Private Day Tour of Berat & Durres from Tirana
Description
With more than 20 centuries of history, Berat is a mosaic city of different cultures and influences. It is a place where ancient civilizations dating back to the 6th century BC blend with Roman culture, the medieval period, Eastern Ottoman influence, and even the communist era. Known for its unique architecture protected by UNESCO, Berat is also characterized by its rich traditional culture, heritage, and remarkable religious harmony. During this private tour, you will explore this extraordinary city at a relaxed pace while learning about its fascinating past and traditions. On the other hand, Durres is one of the most important historical cities in Albania, holding incredible significance in the country’s history and archaeology. With your private guide, you will discover its ancient heritage and the stories behind its most important landmarks.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Leaving Tirana we will head toward the South of the Country in visiting one of the most Unique and Charming cities of Albanian. In around 2 hours drive we will be driving through some soft, low terrain in one of the most productive agriculture areas of Albania.
The Castle of Berat and the Castle of Elbasan are the only 2 historical sites where life has been continuously evolving at least in the last 2 centuries. The heavy stones in the foundation of the walls date from Antiquity times where the city bloomed under Antipatrea name. The Castle is the oldest neighborhood in the Historical part with a major Orthodox Population and many charming Byzantine Churches. Situated at the top of a hill this castle dominates the city today and is naturally protected from 3 sides from very steep terrain. The population inside has been living inside this castle for centuries, creating in this way a very strong community, almost like a big family.
Located inside the Greek Orthodox monastery, “The Dormitory of St Mary” this is one of the most interesting museums, related to religious heritage. The Church itself, a typical Byzantine, dual cross shape church with 2 dooms represents one of the best-preserved churches in Albania. Apart from its glamorous Iconostas and Spectacular Paintings in the nave, it is believed that is was also decorated with a decorative Rosete, just above the main doom. The Icon museum contains mainly paintings from Onufri and his legacy but also an anonymous painter of the period. These are all testimonials for a high intellectual level of the city.
Based on the Archeological excavations and Documents, Berat rebloomed on the 13th-century, especially inside the castle. The city evolves, bringing an increase of the population and in this way an expansion of the dwellings outside the Castle. Mangalem was structured mainly in the Ottoman period and was definitely shaped as today after an earthquake where some parts of the city were destroyed. The style changed from a heavy towers style with small windows and stone to a lighter structure, with more windows and way lighter.
During the 17th and 18th Century Berat was one of the most important cities in Albania and it also attracted citizens from all over the country to create settlements around the city. In this way, Gorica was created mainly as a merchant quarter especially with citizens from Voskopoja of South East of Albania. The white color of the city and the style were preserved creating in this way a city with two similar faces on 2 sides of Osumi river, connected through the Stone Bridge of Gorica.
From the Antiquity, Durres has been probably the most important Albanian city, at least till 1920 when Tirana was proclaimed as the Capital of Albania. It dates from antiquity, as one of the main ports in the Mediterranean. Also, for the Romans, it was one of the most important stations of “Via Egnatia” a merchant Roman Road. A magnificent Amphitheater, of around 20000 seats was build
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pickup is done at your adress in Tirana or Durres.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(31)
We had a great trip with Daniel who was very personable and knowledgeable. Berat was very beautiful and worth seeing for sure. He suggested lunch as a winery which was fantastic thorough enjoyed that (Alpeta). Durres was ok there is an old Roman ruins of an amphitheatre there.
It's a bit of a long day but our guide gave us so much insight into Albanian history it was well worth it. The hilltop fortress of Berat was especially fascinating.
I have nothing but rave reviews for Go as Local Tours! I worked with Riserd, who helped organize three tours for myself and two friends, and the experience was outstanding from start to finish. We began with a walking food tour on the day we arrived. They were kind enough to adjust the start time to fit our flight schedule, which was a huge help. Unfortunately, during the tour, one of my friends stumbled off a curb and fractured her foot (though we didn’t know it was fractured at the time). Our guide, Engel, immediately took us to a pharmacy on the way back to our hotel, which was so thoughtful. The next day we were scheduled to hike to Bovilla Lake, and Riserd could not have been more accommodating. He gave us the option to switch days or cancel if needed. He also suggested a creative solution so that my injured friend could still participate—she was driven up to the restaurant while the rest of us hiked. It worked out perfectly: she was able to rest her foot, take in the spectacular views, and enjoy the adventurous drive. We also arranged a day trip to Berat, and once again the company went above and beyond. They drove us directly up to the castle so my friend could sit comfortably and enjoy the stunning scenery while the rest of us explored. Later, they dropped us downtown for lunch and then picked us up at a convenient spot so she didn’t have to walk back to the car. Every tour was fabulous, the guides were excellent, and the company’s flexibility and care made all the difference. They turned what could have been a very difficult situation into a smooth, enjoyable experience for all of us. I can’t recommend Go as Local Tours highly enough!
We highly recommend this private day tour of Berat! Our guide, Aleks, provided us with a wealth of information about Berat as well as the country and culture of Albania, It was very interesting to explore the castle and churches, and to see the town from various perspectives. We appreciated Aleks’s thoughtfulness, good nature, and safe driving, The communication with Go Local via WhatsApp was smooth, the pickup was on time, and the car was comfortable. Overall, the tour was a memorable experience, well worth the cost and time!
Armando could answer all the relevant questions and was a very pleasant Guide with great expertise
We were picked up by Julio. He was professional, hospitable and perhaps one of the most knowledgeable 28 year old, I have ever met! He gave us many interesting insights about the country and knew so much about world affairs! The drive was comfortable and the weather was perfect. Berat is a beautiful sight.
We are glad you enjoyed your Day Tour of Berat. We are delighted to hear the guide did a good job also. Wishing you many more great adventures.
This one day trip to Berat took place on a wonderful sunny day. We were picked up on time by Daniel in a nice roomy private car. Daniel was very knowledgeable about Albania s history and culture going back to the Ottoman times. He managed to take us to the castle by car avoiding difficult and steep pathways as my wife had a leg injury. We stopped often to take pictures and could get out of the car. Daniel even invited us to a coffee to express his traditional Albanian hospitality . He extended the tour well above the official time-line without additional costs . Wonderful trip , great experience and communication by WhatsApp.
Very sympathetic and competent English speaking guide. He could not only tell us about the villages, but was also available to answer other questions about land, people, history and current issues. Spontaneously he also responded to our request to visit a non-tourist restaurant and adapted the route accordingly. Absolute recommendation. However, we had hoped for a little more from the tour and the places we visited. Especially at the price, that was too little. We still like to think back on the beautiful but not extraordinary day.
Armando was a fantastic guide and had so much information to share. Highly recommend this date trip.
All the logistics with Go as Local were fine - initial communication by email, later by WhatsApp in Albania, hotel pickup, driving and drop-off. The guide Xhulio was very friendly, informative and accommodating throughout the day. As for the places themselves, I found the walk around the castle of Berat very pleasant, with nice views below, an opportunity for a selfie with Constantine, and an interesting stop at the iconography museum. It was nice to get in touch with Roman history at Dyrrachium / Durrës too, with the amphitheatre, its little bit of mosaics and a short walk to the sea.
