• Apollonia Archaeological Park - The renowned Roman orator Cicero, captivated by Apollonia’s beauty, referred to it in his Philippics as “magna urbs et gravis” - a great and significant city. Founded in the 7th century B.C. by Greek settlers from Corinth and Corcyra, this ancient city is situated 11 km west of Fier. Archaeological digs have shown that Apollonia reached its peak in the 4th - 3rd centuries B.C. In the first century B.C., Octavian Augustus studied philosophy here until he learned of Caesar’s assassination in the Senate, after which he became the next emperor. Visitors can explore the city and an Orthodox monastery that has been transformed into an archaeological museum.
• Berat Castle - This castle is unique in Albania as it still houses residents within its walls, living their daily lives just as their ancestors did centuries ago. Over 2400 years old, Berat is one of Albania’s most charming towns. Established in the 3rd century B.C. by an Illyrian tribe from central Albania with a protective castle, it was known as the fortified city of Antipatrea. In 1417, the town was taken over by the Turks, who constructed several mosques in the area below the old castle.
• National Iconographic Museum Onufri - Constructed in 1797, this cathedral is located at the highest point of Berat Castle, though it can be somewhat challenging to locate. While the Ottomans were Muslim, they permitted Christians to continue practicing their faith and build churches, albeit discreetly. This cathedral is one such example, a typical church with three naves and two rows of tall stone columns. Inside, visitors are greeted by the Holy Altar with exquisite engravings and paintings of Bible scenes in the richly ornate iconostasis of the Cathedral – the only one remaining from the former metropolitan complex. The iconostasis, crafted in 1807, is the most striking feature of the church’s interior and is regarded as one of the finest achievements of 19th-century Albanian wood-carving artisans. It spans the entire interior of the cathedral and includes twelve royal icons and twenty-seven small festive icons. The royal icons, revered and worshipped, are intricately carved in wood and adorned in gold, and are truly magnificent!
• Mangalem - Berat is nestled at the base of Tomorri Mountain and along the banks of the River Osum. After visiting the castle, the Mangalemi Old Neighborhood will be explored. Built in white on a green slope with the river at its base, it offers a breathtaking view as soon as it comes into sight. It is renowned for its white-washed houses with numerous windows that appear to be stacked atop one another, earning it the nickname “town of a thousand windows.” It maintains a distinctive architectural style, with narrow, stone-paved streets.
• Belsh - On the return journey, Belsh Town will be visited, located on the shore of a small natural lake. The town is situated in the Dumrea plain, which boasts about 85 naturally occurring lakes of varying sizes. The road offers a picturesque landscape, making it another highlight of this tour.

• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Guide/Driver for the whole day according to the language that you have requested

• Lunch
• Dinner
• Tips/Gratuities for Guide/Driver
• Everything that is not mentioned in the section “Included”

This delightful tour explores one of Albania’s oldest towns. The journey begins with a step back in time to Apollonia, a city established in the 7th century B.C. by Greek settlers from Corinth and Corcyra. In the first century B.C., Octavian Augustus studied philosophy here until he received news of Caesar’s assassination in the Senate, leading him to become the next emperor. Berat Castle is the largest inhabited castle in Albania. The guide will provide insights into Albanian life and the construction of traditional houses in central Albania. The tour also includes a visit to the lower part of the town, where the Mangalemi neighborhood, known as the “1000 Windows” city, can be admired. The return journey takes a different route, offering another highlight of this day trip. Traveling through the countryside, the tour showcases the agricultural development in central Albania, with views of hills, cultivated fields, and natural lakes.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.