Berat and Durres day tour from Tirana.
Book this tour... just for 15 Eur
Including a full visit to Durres: Byzantin walls, Venetian Tower, promenade by the see, Roman Amphitheater, as well as the main sites in Berat: the Castle, Mangalemi and Gorica neighborhoods, Unesco Heritage Sites. We will drive along the Durres Beach area, as well as will taste the traditional food in Berat and hear the stories and the legends of this beautiful city.
Tour Classification: Cultural, Sightseeings, History, Light Adventure, Mountain stunning views.
Participators: Adults and Children
Difficulty: Easy
Berat and Durres day tour from Tirana.
Berat Castle (Kala) is a unique “living fortress” where a community of around 100 families still resides within its ancient 13th-century walls. Perched on a 214-meter rocky hill, it is a primary reason for Berat’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Top Historical & Cultural Sights
Onufri National Iconographic Museum: Housed in the 18th-century Cathedral of the Dormition of St. Mary, it contains over 200 artifacts and icons by 16th-century master painter Onufri, famous for his “Onufri Red” pigment.
Holy Trinity Church (Kisha Shën Triadha): A stunning 14th-century Byzantine church perched dramatically on a hill near the southern walls, offering some of the castle’s best photo opportunities.
The Red & White Mosques: The ruins of the Red Mosque (notable for its standing red-brick minaret) and the White Mosque serve as remnants of Ottoman influence within the historically Christian fortress.
Church of St. Mary of Blachernae: One of the oldest churches in the complex, featuring well-preserved 16th-century frescoes by Nikollë Onufri.
Giant Head of Constantine the Great: A massive stone sculpture of the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity, located near one of the interior stone walls.
Scenic Experiences
The Viewing Platform: Located at the southern tip, this deck provides a “bird’s-eye view” of the Osum River, the Gorica Bridge, and the famous tiered windows of the Mangalem and Gorica quarters.
Sunset Wall Walk: Walking the nearly 2-kilometer perimeter of the walls at sunset is highly recommended for panoramic views of Mount Tomorr and the valley.
Cobbled Alleyways: Wandering the narrow, steep streets allows you to see residents selling handmade crafts, jams, and traditional lace directly from their homes.
Visitor Essentials
Access: Accessible by a steep 15-minute walk up Rruga Mihal Komnena or by car/taxi.
Amenities: The interior features several traditional restaurants, such as Temi Albanian Food, and small boutique guesthouses like Berati Castle Hotel, Antipatrea restaurant, Klea Restaurant.
Berat Castle: The Living Fortress of Albania * Berat Castle dates back to the 4th century BC, but most of its current structure…
Mangalemi and Gorica Neighborhoods
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, Gorica Bridge. Berat Day tour
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.
On the way back to Tirana we will make a small stop at the Lake of Belsh.
Price varies 15-35 Eur/person depending on the number of persons.
Price Includes
- Tour Guide
- Transport 3 to 17 Seats vehicle
- Visit the main sites according to program
- Free Cancellation till 12 hours before departure
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