Berat & Durres day trip from Tirana. At first a visit to the Roman walls, the Venetian Tower, promenade by the see, Roman Amphitheater, as well as the main sites of Berat, the fortress, Mangalemi and Gorica neighborhoods. Additionally, we will taste the traditional dishes of Berat and hear the stories and the legends of this beautiful city.
Tirana, Durres, Airport
08. 00 or 09.00
Tour Classification: Cultural, Sightseeings, History, Light Adventure, Mountain stunning views.
Participators: Adults and Children
Difficulty: Easy
08.00 After picking you up from the hotel we will drive the highway for about 40 min and arrive in the centre of Durres.
We will enter the city through the port which is the main port in the Balkan and the terminal for the feries going to Bari in Italy. We will also see what is remained from main train station and old trains which 20 years ago were the main means of transport from Tirana to Durres.
At first we will start a walking tour visiting the Roman walls dating form the 5th century, Venetian tower, Roman amphitheater dating from second century and the modern city as well.
We will visit also the Bizantin Forum and the Roman Baths. The main city center is facing the New Mosque build after 1991 but the story of this mosque is longer..At last some free time for a coffee along the promenade by the see or a visit inside the Archeological Museum.
After Durres our trip continues towards Berat, driving through the highway till Lushnje and after the road goes through the region of Berat. We will see from our car the cultivated lands, with vegetables and fruits of the giant mountain of Tomorri. After 1 hr we will enter Berat city and undoubtedly the first thing to see is the fortress, the walls and small alleys of this town 2400 years old.
Three major neighborhoods of Berat are: Mangalemi, Gorica, and Kala where the castle itself is located. While visiting ‘Kala’ involves a steep walk up a cobbled path, but those who make it to the top will be rewarded with a fine view of the surrounding area. We can also choose to drive up to the castle. In the meantime a visit to the Museum of Iconography ‘Onufri’ is recomended, which bears the name of the renowned fresco and icon-painter Onufri, who has left a rich inheritance. This museum is located within the cathedral of St. Mary’s Assumption. Berat tour will be completed visiting especially the Red Mosque, recognized by its lonely minaret and St. Trinity Church.
After the fortress you will visit the Mangalemi quarter and the National Ethnographic Museum. This museum is located in one of the most characteristic and interesting houses of the town, a rich assemblage of traditional objects (more than 1000) and is one of the greatest examples of Berat’s long history and culture.
Across the Osumi River lies the Gorica neighborhood, whose houses face those of Mangalemi. The arched bridge of Gorica, built in 1780, is a beautiful architectural monument constructed to link Gorica with Mangalemi. Meanwhile you can free time to stroll on the bridge.
After the tour, time for lunch in a restaurant with traditional cuisine (at extra cost).
Afterwards we will drive back to Tirana.
Very frindly and knowledgable guide who went out of his way to make it a memorable trip!Berat is a beatiful and unique place to visit
