KELCYRA TOUR

Discover one of the most authentic areas of the Vjosa Valley through an experience that combines history, hiking, traditional village life, local gastronomy, nature, and breathtaking panoramic views. The day begins in Këlcyrë with a visit to the Sarajet of Ali Bej Këlcyrë, where you will discover the history and heritage of the Këlcyrë family. The adventure then continues with approximately 1 hour of hiking to the Illyrian Castle, enjoying spectacular views of the valley and surrounding mountains along the way. After visiting the castle, we continue with a 30-minute walk to Katundishtë Village, where you will have the opportunity to experience authentic rural life and discover local traditions.

After the hike, a traditional lunch at a local guesthouse awaits you, featuring homemade dishes prepared with local products and the warm hospitality of the Përmet region. In the afternoon, the experience continues with a visit to the Petranik Cave, followed by the Black Water Spring (Uji i Zi), one of the natural highlights of the Këlcyrë area. The tour then continues with a visit to the historic Church of Saint Nicholas (Kisha e Shën Kollit), offering an opportunity to discover another part of the cultural and religious heritage of the region.

To finish the day, we stop at one of the panoramic cafés overlooking the Këlcyrë Gorge, where you can enjoy a coffee while taking in the spectacular views of the gorge and surrounding landscape.

Best Time to Visit

The best period for this experience is from October to April, when the temperatures are more pleasant for hiking and exploring the natural and cultural attractions of the Këlcyrë area. During autumn and winter, the landscape of the Vjosa Valley and Këlcyrë Gorge takes on a particularly beautiful character.

A full-day experience to discover Këlcyrë not simply as a destination, but as a way of life — where history, nature, tradition and local hospitality come together.

09:00 – Departure & Visit to the Sarajet of Ali Bej Këlcyrë
Visit the historic Sarajet of Ali Bej Këlcyrë and discover the history and heritage of the Këlcyrë family.

10:00 – Hiking to the Illyrian Castle
A scenic hike of approximately 2 hours through the surrounding landscape, with stops for photos and insights into the history, nature and local traditions.

11:00 – Illyrian Castle
Explore the remains of the ancient Illyrian fortification and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valley and mountains.

11:30 – Hike to Katundishtë Village
A pleasant 30-minute walk towards the traditional village of Katundishtë.

12:30 – Katundishtë Village & Traditional Lunch
Discover the authentic rural character of the village, followed by a traditional lunch at a local guesthouse, featuring homemade dishes and local products.

14:30 – Departure for Petranik Cave
Continue the journey towards Petranik Cave, a natural attraction surrounded by the beautiful landscape of the Këlcyrë area.

15:00 – Petranik Cave
Explore the cave and its surroundings, discovering one of the lesser-known natural treasures of the region.

15:30 – Black Water Spring (Uji i Zi)
Visit the Black Water Spring, a unique natural site known for its distinctive landscape and local character.

16:30 – Panoramic Coffee in Këlcyrë Gorge
Enjoy a relaxing coffee at a panoramic café overlooking the spectacular Këlcyrë Gorge, taking in the dramatic mountains and landscape surrounding the Vjosa Valley.

17:15 – Church of Saint Nicholas
Continue to the historic Church of Saint Nicholas, discovering an important part of the cultural and religious heritage of the area.

17:30–18:00 – End of the Experience
End of the tour and return to the starting point.