How to Plan Your Tour to Berat: From Tirana – Berat City UNESCO Heritage and Belshi Lake

Are you planning to visit Albania? If so, you should definitely include Berat on your itinerary. Berat is a UNESCO Heritage site and a charming town with beautiful Ottoman-era architecture. In this article, we’ll guide you through planning your tour to Berat, from Tirana, including the unmissable Berat City UNESCO Heritage and Belshi Lake itinerary.

Experience

The tour starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Tirana, followed by a scenic drive to Berat. During the journey, you’ll enjoy picturesque views of the Albanian countryside. The tour is divided into two parts – exploring Berat city and visiting Belshi Lake.

Highlights

– Visit the most important UNESCO world heritage site in Albania – Learn about Berat’s fascinating history and architecture from your guide – Walk in the old quarters of Mangalem and Gorica – Explore the Berat Castle, one of the biggest inhabited castles with Byzantine churches – Admire beautifully carved Iconostasis at the Onufri Museum inside the castle – Visit the Belshi Lake and enjoy its unspoiled beauty

Exploring Berat City

The first part of the tour takes you through Berat city’s historic center. Berat is widely known as a “town of a thousand windows” due to its unique, white Ottoman houses with many small windows. Your guide will take you on a walking tour of the city’s most famous sites, including the old quarters of Mangalem and Gorica.

Berat Castle and Onufri Museum

The highlight of the tour is Berat Castle. This castle is one of the most significant landmarks in Berat and was built in the 4th century AD. The castle is located on a hilltop, giving breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The castle contains Byzantine churches and the Onufri Museum, where you can admire the beautifully carved Iconostasis. The Iconostasis is a screen covered with religious paintings and icons, which separates the sanctuary from the nave. While Berat Castle itself is a must-see, it’s also worth exploring the narrow streets and alleyways of Old Town Berat. Along the way, you’ll see locals going about their daily life in traditional, Ottoman-style homes.

Belshi Lake

After exploring Berat city, you’ll head to Belshi Lake. Belshi Lake is Albania’s second-largest lake and boasts stunning, unspoiled nature. You’ll have free time to relax and take in the scenic views of the lake. There are also various water sports available, including kayaking and swimming.

Booking the Tour

Book your Tirana to Berat City UNESCO Heritage and Belshi Lake tour through GetYourGuide, one of the most trusted travel booking websites online. The tour takes around 8 hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to Berat Castle and the Onufri Museum, and roundtrip transportation. Book the tour here.

Book Your Tour Now

In conclusion, Berat is a charming and fascinating town that you shouldn’t miss while visiting Albania. The Tirana to Berat City UNESCO Heritage and Belshi Lake tour is an excellent way to experience the best of Berat in just one day. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll learn a lot about Berat’s history, architecture, and culture. So don’t hesitate – book your Berat tour today and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions about Berat

Berat is a beautiful city located in central Albania, known for its stunning architecture and rich history. Here are some frequently asked questions about Berat that might help you plan an unforgettable trip.

1. Where is Berat located?

Berat is located in central Albania, about an hour and a half drive from the capital city, Tirana. It’s situated on the banks of the Osum River, surrounded by picturesque hills and mountains.

2. What is the history behind Berat?

Berat has a rich history that dates back to the 6th century BC when it was founded as an Illyrian settlement. Over the centuries, it was ruled by various empires, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. The city’s historic center, known as the “Mangalem District,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a mix of Ottoman and Albanian architecture.

3. What are the best things to do in Berat?

There are plenty of things to do in Berat, including:

Exploring the Mangalem District

The historic center of Berat is a must-visit for anyone coming to the city. The district is filled with narrow cobbled streets, Ottoman-era houses, and beautiful mosques and churches.

Visiting the Castle of Berat

The castle of Berat is one of the most impressive landmarks in the city. The castle dates back to the 4th century BC, and throughout history, it was enlarged and reconstructed by various rulers. Nowadays, it houses a small museum and an Orthodox church.

Checking out the Ethnographic Museum

The Ethnographic Museum is another great stop in Berat, located in an 18th-century Ottoman house. The museum showcases traditional Albanian clothing, crafts, and jewelry.

Going for a hike

Berat is surrounded by beautiful hills and mountains, making it an ideal spot for hiking. The most popular trail is the one that leads to the medieval village of Gorica, where you can admire stunning views of the city and its surroundings.

