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
Berat UNESCO City Full-Day Tour from Tirana
Leave the heavy city traffic behind and journey into the heart of Albanian heritage on a focused, full-day excursion from Tirana to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Berat. Traveling in the climate-controlled comfort of a spacious 19-seat minibus, you can sit back and relax as your professional, bilingual guide sets the stage for an unforgettable day of history and culture, delivering engaging live commentary simultaneously in both English and Italian.
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through the rolling Albanian countryside, broken up by a brief, refreshing stop at the tranquil Belshi Lake to stretch your legs and enjoy a quick coffee by the promenade. From there, you will head straight to the crown jewel of the trip: Berat, famously known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.” Step back in time as you ascend to the ancient Berat Castle, an inhabited fortress dating back to the 4th century BC that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Tomorr Mountains and the Osum River valley below. Your expert guide will lead you through its historic stone alleys, sharing the fascinating stories behind its Byzantine churches and Ottoman architecture.
Descending from the citadel, you will embark on an intimate walking tour through the distinct historic quarters of Mangalemi and Gorica. Marvel at the signature white houses stacked gracefully up the hillsides and cross the iconic Gorica Bridge. With all unnecessary stops eliminated from this revised itinerary, you will enjoy maximum time to wander the ancient streets, take stunning photos, and absorb the unique atmosphere of Albania’s most beautiful historic town before your comfortable return ride to Tirana.
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 driving through Belshi Lake.
