characters that shaped the area, discovering why it is truly the center of life in the city.
12:30 PM:
-“Dress Like a Local” – immerse yourself in the region’s cultural heritage by trying on traditional costumes that reflect the authentic ethnographic values of the area. A perfect opportunity for memorable photos, this experience makes a great keepsake, capturing the essence of Gjirokastër’s rich cultural identity.
- 2:00 PM:
- -Depart for Lazarat village (transportation included) for a hands-on cooking class. This experience introduces you to Lazarat’s evolving story, a village once known for cannabis cultivation, now reclaiming its identity through tourism and traditional values. You’ll prepare dishes using fresh, locally harvested ingredients:
- Petanik – a savory layered pie made with dough and baked under a traditional
5:00 PM:
-Return to Gjirokastra and enjoy free time for self-exploration.
8:00 PM:
-Gather for an unforgettable dinner in a cozy, uniquely prepared setting created exclusively for your group. The evening will have a warm, intimate atmosphere, making it the ideal setting for a rare and beautiful cultural experience: a poetry evening that celebrates the most powerful works of well-known Albanian poets, brought to life by a renowned gjirokastrian actor.
Next Morning:
-Breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out at 11:00 AM.