4. What is the best time of the year to visit Berat?

The best time to visit Berat is during the summer months between June and August when the weather is warm and sunny. However, keep in mind that the city can get crowded during this time. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of May and September.

5. What is the local cuisine like in Berat?

Albanian cuisine is known for its delicious and hearty dishes that often feature meat and dairy products. Some of the most popular dishes to try in Berat include:

Tave Kosi

Tave Kosi is a traditional Albanian dish made with lamb and yogurt. The lamb is slow-cooked in the oven with garlic, onions, and butter and then mixed with a creamy yogurt sauce.

Byrek

Byrek is a savory pie made with filo pastry and stuffed with cheese, spinach, or meat. It’s a popular snack food in Albania and can be found at many local bakeries.

Baklava

Baklava is a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and honey syrup. It’s a popular dessert in Albania and can be found in many restaurants and bakeries.

6. Is Berat a safe place to visit?

Berat is generally a safe place to visit, with a low level of crime. However, as with any destination, it’s important to take basic safety precautions. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and keep your valuables out of sight.

7. What is the best way to get to Berat?

The easiest way to get to Berat is by car. It’s about an hour and a half drive from Tirana, and there are plenty of car rental companies at the airport. Alternatively, you can take a bus or a taxi from Tirana’s central bus station.

8. Where is the best place to stay in Berat?

Berat has plenty of accommodation options, ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. The best place to stay depends on your budget and preferences. If you’re looking for an authentic experience, consider staying in one of the Ottoman-era guesthouses in the Mangalem District. If you prefer more modern accommodation, there are plenty of hotels and apartments available in the city center.

9. What is the currency in Berat?

The currency in Albania is the Lek. You can exchange foreign currency at banks and exchange offices, or withdraw money from ATMs. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants.

10. What language do they speak in Berat?

The official language in Albania is Albanian. Most people in Berat speak Albanian, but you should be able to get by with English at most hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Berat

Berat is one of the most beautiful cities in Albania, known for its stunning landscape, historical landmarks, and unique culture. The city is located south of the country and is known as the “city of a thousand windows” due to its architecture. Berat is a must-visit tourist destination in Albania, and in this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know to make your trip unforgettable.

1. Visit the Castle of Berat

The Castle of Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important landmarks in the city. The castle was built in the 4th century BC and has been modified and expanded throughout the centuries. Visitors can explore the castle’s walls, towers, and buildings, which offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. You can also visit the Onufri Museum, located inside the castle, which showcases some of the most beautiful and valuable works of art from the Byzantine and post-Byzantine periods.

2. Explore the Mangalem Quarter

The Mangalem Quarter is the most historic and picturesque part of Berat, known for its narrow streets, stone houses, and Ottoman-era architecture. The quarter is located on the left bank of the Osum River, opposite the castle, and offers stunning views of the castle and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can stroll around the quarter’s cobblestone streets, visit the local shops and markets, and enjoy traditional Albanian cuisine at one of the many restaurants and cafes in the area.

3. Experience the local culture

Berat is known for its unique culture, traditions, and hospitality, and visitors can experience this first-hand by participating in some of the city’s cultural events and festivals. One of the most popular events is the National Festival of Folklore, held every August, which showcases traditional Albanian music, dance, and art. Visitors can also learn about the city’s history and traditions by visiting the Ethnographic Museum of Berat, which showcases artifacts and exhibits from the local culture.

4. Visit the Tomorr Mountain National Park

The Tomorr Mountain National Park is located just a few kilometers outside Berat and offers visitors the chance to explore some of the most beautiful and untouched nature in Albania. The park is home to rare and endemic species of plants and animals and offers many trails and routes for hiking and trekking. Visitors can also visit the Sotira Waterfall, located inside the park, which is one of the most beautiful and unique waterfalls in the country.

5. Taste the local cuisine

Berat is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, which offers a unique blend of Mediterranean and Balkan flavors. Visitors can taste traditional dishes such as Tave Elbasani, a meat and vegetable casserole, or Flija, a layered pastry made with flour, water, and yogurt. There are many restaurants and cafes in Berat that offer traditional Albanian cuisine, and visitors can also explore the local markets and shops to buy fresh and organic produce.

Book Your Tour Now

Berat offers visitors a unique and unforgettable travel experience, with its stunning landscape, historical landmarks, and colorful culture. By following our guide, you will have all the information and tips needed to make the most out of your trip to this beautiful city. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos to share with your friends and family when you return home.