Elbasan Castle & Petrela Fortress – Private Full-Day Tour from Tirana with Car & Driver

Elbasan Castle & Petrela Fortress – Private Full-Day Tour from Tirana with Car & Driver

Step back through 2,500 years of Albanian history on this private full-day tour from Tirana, visiting two of central Albania's most compelling fortresses. Explore Elbasan Castle, a remarkably preserved Ottoman citadel built by Sultan Mehmed II in the 15th century, still enclosing a living neighbourhood within its ancient walls. Then discover Petrela Castle, a Byzantine hilltop fortress with sweeping valley views, once guarded by Skanderbeg's own sister. Between history and landscape, pause for an optional farm-to-table lunch at Agritourism Fustanella — one of Albania's most celebrated rural restaurants. Private vehicle, driver, and hotel pickup from Tirana all included.

Ready to explore Albania beyond the capital?

Typical Itinerary for this program:

• Visit of Elbasan Castle

Elbasan is a historic city placed at the heart of Albania, home to the Summer Day festivities, a pagan feast holiday celebrating the end of winter and the start of summer. Upon arriving to Elbasan, you’ll be visiting the city, Castle. Inside the castle you’ll visit the Saint Mary’s Church (Byzantine era church and the King’s Mosque, built during the Ottoman era on 15th century. 

• Visit of Saint Marries Church inside Elbasan castle

In the middle of the city’s castle, you’ll visit the Saint Mary’s Orthodox Church. The church was built between 15th – 16th centuries. It was built entirely in stone carved in the shape of a cross, which can still be seen today. After a fire in 1819 the church was rebuilt in 1830 on the original foundations. It has been an important cultural center for the Albanian language especially during the end of 19th century. The church building served as the first Albanian school of Elbasan in modern times, which opened in 1909. Because it had served as a school it was granted the status of cultural monument and was spared from the massive destructions of churches and mosques during communism regime in 1968.

• Visit of King's Mosque inside Elbasan castle

Another jewel inside the castle, a testament of harmony between religions in Albania is the Architectural monument, Kings Mosque. A stone carved building with a wooden roof and a prayer hall in the middle and portico in the front, typical for the mosques of the 15th century. During communism regime the mosques tower was destroyed. The main building was spared to be used for other purposes. The mosque was restored in 2013 and is now open to the community for daily prayer. Must note that if prayer is in session, we have to postpone the visit inside until the prayer is finished.

• Visit of Ethnographic Museum of Elbasan

Closing the Elbasan tour, you’ll visit the Ethnographic Museum of Elbasan (18th century two-story house) full of folkloric jewels, showing the way Albanians used to leave through history.

• Optional Lunch at Agritourism Farm in Petrela picturesque village.

You'll have the option to try some of the best traditional meals of Petrela region, in Fustanella Farm, a family restaurant. We recommend you order a mix of (meze) to get most of the flavors the restaurant has to offer.
*Pease note! - Stopping to eat at Fustanella Farm is an optional experience, suggested to maximize the experience through food tasting of traditional cuisine. This is NOT included in the tour cost and is not an obligatory stop.

• Visit of Petrela Castle

Petrela (Petrela) Castle, (estimated 1700 years old)
After a 30-minute drive and a short hike through a steep hill we’ll find Petrela Castle, strategically built during the late antiquity period 3rd – 4th century and reconstructed on the 6th century by Roman Emperor Justinian the First. The castle is located outside of Tirana (Albanian Capital). Its positioned-on top of a hill with two watch towers, with 360-degree viewpoint. Later during the 15th century, before the invasion of Albania by the Ottomans it was used as part of the defensive chain of castles that communicated early warning signals through fire and smoke with the central Castle of Kruja. On the top of the castle, you’ll be enjoying a fantastic view of the valley below, with the option while holding a glass of local wine from the bar integrated inside the castle.
In Petrela you’ll also have a chance to enjoy local traditional cuisine in a family owned, traditional restaurant.

Important information

Included in Price:

• Personal coordinator (English speaking) via WhatsApp from 09:00AM - 17:00 PM.
• Transfers
• Driver (Not a tour Guide)
• Fuel/Petrol
• Hotel pick up and drop off in Tirana (Other locations with extra charge)
• All Taxes

Exclusions

• Entry fees Elbasan Castle free, Ethnographic Museum 
  
• Meals
• Drinks
• Guide (Extra cost for English speaking guide 150 euro per 1 day)
• Optional meal at Fustanella Farm estimated 15 - 20 euro per person.

Departure details

• Hotel pickup is offered in Tirana (Other locations with extra charge)

Duration

• 5-7 hours.

Distance:

• Tirana - Elbasan - Petrele - Tirane (total) 90kilometers / 57 miles

Return details.

• Returns to original departure point.

Additional information

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed.
• Near public transportation
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.