From Tirana Belsh Berat UNESCO Day Trip with Castle Entry

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop for a coffee break in Belsh, a nice town by the lake. After Belsh, continue to Berat.

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. Hike up to Berat Castle, which offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. Visit the National Iconographic Museum Onufri, 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.

National Iconographic Museum Onufri, 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. All of the icons in this museum were painted between the 16th and 20th century by Albanian iconographic painters.

Stop for lunch to try the traditional and local food. Berat is well known for delicious food and good wine. After lunch, get down town to visit the old quarters of Berat.

Pass by the Gorica Bridge, which 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. Pass by the Mangalem Quarter (Muslim Quarter), one of the two historic quarters in the city of Berat. 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. Pass by the Gorica Quarter (Christian Quarter), 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.

After lunch, get down town to visit the old quarters of Berat. Admire the King's Mosque (Xhamia Mbret), a significant historical and cultural landmark located in the 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. Visit the Halveti Tekke, a religious complex associated with the Halveti Sufi order built in the 18th century next to the 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.