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How to Plan Your Multi-Day UNESCO Tour in Albania

Experience Adventure Like Never Before: Book Your Tour Today!

How to Plan Your Multi-Day UNESCO Tour in Albania

Are you a world traveler, an avid history buff, or just someone who likes to experience the world’s cultural diversity? Albania may be the perfect destination for you! With its rich history, incredible landscapes, delicious food, and welcoming people, Albania has a lot to offer for every type of traveler. And what’s better than discovering the country’s extraordinary heritage through a multi-day UNESCO tour?

In this guide, we’ll show you how to plan your trip to Albania and take the most out of your time by visiting some of the country’s most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Overview

The Multi-Day UNESCO Tour in Albania is a guided tour that takes you to visit three of the country’s most notable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The tour lasts three days and two nights, and it is an excellent way to discover the hidden gems of this unique Balkan country.

The tour will start in Tirana, and it will take you to visit the ancient city of Berat, the charming town of Gjirokastra, and the fascinating archeological site of Butrint. Among the various things, you’ll be able to see on this tour, you’ll discover ancient ruins, medieval castles, Ottoman-era buildings, and stunning natural landscapes.

What’s Included

The Multi-Day UNESCO Tour in Albania includes the following services:

  • Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Three days of guided tours in English
  • Two nights of accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotels with breakfast included
  • Entry fees for the UNESCO Sites (Berat, Gjirokastra, Butrint)
  • Entry fee for the Zekate House in Gjirokastra
  • Dinner on the first day, lunch on the second and third day

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for the tour is located in Skanderbeg Square next to the Et’hem Bey Mosque in Tirana. You can either head directly to the meeting point or request a pickup service from your hotel. The pickup details will be communicated to you up to 24 hours prior to the departure.

What to Expect

During the three days of the tour, you’ll visit three of Albania’s most amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each with a unique history and cultural significance. Here’s what you can expect from each visit:

Berat

Berat is a 2500-year-old city located on the slopes of Mount Tomorri, also known as “the city of a thousand windows.” The city is famous for its Ottoman-era houses, cobblestone streets, and medieval castle. During the visit, you’ll be able to explore the castle, visit the Onufri Museum, and see the iconic white Ottoman-era houses in the Mangalem district.

Gjirokastra

Gjiokastra is a beautiful town that has preserved its medieval character throughout the centuries. The town is famous for its well-preserved Ottoman-era houses and its historic citadel. During the visit, you’ll be able to explore the narrow streets of the old town, visit the citadel, and the Zekate House museum.

Butrint

Butrint is one of the most fascinating archeological sites in the Mediterranean. The site dates back to the Greek and Roman periods, and it contains well-preserved ruins of several buildings, including a theatre, a church, a temple, and a bathhouse. The site is located in a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by a dense forest and the Ionian Sea.

Additional Info

Before booking the tour, here’s some essential information that you should know:

  • The tour is not wheelchair accessible
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • It is not recommended for pregnant travelers or people with heart problems or serious medical conditions
  • Most travelers can participate in the tour
  • You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund

Conclusion

If you’re planning a trip to Albania and want to explore the country’s cultural heritage, the Multi-Day UNESCO Tour is an excellent way to start. By visiting three of Albania’s most remarkable World Heritage Sites, you’ll discover the country’s unique charm, history, and hospitality.

Book your tour now and get ready to be amazed by the stunning landscapes of this beautiful Balkan country!

Book the tour here

Insider’s Guide to the Coastal City of Berat, Albania

As you plan your multi-day UNESCO tour in Albania, you have surely stumbled upon the charming coastal city of Berat. This city, often known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” with its iconic white houses stacked upon each other, has much more to offer than meets the eye. In this insider’s guide, we will unravel the hidden gems, local cuisine, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that Berat has in store for you.

Local Attractions

While the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Berat Castle and the Onufri Museum are worth exploring, do not miss out on visiting the Ethnographic Museum, located in the Gorica quarter. This museum provides an insight into the daily lives, customs, and traditions of Berat’s inhabitants from the 18th and 19th centuries. Another hidden gem is the St. Theodore Orthodox Church, located on a hilltop in the Mangalem Quarter. Here, you can see stunning frescoes and enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains.

Dining Spots

No visit to Berat is complete without trying its famous cuisine. The city’s specialty dish, Tavë Kosi, a lamb and yogurt casserole, is a must-try. You can head to Antigone Restaurant, known for serving the best Tavë Kosi in town. For a unique experience, head to the Onufri Winery, where you can taste local wines and picnic amidst the vineyards.

Cultural Experiences

Berat has a vibrant cultural scene, with music and traditions deeply embedded in the city’s history. The Mangalem Quarter is renowned for its craftsmanship, and visiting the artisans’ workshops can be a fascinating experience. If you’re lucky, you might catch a performance by local musicians playing on traditional instruments like the çifteli and lahuta. The city’s annual Olive Festival, held in November, is an excellent opportunity to enjoy local food, wine, and music.

Local History

Berat has a rich history dating back to the Illyrian times and has witnessed the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Communist eras, each leaving its mark on the city. The Berat Castle, built on a hilltop, has withstood centuries of battles and is a testament to the city’s resilience. Another interesting place to visit is the Red Mosque, once a Christian church that was converted into a mosque in the 15th century, a symbol of Berat’s multi-faith history.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

To get a glimpse of Berat’s rural life, take a half-day hike to the Tomorri Mountain. Here, you can visit the Holy Trinity Monastery and enjoy some breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. If you’re interested in archaeology, head to the Antipatrea Archeological Park, located 20 km from Berat. This park contains the remains of the ancient city of Antipatrea, was an important Illyrian city in the 4th century BC.

In conclusion, Berat is not just a stop on your multi-day UNESCO tour in Albania but is a city with an intriguing story and charm that cannot be missed. Whether it’s exploring its hidden gems, indulging in local cuisine, experiencing its vibrant culture, or visiting its off-the-beaten-path locations, Berat promises to be an unforgettable experience.

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How to Plan Your Multi-Day UNESCO Tour in Albania

Experience Adventure Like Never Before: Book Your Tour Today!