Home / Europe, Albania Tours / Culture & Historical
1 day(s)
Regular & Private
2-30 people
easy
The city of Berat sprawls over a winding valley, flanked by imposing cliffs with Ottoman era homes clinging to the edge. Atop of one hill sits Berat Castle and its citadel, punctuated with cobbled streets and historic homes, some inhabited since antiquity. The winding streets are steep and made of stone, many impassable by car. Houses are built into the side of the mountain and feature typical Ottoman windows, and ornate stone work. The city is surrounded by rolling hills and fields home to a burgeoning wine industry and many agritourism sites. Our day tour to Berat will give you time to explore the castle and fortress, Byzantine churches, mosques, and icons by the famous Albanian painter Onufri. You can visit the medieval center, the Jewish quarter and the Helveti Teke, learning about the unique cohabitation of various religious groups over the years. The guide will take you to the old quarters of Mangalem and Gorica, connected by the Gorica Bridge which sits atop the Osumi River. Wine tasting is also on the menu, as is an overview of winemaking in the region, and a sample of delicious local cuisine.
Duration
1 day(s)
Max Group Size
2-30 people
Tour Code
berattour
Departure Type
guaranteed
Tour Category
Culture & Historical
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Operated In
Age Requirement
11 - 99
Durrës
08:00
Durrës
17:00
The tour starts at 8:00 a.m. from Durres and it will take approximately 1.5 hours to reach Berat city. Once we get to the city, we will visit Berat Castle. The fortress is one of the biggest in the area, and inside there are many Byzantine churches, as well as some mosques built during the Ottoman era. The Onufri Museum, which is set up inside the cathedral of Saint Mary, was renovated in the 18th century. Besides the beautifully carved iconostasis, you can also admire the icons of the well-known Albanian painter Onufri. You will visit the medieval center, the King Mosque, and Helveti Tekke, and learn about the interesting cohabitation of two religious groups close to one another. Continue walking to the old quarters of Mangalem and Gorica that connect with each other by the Gorica Bridge over the Osumi River. (optional) Wine Tasting will include an overview of the winemaking process and detailed explanations that paint a glowing picture of the family's history and the origins of their wines.
Tour Guide
Transportation
Entrance fees
Lunch
Travel Incurance