Berat UNESCO Guaranteed excursion from Durres

The tour starts in Kavajë, Albania, a centrally located city in the lowlands of Albania. As with many other Albanian towns, its history dates back to the Illyrians in the 1st century B.C.

After meeting the guide, you will travel approximately two hours south to the museum city of Berat. This ancient, hillside city is located along the Osum River and in between the Tomorr Mountains and Mount Shpirag, which tower over and protect the town.

Berat’s history dates back to the 6th century B.C., when it was an Illyrian settlement. In the 3rd century B.C., a castle was built and Berat became a fortified city. This castle has been conquered and rebuilt through the centuries. At various times it included churches with valuable frescoes and icons and a calligraphy school; today residents live inside its walls.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, today Berat is known as the City of a Thousand and One Windows due to the multitude of large windows in the houses overlooking the town. The traditional houses have two floors; the second is more prominent with many cambered windows and wood carvings. Looking up at these houses makes it clear how the city became known for its many windows—they appear to be floating in the sky.

In the Old Quarter, you will step back in time to the Middle Ages as you walk the cobbled streets and gaze at the well-preserved houses with their original Ottoman architecture. The fortress on the hilltop offers an amazing panoramic view of everything surrounding Berat. As you explore it, you will understand why it was such an important stronghold. In addition, there are Byzantine churches, icon displays, museums, and art galleries.

Your visit to Berat will start with a short walk from the arched bridge of Gorica, returning to the Old Quarter of Mangalemi by the new bridge, where you will have time to investigate the wonderful Ottoman architecture and narrow, cobblestone streets.

Free time for lunch—be sure to sample the local specialties.
After lunch, you will travel by bus to the Castle of Berat. Note: The castle grounds have some uneven surfaces; some of the cobblestone streets are not flat and level. Once inside the Castle, you will visit the

National Iconographic Museum “Onufri”. The museum was named in honor of Onufri, an Albanian painting Headmaster of the 16th century. There are 176 icons and liturgical objects created by artists from the 14th to the 20th centuries.

Before you leave, you will have a short walk to the viewpoint for one last look at this beautiful City of a Thousand and One Windows. Then you will travel back Durres through the Albanian countryside.