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Gjirokastra Raki Tasting & Meze Pairing

A raki tasting in the old stone city of Gjirokastra, where you try a range of Albanian raki paired with local meze.

€30·Updated
  • Food & Culture
Table set with raki and meze for a tasting in Gjirokastra
Table set with raki and meze for a tasting in Gjirokastra
A plate of meze with meatballs, byrek, cheese and olives in Gjirokastra
A plate of meze with meatballs, byrek, cheese and olives in Gjirokastra
A row of raki glasses lined up on a wooden table for a tasting in Gjirokastra View all 4
A row of raki glasses lined up on a wooden table for a tasting in Gjirokastra
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Tour Overview

Raki is the drink of southern Albania, and Gjirokastra takes it seriously. This tasting sits you down in the old stone city with a range of rakis, from soft and fruity to strong and clear, and a host who tells you what each one is and where it comes from.

What comes with it? Meze, the small plates that always go with raki here: cheese, olives, cured meats, qifqi and byrek. The host pairs the food and the drink so each raki makes sense next to the bite that goes with it.

Who is it for? Anyone over 18 who wants a real taste of the south. It is relaxed and friendly, good for couples and small groups, and a fine way to slow down for an hour or two while exploring Gjirokastra. Ages 18 and over.

Day Trip Itinerary

  1. Stop 1: Welcome & first pour

    Start

  2. Stop 2: The tasting flight

    ~+45 min

  3. Stop 3: Toast to finish

    ~+1.5 hr

What's Included

  • Guided raki tasting flight with a local host
  • Traditional meze pairings
  • Commentary on distilling, regions and how to drink raki
  • Soft alternatives for non-drinkers
  • Activity liability insurance

What's Not Included

  • Hotel pickup (the venue is in the old town)
  • Extra drinks beyond the tasting flight
  • Gratuities (optional)

Price & Booking Details

Pricing coming soon.

Booking: Request to book

Meeting Point, Pickup & Logistics

Meeting point
Tasting venue in Gjirokastra old town
Address
Gjirokastër old town (exact address sent the day before)
Duration
Evening
Time
18:00 – 20:00

Transportation: Walking

Who This Tour Is Best For

Audience info coming soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is raki?

Raki is Albania’s home-distilled fruit spirit — usually grape, but also mulberry (mani) and plum. The villages around Gjirokastra distil some of the country’s most characterful batches.

How many rakis do we taste?

A flight of several southern rakis — typically grape, mulberry and plum with seasonal additions — each in a tasting measure paired with meze.

What food is included?

Traditional meze — local cheeses, cured meats, olives and pickles — chosen to pair with each raki.

How long is it?

About 1.5 to 2 hours, relaxed and social.

Is there an option for non-drinkers?

Yes — soft alternatives are provided, and the meze alone is worth the seat.

Where is it held?

At a venue in Gjirokastra’s old town; the exact address is sent the day before. There is no hotel pickup.

Is there a minimum age?

Yes — you must be of legal drinking age to taste. Younger guests are welcome for the meze.

Can I pair it with another activity?

Yes — it works beautifully alongside the Gjirokastra cooking class or a day at the castle, and as the evening of a stone-city stay.

Verified Customer Reviews

Customer reviews coming soon.

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