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Berat & Belsh Escape: A Day of Culture and Nature from Tirana

  • European Way, Southampton, United Kingdom
  • 328 booked
  • Duration: 1 day
  • Language: English

Overview

Embark on a day trip from Tirana to Berat and Belsh. Explore Berat’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” and visit its ancient fortress. Then, discover the charming town of Belsh, nestled in Albania’s agricultural region. Explore local markets, learn about the town’s industrial heritage, and enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Belsh. Experience the rich history, picturesque landscapes, and warm hospitality of these Albanian towns on this unforgettable excursion.

 


Price

129€/person

 


What’s Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Land transfers in a fully air-conditioned car
  • Professional Certified Guide
  • All Admission Fees + Taxes

 


Availability

  • Available Daily: Advance Booking Required
  • Group Bookings (6+ people): 10% discount

 


Additional Information

  • Duration: The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, offering a well-paced experience.
  • Availability: Operates daily, allowing flexibility for travelers.
  • Booking requirement: Advance reservation is needed to secure your spot.
  • Meeting point: Pick-up is available from designated locations, or you can meet at the specified meeting point.
  • Group size: Enjoy a small group setting for a more personalised and comfortable experience.
  • Included services: A professional guide, transportation, and all admission fees are covered in the price.
  • Languages availability: The tour is conducted in English, with other languages available upon request.
  • Accessibility: The tour is suitable for most travelers.
  • Weather considerations: The tour runs in most weather conditions, so dress accordingly.
  • Cancellation policy: Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for flexibility.

What To Expect

1

08:30 AM - Hotel pick-up from Tirana

Begin your day with convenience as our tour guide picks you up from your hotel in Tirana. Get ready for an exciting journey ahead!

2

10:00 AM - Arrival in Berat

Arrive in the picturesque town of Berat, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” which holds a special place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Its winding stone streets offer a captivating glimpse into medieval life, with centuries-old houses stacked one atop the other.

Dating back to the 6th-5th century B.C., Berat’s origins trace back to an Illyrian settlement, evolving over time into the castle-city of Antipatrea by the 3rd century B.C. Remarkably, people still reside within the castle walls today. Berat’s allure extends beyond its ancient past; it boasts a stunning medieval castle, historic churches, and mosques, a bustling lower town adorned with grand houses nestled on steep hillsides, an iconic stone bridge, and intriguing remnants from Albania’s communist era.

Notably, Berat holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Onufri, the renowned painter famed for his unique reddish hues, still challenging to replicate.

3

Visit to the main attractions of Berat

  • Berat Castle: Berat Castle, is a medieval fortress located in the town of Berat, Albania. It is situated on a hill overlooking the Osum River and is one of the oldest and largest castles in the country. The castle dates back to the 4th century BC, although most of its current structures were built during the 13th century under the Byzantine Empire and later expanded by the Ottomans. Berat Castle is characterized by its massive defensive walls, numerous towers, and winding cobblestone streets. Within the castle walls, visitors can explore ancient churches, mosques, a museum, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding town and countryside. Berat Castle was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 due to its historical significance and architectural beauty. Explore the ancient fortress perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the city.
  • Orthodox Church: The Holy Trinity Church is a medieval Byzantine church which stands on a hill in the city. Discover the serenity of this historic church, adorned with beautiful frescoes and architectural details.
  • Mangalem and Gorica neighborhoods:  Mangalemi and Gorrica are two characteristic neighborhoods of the city. Mangalem is a neighborhood within the city of Berat, situated on the left bank of the Osum River. It is known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture, which includes traditional houses with white walls and red-tiled roofs, narrow streets, and small courtyards.
  • Gorica is another historic neighborhood in Berat, located on the right bank of the Osum River. It is renowned for its breathtaking views of the city and the river, as well as its numerous churches and mosques. Like Mangalem, Gorica boasts a number of well-preserved Ottoman-era buildings, and it is precisely these houses built one above the other that have given Berat its name: the “City of a Thousand Windows”.
  • Gorica Bridge: Cross the iconic bridge spanning the Osum River, connecting the two historic neighborhoods. It is one of the oldest and most popular Ottoman bridges in Albania which connects two parts of Berat, originally built from wood in 1780 and later rebuilt with stone in the 1920s. According to local legend, the original wooden bridge contained a dungeon where a girl would be incarcerated and starved to appease the spirits responsible for the bridge’s safety.
  • Ethnographic Museum: Dive into Berat’s cultural tapestry at this museum, showcasing traditional Albanian life and crafts. The Ethnographic Museum has a rich collection of 1,300 objects and it’s an important testimony to the culture, the interesting and rich traditions of the Berat area.
  • Bachelor’s Mosque:  Admire the architectural beauty of the Bachelors’ Mosque, formerly known as the Sylejman Pasha Mosque, an emblem of Berat’s multicultural heritage. This Ottoman-era mosque has captivated visitors for centuries with its stunning design and historical significance. It became a Cultural Monument in 1961, solidifying its importance in preserving Albania’s rich cultural heritage.
4

Free time on the Pedestrian

Enjoy leisure time exploring the bustling streets and local shops at your own pace.

5

04:00 PM - Departure from Berat to Belsh

Say goodbye to the enchanting city of Berat and journey towards the serene town of Belsh, nestled amidst Albania’s picturesque landscapes. Belsh, situated in the Dumrea area, is renowned for its abundance of lakes and captivating scenery. This region, lauded for its beauty by the esteemed figure of our national Renaissance, Sami Frashëri, was once contemplated as a potential future capital of Albania.

Belsh, a quaint town, rests beside a lake sharing its name, serving as the traditional hub of the Dumrea region. Nearby, one encounters one of the oldest Illyrian settlements, evidenced by archaeological findings in Gradishte, reflecting ancient Illyrian habitation tracing back to the early Bronze Age through discovered artifacts.

6

Visit Lake of Belsh

Relax by the serene shores of Lake Belsh, surrounded by picturesque vistas and natural beauty.

7

Free time on the Pedestrian

Take advantage of some free time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere and explore the local surroundings.

8

06:00 PM: Departure from Belsh to Tirana

As the day draws to a close, depart from Belsh and make your journey back to Tirana, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of the day.

Map

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