Day Trip to Berat from Tirana

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Berat a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We drive through Dumrea region also known as the Tuscany of Albania. Dumrea is famous for the beautiful landscape and more than 80 lakes. We stop for a coffee break in Belsh, a nice town by the lake. After Belsh we continue to Berat. Being more than 2400-year-old Berat it is one of the most attractive towns in Albania. Established in the 5th century B.C by an Illyrian tribe of central Albania with a protective castle, it was known as the fortified city of Antipatrea. 

The Castle of Berat

Hike up to Berat Castle, which offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. This castle is the city of Berat's pride and joy. 

National Iconographic Museum Onufri 

It’s housed in the Dormition of St. Mary Cathedral. The Byzantine church is highlighted by an iconostasis carved on walnut wood, gold-plated, and surrounded by other exquisite works of medieval art. The museum's collection, which totals 173 chosen works, also comprises the majority of Onufri’ s oeuvre. All of the icons in this museum were painted between the 16th and 20th century by Albanian iconographic painters.

The Holy Trinity church 

The Holy Trinity church is one of the most magnificent and divine churches in Berat, Albania.         It is a medieval Byzantine church built in 13th-14th century and offers a nice view. This church is located inside of Berati Castle.

We stop for lunch to try the tratidional and local food. Berat is well known After the visit of for delicious food and good wine. After lunch we get down town to visit the old quarters of Berat.

The King's Mosque

The King's Mosque (Xhamia Mbret) is a significant historical and cultural landmark located in Mangalem quarter. It has a history dating back to the 15th century. It was built during the reign of Sultan Bayezid II (1481–1512) and is one of the oldest mosques in Berat. The mosque underwent renovations and additions over the centuries.

Halveti Tekke

The Halveti Tekke is a religious complex associated with the Halveti Sufi order built in 18th century next to King’s Mosque. A tekke is a place where Sufi communities gather for spiritual practices, including prayer, meditation, and religious education. The Halveti Tekke in Berat holds cultural and historical significance

Gorica Bridge (Pass By)                                                                                                                            

The Gorica Bridge spans the Osum River, connecting the Gorica quarter with the Mangalem quarter of Berat. It is an old stone bridge with multiple arches, characteristic of Ottoman bridge architecture. The bridge is an integral part of the city's cultural and historical heritage, contributing to Berat's picturesque scenery.

Mangalemi (Pass By) 

The Mangalem Quarter (Muslim Quarter) is one of the two historic quarters in the city of Berat. Quarter is characterized by its well-preserved Ottoman architecture, narrow winding streets, and traditional houses with white facades. The area is known for its unique charm and historical significance, with buildings dating back several centuries. The Mangalem quarter is situated on the eastern bank of the river, facing the Gorica quarter on the western bank.

Gorica (Pass By) 

Like Mangalem, Gorica (Christian Quarter) is known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture. Traditional houses with white facades and red-tiled roofs line the narrow streets, creating a charming and picturesque atmosphere.