How to Plan Your Tirana Two-Day Tour of Berat, Gjirokaster & Butrint (UNESCO Site)

Are you planning a trip to Tirana and looking for a comprehensive tour package that covers some amazing UNESCO sites like Berat, Gjirokaster & Butrint? Well, you have come to the right place! The Best of Albanian Cities in Three Days Tour by Cultural Tours of Albanian Cities offers just that. In this guide, we will take you through the details of this two-day tour itinerary and help you plan your trip better.

Overview of the Tour

The tour package includes a private car and a professional English-speaking guide for two days to cover the best of Berat, Gjirokaster & Butrint, and the coast of South Albania. The tour starts at 8:30 AM and is not wheelchair accessible. It is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart problems or other serious medical conditions. Confirmation will be received at the time of booking. This private tour/activity is available only for your group, so you can customize the itinerary as you like.

What’s Included in the Tour

The following are the items included in the tour package:

• SUV car and guide available for 2 days
• City Tour of Berat, Gjirokaster & Butrint (UNESCO site)
• The best coast of South Albania
• Professional English-speaking guide
• The visitors with serious problems of health

Meeting and Pickup Points

Our guide will pick up the travelers at their hotel. The pickup points are flexible, and you can choose the one that is most convenient for you. The tour package offers multiple pickup points in Tirana, which can be selected at the time of booking.

What to Expect on the Tour

The tour covers some of the most magnificent UNESCO sites in Albania. Here’s a brief description of what you can expect from each of these sites:

Berat

Berat is an ancient city that is also called the “City of a Thousand Windows.” It is one of the oldest and most historic cities in Albania and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will take a stroll through the cobblestone streets of Berat and admire the old Ottoman-style houses.

Gjirokaster

Gjirokaster is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its traditional houses, castles, and narrow streets. It is also home to the Gjirokastra Fortress, which has played a crucial role in Albanian history.

Butrint

Butrint is an ancient city that dates back to prehistoric times. It has been under the control of various empires throughout history, and you can still see the remains of those empires in the city. Butrint is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to some of the most well-preserved ruins in the world.

Additional Info

You can cancel your booking up to 24 hours before the start of the tour and receive a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you will not receive a refund. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.

Booking the Tour

If you want to book the Best of Albanian Cities in Three Days Tour, you can use the following link:
book the tour here

Final Thoughts

The Best of Albanian Cities in Three Days Tour is an excellent way to explore some of the most beautiful and historic places in Albania. The two-day tour covers everything from the ancient city of Berat to the prehistoric ruins of Butrint. So, make sure to book your tour package and create some unforgettable memories in Albania!

An Insider’s Guide to Tirana

Welcome to Tirana, the vibrant capital city of Albania. Known for its colorful buildings, bustling markets, and lively locals, Tirana offers travelers a unique and fascinating experience. As an insider, I’m excited to share some hidden gems, cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions for your trip to Tirana.

Local Attractions

While Tirana is home to many popular tourist spots, there are plenty of hidden gems that only locals know about. One such gem is the peaceful Grand Park in the heart of the city. Here you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in a stunning natural setting. Another hidden attraction is the Blloku neighborhood, once reserved for communist party officials and now a trendy and fashionable area with many shops, cafes, and bars.

For history buffs, I recommend the National Museum of History, which houses fascinating exhibits on Albania’s rich history, including the country’s long struggle for independence. Also, check out the Et’hem Bey Mosque, a beautiful example of Ottoman-era architecture with intricate carvings and a breathtaking interior.

Dining Spots

Albanian cuisine is a delicious blend of Mediterranean and Balkan flavors, and Tirana offers many fantastic dining options. For a truly local experience, head to the bustling Tanners’ Bridge, where vendors sell traditional dishes like Byrek, a savory pastry filled with cheese or meat, or Tavë Kosi, a mouth-watering lamb and yogurt casserole.

If you’re looking for a more upscale experience, I recommend Mullixhiu, a contemporary restaurant serving modern takes on traditional Albanian dishes, or Oda, a charming restaurant set in a restored Ottoman house that offers a unique culinary fusion of Middle Eastern and European flavors.

Cultural Experiences

Tirana is a city bursting with culture, from its art and music to its traditions and customs. One experience not to miss is a visit to the National Gallery of Arts, which showcases a vast collection of contemporary Albanian art in a stunning and tranquil setting.

Another must-see is the Albanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre, where you can catch a performance of classical ballet or opera, or if you’re lucky, a modern dance show. For a more immersive cultural experience, I recommend joining a traditional Albanian dance group for a night of music, dance, and local cuisine.

Local History

Tirana has a long and fascinating history, with stories that are both captivating and inspiring. Did you know that Tirana was once a small Ottoman town known for its skilled artisans and craftsmen? Or that the city was heavily bombarded during World War II and that the residents spent years rebuilding it from the ground up?

One of the city’s most significant landmarks is the Pyramid of Tirana, which was once the headquarters of the Albanian Communist Party. Although it has fallen into disrepair over the years, it stands as a testament to Albania’s tumultuous past and is worth visiting for its unique architecture and historical significance.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For a truly unforgettable experience, I recommend a day trip to the stunning Albanian Alps, where you can hike, camp, or simply soak in the breathtaking views. Another unique experience is a visit to the Bunk’art Museum, which is housed in a massive underground bunker built during the Cold War and provides a glimpse into Albania’s tumultuous past.

Finally, I recommend taking a walk along the Lana River, which flows through the heart of the city. The path is lined with charming cafes, shops, and restaurants and offers stunning views of the city’s colorful buildings and vibrant street life.

I hope this insider’s guide has inspired you to explore the wonders of Tirana and discover all the city has to offer. From hidden gems to unique cultural experiences, Tirana is a destination that is sure to captivate and inspire.