Berat, Full Day Trip from Tirana

Berat is a museum city in Albania. In 2008 it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman town. It is one of the country's most beautiful towns, and is known as the "town of a thousand windows". The beginnings of Berat or the White City" occurred around the 6th century BCE. Over the ages Berat has been invaded and controlled by ancient Greeks, the Byzantine Empire, the Roman Empire, Slavs, Bulgarians, and the Ottoman Empire which all have had a cultural influence on it. This city is not only impressed by the architecture but also by the warm and simple local life. Although one of the main touristic city destinations in Albania, Berat is never too inundated with visitors which gives you the chance to run into locals, should they be young students in coffee shops or old ladies knitting yarns, in their front yards. Berat’s a beautiful place to look at but perhaps its most engaging feature is its authenticity.

Depart for Berat at 8:30 am and you will be transferred to this beautiful city for around 2 hours. Walk through the historic city of Berat and discover its rich culture and architecture on this illuminating full day tour. After a short introduction from your guide, we will proceed to Berat World Heritage Sites, the ancient quarters of Mangalem and Gorica. Travel back in time as you stroll through the meandering streets, home to the Ottomans in the 15th century and learn more about the architecture of this “town of a thousand windows”.

Visit the iconic Medieval Center, where you will gaze upon the beautiful King Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Albania and the Halveti Tekke monument. Explore the magnificent tombs, as your tour guide enlightens you about Ottoman architecture and history. Discover more about the relationship between Albania’s religious groups. Climb up to the magnificent Castle of Berat. Marvel at the fort and witness the monuments and treasures inside. Finish your tour by exploring Byzantine art and iconography in the Onufri Museum, settled inside the castle walls.